THE TABERNACLE OF GOD
Exo_40:17-35
Let us think of-
I. The Meaning of It. Everything here is typical of things spiritual. Paul, in his epistle to the Hebrews, speaks of them as "The shadow of heavenly things," "The patterns of things in the heavens," "The figures of the true" Those blind to spiritual things can see neither beauty nor meaning in this wonderful arrangement. It was God’s own picture to His people of "good things to come." Open Thou mine eyes to behold wonderful things here in Thy Tabernacle.
II. The Purpose of It. It was to be a sanctuary for God, that He might dwell among them (Exo_25:8). God so loved His people, whom He had redeemed, and delivered from the bondage of Egypt, that He desired a place for Himself, that His presence might abide with them. Does He not still desire to abide in every soul whom He hath saved by His grace? Then let us make Him a sanctuary in our own hearts, that He may dwell with us. "Ye are the temple of God."
III. The Time of its Setting Up. "In the first month, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was reared up" (Exo_40:17). Is it not significant that this House of God was to be set up on "New Year’s day?" Does not this indicate that it was to be a new beginning for them? They were to begin the year with God in their midst-as a Pilgrim with them. The only new start worth making is to begin with God. If He is with us, then certainly prosperity in the highest sense will follow.
IV. The Structure of It. The manner of its get-up was simple, yet everything had to be made and set in order according to the pattern shown to Moses on the mount. The sockets, which formed the foundation (Exo_40:18), were of solid silver, made from "atonement money" (Exod 38), so that these golden boards actually stood upon that which represented "Redemption"-the price of souls. Like this Tabernacle in the wilderness, the "Church of God: has no other standing than on that which has been paid (the blood of Christ) as a ransom for the soul. These boards, built upon the sockets of "Ransom," and "fitly knit together," and strengthened by the "bars thereof"-as encircling arms of power-represent our standing in Christ, and our union one with another within the everlasting arms of Divine strength and faithfulness.
V. The Contents of It. The Tabernacle was divided into three parts: "The Holiest of all," "The Holy Place," and the "Court." In the "Holiest" was put the Ark which contained the law, the lid of which formed the "Mercy-seat," where God promised to meet with them (Exo_40:20-21). Christ has covered the broken law, and formed a mercy-seat for us. Then, in the "Holy Place" there was the Table with its bread, meaning fellowship with God in Christ. The Candlestick, with its branches (Exo_40:24), which speaks of testimony in the power of Christ. The Golden Altar (Exo_40:26-27), with its sweet incense, speaking of acceptable prayer in the Name of Christ. Then outside the door of the Holy Place stood the "Altar of burnt-offering" -the place of sacrifice, indicating that the first need of the people in their approach to God was Atonement (Exo_40:29). The altar points to the Cross of Christ. Between the Altar of Sacrifice and the door of Communion, they set the Laver (Exo_40:30), with its water for cleansing, teaching the need of the Holy Spirit’s cleansing by the Word of Christ. There must be Substitution before true fellowship with God.
VI. The Glory of It. "The glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle" (Exo_40:34). The glory of it was the manifest presence of God. As it was with the Tabernacle, so was it with the life and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was crowned with a supernatural manifestation. He showed Himself alive by many infallible proofs (Act_1:3). When the glory of His Holy Presence is seen, then men feel like Moses, "Not able to enter in" without atoning blood.
Autor: James Smith