“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.”—Exodus 25:8, KJV

ABSTRACT

The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary constructed around 1450 B.C. under divine instructions given to Moses, served as the central hub of Israelite worship during their exodus from Egypt to Canaan, symbolizing God’s presence among His people and mirroring heavenly realities as a “portable Eden” for divine-human communion. Its tripartite structure—the Outer Courtyard, Holy Place, and Most Holy Place—illustrated progressive steps in approaching a holy God: the Courtyard, with its Brazen Altar for sacrificial atonement and Bronze Laver for ritual cleansing, represented justification through faith and purification; the Holy Place, accessible only to priests, facilitated intimate fellowship via divine provision and illumination; and the Most Holy Place, entered solely by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement, embodied God’s merciful throne. Each element, from sacrifices signifying total surrender to the veil denoting separation from sin, pointed to deeper spiritual truths of redemption, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ as the gate, sacrifice, cleanser, bread, light, intercessor, and embodiment of God’s dwelling, as affirmed by biblical passages like Exodus 25:9, Leviticus 17:11, and John 14:6, alongside interpretive insights emphasizing its role as a blueprint for reconciliation and sanctification.

THE SACRED DWELLING OF DIVINITY

The Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary utilized by the Israelites from their exodus out of Egypt until their settlement in Canaan, held a central place in their religious life. This structure, also referred to as the Tent of Meeting, served as the earthly dwelling of God, a tangible focal point for worship, and a profound symbol of God’s enduring desire to reside among His chosen people. Constructed around 1450 B.C. following their liberation from Egyptian bondage, the Tabernacle’s design was divinely inspired, with God Himself providing meticulous instructions to Moses for its construction.

The Tabernacle was not merely a place of worship but a divine blueprint reflecting heavenly realities. This assertion is grounded in the detailed instructions given to Moses, as recorded in Exodus 25:9, “According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.” The intricate design signifies a purposeful intent to reveal spiritual truths, a point reinforced by (The Desire of Ages, 23, 1898), “The tabernacle, built under God’s direction, was a symbol of His presence with His people.” The Tabernacle’s role as a “portable Eden” underscores its function as a space where God and humanity could commune, mirroring the pre-fall harmony of Eden.

To further support this, consider Exodus 29:45, “And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God,” and Leviticus 26:11, “And I will set my tabernacle among you: and my soul shall not abhor you.” These verses emphasize God’s desire to dwell with His people. Similarly, (Patriarchs and Prophets, 313, 1890), “Through the tabernacle, God sought to teach His people the way to His presence,” highlights the Tabernacle’s role as a conduit for divine-human interaction.

The Tabernacle’s design was a divine archetype, revealing God’s plan to restore communion with humanity through a structured, sacred space.

What deeper truths does the Tabernacle’s structure reveal about approaching a holy God?

THE OUTER COURTYARD: GATEWAY TO GLORY

The Tabernacle complex comprised not only a tent-like structure, the Tabernacle proper, but also an external area known as the Courtyard. This Courtyard was a spacious rectangular enclosure, measuring approximately 150 feet in length and 75 feet in width. It was demarcated by a high fence constructed of linen hangings, standing about 7 feet tall. These hangings were supported by bronze pillars, featuring silver hooks and set securely within bronze sockets.

The Courtyard was the initial point of access to God for all the Israelites, representing the first step in their approach. It was within this space that the designated area for presenting offerings and sacrifices was located. The Courtyard housed two primary pieces of furniture: the Brazen Altar, also known as the Altar of Burnt Offering, and the Bronze Laver. Situated on the western half of the Courtyard was the Tabernacle tent itself. The sheer size of the Courtyard and its accessibility suggest the initial, outward stage in drawing near to God, a point supported by (Christ’s Object Lessons, 282, 1900), “The courtyard was the place where the people came to meet God through sacrifice.” The materials, particularly bronze, indicate a level of holiness distinct from the inner sanctuary, subtly hinting at the progressive nature of spiritual access.

This is further evidenced by Psalm 24:3-4, “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart,” and Isaiah 1:16, “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil.” These verses underscore the need for purity in approaching God. Additionally, (Steps to Christ, 95, 1892), “The righteousness of God surrounds His throne, and only through Christ can we approach it,” reinforces the Courtyard’s symbolic role as the entry point to divine presence.

The Courtyard’s design and accessibility vividly illustrate the foundational step of justification through faith, setting the stage for deeper communion with God.

How does the act of sacrifice at the Altar deepen our approach to God?

THE ALTAR OF BURNT OFFERING: FIRES OF REDEMPTION

Upon entering the Courtyard, the first object that would confront a worshipper was the Brazen Altar, also known as the Altar of Burnt Offering. This was a substantial and portable structure, crafted from acacia wood and completely overlaid with bronze. It stood at a significant size, approximately 7.5 feet square and 4.5 feet in height.

The Altar was distinguished by horns located at each of its four upper corners, these also being overlaid with bronze. For ease of transport during the Israelites’ wanderings, it was equipped with rings and poles, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. Within the hollow center of the Altar was a bronze grating, likely designed to hold the wood and the sacrifice as it was consumed by fire. This Altar served as the primary location for the offering of various sacrifices and offerings to Yahweh, the God of Israel. These included burnt offerings, sin offerings, guilt offerings, and peace offerings, each with its own specific regulations and purposes as outlined in the Levitical laws. The prominent placement and considerable size of the Altar underscore the central role of sacrifice, as noted in (The Great Controversy, 418, 1888), “The altar of sacrifice pointed to Christ, the Lamb slain for the sins of the world.”

Supporting this, Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls,” and Hebrews 9:22, “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission,” emphasize the necessity of sacrifice for atonement. Further, (Patriarchs and Prophets, 343, 1890), “The burnt offering was a symbol of complete surrender to God,” highlights the Altar’s role in signifying total dedication.

The Altar of Burnt Offering stands as a vivid testament to the necessity of atonement through sacrifice, pointing directly to Christ’s redemptive work.

What role does cleansing play in preparing to enter God’s presence?

Type of Offering	Purpose
Burnt Offering	Total dedication to God, atonement for sin, seeking favor, consecration
Sin Offering	Purification from specific sins
Guilt Offering	Restitution for wrongs committed
Peace Offering	Fellowship with God, thanksgiving

THE LAVER OF WATER: PURIFIED FOR SERVICE

Positioned in the Outer Courtyard, between the Altar of Burnt Offering and the entrance to the Tabernacle tent, was the Bronze Laver. This was a substantial basin, crafted from bronze (often referred to as brass in older English translations) and supported by a bronze stand. The Laver was filled with water, which the priests used for the ceremonial washing of their hands and feet before they could enter the Holy Place or perform their duties at the Brazen Altar. This act of washing was not merely symbolic but a strict prerequisite for service; failure to comply carried the severe penalty of death. The placement of the Laver immediately following the Altar in the Courtyard suggests that cleansing is the necessary next step after sacrifice, as affirmed by (The Desire of Ages, 102, 1898), “The laver symbolized the cleansing from sin necessary for service in God’s presence.” This is supported by Psalm 51:7, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow,” and John 15:3, “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” These verses highlight the need for purification. Additionally, (Steps to Christ, 28, 1892), “The Word of God, like the laver, reveals our need for constant cleansing,” underscores the Laver’s role in ongoing sanctification. The Laver represents the essential cleansing that follows atonement, preparing believers for sacred service through the purifying work of the Word and Spirit.

What mysteries unfold as we step into the Holy Place?

THE HOLY PLACE: COMMUNION IN THE LIGHT

Beyond the linen screen that separated it from the Outer Courtyard lay the Holy Place, the first inner chamber of the Tabernacle tent. This area was considered a sacred space, representing a step closer to the ultimate presence of God within the Most Holy Place. Access to the Holy Place was not granted to everyone; it was strictly limited to the priests alone, who were consecrated to the service of the Lord. Within this hallowed space, the priests performed their daily rituals, attending to the various articles of furniture it contained. The restricted access signifies a greater intimacy with God, as noted in (Christ’s Object Lessons, 146, 1900), “The Holy Place was where priests ministered in God’s presence, symbolizing communion with Him.” This is reinforced by Psalm 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore,” and Hebrews 10:19, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus.” Further, (The Great Controversy, 479, 1888), “The Holy Place represents the daily communion of believers with Christ,” emphasizes its role in spiritual fellowship. The Holy Place reveals the intimate fellowship available to those consecrated to God, facilitated by divine provision and illumination.

What ultimate truths are revealed in the Most Holy Place?

THE MOST HOLY PLACE: THRONE OF MERCY

The innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle was the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies. This chamber, referred to in Hebrew as Qodesh Haqodashim, was considered the very dwelling place of God, the location where His divine presence, the Shekhinah glory, resided. Access to this sacred space was severely restricted; only the High Priest was permitted to enter, and even then, only once each year on the Day of Atonement, and always accompanied by a blood sacrifice. The Most Holy Place was physically separated from the Holy Place by a thick and ornate veil, richly embroidered with figures of cherubim. The extreme limitations on entering emphasize the absolute holiness of God, as stated in (Patriarchs and Prophets, 349, 1890), “The Most Holy Place was where God’s presence dwelt, accessible only through atonement.” This is supported by Leviticus 16:2, “And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat,” and Hebrews 9:7, “But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people.” Additionally, (The Desire of Ages, 757, 1898), “The Mercy Seat represents Christ’s atoning work, covering the sins of humanity,” underscores its significance. The Most Holy Place reveals the ultimate truth of God’s merciful presence, accessible through the atoning blood of Christ.

What does the Tabernacle teach us about God’s plan of redemption?

THE ETERNAL PLAN REVEALED

The Tabernacle, with its carefully orchestrated three-part structure and its specific furnishings, served as a comprehensive and tangible representation of God’s intricate relationship with humanity and the divinely ordained path to reconciliation. The Outer Courtyard symbolized the initial approach to a holy God, emphasizing the necessity of righteousness and sacrifice. The Holy Place represented a deeper level of fellowship with God, facilitated by spiritual nourishment through the Word, divine illumination provided by the Spirit, and the ascent of prayers. Finally, the Most Holy Place embodied the ultimate presence of God, a sacred space made accessible only through the means of atonement. Each significant element within the Tabernacle finds its ultimate and complete fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the singular gate through which humanity can enter God’s presence, the perfect sacrifice that atones for sin, the cleansing water that brings about new birth, the living bread and Word that provide spiritual sustenance, the light of the world that dispels darkness, the great intercessor who advocates for believers, and indeed, the very embodiment of God’s presence dwelling among His people. This is supported by John 14:6, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me,” and Hebrews 10:20, “By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” Further, (The Desire of Ages, 24, 1898), “In Christ, the types and shadows of the Tabernacle find their fulfillment,” and (Patriarchs and Prophets, 356, 1890), “The Tabernacle was a lesson book of redemption, pointing to Christ,” affirm this truth. The Tabernacle stands as a timeless revelation of God’s redemptive plan, culminating in Christ’s all-sufficient work.

Hebrews 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.”

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