1690. The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle
Exo_40:1-9, Exo_40:34-38
The Door–Christ Our Approach–the Place of Entrance (Joh_10:9).
The Brazen Altar–Christ Our Sacrifice–the Place of Redemption (Heb_9:14).
The Laver–Christ Our Sanctification–the Place of Cleansing (2Ti_2:21).
The Shewbread–Christ Our Food–the Place of Strength (Joh_6:35).
The Altar of Incense–Christ Our High Priest–the Place of Intercession (Heb_7:25).
The Candlesticks–Christ Our Light–the Place of Testimony (Joh_1:4).
The Ark–Christ Our Guest–the Place of Fellowship (Heb_9:4-5).
The study of the Tabernacle sets forth in beautiful shadows and types the Lord Jesus Christ in many distinct and important particulars. There are some who seem averse to the study of types, and we agree that types should never be overdrawn. The meaning's of types are never certain, unless there is a clear and pointed "Thus saith the Lord" which unfolds them.
While this is true, the Tabernacle is a type in practically every particular. Let us notice a few verses on this line:
Heb_8:5 : "Who serve unto the example and shadow of Heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the Tabernacle: for, See, saith He, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."
Heb_9:8-9 : "While as the first Tabernacle was yet standing: which was a figure of the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices."
Heb_10:1 : "For the Law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things."
Everything about the Tabernacle spoke of Christ. It would take many, many studies to begin to set forth all of these figures. The purpose of this lesson will be no more than to get a bird's-eye view of the gate and the various furniture placed by Divine instruction, in the Court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies.
It would be well to draw a picture on the blackboard outlining first the Tabernacle enclosure; and then in order, the place of the Brazen Altar and the Laver in the outer court, the positions of the Shewbread, Altar of Incense and Candlesticks in the Holy Place, and finally the Holy of Holies, with the position of the Ark.
It will be noticed that these, placed in order, formed a perfect cross.
We also suggest the significance of the twelve tribes pitching their camps about the Tabernacle where God was manifest between the cherubim in the Holy of Holies.
Saints should always meet with Christ "in the midst." He Himself says, "Where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mat_18:20).
We should run the Christian race looking unto Him. He should be our all in all.
Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR