The Tabernacle proper typifies fellowship with
God. It symbolises the Christian life as it should be lived.
The Framework (Exodus
26:15-30)
Each board was made of wood picturing Christ in
his humanity (Isaiah 53:2; 1 Timothy 2:5). It was overlaid with
gold picturing Christ in His deity. Two natures but one person.
The Foundation (Exodus
26:19,21,25)
The foundation was of silver which came from
what was known as atonement money (Exodus 30:11-15; 38:25-27). It
was built upon the sure foundation of that which typified the
preciousness of redemption (1 Peter 1:18,19).
The Coverings (Exodus 26:1-14)
1) Badgers Skin Covering (verse 14)
The Humiliation of Christ
It was all that the outsider saw of the
tabernacle and reminds us of the Saviours life (Isaiah 53:2,3;
John 1:10).
2) Rams Skins Dyed Red Covering (verse 14)
The Consecration of Christ
Christ consecrated himself to do the Father’s
will even unto death (Psalm 40:6-8; Philemon 2:8; Exodus 29:26) so
that He would be His peoples covering (Genesis 3:21; chapter 22)
3) Goats Hair Curtains: The Tent (verses 7-13)
The Expiation of Christ
The goat was used as a sin offering for the
nation on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16; 2 Corinthians 5:21;
Isaiah 53:12,13). A scapegoat would carry the sins of the people
into the wilderness symbolising Christ’s resurrection.
4) Linen Curtains: The Tabernacle (verses 1-6)
The Exaltation of Christ
The gold, blue and cherubim picture Christ
ascended into glory to represent His people. The believer is
securely covered by Christ’s life, death, resurrection and
ascension.
Before entering into the Holy Place sin had to
be judged and cleansed.
The Laver (Exodus 30:17-21)
Illustrates cleansing by the Book – Sanctification
1) People who used the laver (verse 19)
It was to be used only by the Old Testament
priests. Every believer today is a New Testament priest and has
the privilege of access to God (1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 1:6).
2) Position of the Laver (verse 18)
It was placed between the altar (which
represented salvation through the Blood of Christ) and the
tabernacle (which represented enjoyment of the privileges of being
a priest).
3) Plan of the laver (verse 17&18)
It was made of brass and contained water. The
scripture is enduring and is compared to water in Ephesians 5:26.
4) Preparation of the laver (Exodus 38:8)
It was made from the looking glasses of the
ladies (1 Peter 3:3-4; James 1:23-25)
5) Purpose of the laver (verse 19)
It was made so that the priests could wash at
it. The believer is able to wash at the laver of God’s word.
(Psalm 24:3; John 13:8-10)
6) Procedure at the laver (verse 19)
As we seek to approach unto God or serve Him we
must make sure to wash our hands and our feet i.e. to make sure
that our walk and our work are in conformity to God’s Word.
That is why Paul told the Christians at Corinth
to ‘cleanse themselves from filthiness (2 Corinthians 7:1)
7) Penalty for not using the Laver
A believer who will not confess known sin will
not be able to fellowship with God (John 1:7-11)
To try and serve or fellowship without cleansing
results in chastening and maybe even death (1 Corinthians 11:30;
Hebrews 12:5-11).
Before we can enjoy fellowship in the Holy Place
we must experience cleaning by the Blood and the Book.
‘Ye are clean through the
word’ John 15:3
