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Sanctuary – Part 6 [Explanations]

General Observation
It is remarkable that God only takes the first two chapters of the book of Genesis to describe creation, but then takes over eleven chapters of Exodus to detail the Tabernacle (between Exodus 25-40). The importance of this relatively small but beautiful tent is summed up in God’s words to Moses, “And let them make Me a Sanctuary, that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8).
In 1445 BC, the Tabernacle was erected and filled [Exodus 40]. The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship for the Israelites during most of their forty years of wandering in the desert [1446-1406 BC]. After the conquest of Canaan and a period of establishing the people, the Tabernacle was moved to Shiloh. The earthly tabernacle’s usage ended with the construction of the permanent Solomon’s Temple [966-959 BC].
The 12 tribes of Israel camped in a specific arrangement around the Tabernacle in the wilderness, with three tribes in each direction. The tribes on the East were Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; on the South were Reuben, Simeon, and Gad; on the West were Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin; and on the North were Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. This arrangement was centred around God’s dwelling place, the Tabernacle.
Arrangement around the Tabernacle 
East (with the Ark of the Covenant and priests): Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.
South: Reuben, Simeon, and Gad.
West: Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin.
North: Dan, Asher, and Naphtali.
Significance
Centred on God: This arrangement was a deliberate, God-ordained pattern for the Israelite encampment during their wilderness journey. 
Orderly Arrangement: It provided a structured order for the tribes to set up camp and be tribally positioned.
Preservation and Protection: The Levites, the priestly tribe, were positioned around the Tabernacle itself to ensure its proper care and to guard it from the rest of the Israelite community. 
This camping order was mirrored in the marching order, with the Judah camp setting out first, followed by Reuben, the Levites carrying the Tabernacle, Ephraim’s camp, and finally Dan’s camp serving as the rear guard. This order ensured the Tabernacle, representing God’s presence, remained central to the procession during their wilderness journey.  The Camping Order. The tribes were organised into four main camps around the Tabernacle, each with a leading tribe: 
East: Led by Judah, followed by Issachar and Zebulun.
South: Led by Reuben, followed by Simeon and Gad.
West: Led by Ephraim, followed by Manasseh and Benjamin.
North: Led by Dan, followed by Asher and Naphtali.
The Marching Order
When the cloud above the Tabernacle lifted, indicating it was time to move, the tribes departed in a specific sequence, with the Tabernacle always moving in the centre: 
Judah’s Camp: Set out first, followed by Issachar and Zebulun. 
Reuben’s Camp: Followed Judah, with Simeon and Gad. 
The Levites: The Levites carried the Tabernacle and its holy items, moving in the centre of the procession. 
Ephraim’s Camp: Set out after the Levites, including Manasseh and Benjamin. 
Dan’s Camp: Served as the rear guard, moving last with Asher and Naphtali. 
This structured order ensured unity, organisation, and a physical manifestation of God’s guidance for the people of Israel as they journeyed through the wilderness. 
Note that this is not the birth order:
By birth, the 12 tribes of Israel, named after Jacob’s sons, are Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, and Benjamin. However, the tribe of Joseph was later divided into two tribes: Ephraim and Manasseh, while the tribe of Levi was set aside for priestly duties, often resulting in different lists of twelve depending on the context.
The 12 Tribes in Order of Jacob’s Sons’ Birth
This list reflects the sons in the order of their birth to Jacob, with their mother’s name and marching order given in brackets () and []:
1. Reuben (Leah) [4]
2. Simeon (Leah) [5]
3. Levi (Leah) > priestly duties [7]
4. Judah (Leah) [1]
5. Dan (Bilhah) [11]
6. Naphtali (Bilhah) [13]
7. Gad (Zilpah) [6]
8. Asher (Zilpah) [12]
9. Issachar (Leah) [2]
10. Zebulun (Leah) [3]
11. Joseph (Rachel) > Ephraim [8] and Manasseh [9]
12. Benjamin (Rachel) [10]
Observation: The first 7 tribes in the marching order belong to Leah [the older sister of Rachel – who was the beloved of Jacob] and Zilpah, her maid. This includes Levi and also Judah – therefore Jesus [Matthew 1:1-2].
Variations in the List
Joseph and His Descendants: The descendants of Joseph, one of Jacob’s sons, became known as the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh.
Levi: The tribe of Levi became the priestly tribe and was not assigned a territory in the land of Canaan like the others.
Combined Lists: Because of these changes, when referring to twelve tribes for practical purposes such as camping in the desert or occupying land, the list often includes Ephraim and Manasseh in place of Joseph, or the tribe of Levi is sometimes excluded.
Mothers of the Tribes
The sons were born to Jacob’s four wives:
Leah: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun
Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin
Bilhah: (Rachel’s maid): Dan and Naphtali
Zilpah: (Leah’s maid): Gad and Asher
General Description
The Tabernacle was erected in the centre of the camp of the Children of Israel. The court of the Tabernacle was 50 cubits wide and 100 cubits long (Exodus 27:9-12). The single gate or door to the court was on the east side. It is a great reminder of what Jesus said in John 10:9, “I am the door”. It represents the seeker. The first thing you saw after entering the court was the Brazen Altar where sacrifices were made. These sacrifices prefigured salvation through the sacrifice of Christ. In the words of:
Ephesians 2:08 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
After the Brazen Altar there was the Laver. This was a large container of water where the priests washed. The Laver is an excellent illustration of sanctification. Once we are saved, the word of God is applied constantly to our lives.
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
In front of the Laver was the Tabernacle itself. It was divided into the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. In the Holy Place was the Table of Shewbread, the Golden Lampstand and the Golden Altar of Incense. This was the place where the priests ministered. It illustrates our service to God through the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Table of Shewbread is about fellowship, the Lampstand is about fruitfulness and the Golden Altar of Incense is about the fragrance of worship. This is the priestly ministry described in Hebrews 9:6, “the priests always went into the first part of the Tabernacle, performing the services.”
Finally, in the Most Holy Place was the Mercy Seat which rested on the Ark of the Covenant. God dwelt between the Cherubim which emerged from the Mercy Seat. Under the Tabernacle system only the High Priest was allowed to go into this place. Today Christ, our heavenly High Priest, upholds us before God, rather like the jewels representing the Children of Israel were over the heart of the High Priest as He served in the Tabernacle (Exodus 28:29-30). And through Christ we have access into the presence of God: “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19).
In the Bible, a Sanctuary is a Holy Place where God’s presence dwells and where people come to worship and offer sacrifices. The first Sanctuary was the Tabernacle, a portable tent built by the Israelites in the wilderness, and later, the Temple in Jerusalem. The concept also extends to the heavenly Sanctuary and, in a broader sense, to Jesus Christ, His Church, and even a spiritual refuge found in God’s presence. 
The Old Testament Sanctuary
The Tabernacle: A portable, tent-like structure where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites as they journeyed in the desert. God commanded Moses to build it according to a specific divine pattern.
Structure: The Tabernacle was divided into three main areas: the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place.
Symbolic Meaning: The entire Sanctuary system, including its daily sacrifices and services, served to teach about God’s plan for salvation and how sin could be pardoned.
The Heavenly and New Testament Sanctuary 
Heavenly Sanctuary: The Old Testament Sanctuary was a pattern for the heavenly Sanctuary, which functions as a realm of God’s presence and worship.
The Church: In the New Testament, Jesus is the chief cornerstone of the Church, which is also described as a holy temple and a habitation of God.
The Concept of Sanctuary as a Place of Refuge
Spiritual Refuge: The term “Sanctuary” also describes a spiritual or emotional refuge for the vulnerable, highlighting that God is a refuge and strength for His people. 
Finding Answers: It’s a place where people can find clarity, encounter God, and experience transformation. 
Furniture in the Earthly Sanctuary
The earthly Sanctuary, or Tabernacle, contained specific pieces of furniture, each with symbolic meaning in the context of God’s dwelling among the Israelites. These included the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, and in the Holy Place, the Table of Shewbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense. The Courtyard held the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver. Here’s a breakdown of the furniture:
Most Holy Place / Holy of Holies:
Ark of the Covenant: A chest made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, containing the Ten Commandments. It also held a Pot of Manna and Aaron’s Rod (later additions). The lid of the Ark was the Mercy Seat, made of solid gold, with cherubim on either end. The Mercy Seat symbolised God’s throne and the place where His presence dwelt. 
Holy Place:
Table of Shewbread: A table where twelve loaves of bread were placed, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 
Golden Lampstand (Menorah): A seven-branched Lampstand that provided light in the Holy Place. 
Altar of Incense: An altar where incense was burned, representing prayers rising to God. 
Courtyard:
Altar of Burnt Offering: A large altar where sacrifices were offered.
Laver: A large basin of water for cleansing. 
The Earthly Sanctuary reflects the Heavenly Sanctuary in every way
The Earthly Sanctuary, like the Tabernacle and later the Temple, was a physical structure built by humans according to God’s instructions, serving as a symbol and shadow of the true, heavenly Sanctuary. The heavenly Sanctuary, established by God and not by human hands, is the true reality and the focus of Christ’s ministry. Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Earthly Sanctuary:
Purpose: The earthly Sanctuary, including the Tabernacle and the Temple, was a physical representation of God’s dwelling place and a place for worship and atonement. 
Nature: It was a copy and shadow of the heavenly Sanctuary, built according to a divine pattern (Hebrews 8:5). 
Function: It served as a type, a symbol, or a pattern of the heavenly realities, pointing to Christ’s sacrifice and ministry. 
Examples: The Tabernacle in the wilderness and the Temple in Jerusalem were earthly sanctuaries. 
Heavenly Sanctuary:
Purpose: It is the true dwelling place of God and the focus of Christ’s ongoing ministry on behalf of believers. 
Nature: It is the reality of which the earthly Sanctuary was a copy. 
Function: It is the place where Christ ministers as our High Priest, making available the benefits of His sacrifice. 
Examples: Hebrews 8:02 speaks of the Sanctuary in heaven, which the Lord pitched and not man. 
Key Differences:
The earthly Sanctuary was temporary and a copy, while the heavenly Sanctuary is eternal and the original. 
The earthly Sanctuary required repeated sacrifices and rituals, while Christ’s sacrifice in the heavenly Sanctuary is a once-for-all event. 
The earthly Sanctuary service symbolised the cleansing of the Sanctuary, while the heavenly Sanctuary is cleansed by Christ’s sacrifice and ministry. 
The earthly Sanctuary was built by human hands, while the heavenly Sanctuary was established by God. 
The Earth Sanctuary Parallels the Heavenly Sanctuary
Earth Sanctuary
> Heavenly Sanctuary
There was only one entrance gate into the Earth Sanctuary
Outside the entrance gate and positioned on all 4 sides of the Earth Sanctuary was the Tabernacle of the congregation – the 12 Tribes.
> There is only one way into the Heavenly Sanctuary
The Tabernacle was about 45 feet (13.7m) long, 15 feet (4.6m) wide, and 15 feet (4.6m) high. It contained two inner rooms, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, separated by a veil. Surrounding it was an outer Courtyard, approximately 150 feet (45.7m) long and 75 feet (22.9m) wide.
The Tabernacle Proper
Dimensions: 45 feet (30 cubits) long, 15 feet (10 cubits) wide, and 15 feet (10 cubits) high.
Construction: Made of acacia wood boards overlaid with gold, set on silver sockets.
Interior: Divided into the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place by a heavy curtain.
Coverings: The Tabernacle was covered with layers of fine linen, goats’ hair, and ram’s and badger skins.
The Outer Courtyard
Dimensions: 150 feet (150 cubits) long and 75 feet (75 cubits) wide.
Enclosure: Surrounded by a fence of fine linen curtains, 7.5 feet (2.5 cubits) high.
Purpose: Contained the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver [basin of water for cleansing], which symbolised sacrifice and cleansing.
Leviticus Chapters 4 and 5 explain what happens when a person sins:
Different Sacrifices for Different Sins: The specific animal offered as a sacrifice depended on the nature of the sin and the social status of the individual. For instance, a sin offering for a priest or the whole community involved a bull, while individuals could offer a female goat or lamb. 
Sin Offering Procedures: The individual bringing the sacrifice would lay their hands on the animal’s head, symbolically transferring their sin to it, and then the animal would be slaughtered. The priest would then sprinkle or pour the blood on the altar, and in some cases, burn the fat of the animal. 
Covering vs. Removal of Sin: While these animal sacrifices were a means of atonement and forgiveness for sins, they were understood to only cover sins, not completely remove them. Hebrews 10:04 says: that “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins,” pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 
Comment: The bringing of an animal by the sinner to the Courtyard, which was in full view of all the 12 Tribes.
The Sanctuary, or Tabernacle, had three main parts: the Courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place, each representing stages of the plan of salvation. The Courtyard features the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Brass Laver, symbolising Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice and the washing of sins. Inside the Holy Place, the Table of Shewbread, Lampstand, and Altar of Incense represent Jesus as the Bread of Life, the light and work of the Holy Spirit, and the prayers of believers. The Most Holy Place, separated by a veil, contained the Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat, signifying God’s presence and the mingling of His mercy and justice.  
The Courtyard: The first area, the Courtyard, was where the daily worship of the Israelites began. 
Altar of Burnt Offering: This was the location for animal sacrifices, symbolising Jesus’ future substitutionary death on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. 
Brass Laver: This basin for washing, located between the Altar and the entrance to the Tabernacle, represented the cleansing and forgiveness of all sins through Christ. 
The Holy Place: The second area, the Holy Place, was entered through the Courtyard and contained the Tabernacle’s furnishings. 
Table of Shewbread: This table held loaves of bread, symbolising Jesus as the spiritual “Bread of Life” for believers. 
Lampstand (Candlestick): Its light symbolised the work of the Holy Spirit and the light of Christ’s truth in the world. 
Altar of Incense: Located before the veil, this represented the prayers of God’s people, mingled with Jesus’ intercession, rising to God. 
The Most Holy Place: Separated from the Holy Place by a thick veil, this was the holiest area. 
Ark of the Covenant: This sacred chest held the Ten Commandments and represented God’s covenant with His people.
Mercy Seat: This Golden Lid on the Ark symbolised the mingling of God’s mercy with His justice, with God’s presence appearing between the two Golden Cherubim that stood upon it.
Overall Significance: The entire Sanctuary and its services illustrated the plan of salvation, showing the path from sin to reconciliation with God through Christ’s work. The three areas represent different steps of salvation: Justification in the Courtyard, Sanctification in the Holy Place, and Glorification in the Most Holy Place. 
The three principal areas of the Sanctuary: the Courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. represent the three primary steps in the process of salvation known as Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification. They also correspond with the three phases of Christ’s ministry: the substitutionary sacrifice, the priestly mediation, and the final judgment.
The white linen fence of the Tabernacle Courtyard symbolised God’s purity and righteousness, separating the holy Sanctuary from the sinful outside world and representing the perfect standard required to approach God. This white linen also foreshadowed Jesus Christ, His perfect righteousness, and His spotless burial shroud, while the interwoven colours in the gate pointed to His heavenly kingdom, royal status, and atoning sacrifice. The fence and gate together signify that access to God is only possible through Christ’s righteousness and atonement.
Symbolism of the White Linen
Purity and Righteousness: The fine, white linen represented God’s perfect holiness and the absolute standard of righteousness that separated the sinful world from His presence.
Separation: The fence created a physical and spiritual boundary, indicating that a sinful person could not enter God’s presence on their own terms, as sin creates a separation.
Contrast with Sin: The stark contrast between the white linen and the surrounding wilderness or the “filthy rags” of human sin highlighted the imperfection of mankind in contrast to God’s perfection.
Jesus’ Burial Shroud: The fine linen may also have reminded the Israelites of the fine linen used to wrap Jesus’ body after His crucifixion, linking His purity to the symbolic linen of the Sanctuary.
The Courtyard as a Pathway to God
First Step in Salvation: The Courtyard was the first area encountered by worshippers, representing the initial step in restoring communion with God through faith in Christ.
Atonement: The presence of the Altar of Burnt Offering in the Courtyard symbolised the need for atonement for sin through Christ’s sacrifice, which is the only way to approach a holy God.
Cleansing: The Laver, or basin for washing, also located in the Courtyard, symbolised the need for spiritual cleansing, as priests had to wash before performing their duties within the Sanctuary.
The Gate’s Connection to Christ
The Way to Salvation: The colourful gate of the Courtyard, made from interwoven blue, purple, and scarlet threads, was the only entrance and symbolised Jesus Christ Himself.
Symbolic Colours:
Blue: often symbolised heaven.
Purple: signified royalty, pointing to Jesus as King.
Scarlet: represented the blood of Christ, His death, and sacrifice.
One Path to God: The single gate and the message of the colours reinforced the idea that there is only one way to God, through the saving work of Jesus.
This outer linen fence was hung on 60 wooden pillars. Unlike the inner Sanctuary walls that rested on a foundation of silver bases, these outer pillars rested on bronze bases.
Linen symbolises purity, holiness, and righteousness, particularly its white, fine form which was used for sacred priestly garments, the Tabernacle curtains, and later, for the Bride of Christ in Revelation. This symbolism emphasises the need for a pure and righteous life to stand before God and participate in divine worship and service.
Wood symbolises diverse concepts, from the frailty of humanity to the strength and endurance of God’s creation, and importantly, serves as the material for sacrificial altars, foreshadowing Christ’s death on the cross for atonement. Wood is also associated with idolatry, as idols are often made from it, and with the Tree of Life, representing eternal life and healing. Specific woods, like acacia, signify durability and God’s provision, while other trees like cedars symbolise majesty and prosperity.
60 = Pride – Earthly King
Expanded Description and Meanings
The walls around the Courtyard and the Holy Place vividly illustrate man’s separation from God.
Isaiah 59:02 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid [his] face from you, that he will not hear.
All of the Sanctuary services represent a sinner’s journey back to God.
In the first three chapters of the Bible, sin enters the world and man is evicted from the garden of Eden. In the last three chapters, sin is eradicated and man is restored to the garden and communion with God.
The Door
The first thing we notice as we approach the Sanctuary is that there is only one door.
John 10:09 [Jesus said] I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
All that are saved are redeemed by Jesus alone.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is NONE OTHER NAME under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
The only way to God is through Christ, the only door.
The door, or single gate / entrance, leads into the Courtyard.
The Courtyard
The entire edifice of the Sanctuary was surrounded by a Courtyard made of linen curtains set up in a very specific orientation. It was twice as long as it was wide (150 feet long and 75 feet wide), and was to be set up with the one opening facing east. That arrangement ensured that the worshippers and priests who stood at the door had their backs to the rising sun instead of facing it like the pagan sun-worshipping religions of the day. God’s people worship the Creator instead of the creation.
The height of the court was only half that of the Tabernacle, so that above the beautiful curtains of the court and the glitter of the silver and brass of the many pillars, could be seen the golden walls of the Tabernacle, with its gorgeous curtains and coverings. As the one outside the court, in order to behold the glories of the Tabernacle, had to look above the court; so the one who by faith beholds the beauties of the heavenly Sanctuary, must lift his thoughts above the things of this earth, and centre them upon heavenly things.
The Sanctuary Courtyard contained the Altar of Burnt Offering, which symbolised Christ’s sacrifice for sin, and the Laver, representing cleansing and forgiveness. These articles were the first encountering in the Tabernacle’s layout, marking the beginning of the path toward God and emphasising the necessity of sacrifice and purification for any who wished to approach Him.
Altar of Burnt Offering: Meaning: This first structure encountered in the Sanctuary’s Courtyard symbolised the cross where Christ was sacrificed for humanity’s sins. It was a place of humiliation and submission, demonstrating the need for a sacrifice to bridge the gap between God and fallen humanity.
The Laver: Meaning: The Laver was a large basin of water placed between the altar and the entrance to the Holy Place. It represented God’s purifying power, symbolising the cleansing of sin and forgiveness for past, present, and future offences. Priests would wash themselves in the Laver before entering the Holy Place, and baptism is seen as a New Testament symbol of this cleansing.
These two items in the Courtyard served as a crucial introduction to the Sanctuary’s symbolism, teaching that coming to God requires both a recognition of sin and a subsequent cleansing. 
Two basic things happened in the Courtyard.
1)   The MORNING and EVENING sacrifices for the whole nation of Israel
2)   The INDIVIDUAL PERSON’S offering
A)   In EACH service a lamb was killed and the priest would take some blood from the lamb.
B)   In the case of the INDIVIDUAL, the person would:
1)   Bring a lamb into the Courtyard
2)   Put his/her hands on the head of the animal and confess their sins
3)   They would then take a knife and cut the throat of the animal
4)   The priest would take some blood from the lamb  
5)   The priest would take this lamb’s blood from the Courtyard into the Holy Place.
The picture of sinners’ justification became clear in the Courtyard. Before God gave the Israelites His Law on tables of stone, He saved them from slavery in Egypt by virtue of their faith in the Passover Lamb (symbolised by the Altar) and baptised them in the sea (represented by the Laver). God takes us just as we are and forgives our sins. When we accept Christ, confess our sins, and ask for forgiveness, our heavenly record of sin is covered by Jesus’ blood.
The Altar of Burnt Offering
The first item of furniture in the earthly Courtyard of the Sanctuary is the Altar of Burnt Offering. It was a large, square altar made of wood and covered in bronze. This altar was where sacrifices were offered to God. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Location: It was positioned at the entrance of the Courtyard, the first structure encountered by those entering. 
Purpose: The primary function of the Altar of Burnt Offering was for sacrifices, both animal and grain offerings, to be made to God. 
Construction: It was a large, square structure, made of wood and covered with bronze. 
Symbolism: The altar and its sacrifices symbolised Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. 
Other Names: It is also referred to as the Altar of Burnt Offering or the Brazen Altar. 
The Altar of Burnt Offering was a bronze altar in the Courtyard of the Tabernacle and Temple where the Israelites offered animal sacrifices. Its meanings include: atonement for sin and reconciliation with God, dedication of one’s life and resources to God, thanksgiving for blessings, and a symbol of Christ’s final sacrifice that fulfils the entire sacrificial system. The blood of the animal, symbolic of its life, was offered on the altar to make atonement for the offerer’s soul, with the animal’s body then burned as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
Function and Significance
Atonement and Reconciliation: The primary function was to provide a way for the Israelites to atone for their sins, re-establishing and maintaining their covenant relationship with God.
Dedication and Consecration: The act of offering an animal, completely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolised a complete dedication of the worshipper and their resources to God.
Thanksgiving: Burnt offerings were also a way to express gratitude and thankfulness for God’s blessings.
Symbol of Christ’s Sacrifice: In Christian theology, the Altar of Burnt Offering is a type of Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross. His death was a perfect, once-for-all-time sacrifice that fully and finally addressed the issue of sin, fulfilling the need for repeated animal sacrifices.
The Ritual: The individual would lay their hand on the head of a unblemished male animal, symbolically transferring their sins to it.
The animal was then slaughtered by the individual or priests.
The blood was sprinkled on the altar, and the animal was burned as a whole burnt offering, creating a “pleasing aroma” to the Lord.
Theological Implications
The continuous fire on the altar symbolised constant atonement for sin.
The altar’s location at the entrance of the Tabernacle Courtyard highlighted that atonement and purification are necessary first steps to approach a holy God.
The act of sacrifice, especially the shedding of blood, was central to the process of atonement in the Old Testament sacrificial system, pointing to the greater sacrifice of Christ in the New Testament.
Some have likened the wood portion to human works and the bronze [or brass] to Christ’s work. Without the bronze, the wooden frame would have been consumed by the fire during the burning of the offerings, just as we will be consumed by the lake of fire if we do not believe that Jesus’ grace must eclipse our good works.
The Laver
The Laver was between the Brazen Altar and the door of the Sanctuary. The Laver and its base were both of brass*. Water was kept in them, for the priests to wash both their hands and their feet before they entered the Sanctuary to perform any service. They were also required to wash both hands and feet before they went “near the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the Lord.” Death was the penalty for performing service at the altar or within the Tabernacle without first washing in the Laver.
* The bronze Laver was made of a metal that the Bible describes as “brass” or “brazen” (bronze), a term that could mean pure copper or an alloy like bronze or brass. However, biblical commentaries and modern translations generally agree that the material was likely a form of bronze.
Exodus 30:20 When they go into the Tabernacle of the CONGREGATION, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the ALTAR to minister, to burn offering made by FIRE unto the LORD:
The Laver was a large basin, usually made of bronze, used for ceremonial washing of hands and feet by priests before performing their duties in the Tabernacle or Temple. It symbolises purification and readiness for sacred service. The Laver is distinct from the “molten sea,” another large basin in the Temple, which was used for the priests’ more extensive washings. Key aspects of the Laver in the Bible:
Location: The Laver was situated in the Courtyard of the Tabernacle, between the altar and the entrance to the Holy Place. 
Material: It was made of bronze, likely from the bronze mirrors offered by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle. 
Purpose: The Laver was used for ritual washing, signifying both physical cleansing and spiritual purification. 
Significance: It highlights the importance of cleanliness and holiness for those who ministered before God. 
Symbolic Meaning: The Laver prefigures the spiritual cleansing and forgiveness offered through Jesus Christ. 
New Testament Connection: While the physical Laver is not present in the New Testament church, the concept of cleansing and purification is carried over through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. 
The Laver was designed to provide the priests with a means of washing their hands and feet before they served in the Tabernacle. This had both a practical and spiritual purpose. It was desirable that the priests be free from blood, dust and other defilement for service in a place as sacred as the Tabernacle.
The Laver represents the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. The priest would have dealt with his need for forgiveness of sins at the Brazen Altar [Altar of Burnt Offering] yet he needed to see his need for further cleansing at the Laver.
Door / Curtain / Veil
Comment: The Holy Place and the Most Holy Place were covered areas of the Sanctuary; unlike the Courtyard they were not visible to the 12 Tribes. There was a door / curtain / veil between the Courtyard and the Holy Place.
The “door” between the Courtyard and the Holy Place in the Tabernacle was a beautifully woven screen, or hanging, made of fine twisted linen embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet threads. It was hung on five shittim wood pillars overlaid with gold, each resting on brass sockets. This entrance provided access for priests to the Holy Place after their service in the outer court, serving as a constant reminder of God’s holiness and the exclusive, prescribed path to approach Him.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Materials: The curtain was made of the same materials as the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies: fine linen, dyed blue, purple, and scarlet.
Purpose: This curtain marked the transition from the outer area of the Tabernacle, accessible to all Israelites, to the inner area where only priests could enter to perform their duties.
Location: The curtain hung on five pillars made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, which stood on brass sockets.
Access: While all Israelites could enter the Courtyard, only priests could pass through this curtain into the Holy Place.
Difference from the Veil: The curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (the innermost Sanctuary) had cherubim embroidered on it, unlike the curtain between the Courtyard and the Holy Place.
The Holy Place
The actual Tabernacle stood in the west half of the Courtyard. It was divided into two compartments or rooms. While the width of the two rooms was the same, the length of the first room, the Holy Place, was twice as long as that of the Most Holy Place. The walls of the central structure were made of acacia boards overlaid with gold and connected with silver hardware (Exodus 26).
All who entered the Holy Place to minister saw themselves reflected in the golden walls on every side, reminding them that the eyes of the Lord see all. “And he made a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers’ skins above that” (Exodus 36:19). The priests could look up and see that they served under a red skin. Likewise, Christians are a nation of priests that serve Jesus under His blood.
Furniture
Comment: The Holy Place within the Tabernacle contained three pieces of furniture: the Golden Lampstand, the Table of Shewbread, and the Golden Altar of Incense. These items were situated in the first room of the Tabernacle, separated from the Most Holy Place by a veil.
Here’s a more detailed look:
Golden Lampstand: This was a seven-branched Lampstand made of pure gold, providing light in the Holy Place.
Table of Shewbread: A table made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, upon which twelve loaves of bread were placed.
Golden Altar of Incense: A smaller altar, also made of gold, where incense was burned daily.
Golden Lampstand: Just inside the Holy Place on the left (south) side, stood the golden Menorah that had seven candlestick branches (see Exodus 25:31-40). They were not wax candles as we know them, but lamps fuelled by pure olive oil. The priests trimmed the wicks daily, and refilled the bowls with oil so that the Menorah would constantly be a source of light for the Holy Place. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). He also said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). The olive oil in the lamps symbolised the Holy Spirit that illuminates the church. The lamp is a symbol of the Word, as well (Psalm 119:105).
The Golden Lampstand, also known as the Menorah, is a significant symbol in both the Old and New Testaments, representing divine light, God’s presence, and the Church’s role in spreading spiritual enlightenment. In the Old Testament, it was a seven-branched Lampstand made of pure gold, placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where it provided light for the priests. In the New Testament, particularly in Revelation, the seven Golden Lampstands represent the seven churches, highlighting their responsibility to illuminate the world with the gospel.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
In the Old Testament (Exodus)
Symbol of God’s presence: The Golden Lampstand was a physical representation of God’s light and presence within the Tabernacle, a place of worship and dwelling for the Israelites.
Illumination and guidance: Its seven lamps were meant to provide light for the priests as they performed their duties, symbolising God’s guidance and direction for His people.
Representation of God’s character: The pure gold from which it was made symbolised God’s divine nature, and the intricate design, with its central shaft and branches, reflected the beauty and complexity of God’s creation.
Symbol of the sevenfold Spirit of God: Some see it as a prefiguration of the Holy Spirit, with the seven lamps representing the seven Spirits of God (Rev. 4:5).
In the New Testament (Revelation)
Symbol of the seven churches: In Revelation, the seven Golden Lampstands are identified as the seven churches, representing the Christian community and their responsibility to be a light in the world.
Call to evangelism: Like the Lampstand in the Old Testament, the churches in Revelation are called to shine their light, which is the gospel, and spread the message of salvation to others.
Responsibility to uphold truth and righteousness: The Lampstand also symbolises the church’s role in upholding God’s truth and living righteously, ensuring that their light is not hidden or extinguished.
In essence, the Golden Lampstand, whether in the Tabernacle or in Revelation, is a powerful symbol of:
God’s light and presence: His guiding light, His truth, and His presence among His people.
The Church’s role as a beacon of hope and truth: To illuminate the world with the gospel and lead others to salvation.
The enduring nature of God’s light and truth: It is a constant reminder that God’s light will always be present, even in the darkest of times.
Opposite the lamp was the Table of Shewbread on the north side. It was constructed of acacia wood and covered with gold (Exodus 25:23-30). On it were kept 12 loaves of unleavened bread (Leviticus 24:5-9). These loaves were symbolic of Jesus, who is the bread of life (John 6:35). The number 12 signified the 12 tribes of Israel and 12 apostles of Jesus who were to feed God’s people with the bread of life-which is also a symbol of the Bible (Matthew 4:4).
The Table of Shewbread, also known as the Table of the Presence or Bread of the Presence, was a table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. It held twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and symbolised God’s provision and Covenant relationship with His people. The bread was replaced weekly, and the old bread was eaten by the priests, highlighting the ongoing fellowship between God and His people.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Symbolism: The Table of Shewbread held a significant symbolic meaning within the Israelite faith. The twelve loaves represented the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying God’s provision and blessing for all of them. The continuous presence of the bread also symbolised God’s constant presence with His people and the Covenant relationship between them.
The Bread: The bread, often translated as “Shewbread” or “Showbread”, was made without leaven and was to be freshly baked each Sabbath. The priests would replace the old bread with the new, and then consume the old bread.
Location: The Table of Shewbread was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) alongside the Menorah and the Altar of Incense. This placement highlighted its significance as a focal point for worship and communion with God.
Communion: The act of the priests consuming the Shewbread was a symbolic representation of their communion with God. It demonstrated that they were receiving their sustenance and blessing directly from God. In the New Testament, this concept is sometimes linked to the Lord’s Supper, where Christians partake of bread and wine as a representation of Christ’s body and blood, symbolising their communion with Him.
Connection to Christ: In Christian theology, the Table of Shewbread is often seen as a type or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the “Bread of Life”. Just as the Shewbread provided physical sustenance for the priests, Jesus provides spiritual nourishment and life for believers.
The Table of Shewbread was placed on the north side of the first apartment of the Sanctuary. The table was two cubits long, a cubit and a half in width, and a cubit and a half in height. It was overlaid with pure gold, and like the altar of incense was ornamented with a crown of gold around the top.
On the Sabbath day the Levites made twelve loaves, or cakes, of unleavened bread. These cakes were placed on the table hot each Sabbath day, arranged in two rows, or piles, six in a row, with pure frankincense on each row.
During the entire week the bread lay on the table. By some translators it is called “the bread of the presence.” At the end of the week it was removed and eaten by the priests. This explains why Ahimelech the priest had no common bread on the Sabbath to give to David, as the priests were accustomed to eat the “hallowed bread” on that day. It was not lawful to bake common bread upon the Sabbath; the command is very plain that all bread for Sabbath use in the homes should be baked upon the sixth day. “This is that which the Lord hath said, To-morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to-day, and seethe (or boil) that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.” But the Lord directed that the Levites should prepare the Shewbread every Sabbath.
All the service connected with the Table of Shewbread was done upon the Sabbath. The bread was prepared on the Sabbath, and while hot was placed upon the table. The following Sabbath it was removed, and eaten by the priests on that day.
The priests served “unto the example and shadow of heavenly things;” therefore there is a heavenly lesson for us in the antitype of the Shewbread. It was a continual offering, ever before the Lord. It taught that man was wholly dependent upon God for both temporal and spiritual food, and that both alike come to us through the One who “ever liveth to make intercession” for us before the Father.
This, like all other types of the Sanctuary service, met its fulfilment in Christ. He is the true bread. He said, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh.” Then He added, “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man…ye have no life in you.” Even the disciples could not comprehend Christ’s words, and they murmured. Jesus read their thoughts, and said unto them, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” His word is the true bread, of which we are to eat.
The Golden Altar of Incense, a significant piece of furniture in the Tabernacle and later the Temple, primarily symbolises the prayers of God’s people rising to Him. It was a place where priests would burn incense, creating a sweet fragrance that represented the prayers ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. It also pointed to the intercessory work of Christ, both on earth as a sacrifice and now in heaven as our advocate.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Symbol of Prayer: The primary symbolism of the Golden Altar of Incense is that of prayer. The fragrant smoke from the burning incense represented the prayers of the Israelites ascending to God, signifying their devotion and requests.
Intercession of Christ: The altar also represents Christ’s intercessory work. Just as the priests offered incense on behalf of the people, Christ intercedes for believers in heaven.
Atonement and Cleansing: The horns of the altar were touched with blood from the sin offering, signifying that prayers are only acceptable to God through atonement. This highlights the need for cleansing from sin for prayers to be effective.
Access to God’s Presence: The altar was placed in the Holy Place, close to the Holy of Holies, representing the access that believers have to God’s presence through prayer, facilitated by Christ’s sacrifice and intercession.
Sweet Aroma: The fragrance of the burning incense was a sweet aroma to God, symbolising the pleasing nature of the prayers offered in faith and humility.
Continual Intercession: The incense was burned both morning and evening, signifying the ongoing nature of prayer and Christ’s continual intercession for believers.
Representation of Christ: The golden altar, made of wood overlaid with gold, represents the dual nature of Christ – divine (gold) and human (wood).
The priest would take the lamb’s blood from the Courtyard into the Holy Place and offer it on the Altar of Incense for the forgiveness of sins.
The Parochet – veil / curtain to the Most Holy Place
The “curtain to the Most Holy Place,” referred to as the parochet, was a heavy, brocade curtain in the ancient Israelite Tabernacle and later in the Jerusalem Temples that separated the Holy of Holies from the lesser Holy Place. Woven with figures of cherubim, it symbolised the separation between God and humanity, and its tearing at the time of Jesus’ death in the New Testament (Matthew 27:51) is seen by Christians as a profound spiritual event.
Most Holy Place / Holy of Holies
The Most Holy Place, also called the Holy of Holies, was the innermost Sanctuary within the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. Separated by a thick veil from the Holy Place, it housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Ten Commandments, and was the place where God’s presence dwelt. Only the High Priest could enter, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, as described in the Bible.
In the Most Holy Place (See Exodus 40:20-21) there is the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the Law of God, Aaron’s Rod, and the Pot of Manna. The Mercy Seat, a lid of solid gold on which stood two Golden Cherubims, covered the Ark of the Covenant. The Shekhinah / Shekinah, God’s presence, appeared between the Two Cherubims. Thus the Mercy Seat showed that God’s mercy stands between God and His Law.
The Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) was the inner chamber of the Tabernacle or Temple, a special and sacred area separated by a curtain. Within this innermost room, the Ark of the Covenant, containing sacred items and representing God’s presence, was kept. Access to this holy place was extremely restricted, with only the High Priest allowed to enter once a year on the Day of Atonement.
Now we will take a closer look at the Most Holy Place of the tabernacle. This place is separated from the Holy Place by a very thick curtain. The Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies is a 15*15*15 feet cube.
All worshippers stay under open sky in the outer courtyard where the animal sacrifices and washing happens. Only priests are allowed inside the Holy Place. No one else is allowed in. However only the high priest is allowed entry into the Most Holy Place.
Once inside the Most Holy Place it’s pitch dark in there. There is no lampstand here. However it’s here that the presence of God resides and his glory shines through. And God is its light!
Once every year on a particular day the high priest enters the Most Holy Place with the blood of the sacrifice. This day was the Day of Atonement also known as Yom Kippur. On this day the high priest would enter through the thick curtain wearing garments prescribed by God Himself and bearing the blood of the sacrifice.
On the day of Jesus’ crucifixion it was this very thick curtain that tore top to bottom as we read in the gospels. This curtain was inches thick.
Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
Hebrews 10:20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;
During the Old Testament time only the high priest could enter into the Most Holy Place. Now anyone, anytime, for any need, can boldly approach the Mercy Seat of God.
The only furniture in this Most Holy Place is the Ark of the Covenant which is made of Acacia wood and coated with gold. The Ark was small in size, 3.45 ft length, 2.15 ft wide and 2.15ft height but it was very significant. On top of the Ark were two Cherubs which are highly ranked angels also made of gold. They had spread wings and in between the wings is the place called the Mercy Seat of God. It is here that the blood of sacrificed animals is poured. In Old Testament days there was only mercy available and mercy is when the punishment due for something wrong is cancelled. In the New Testament we have both mercy and grace. Grace is the empowerment required for leading our life. The two Cherubs symbolise the cherubim that were at the entrance of the garden of Eden when Adam sinned. Inside the Ark there were three things, a golden jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the two stone tablets of Moses. It was forbidden to look inside the Ark.
1 Samuel 6:19 ¶ And he smote the men of Bethshemesh, because they had looked into the ARK of the LORD, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and threescore and ten men: and the people lamented, because the LORD had smitten [many] of the people with a great slaughter.
But God struck down some of the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, putting seventy of them to death because they looked into the ark of the Lord. The people mourned because of the heavy blow the Lord had dealt them.
The golden jar of manna represents the provision by God for people as food. However people murmured against God about its taste. God had warned them to never store them for the future as it will spoil easily. But the Manna that was placed in this golden jar never spoiled even after many years. This is because it was placed in God’s presence. This manna also represents the Word of God (the bread that came from heaven) penetrating deep into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. This Word will then become life within us.
Aaron’s staff that had budded represents rebellion and disrespect of authority God had placed over the people.
The stone tablets were the Ten Commandments God gave through Moses. Not one person could keep the Ten Commandments. This jar represents our failure to keep God’s commandments.
In short, when God looks inside the Ark He sees failure to keep His commandments, ungrateful attitude, and rebellion.
There is also a positive side to the Ark. The blood of all sacrificed animals were poured over this Ark of Covenant every year for the covering of sin of the people. Years later, when Jesus died for our sins once and for all, He poured His blood not just here on earth upon that Mercy Seat but also upon the original Mercy Seat of God in heaven.
Now some comparisons of the Tabernacle to different earthly representations.
If Earth is seen as the outer Courtyard, the Holy Place is the mid-heaven and the Most Holy Place is the third heaven. In the Old Testament high priests poured blood of animals only on the Day of Atonement. It was not full forgiveness of sins, it was just a masking process. Jesus however did the full washing away of our sins once and for all.
Remember all furniture in the Courtyard was of bronze but both the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies were made of gold.
Then we can compare the tabernacle to man. Man is made of three parts body, soul and spirit. The body can be compared to the outer Courtyard which is visible to all. The Holy Place and Most Holy Place is the soul and spirit which is invisible.
Another similarity is in the spiritual growth of a person. First an individual is born again. This can be compared to the outer Courtyard, next Holy Spirit baptism to the Holy Place and being led by Spirit to the Most Holy Place.
Three types of baptisms. Water baptism can be compared to the outer Courtyard experience, next Holy Spirit baptism to the Holy Place and baptism by fire to the Most Holy Place.
The Bible talks about three types of man: natural man, carnal man and spiritual man. The natural man can be compared to the outer Courtyard, the carnal man to the Holy Place and the spiritual man to the Most Holy Place.
The various levels of acceptance can also be seen as the parts of the tabernacle. Firstly the common people as the outer Courtyard, serving priests as the Holy Place and the high priest as the Most Holy Place.
Our spiritual maturity phases or stages can also be compared to the three parts of the tabernacle. The little children ( 1 John 2:12) to the outer Courtyard, the young men (1 John 2:13) to the Holy Place and fathers to the Most Holy Place according to their spiritual maturity.
The lights that are present are also unique as natural light or sunlight is present in the outer Courtyard, in the Holy Place light comes from the Lampstand or Menorah. One is God created light and the other is man-made light. However, in the Most Holy Place God Himself is the light:
Revelation 21:23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof.
1) ONCE a YEAR, on Tishrei 10 – Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement). [This was the most solemn day of the religious year, when the High Priest would offer sacrifices and sprinkle blood on the Mercy Seat to atone for his own sins and the sins of the priesthood and the people.]
A) The High Priest would go into the Most Holy Place and perform certain services which also included sprinkling the blood of the slain “Lord’s” goat “upon the Mercy Seat, and before the Mercy Seat”. Leviticus 16:15
2) AT THE END OF THE DAY [End of Tishrei 10 = Start of Tishrei 11, which is a day distinguished by the repetition of the statement, “And God saw that it was good”]
A) he would take all the sins of all the people who had confessed all their sins, and who had all their sins forgiven in the Holy Place, and
B) put the sins on the head of the scapegoat.
C) The scapegoat would then be taken out into an uninhabited area of the wilderness by the hands of a fit man, and left there.
The Ark of the Covenant, also known as the Ark of the Testimony or the Ark of God, was a sacred, gold-plated wooden chest described in the Hebrew Bible as containing the Ten Commandments tablets given to Moses. A central relic in ancient Israel, it was carried by the Israelites through the wilderness and later housed in King Solomon’s Temple. It served as a symbol of God’s presence and power.
Purpose and Significance
Sacred Relic: The Ark was considered the holiest object of the ancient Israelites and represented God’s presence on Earth.
Covenant Symbol: It housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments, symbolising the covenant (or contract) between God and the Israelites.
Spiritual Power: The Ark was believed to possess great spiritual power and was carried into battle by the Israelites for divine protection and victory.
Description and Construction
Materials: It was described as a wooden chest covered entirely in gold.
Design: It was topped with a lid known as the Mercy Seat, and on each side were large golden angels with outstretched wings.
Carrying Method: The Ark was designed to be carried by poles inserted through rings on its sides, allowing the Levites to transport it without direct contact.
Historical Fate
Loss of the Ark: Today, most people believe that the Ark’s location is unknown after the destruction of the First Temple by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in the 6th century BC.
The “Mercy Seat” refers to the solid gold lid of the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred relic in the Jewish sanctuary, where God’s presence came and dwelt.
The Kaporet:
In the Hebrew Bible, the Mercy Seat is called the Kaporet and is the lid of the golden chest known as the Ark of the Covenant.
Symbol of God’s Presence:
Two Cherubim figures stood at each end of the Mercy Seat, covering the space where God appeared and dwelt.
Atonement Rituals:
The Mercy Seat was central to the rituals of the Day of Atonement, symbolising a place where atonement was sought for sins.
Aaron’s Rod that budded was a miraculously blooming staff that confirmed God’s choice of Aaron and his tribe for the priestly service, serving as a sign for the Israelites and a symbol of new life and divine selection. The dead, carved stick sprouted buds, blossomed, and produced ripe almonds overnight while laid up in the Tabernacle, an event recorded in Numbers 17 to quell rebellion and assert God’s authority.
The Narrative
1. Divine Election:
The budding of Aaron’s Rod was a direct response to a challenge to the authority of Aaron’s priesthood. God instructed Moses to gather one rod from each of the twelve Israelite tribes, have Aaron’s Rod placed before the Ark of the Testimony, and told him that the rod belonging to the man God chose would sprout.
2. The Miracle:
Overnight, Aaron’s Rod [Staff] – a dead, carved stick – not only sprouted but also produced buds, blossoms, and ripe almonds.
3. A Sign for Rebels:
Moses was instructed to bring Aaron’s Rod back out and place it before the Ark of the Testimony in the Tabernacle as a perpetual sign for the rebellious Israelites, thereby ending their constant grumbling against Moses and Aaron.
Significance
Divine Authority:
The budding rod was a clear demonstration that God had chosen Aaron and the tribe of Levi for the sacred, priestly office, ending any further dispute.
Life and Resurrection:
The miraculous event of a dead stick coming to life symbolises the power of God to give life and represents the resurrection of Christ, who brings new life to believers.
A Warning Against Rebellion:
The rod served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of the consequences of challenging God’s chosen leaders.
A Symbol of Christ:
Christian commentators interpreted Aaron’s Rod as a prefiguration of Jesus Christ, who, like the rod, blossomed with new life after his death, fulfilling prophecies of the Messiah.
A Pot of Manna refers to a pot containing the miraculous, edible substance (manna) that God provided to the Israelites in the wilderness, and which was preserved in the Ark of the Covenant as a memorial of His faithfulness. Symbolically, the “Pot of Manna” represents the concept of hidden manna, which is often interpreted in Christian theology as Christ himself—the divine, spiritual sustenance and eternal life that God offers to believers, providing nourishment for the soul that goes beyond physical needs.
The Biblical Context
Manna in the Wilderness: God provided manna daily to the Israelites as their physical food while they were in the desert.
Preservation in the Ark: After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, a pot of this manna was placed inside the Ark of the Covenant, alongside the tablets of the Law, as a permanent reminder of God’s provision and grace.
The Symbolism and “Hidden Manna”
Spiritual Sustenance: The hidden manna symbolises the spiritual nourishment that God provides, which sustains the believer’s soul in a deeper, more profound way than the physical manna sustained the Israelites’ bodies.
Christ as the Bread of Life: This spiritual sustenance is identified with Jesus Christ himself, who declared that he is the “bread of life” from heaven, offering eternal life to those who believe in him.
Eternal Provision: The promise of the hidden manna is linked to receiving eternal fellowship and intimate communion with God, representing a form of supernatural provision that will endure forever.
Memorial of God’s Faithfulness: Just as the golden Pot of Manna served as a memorial of God’s faithfulness in the past, the spiritual “hidden manna” is a reminder of His constant presence and unending love for those who are faithful.
The Two Cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant symbolise God’s presence and authority, acting as guardians of sacred space where God would speak to Moses from the Mercy Seat between their wings. They served as emblems of divine majesty and a reminder that God’s sacred presence is guarded, and only approached through God’s instructions. In Jewish interpretation, they also represented God’s loving relationship with Israel, facing each other when the nation was obedient and turning away in times of rebellion.
Symbolism and Function
God’s Dwelling Place: The Ark of the Covenant was a symbol of God’s throne on Earth, and the cherubim were placed on the Mercy Seat, the lid of the Ark, to mark where God’s divine glory would manifest.
Guardian Role: Like the cherubim guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden with a flaming sword, those on the Ark protected God’s sacred presence and prevented unauthorised access to the holy space.
Divine Communication: God declared that He would speak to Moses from above the Mercy Seat, from between the Two Cherubim, making the cherubim a central point for divine communication.
Emblems of the Heavenly Court: The cherubim on the Ark were designed to replicate the throne of God in heaven, where angels, or heavenly attendants, would be present to carry out His will.
Jewish Interpretation
Symbol of Relationship: According to Jewish tradition, the Two Cherubim facing each other symbolised God’s loving and intimate relationship with the people of Israel.
A Sign of Israel’s Condition: The cherubim’s posture reflected Israel’s spiritual state. When Israel was rebellious, they would turn away from one another, but when they were devoted to God, they would face each other in a posture of embrace, as seen when priests displayed the cherubim at the Temple.
The Shekhinah / Shekinah, God’s presence, appeared between the Two Cherubims. This is a Hebrew term in Judaism that describes the divine presence of God in the world, often appearing as a cloud, pillar of fire, or a palpable sense of God’s glory. The word, meaning “dwelling” or “settling,” is not in the Hebrew Scriptures but is found in rabbinic literature, where it describes God’s presence in places like the Tabernacle and Temple, as well as in communities that gather for Torah study or prayer.
Key Aspects of the Shekhinah
Divine Presence: Shekhinah is the manifestation of God’s presence among humans, providing a tangible connection to the divine.
Root Meaning: The Hebrew word Shekhinah comes from a root meaning “to dwell” or “to settle”.
Manifestations: It is often described as a cloud, pillar of fire, or a dazzling brilliance, symbolising God’s glory.
Locations: God’s Shekhinah presence was said to dwell in the Tabernacle, later the Temple in Jerusalem, and is still believed by Jews to be present in synagogues and other places of gathering.
Biblical Basis: While the term itself doesn’t appear in the Hebrew Bible, biblical accounts describe instances of God’s presence, such as in the Garden of Eden or guiding the Israelites in the Exodus.
The Ark of the Covenant housed the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments as a physical symbol of God’s covenant with Israel and a representation of His presence among His people, serving as a sacred vessel containing the core laws of their agreement with God. The Ark itself, with its lid and cherubim, was a powerful symbol of God’s throne and a place from which He would speak to the Israelites, signifying their unique status as His chosen nation.
Symbolic Meaning
God’s Presence: The Ark of the Covenant was seen as God’s dwelling place on Earth, and the Ten Commandments were kept inside as a physical representation of His presence with the Israelites.
The Covenant: The Ten Commandments are often called “the covenant” because they formalised the agreement between God and the Israelites, outlining the terms of their special relationship.
God’s Character: The Commandments themselves, inscribed on the tablets within the Ark, reveal God’s character and expectations for His people.
The Ark as a Holy Object
Sacred Container: The Ark was a specially constructed chest, covered in gold and topped with golden cherubim, intended to house and protect the sacred stone tablets.
God’s Voice: The presence of the Ark was considered a direct link to God, as He was understood to speak from above the Mercy Seat, the lid of the Ark, between the cherubim.
A Source of Power: The Ark was a powerful religious symbol, carried into battle to inspire the Jewish people and to intimidate their enemies, demonstrating God’s power on their behalf.
The Coverings of the Ark of the Covenant were symbolic: the gold covering represented God’s glory and enduring covenant, while the gold Mercy Seat with cherubim symbolised God’s presence and the need for atonement to meet Him. There were also layers of animal skins (likely rams’ skins, symbolising Christ’s sacrifice) and a blue cloth, representing heaven and faithfulness, as well as a layer of badger skins which might represent humanity’s earthly nature and need for protection. These coverings, especially the Mercy Seat, were crucial for the Ark as a sacred object of worship and meeting with God.
The Gold Covering
Divinity and Glory: The gold overlay signified the divine nature of God’s covenant with Israel and reflected His glory and holiness.
Purity and Enduring Covenant: As a precious and incorruptible metal, gold symbolised the enduring nature of God’s covenant, just as it provided practical protection for the Ark.
The Mercy Seat (Atonement Cover)
God’s Presence: The gold lid of the Ark, known as the Mercy Seat, was where God promised to meet with His people.
Cherubim: Two golden cherubim with outstretched wings sat on the Mercy Seat, facing each other and symbolising the angels’ attention to God’s will and God’s divine presence.
Atonement and Awe: The Mercy Seat was the place for blood to be sprinkled on the Day of Atonement, highlighting the dual symbolism of a divine covering and a tool for atonement.
Outer Coverings
Badger / Sealskin: The outermost covering, possibly made of badger or sealskin, provided protection from the elements and could symbolise God’s protective hand over humanity, similar to the covering of Noah’s Ark.
Rams’ Skins: The layer of rams’ skins was often interpreted as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, representing His strength, submission, and the power of His atonement at Calvary.
Blue Cloth: The blue cloth, along with purple and scarlet, symbolised faithfulness, royalty, and sacrificial death respectively, representing key aspects of God’s plan and the relationship with His people.
The Earthly Tabernacle Transport refers to the process in the Old Testament where the Israelites dismantled and moved their portable sanctuary, the Tabernacle, under divine instruction. The Levites, a specific tribe set apart for religious duties, were responsible for carrying the Tabernacle and its sacred objects. The Ark of the Covenant, its most sacred item, was carried on poles by the Kohathites, while other divisions of the Levites used assigned carts and oxen to move the rest of the structure.
The Role of the Levites
The Levites were chosen to serve the Lord in connection with the Tabernacle.
They were responsible for taking the Tabernacle down, carrying it, and setting it up again at a new location.
Specific clans within the Levites had distinct duties, such as the Kohathites carrying the holy items, the Gershonites and Merarites transporting the rest of the structure.
Methods of Transport
By Hand: The most sacred objects, particularly the Ark of the Covenant, were carried by the Kohathites on wooden poles inserted through rings on its sides. This was a solemn and sacred duty.
By Cart: Moses gave covered carts and oxen to the Gershonites and Merarites to assist in carrying the Tabernacle components. However, the Kohathites were forbidden from using carts to carry the sacred objects on their shoulders.
Order of Transport
The Tabernacle was carried in the middle of the Israelite camp, with other tribes arranged before and behind it.
The Levites would take down the Tabernacle and then set out, with the Kohathites following to carry the holy objects.
Significance
The transport of the Tabernacle symbolised God’s continued presence with His people as they journeyed through the wilderness.
It required careful attention and reverence due to the holiness of the sacred objects contained within.
Failure to follow the divine instructions, such as attempting to transport the Ark on a cart, resulted in punishment.
Uzzah was punished with death for touching the Ark of the Covenant while it was being transported on a cart, which was an incorrect and forbidden method of transport. When the oxen pulling the cart stumbled and the Ark tilted, Uzzah, who was not supposed to touch the holy object, reached out to steady it. God struck Uzzah dead for violating Divine Law, as God had given specific instructions for the Ark to be carried on poles by Levites, a method Uzzah and King David had disregarded.
The Incident
Incorrect Transport: King David decided to transport the Ark of the Covenant on a new cart, a method not prescribed by God.
Uzzah’s Action: As the oxen pulling the cart stumbled, Uzzah reached out to steady the Ark and prevent it from falling.
God’s Response: The Lord struck Uzzah down for this act, and he died immediately by God’s hand.
Why it was a Punishment
Violation of Divine Law: God had given specific instructions for carrying the Ark using poles that were to remain in the rings of the Ark, ensuring no direct contact with the holy object.
Disregard for Instructions: Both King David and the people involved in the transport had forgotten or disregarded these explicit instructions.
Holiness of the Ark: The Ark represented God’s manifest presence and was considered a holy thing. God had made it clear that touching it would result in death, as stated in Numbers 4:15.
The Name of the Place
The site where Uzzah died was named Perez-Uzzah (or Perez-Uzzah) as a result of the event, meaning “outburst against Uzzah”.
The Heavenly Sanctuary is a Christian theological concept, primarily in Seventh-day Adventist theology, referring to a divine, celestial sanctuary where Christ serves as High Priest, ministering on behalf of believers and providing the benefits of His atonement. This heavenly sanctuary is understood to be the spiritual reality that the earthly tabernacle and temple, described in the Old Testament, served as a physical model or earthly counterpart.
Key Aspects of the Heavenly Sanctuary
Christ’s High Priestly Ministry: After His ascension, Jesus became the High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary, beginning an intercessory ministry foreshadowed by the work of the earthly high priest.
Investigative Judgment: In 1844, according to Adventist belief, Christ entered the second phase of His ministry, the investigative judgment, symbolised by the cleansing of the earthly sanctuary on the Day of Atonement.
A Place of Divine Activity: The heavenly sanctuary is a place where God supervises the cosmos, performs acts of judgment, and where divine activities and visions, such as Isaiah’s vision, occur.
A Symbol of Ultimate Reality: It represents the ultimate, sacred reality and holiness that the earthly sanctuary, with its physical structure and services, was intended to reflect on a miniature scale.
A Model for Understanding Salvation: The concept of the sanctuary service, both earthly and heavenly, helps believers comprehend God’s plan for the removal of sin and His Plan of Salvation.