The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle (exodus 25-27), is an inner holy place, which acts a shelter for the holy of holies, the showbread, lampstand, Altar of incense and the Ark of the covenant. The actual Tabernacle was constructed during the time of Moses. The Tabernacle is enclosed, and inside it, we have the sacrificial Altar and a laver which is made of gold. The laver is used by the priests to wash their hands. The Tabernacle was a sanctuary which was considered a holy place where God dwells. During the Israelites time in the desert, the Tabernacle was a portable tent, composed of wooden enclosures and curtains dripping on it.
- The holiest place
The holy of holies is a very sacred section, and it houses Ark. In the Ark of the Covenant, you’ll find the two stone tablets which were given to Moses. Also known as the Tent commandments. Into the holy place also is the rod of Aaron. Which was used to perform a lot of miracles in Egypt? Only the priests or Levites are allowed to have access to the holy of holies
- The Golden Lampstand
The Golden lampstand (Exodus 25), is composed of a central shaft with almond blossoms and blossoming buds in its branches. The golden lampstand exemplifies the triune God, who is an embodiment of Christ. The life from the lampstand is supposed to be divine and eternal signifying the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
- The Altar of Incense.
The Altar of incense is another component of the Tarbanarcle (Exodus 30). It is overlaid with gold though it is made of wood. This was the place that Aaron was instructed by God to burn incense each and every morning and twilight. The recipe for the offerings that were supposed to be burned on the Altar were well stipulated. The Alter was only accessible during the Day of Atonement, where the priest would pour blood on the Altar for cleansing. This was the holiest place of the Lord.
- The Altar of Burnt offering
The Altar of burnt offering was where people came to commune with God. The burnt offerings were only done after the sacrifice. Communion with God could only take place after someone sins have been atoned. It had a central location which acts as a reminder to the Israelites that access to God can only be done after several efficacies of sacrifices Hurowitz, V. (1985). The Altar was located outside the sanctuary reminding the Israelites of their roles as Christians.
- The Showbread
This was made of acacia wood covered with pure gold. On top were placed golden plates with twelve bread loaves arranged in two rows of six each. The twelve loaves of bread represented the twelve tribes of Israelites Hurowitz, V. (1985). The loaves of bread was a constant reminder to the Israelites that God was a constant provider for the twelve tribes. There are rings that hold the acacia poles in position. The wood signifies the body of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the bread of life. It is also referred to as the bread of the presence, signifying Jesus presence in our lives.
Encampment around the Tabernacle
All the 12 tribes of Israel were located at a specific distance around the Tabernacle, the location and the distance of each of the camps were depending on the role that each tribe was playing. Like the Levites were closer to the tent because they helped Moses to destroy the disloyal Children of Israel Hurowitz, V. (1985). Camping around the Tabernacle signifies God’s role in our lives for God wants us to surround him. It also shows the covenant that we have with God.
Reference
Hurowitz, V. (1985). The Priestly Account of Building the Tabernacle. Journal of the American Oriental Society, 21-30.