Introduction: The Divine Blueprint
The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary meticulously designed by divine command, served as God's dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Far more than a mere tent, it was a profound prophetic blueprint, saturated with spiritual symbolism that continually pointed to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses was explicitly instructed: "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it." (Exodus 25:8-9). Every detail, from its overall structure to the smallest implement, whispered of God's holy nature, man's sin, and the glorious provision for redemption found ultimately in His Son. It was a tangible representation of God's desire for fellowship with humanity, yet also a stark reminder of the chasm created by sin, requiring a divinely appointed mediator and means of approach.
The Outer Court: Access and Atonement
The journey into God's presence began in the Outer Court, a spacious enclosure accessible to all Israelites. This area immediately conveyed the message of separation and the necessity of atonement.
- The Brazen Altar: Positioned directly at the entrance, this large altar was where animal sacrifices were offered daily. It was made of acacia wood overlaid with brass, symbolizing judgment. Here, the shedding of innocent blood for the remission of sins was graphically portrayed.
And thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof shall be three cubits. And thou shalt make the horns of it upon the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the same: and thou shalt overlay it with brass.
This altar powerfully prefigured Christ, who became the ultimate, once-for-all sacrifice for sin. "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins." (Hebrews 10:4). Only by His perfect sacrifice on the cross could true atonement be achieved, allowing us to draw near to God.
- The Laver of Brass: Situated between the Brazen Altar and the Tabernacle proper, the laver was a basin for the priests to wash their hands and feet before ministering. It was made from the brass mirrors of the women who assembled at the door of the Tabernacle. This cleansing symbolized the necessary purification for those who would serve God. It speaks to the ongoing sanctification required of believers, washed by the water of the Word and the Spirit. Just as the priests needed to be cleansed, so too must we be continually cleansed by Christ's finished work and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Place: Fellowship and Service
Beyond the Outer Court, accessible only to the priests, lay the Holy Place, a sacred chamber filled with objects representing various aspects of priestly service and communion with God.
- The Golden Candlestick (Menorah): On the south side stood the pure gold menorah, providing the only light within the Holy Place. Its seven lamps burned continuously. This symbolized God's divine light, His truth, and His presence illuminating the path of His people. Christ declared, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12). As believers, we are called to reflect this light in a dark world (Matthew 5:14).
- The Table of Shewbread: On the north side, this table held twelve loaves of unleavened bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, perpetually in God's presence. It symbolized God's faithful provision and communion with His people. Christ identified Himself as "the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger" (John 6:35), offering spiritual sustenance and fellowship to all who believe.
- The Altar of Incense: Directly before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place stood the small golden altar of incense. Incense was burned here daily, creating a sweet aroma ascending to God. This symbolized the prayers of God's people ascending to Him, as well as Christ's perpetual intercession for us.
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
Through Christ, our prayers become a sweet savour to God.
The Most Holy Place: The Throne of Grace
The innermost chamber, the Holy of Holies, was the most sacred space, entered only once a year by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. It represented the very dwelling place of God's manifest presence.
- The Ark of the Covenant: The central and most revered object in the Tabernacle, the Ark was a gold-covered wooden chest containing the two tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod that budded, and a pot of manna. These items testified to Israel's rebellion, God's judgment, and His miraculous provision.
- The Mercy Seat: Covering the Ark was the solid gold Mercy Seat, flanked by two cherubim with wings overshadowing it. This was the place where God's presence resided and where the High Priest sprinkled blood on the Day of Atonement to make propitiation for the sins of the nation. The Mercy Seat perfectly foreshadowed Christ, who is our "propitiation through faith in his blood" (Romans 3:25). He is the ultimate meeting place between a holy God and sinful humanity, where justice and mercy converge.
The Veil: Access Granted
A thick, elaborately embroidered veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, signifying the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. This physical separation underscored the truth that man, in his sin, could not directly approach God.
And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.
The tearing of this veil from top to bottom at the moment of Christ's death on the cross (Matthew 27:51) was arguably the most dramatic and significant symbol of the Tabernacle's fulfillment. It signified that the way into the presence of God was now opened for all believers, not through animal sacrifice or a human high priest, but through the shed blood and finished work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;" (Hebrews 10:19-20).
The Priesthood: Our Great High Priest
The Levitical priesthood, with the High Priest at its head, served as the mediators between God and Israel, performing the rituals and sacrifices. While their work was essential under the Old Covenant, it was inherently incomplete, requiring continuous repetition. This priesthood symbolically pointed to Christ, our perfect and eternal High Priest. He did not offer repeated sacrifices but offered Himself once for all. "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Hebrews 7:24-25). Through Him, every believer now has direct access to God as part of a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9).
Colors and Materials: A Rich Tapestry of Truth
Even the colors and materials used in the Tabernacle carried profound symbolic meaning, all pointing to Christ:
- Gold: Divinity, purity, preciousness (Christ's divine nature).
- Silver: Redemption (the redemption money paid for souls).
- Brass: Judgment, strength (Christ enduring judgment for us).
- Blue: Heaven, heavenly origin (Christ's divine origin).
- Purple: Royalty, kingship (Christ's sovereign rule).
- Scarlet: Sacrifice, blood, atonement (Christ's shed blood).
- Fine Twined Linen: Righteousness, purity (Christ's perfect righteousness).
Each thread in this divine tapestry spoke of the Messiah.
Conclusion: Christ, Our Tabernacle
The Tabernacle stands as a powerful testament to God's meticulous planning and His unwavering purpose to dwell with humanity. Every component, every ritual, every color, and every material was a shadow, a type, and a prophecy pointing to the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate Brazen Altar, the perfect sacrifice. He is the Laver, cleansing us by His Word. He is the Light of the World, the Bread of Life, and our perpetual Intercessor. He is the Ark, embodying God's presence, and the Mercy Seat, where we find grace. Most profoundly, He is the torn Veil, granting us bold and direct access to the Father.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
The Tabernacle, therefore, is not merely an ancient historical artifact but a vibrant, living symbol of God's redemptive plan, culminating in Jesus Christ. It beautifully illustrates the depth of God's holiness, the gravity of sin, and the glorious, complete provision made for our salvation and fellowship through the Son. It invites us to draw near with confidence, for the way has been opened by our Lord and Saviour.