Scripture Passage: Exodus 25:1
The Old Testament tabernacle was a sanctuary for the Israelites as they were wandering in the wilderness. In Exodus 25, God reiterated over and over again how to construct the tabernacle, according to the pattern He had revealed. (See Exodus 25:40.)
This pattern was vital to the sanctuary because of the spiritual lessons it shared.
Hebrews 8:1-2 says, “...We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.”
There are three basic truths surrounding the prophetic precision of the Old Testament tabernacle.
Jesus is the Tabernacle in which the glory of God dwelt. (See John 1:14.) From the outside, this temple was quite plain and ordinary; the beauty was contained within.
Adrian Roger says, “There are a lot of people who aren’t impressed with Jesus, because they are seeing Him from the wrong side.”
The tabernacle’s three rooms symbolize the triune nature of man. Our physical life represents the outer court. Our psychological life (or souls) represents the inner court. And the innermost court, or the Holy of Holies, speaks of our spiritual life. It is the place of deepest, personal communion with God.
The animal sacrifice speaks of Christ’s blood shed on the cross. The water in the laver speaks of our sanctification, and the temple bread speaks of Christ’s sustenance. The altar of incense symbolizes supplication; the prayers of the saints are like a sweet perfume to God.
It is not happenstance that the Gospel of John mirrors this symbolic walk through the tabernacle. Throughout His ministry, Jesus embodies each specific furnishing and procedure.
He is our sight, the sacrifice, and the cleansing of our sins. He is our Daily Bread and our incense by which we pray.
When Christ provided salvation, He entered the believer’s innermost court, his spirit; believers are now in the Holy of Holies.
As we study the tabernacle, ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you in a new way. Pray for insight as you learn more about the Old Testament tabernacle, and its significance to our faith.
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