Understanding the Symbolism & Function of the Tabernacle

Chapter after chapter within the guide of Exodus relays in painstaking element the tabernacle’s plan and building. Your entire final half of Exodus narrates the constructing of the tabernacle (Exod 25–40). Following this, the setting for the complete guide of Leviticus is God chatting with Moses from the tabernacle (Lev 1:1). This implies Exodus and Leviticus collectively spotlight the central function of the tabernacle for a mixed forty-three chapters (Exod 25–Lev 27)!

Regardless of all of this, we nonetheless don’t have fairly sufficient info to know exactly how the tabernacle appeared or the exact function of every of its items. So regardless that the tabernacle performs a central function for forty-three chapters of the Pentateuch, it resists easy replication.

Whereas this can be irritating in sure respects, it teaches us one thing necessary. We have to take note of what elements of the tabernacle the Bible does reveal. What we discover is that the Bible consists of particulars in regards to the tabernacle for theological causes quite than purely historic ones.

In gentle of this biblical focus, this text goals to elucidate not solely what the tabernacle appeared like but additionally why (i.e., the theological causes) Israel constructed the tabernacle.

What’s the tabernacle within the Bible?

The tabernacle was the tent through which God’s glory abided (Exod 40:34; cf. 2 Sam 7:6–7; 1 Chron 17:5–6; Ps 78:60). Since God’s glory dwelled there, the tabernacle united heaven and earth; it was “the tent the place he dwelt amongst mankind” (Ps 78:60 ESV).

Virtually talking, the Israelites constructed and used the tabernacle at Mount Sinai. Then throughout their time of wandering, the tabernacle travelled with the Israelites for forty years. Because the tabernacle could possibly be constructed and brought aside in a brief period of time, it matched the wants of Israel throughout their wandering.

In brief, the tabernacle was a tent the place Israel may meet God throughout their travels within the wilderness. In different phrases, the tabernacle was a cellular temple. After they entered into the promised land, Israel would ultimately construct a everlasting temple beneath the reign of Solomon (1 Kgs 8).

What does the tabernacle symbolize?

The tabernacle symbolically acts as an earthly illustration of the heavenly tabernacle (Heb 8:5).

God tells Moses to place collectively the tabernacle and its furnishings “after the sample for them, which is being proven you on the mountain” (Exod 25:40 ESV). Moses had ascended previous “pavement of sapphire stone, just like the very heaven for clearness” into the cloud of God (Exod 24:10 ESV; cf. 24:15–18). There, Moses communed with God for forty days in what we’d name “highest heaven” (1 Kgs 8:27).

Because of this, Hebrews 8:5 (see additionally Acts 7:44) explains that Israelite monks

serve a replica and shadow of the heavenly issues. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you just make the whole lot based on the sample that was proven you on the mountain.” (ESV)

Arguably this was a typical option to perceive the tabernacle. For instance, Knowledge of Solomon calls the temple “a replica of the holy tent that you just ready from the start” (9:8 NRSV).

In gentle of this cosmological significance, the tabernacle acts as a kind of microcosm of the created order. Biblical scholar Duane Garrett explains:

There was most likely a cosmic dimension to this. That’s, the outer chamber represented the decrease heavens (what we’d name the bodily heavens) and the interior chamber, the holy of holies, would characterize the higher heaven, God’s abode. The Tent of Assembly was a microcosm of the created universe and of the heavenly throne room that was above the created universe. That’s, God’s glory fills all of creation, however there’s but a heavenly throne room that’s above and past the bodily universe. The Tent of Assembly is a smaller model of this cosmic actuality. It is usually the place the place God who dwells within the highest heavens will be current or immanent on the earth.

Through the years, many Christians have made comparable observations. For instance, Gregory of Nazianzus within the fourth century wrote:

Or, since Scripture acknowledges the tabernacle of Moses as a logo for the entire world (the world, I imply, of issues “seen and invisible”) we could go by way of the primary veil, transcending sense, to bend our gaze on holy issues, on perfect and heaven transcending actuality.

What are the components of the tabernacle?

To visualise the next dialogue, permit me to offer a short sketch of the tabernacle’s form. The tabernacle had three sections.

1. The courtyard which one passes by way of to enter the tent is the primary part (Exod 27:9–19).
2. Subsequent, one would stroll into an area of about thirty toes contained in the tent, which is known as the holy place (Exod 26:1–2; 26:33).
3. Afterward, one would go by way of the curtain into essentially the most holy place that has a depth of fifteen toes (Exod 26:33).

Probably the most holy place sits on the west facet of the tent (Exod 26:22, 27), whereas the holy place and the doorway stand on the east facet (Exod 38:13).

Does the Bible present particulars about every a part of the tabernacle?

The Bible offers sufficient particulars in regards to the tabernacle to grasp its function and far of its symbolic intent. However Scripture doesn’t present exhaustive descriptions of the tabernacle. Biblical scholar Duane Garrett explains:

One could assume that many particulars are ignored for the reason that lacking info could possibly be stuffed in with widespread information or widespread sense. Due to this fact, we must always perceive that the tent directions solely give attention to particulars which can be distinctive and religiously vital. This, in actual fact, helps to elucidate a curious characteristic about this textual content: there are numerous particulars ignored, however directions which can be given are sometimes repeated in what appears to be pointless redundancy. However the level is to emphasize what has particular that means, to not state what is apparent or common in tent making.

In different phrases, Exodus focuses on what has non secular or theological significance.

For instance, of the 2 outer layers of the tabernacle, we all know virtually nothing. In distinction, we all know a lot in regards to the seven components inside the two interior layers of the tabernacle. Given the selective nature of the textual content, we must always anticipate these detailed components to have theological significance. Exodus itself encourages us to learn the main points on this method, not solely due to its selective nature, but additionally as a result of it tells us that the tabernacle on earth adopted the sample of a heavenly tabernacle (Exod 25:40).

What does every aspect of the tabernacle symbolize?

The essential construction of the Bible teaches us to see earthly symbols as indicators of heavenly truths. For instance, Paul says God at all times supposed marriage in Genesis 2 to represent Christ’s union with the church (Eph 5:31–32). The explanation why households exist, Paul additionally causes, is as a result of God has at all times been the Father to the Son (Eph 3:14–15).

Likewise, the Bible reveals that components inside the tabernacle signify cosmic and non secular realities.

The Menorah or Lampstand

The one gentle supply inside the tabernacle got here from a seven-candled Menorah. The Bible describes the Menorah as a tree with calyxes, petals, and blossoms (typically translated as “cups”). In keeping with Numbers 8:4, the golden lampstand’s “base to its flowers” imitated its heavenly prototype.

Inside the holy place and on the veil between the holy place and essentially the most holy place, pictures of Cherubim appeared upon blue or purple material (Exod 26:1, 31; 36:8, 35). The sunshine from the Menorah would illumine this picture, showing like an evening sky with angels overhead and pointing to the tabernacle’s function of uniting heaven and earth.

As a tree of sunshine, the Menorah reminds of the tree of life within the backyard in Eden. As many in the present day acknowledge, the backyard of Eden shares similarities with the tabernacle, each functioning as temples. The Menorah would additionally shine its gentle of life upon the showbread, which represents the twelve tribes of Israel. On this method, it visually illustrates the Lord’s face shining upon Israel (Num 6:25).

The desk for showbread

When strolling in from the doorway, a desk sat on the right-hand facet of the tent. Upon the desk, twelves loaves sat, representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Lev 24:8).

Since Exodus calls manna bread from heaven and the Israelites saved this bread inside the tabernacle (Exod 16:4; 31–34), these loaves may additionally serve to remind Israel of manna from heaven. This manna could have reminded Israel to stay by God’s phrase and never by bread alone (Deut 8:3).

The altar of incense

The alter of incense stood close to the veil in entrance of the doorway to the Holy of Holies (or the Most Holy Place; Exod 30:1–7). Though the altar of incense burned day by day (Exod 30:7–8), it performed a particular function on the Day of Atonement. At the moment, the excessive priest made atonement for it by inserting blood upon its 4 corners (Lev 16:18).

Through the Day of the Atonement, the excessive priest would additionally deliver incense and coal into the Most Holy Place (Lev 16:13). This incense represents the prayers of God’s folks ascending by way of its smoke upwards (Ps 141:2; Rev 5:8; 8:3–4).

The Holy of Holies (the Most Holy Place)

On this Day of Atonement, the excessive priest would enter into the Most Holy Place, opening the curtain that divides it from the Holy Place. This act symbolized one’s entrance into the presence of God (Exod 25:22).

Readers additionally know of Moses’s threefold ascent: first, as much as God from the earth (Exod 24:1–8); second, up half-way the place Moses and the elders loved a meal upon floor like heaven (Exod 24:9–10); and, lastly, into the presence of God (Exod 24:12–18). Additional, the Previous and New Testaments repeatedly converse of the world divided into three components (e.g., 1 Kgs 8:27; Phil 2:10).

So right here one wouldn’t be over-reading the textual content to see the doorway into essentially the most holy place as being akin to coming into into highest heaven to commune with God. The explanation why is that the tabernacle with its outer court docket, Holy Place, and Most Holy Place additionally has a threefold sample that ends in God’s very presence (Exod 25:22).

The sunshine of the Menorah shining upon the darkish cloth of cherubim additional cements this symbolism. Earlier than coming into the Most Holy Place, the Holy Place which the priest walked by way of was illuminated by a tree of life with figures of cherubim on the partitions and curtain watching him. These pictures of cherubim within the tabernacle symbolize the actual cherubim whom Ezekiel’s imaginative and prescient confirmed guarding God’s presence round his throne (Ezek 1:16; 10:18, 20). Likewise, Psalm 78:69 says, “He constructed his sanctuary just like the excessive heavens, just like the earth, which he has based perpetually” (ESV). Because the Bible repeatedly tells us, temples are the place heaven and earth, God and man, meet. The identical is true of the tabernacle which is a cellular temple.

After the excessive priest entered into the Most Holy Place with the coals and incense, God’s glory would illumine the room because it seems above the ark of the covenant with two cherubim on both facet (e.g., Exod 40:34–38).

The ark of the covenant appeared like a field with a flat cowl upon it (Exod 25:10–22). Having sacrificed a goat, the excessive priest would then atone for the sins of the folks by making use of the blood upon the mercy seat or place of atonement (Lev 16:15–19).

Visualize and examine the totally different components of the tabernacle utilizing Logos’s infographics.

Does the tent of assembly differ from the tabernacle?

Through the lengthy elaboration on the development of the tabernacle in Exodus 25–40, it typically speaks of the “tent of assembly.” At occasions, it appears as if the tabernacle and tent of assembly are totally different constructions. However upon nearer examination, Exodus makes it clear that the tent of assembly and the tabernacle are two names for a similar factor.

For instance, Exodus 40 speaks of furnishing each the “tabernacle,” the “tent of assembly,” and even “the tabernacle of the tent of assembly” interchangeably. Contemplate the next:

He put in place the display for the door of the tabernacle. And he set the altar of burnt providing on the entrance of the tabernacle of the tent of assembly, and supplied on it the burnt providing and the grain providing, because the Lord had commanded Moses. He set the basin between the tent of assembly and the altar, and put water in it for laundry. (Exod 40:28–30 ESV; emphasis added).

Additional, Leviticus 1:1 follows straight upon the glory of the Lord filling the tabernacle (Exod 40). But its first verse reads: “The Lord known as Moses and spoke to him from the tent of assembly” (Lev 1:1 ESV).

The implication is obvious: the tent of assembly is the tabernacle.

What’s the relationship of the tabernacle to Eden?

Origen of Alexandria repeatedly argued that the tip of all issues is like the start (e.g., On First Rules 1.6.2). Within the new heavens and earth, a tree of life blooms. Likewise, a tree of life thrived within the backyard in Eden. Between these two poles—the start and the tip—the Bible tells a narrative of restoration to Eden.

As a later stage within the historical past of redemption, the tabernacle carries similarities to the backyard in Eden. A few of these similarities are:

• The backyard too was a spot through which God dwelled or not less than moved (Gen 3:8; Lev 26:12; Deut 23:15; 2 Sam 7:6–7).
• Cherubim stand on the entrance east of Eden as they do within the tabernacle and temple (Gen 3:24; 1 Kgs 6:23–28, 29; Exod 25:18–22; 26:31).
• The rivers that stream down from Eden indicate the backyard stood on an elevation (Gen 2:10). Temples likewise sit on elevations all through the Bible (e.g., Ps 24:3). So the backyard had temple-like qualities.
• God gave Adam and Eve the vocation “to have a tendency and hold” the backyard, a phrase pair solely used of monks inside the Pentateuch (Gen 2:15; Num 3:7–8; 8:26; 18:5–6). This phrase pair suggests a priestly service for Adam and Eve.

The backyard in Eden functioned as a temple, a spot the place God and people may meet. Likewise, the tabernacle takes up this function as a cellular temple.

What’s the function of the tabernacle all through the Bible?

The Bible develops the idea of locations the place God and people meet, beginning with the backyard of Eden. After Adam and Eve are exiled east of the backyard, away from the tree of life, the tabernacle continues this idea. The tabernacle with its tree-candle (Menorah) shines the sunshine of God unto the folks of God, who’re symbolized within the showbread.

The tabernacle moved round geographical Israel throughout the timeframes of the conquest and kingdom. It moved to Shiloh (Josh 18:1), to Nob (1 Sam 21), after which Gibeon (1 Chron 16:39). Finally, Solomon transported the tabernacle with the ark of the covenant to the temple (1 Kgs 8:4). Solomon’s temple changed the cellular tabernacle, establishing in it one location, the place the place God positioned his identify (Deut 12:11).

However by way of Israel’s historical past, she sinned in opposition to God and his glory left the temple. After the exile, the rebuilding of the temple upset. God commanded the prophet in Haggai 2:3 to say:

Who’s left amongst you who noticed this home in its former glory? How do you see it now? Is it not as nothing in your eyes? (ESV)

Due to this lessened glory, the textual content causes us to contemplate one thing better to return. By way of Haggai, God says:

But as soon as extra, in a short time, I’ll shake the heavens and the earth and the ocean and the dry land. And I’ll shake all nations, in order that the treasures of all nations shall are available, and I’ll fill this home with glory, says the Lord of hosts. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the Lord of hosts. The latter glory of this home shall be better than the previous, says the Lord of hosts. And on this place I’ll give peace, declares the Lord of hosts. (Hag 2:6–9 ESV)

In a future revelation to Haggai, God reiterates his early promise to shake the heavens and earth.

Communicate to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I’m about to shake the heavens and the earth. (Hag 2:21)

The place else does this occur however within the heavenly metropolis, Mount Zion above, the place the true tabernacle and throne of God reside? Quoting Haggai’s promise (Heb 12:26), Hebrews interprets this prophecy as referring to the heavenly Zion:

This phrase, “But as soon as extra,” signifies the elimination of issues which can be shaken—that’s, issues which have been made—so that the issues that can not be shaken could stay. Due to this fact allow us to be pleased about receiving a kingdom that can not be shaken, and thus allow us to provide to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming hearth. (Heb 12:27–29 ESV)

On this Mount Zion above, Christ serves as our eternal excessive priest earlier than God the Father.

Finally, heaven and earth will grow to be, within the fullest sense, the place the place God and man meet. Not will the tabernacle characterize an outpost or embassy of God, however the Lord will make a brand new heavens and new earth the place he’ll dwell along with his folks perpetually.

There a metropolis will reside within the form of a field (a dice; Rev 21:16). It’s going to take the type of the Holy of Holies inside which can lay the Ark of the Covenant. And there, God and males will meet (Exod 25:22). Ultimately, we see that the tabernacle at all times pointed to a brand new heavens and new earth through which God dwells (Rev 21–22). At the moment, the entire world will grow to be just like the Holy of Holies—God and males will as soon as once more commune freely with each other.

The top of all issues with the tree of life within the new heavens and earth restores the sinless enjoyment of life that the backyard promised. Right here the whole lot, in a way, is a temple as a result of entry to God not has the identical boundaries it did throughout redemptive historical past.

Conduct an in-depth examine on the tabernacle utilizing Logos’s Factbook. Get it free, for those who don’t have already got it.

What occurred to the tabernacle?

When Solomon devoted the temple, monks introduced the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem:

And so they introduced up the ark of the Lord, the tent of assembly, and all of the holy vessels that have been within the tent; the monks and the Levites introduced them up. (1 Kgs 8:4 ESV)

First Kings 8:6 solely notes that the Ark significantly enters into the temple’s Most Holy Place. Because the tabernacle, its vessels, and its furnishings will not be explicitly talked about, one can solely assume they have been saved within the premises.

Curiously, 1 Kings 8:9 says, “There was nothing within the ark besides the 2 tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb” (ESV; cf. Exod 25:16, 21: 40:20; Deut 10:1–5). Because of this the container of manna and rod of Aaron have been not within the Ark (Heb 9:4–5). Nothing within the textual content tells us the place this stuff went. Solely God is aware of.

What’s the relationship between the tabernacle and the Christ-event (gospel)?

Thomas Aquinas recognized the distinctiveness of Scripture in its means not just for its phrases to characterize an object on the earth (that is regular) but additionally for these objects to level past themselves to another actuality (ST.I.Q1.A10). The explanation why created objects carry that means past themselves is as a result of God created them to take action. For instance, the heavens above declare the glory of God (Ps 19:1). So the sky has that means as a result of God positioned that means in it when he created it; this that means is goal, not subjective.

Likewise, God positioned that means into the tabernacle. The tabernacle not solely refers to a cellular temple in Israel’s day, nevertheless it additionally factors to Christ and the New Covenant.

When John tells us that “the Phrase grew to become flesh and dwelt amongst us” (John 1:14 ESV), he makes use of language that particularly attracts our thoughts to the tabernacle. The phrase used right here for “dwelt” (σκηνόω) can confer with establishing a tent (tabernacle) because it typically does within the Greek Previous Testomony (LXX). The following a part of John 1:14 additionally connects the incarnation of Jesus to the tabernacle: “and we’ve got seen his glory, glory as of the one Son from the Father, stuffed with grace and reality” (ESV). God’s glory additionally indwelt the tabernacle.

Likewise, the language of being “stuffed with grace and reality” (πλήρης χάριτος καὶ ἀληθείας) in John 1:14 corresponds to Exodus 34:6, the place God reveals himself to Moses (πολυέλεος καὶ ἀληθινός [LXX]; וְרַב־חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת [BHS]). This linguistic connection additional cements the notion that the Logos grew to become flesh to “tabernacle” with humanity.

The tabernacle portrayed a spot the place God and man may meet. In Jesus, God and man unite uniquely since in his individual Jesus is the union of God and man.

Because of this, Hebrews likens the flesh of Christ to the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. When talking of “the brand new and residing method,” Hebrews identifies Christ as our heavenly excessive priest who “opened [the new way] for us by way of the curtain, that’s, by way of his flesh” (Heb 10:20 ESV).

Hebrews teaches us what the heavenly sanctuary accomplishes by way of its earthly imitation. As Hebrews 10:1 explains, “the regulation has however a shadow of the nice issues to return as an alternative of the true type of these realities” (ESV). As each excessive priest and sacrifice, Christ opens up a brand new and residing option to God (“residing” as a result of Christ lives; Heb 10:19–20). He does this by providing his flesh on the cross by way of which we will come on to God (Heb 4:16). What beforehand solely the excessive priest may do annually, we now, as a kingdom of monks, can all do by approaching the Father by way of his Son Jesus Christ (1 Pet 2:4–10).

This relationship between the nice issues to return and earthly shadows explains why whereas on the cross, the curtain within the temple tore aside (Matt 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). The tearing of the veil symbolizes that the best way to God was now open. And specifically, this occurs in the mean time Christ supplied his flesh on the cross for atonement (Heb 10:20).

When the Spirit of Jesus indwells us (e.g., Rom 8:9), we unite to Christ, our excessive priest, who brings us into the presence of the Father (e.g., Heb 4:16). So Paul says we at the moment are seated in heavenly locations as a result of we’re in Christ (Eph 1:3, 20). By union with Christ, we obtain the Spirit of Christ, turning into his non secular temple (Eph 2:19–22). Likewise, Peter will name Christians residing stones of a non secular home, i.e., a temple (1 Pet 2:5). By religion we stroll on earth whereas additionally having fun with heavenly realities by way of the Spirit.

Put succinctly, “Or do you not know that your physique is a temple of the Holy Spirit inside you, whom you’ve from God?” (1 Col 6:19 ESV). Because the physique of Christ, the church shares the identical Spirit that Christ has, that’s, the Holy Spirit. By being in Christ who unites heaven and earth in his physique, we share on this priestly blessing, in order that we will method the throne of grace in heaven whereas on earth.

Assets for additional examine

G. Ok. Beale’s The Temple and the Church’s Mission offers the very best one cease store rationalization for the theme of temple throughout Scripture. Because the tabernacle is a cellular temple, Beale’s work can even assist your understanding of the tabernacle.

Your entire guide of Leviticus has its setting on the entrance to the tabernacle or the tent of assembly (Lev 1:1). Because of this, Michael Morales’s guide Who Shall Ascend the Mountain of the Lord? offers some context for the phrase of God that preceded from that tent.

For a non secular basic, learn Gregory of Nyssa’s Lifetime of Moses. You may as well learn my chapter on this guide.

You may as well learn my chapter on how the tabernacle and the Bible indicate metaphysical conclusions in regards to the nature of actuality.

Deepen your understanding of the theme of God’s dwelling place

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