The tabernacle

A bit of background information for those who are interested. This coming Sunday I will be preaching on Exodus 25-31. Desmond Alexander's book, From Paradise to the Promised Land has some very helpful things to say. Below are some excerpts

“The final third of the book of Exodus focuses almost exclusively on the construction and erection of the tabernacle. The extent of the material highlights the importance of the tabernacle as God’s dwelling place. Although it takes the form of a rectangular tent, the extensive use of gold and blue fabrics indicates that the tent was a royal residence. Its portable nature ensured that the divine king would be with his people wherever they went. A further aspect which plays an important part in the design of the tabernacle and its furnishing is the holy nature of God’s being. The outer curtain fence separates sinful people from a holy God, and the bronze altar stand as a vivid reminder that only those who have made atonement for their sin and uncleanness may approach God. Finally, the tabernacle is designated ‘the Tent of Meeting’, indicating that it is the place where divinity and humanity commune together.” (192)

“Apart from being a container, the ark also functioned as a seat, or, more specifically , as a throne protected by guardian cherubim. Because of its importance as the LORD’s throne, the manufacture of the ark is outlined first.” (195)

“The lampstand was to be made in the pattern of a growing tree.” (195)

“The table and lampstand, together with the chest / seat, comprised the main items of furniture in an ancient home. As such they indicated that God lived within the tent.” (196)

“The curtain separating the two rooms contained woven figures of cherubim as a reminder that the way into the immediate presence of God was barred to sinful man.” (196)

“Separated from the rest of the Israelite encampment, the courtyard was set apart as a holy area; only the tabernacle, in which God dwelt, was considered to be more sacred. This distinction between the holiness of the courtyard and the tabernacle is reflected in the value of the materials used in their construction. Whereas gold was regularly used within the tabernacle, the main metals utilised in the construction of the courtyard were silver and bronze. Just as Moses set a boundary around Mount Sinai to prevent the people from coming into the divine presence, to the courtyard fence prevented them from approaching God inadvertently. As Exodus regularly emphasises only those who are holy can come into the divine presence; to approach God otherwise has fatal consequences. Without the courtyard functioning as a buffer zone, it would have been impossible for the Israelites to dwell in safety close to the LORD.” (197)

The two stones on the ephod “were a reminder that Aaron served God as high priest, not for his own benefit, but on behalf of all the Israelites.” (198)

“The tinkling of the bells would serve to identify the one entering or leaving the Holy of Holies, enabling the high priest to come close to God in safety; anyone else venturing into the LORD’s presence would die.” (198)

The location of the bronze altar between the entrance of the courtyard and the tabernacle “indicated that a worshipper could only approach God after offering a sacrifice to atone for sin.” (200)

“God now dwelt in the midst of the people, and the tabernacle was designated ‘the Tent of Meeting’ (40:35; cf. 27:21), replacing the tent earlier used by Moses (cf. 33:7-11). It differed from this other tent, however, in that God dwelt within the tabernacle and Moses stayed outside (40:35), whereas with the earlier tent Moses went inside and God remained outside (33:9).” (201)

Conclusion: “Exodus 25-30 emphasises three aspects of the tabernacle: it was (a) a royal tent, (b) a holy tent, and (c) a ‘Tent of Meeting’. The first two of these are clearly linked to God’s nature; he is a sovereign and holy God. The third aspect focuses on the special relationship with God established with the people of Israel through the covenant at Sinai. The construction of the tabernacle enabled the people to commune more directly with their God and reassured them of his presence in their midst.” (202)