THE TABERNACLE
The Tabernacle also referred to as the Tent of the Congregation or the Tent of Meeting in the Hebrew Bible, served as the portable dwelling for the Israelites during their journey from the Exodus until the conquest of Canaan. Following instructions received by Moses at Mount Sinai, it was constructed and carried by the Israelites through the wilderness, symbolizing the presence of God among His people. This sacred structure remained central to Israelite worship for 440 years until it was replaced by Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem as the permanent dwelling place of God.
“Now Moses used to take a tent and pitch it outside the camp some distance away, calling it the ‘tent of meeting.’ Anyone inquiring of the Lord would go to the tent of meeting outside the camp.” ( Exodus 33:7 )
Etymology
The term “tabernacle” originates from the Latin word tabernāculum, which refers to a tent or hut, often used in ancient Roman religious rituals. In Hebrew, the word ‘Mishkan’ carries connotations of dwelling, resting, or living in. When translated into Greek, such as in the Septuagint, the Hebrew term is rendered as σκηνή (skēnē), a Semitic loanword also meaning “tent.”
THE SACRED FURNISHINGS OF THE TABERNACLE
The Tabernacle, as detailed in the biblical Book of Exodus (specifically was a sacred structure designed according to precise instructions from God. In this sanctuary, there existed an innermost chamber, known as the Holy of Holies, which was separated from the outer sanctuary by a veil suspended by four pillars.
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Inside the Holy of Holies, the centrepiece was the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest overlaid with gold and topped with cherubim, serving as the mercy seat. At the heart of the Tabernacle’s construction lay the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten Commandments. God instructed Moses to construct the Ark using acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, with a mercy seat adorned with cherubim crafted from the same precious metal. ( Exodus 25: 10-22 )
This intricate design symbolized the throne of God’s presence among His people, emphasizing His sovereignty and holiness. Surrounding the Ark were the curtains and coverings of the Tabernacle, each meticulously woven and dyed to exact specifications. The innermost layer consisted of finely spun linen, dyed blue, purple, and scarlet, and adorned with cherubim crafted by skilled artisans.
“Make the Tabernacle from ten curtains of finely woven linen. Decorate the curtains with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim. 2 These ten curtains must all be exactly the same size—42 feet long and 6 feet wide. 3 Join five of these curtains together to make one long curtain, then join the other five into a second long curtain. 4 Put loops of blue yarn along the edge of the last curtain in each set. 5 The fifty loops along the edge of one curtain are to match the fifty loops along the edge of the other curtain. 6 Then make fifty gold clasps and fasten the long curtains together with the clasps. In this way, the Tabernacle will be made of one continuous piece. ( Exodus 26: 1-6 )
This innermost veil served to separate the Most Holy Place, where the Ark resided, from the rest of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the sacredness of God’s presence. The framework of the Tabernacle itself was constructed from standing wood boards overlaid with gold, each precisely measured and positioned according to God’s instructions. ( Exodus 26: 15-30 )
These boards, along with silver sockets and bars, formed the walls and support structure of the Tabernacle, ensuring its stability and sanctity. The use of gold and silver underscored the divine nature of the Tabernacle as a place set apart for worship and communion with God. Moreover, God provided detailed instructions for the construction of the various furnishings and utensils within the Tabernacle, including the golden lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense.
“Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain. ( Exodus 25:30 )
Each of these items was crafted with precision and care, symbolizing aspects of God’s presence, provision, and worship.
Plans for the Lampstand
Adjacent to the Holy of Holies, within the outer sanctuary or the Holy Place, was a golden lampstand.
31 “Make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. Make the entire lampstand and its decorations of one piece—the base, center stem, lamp cups, buds, and petals. 32 Make it with six branches going out from the center stem, three on each side. 33 Each of the six branches will have three lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals. 34 Craft the center stem of the lampstand with four lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals. 35 There will also be an almond bud beneath each pair of branches where the six branches extend from the center stem. 36 The almond buds and branches must all be of one piece with the center stem, and they must be hammered from pure gold. 37 Then make the seven lamps for the lampstand, and set them so they reflect their light forward. 38 The lamp snuffers and trays must also be made of pure gold. 39 You will need 75 pounds[a] of pure gold for the lampstand and its accessories40 “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain. ( Exodus 25: 31-40 )
Plans for the Table
Further furnishing the Holy Place, on its north side stood a table for the showbread.
“Then make a table of acacia wood, 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 27 inches high. 24 Overlay it with pure gold and run a gold molding around the edge. 25 Decorate it with a 3-inch border[b] all around, and run a gold molding along the border. 26 Make four gold rings for the table and attach them at the four corners next to the four legs. 27 Attach the rings near the border to hold the poles that are used to carry the table. 28 Make these poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. 29 Make special containers of pure gold for the table—bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars—to be used in pouring out liquid offerings. 30 Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before me at all times. ( Exodus 25: 23-30 )
The Lampstand
Opposite the table, on the south side, stood the Menorah, or the golden lampstand.
“Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. 32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. 33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 35 One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. 36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold. 37 “Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. 38 Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold. 39 A talent[a] of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories. 40 See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. ( Exodus 25: 31-40 ).
The Altar of Incense
Finally, just before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, there was the golden altar of incense.( Exodus 30: 1-10 )
Through these detailed descriptions, the Tabernacle served as a sacred space where the presence of God dwelt among His people, and its construction and furnishing were meticulously orchestrated according to divine commandments.
“According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.” ( Exodus 25:9 )
INAUGURATION OF THE TABERNACLE: A DIVINE ORDINATION
According to biblical chronology, the Tabernacle, also known as the “tent of meeting,” was erected in the wilderness at Mount Sinai in the year 1512 B.C.E. ( Exodus: 35 to Exodus: 40 )
This sacred structure was meticulously assembled, along with its furnishings and utensils, on the first day of the first month, known as Abib or Nisan.
So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year. ( Exodus 40:17 )
The installation of the priesthood, directed by Jehovah through the mediator Moses, commenced on the same day, spanning a comprehensive seven-day period of consecration ceremonies.
“Do for Aaron and his sons everything I have commanded you, taking seven days to ordain them. 36 Sacrifice a bull each day as a sin offering to make atonement. Purify the altar by making atonement for it, and anoint it to consecrate it. 37 For seven days make atonement for the altar and consecrate it. Then the altar will be most holy, and whatever touches it will be holy. ( Exodus 29: 35-37 )
On the eighth day, the priests assumed their official duties, marking the commencement of their sacred service within the Tabernacle.
“Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the tent of meeting and wash them with water. 13 Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest. 14 Bring his sons and dress them in tunics. 15 Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue throughout their generations.” ( Exodus 40: 12-15 )
Finally, Exodus 40 reveals the culmination of this consecration period and the beginning of official priestly duties:
When Moses set up the Tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts. ( Exodus 40:18)
THE STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE TABERNACLE
The Tabernacle, as meticulously detailed in Exodus chapters 25–27 and 35–40, stands as a profound symbol of divine presence and the covenantal relationship between God and His chosen people, the Israelites.
The Inner Sanctum: The Holy of Holies
At the heart of the Tabernacle lies the Holy of Holies, a sacred inner chamber housing the Ark of the Covenant. ( Exodus 25: 10-22 )
A sacred chest overlaid with gold and adorned with cherubim symbolises God’s presence among His people.
“There I will meet with you, and I will speak with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.” ( Exodus 25:22 )
The Outer Chamber: Furnishings and Rituals
Plans for the Lampstand
Adjacent to the Holy of Holies stands the outer chamber, adorned with symbolic furnishings essential to Israelite worship. (Exodus 25: 31-40)
Plans for the Table
The construction of the golden lampstand, or menorah, with its six branches illuminating the space in front of it.
“Then make a table of acacia wood, 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 27 inches high.[a] 24 Overlay it with pure gold and run a gold molding around the edge. 25 Decorate it with a 3-inch border[b] all around, and run a gold molding along the border. 26 Make four gold rings for the table and attach them at the four corners next to the four legs. 27 Attach the rings near the border to hold the poles that are used to carry the table. 28 Make these poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. 29 Make special containers of pure gold for the table—bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars—to be used in pouring out liquid offerings. 30 Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before me at all times. ( Exodus 25: 23-30 )
Plans for the Incense Altar
Here it outlines the creation of the table for the showbread, upon which the sacred loaves are to be placed continually before the Lord. Furthermore, the golden altar of incense, where fragrant offerings are to be burned perpetually. ( Exodus 30: 1-10 )
The Enclosure: Surrounding the Sacred Space
Beyond the inner chambers lies the enclosure of the Tabernacle, encompassing the sacrificial altar and a bronze laver for priestly purification. The construction of the copper altar, where burnt offerings are to be presented to the Lord.
“Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits[a] high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide. 2 Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze. 3 Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans. 4 Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network. 5 Put it under the ledge of the altar so that it is halfway up the altar. 6 Make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. 7 The poles are to be inserted into the rings so they will be on two sides of the altar when it is carried. 8 Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain. ( Exodus 27: 1-8 )
Additionally, the fashioning of the bronze laver, filled with water for the priests to wash before entering the Tabernacle, ensured ceremonial purity.
Then the LORD said to Moses, 18 “Make a bronze basin, with its bronze stand, for washing. Place it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 19 Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it. 20 Whenever they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD, 21 they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.” ( Exodus 30: 17-21 )
The Priestly Garments and Ordinances
Complementing the sacred space of the Tabernacle are the vestments and rituals ordained for the priesthood. Exodus 28 provides detailed instructions for crafting the ephod garment, breastplate, robe, and other attire worn by the priests during their ministerial duties. Exodus 29 delineates the consecration rituals for both the priests and the altar, emphasizing the sanctity of their service before the Lord.
The Portable Sanctuary
As the Israelites journeyed through the desert and later during the conquest of Canaan, the Tabernacle served as a portable dwelling for the divine presence among the people. Its construction consisted of both a tent-like structure and a wooden enclosure, adorned with curtains made of blue, purple, and scarlet fabric.
Exodus 26 The Tabernacle comprised a rectangular perimeter fence, fashioned from fabric, supported by poles, and secured with staked cords. This enclosure was erected whenever the Israelite tribes camped, with its orientation consistently toward the east, as the east side lacked frames. At the centre of this fenced area stood the sanctuary, also rectangular, draped with curtains made of goat hair and featuring a roof.
Exodus 27 Through this portable sanctuary, the Israelites experienced a tangible connection with the divine, as the Tabernacle served as a focal point for communal worship and spiritual communion. Its structure, designed for mobility and practicality, underscored the transient nature of the Israelites’ journey and the enduring presence of God amidst their wanderings.
“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. ( Exodus 25:8 )
The Sanctum Sanctorum
Past the curtain lay the innermost sanctum, known as the Kodesh Hakedashim or the Holy of Holies, a cube-shaped chamber of profound significance. Within this sacred space rested the Ark of the Covenant, containing the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, as well as a golden urn holding the manna and Aaron’s rod that had budded and produced ripe almonds.
Moses said to Aaron, “Get a jar and fill it with two quarts of manna. Then put it in a sacred place before the LORD to preserve it for all future generations.” 34 Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded Moses. He eventually placed it in the Ark of the Covenant—in front of the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant
( Exodus 16: 33–34 )( Numbers 17: 1–11 )
( Deuteronomy 10: 1–5 )
The presence of the Ark, housing these sacred relics, symbolized the covenantal relationship between God and His people, serving as a tangible reminder of His divine commandments and provision throughout their journey. The Holy of Holies thus stood as the most revered space within the Tabernacle, a place where the presence of God dwelled among His chosen people, guiding and sustaining them through their trials and triumphs.
A tabernacle was set up. In its first room were the lampstand and the table with its consecrated bread; this was called the Holy Place. 3 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, 4 which had the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. This ark contained the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant. 5 Above the ark were the cherubim of the Glory, overshadowing the atonement cover. But we cannot discuss these things in detail now. ( Hebrews 9: 2–5 )
Tachash
The term “Tachash” holds a unique place in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in its references to coverings. It is referred to 15 times in the Hebrew Bible
The Tabernacle Builders
Bezalel, supported by Oholiab, guides a group of proficient craftsmen in fashioning the Tabernacle and its holy articles. ( Exodus 31 )
Selected for their divine insight and mastery, they painstakingly fashion each element, demonstrating a deep respect for the divine presence. This underscores the importance of blending expertise and collaboration to fulfil sacred duties.
The Central Positioning of the Tabernacle in Israel’s Camp
The Tabernacle occupied a central position within the camp of Israel. Surrounding it were the families of the tribe of Levi, tasked with its care and maintenance. The layout of the camp positioned the priestly family of Aaron to the east, the Kohathites to the south (from which Aaron’s family was chosen for the priesthood), the Gershonites to the west, and the Merarites to the north. Beyond these were the other twelve tribes, each positioned in designated areas around the Tabernacle. This arrangement ensured that the Tabernacle remained the focal point of the camp, easily identifiable from any location due to the cloud by day and the fire by night, which hovered over the Most Holy where the ark of the covenant resided.
In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.
( Exodus 40: 36-38 )
TRANSPORTATION OF THE TABERNACLE: A SACRED PROCESSION
In the movement of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, detailed instructions were provided in the Book of Numbers. The priests were responsible for covering the holy utensils, after which the Kohathites carried the ark of the covenant, table of showbread, lampstand, and altars on their shoulders, walking. ( Numbers 4: 4-15 )
But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible. ( Numbers 7:9 )
The Gershonites, equipped with two wagons, were tasked with transporting the tent cloths, tabernacle coverings, courtyard hangings, screens, related tent cords, and certain service utensils.
“This is the service of the Gershonite clans in their carrying and their other work: 25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, that is, the tent of meeting, its covering and its outer covering of durable leather, the curtains for the entrance to the tent of meeting, 26 the curtains of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard, the ropes and all the equipment used in the service of the tent. The Gershonites are to do all that needs to be done with these things. ( Numbers 4: 24-26 )
He gave two carts and four oxen to the Gershonites, as their work required, But Moses did not give any to the Kohathites, because they were to carry on their shoulders the holy things, for which they were responsible
( Numbers 7:7 )
Meanwhile, the Merarites, utilizing four wagons, were entrusted with the heavier components, including panel frames, pillars, socket pedestals, tent pins, and cords.
“Count the Merarites by their clans and families. 30 Count all the men from thirty to fifty years of age who come to serve in the work at the tent of meeting. 31 As part of all their service at the tent, they are to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts and bases, 32 as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, ropes, all their equipment and everything related to their use. Assign to each man the specific things he is to carry. ( Numbers 4: 29-32 )
and he gave four carts and eight oxen to the Merarites, as their work required. They were all under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. ( Numbers 7:8 )
This meticulous division of labour ensured the safe and reverent transport of each component of the Tabernacle, maintaining its sanctity throughout the journey
THE TABERNACLE’S JOURNEY THROUGH ISRAEL’S HISTORY
Following Israel’s crossing of the Jordan River into the Promised Land, the Tabernacle found a temporary home at Gilgal.
On the tenth day of the first month the people went up from the Jordan and camped at Gilgal on the eastern border of Jericho. ( Joshua 4:19 )
Subsequently, it was relocated to Shiloh during the period of land division.
The whole assembly of the Israelites gathered at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there. The country was brought under their control, ( Joshua 18:1 )
where it remained for years.
Year after year this man went up from his town to worship and sacrifice to the LORD Almighty at Shiloh, where Hophni and Phinehas, the two sons of Eli, were priests of the LORD. (1 Samuel 1:3)
(1 Samuel 24)
before being moved to Nob.
David went to Nob, to Ahimelek the priest. Ahimelek trembled when he met him, and asked, “Why are you alone? Why is no one with you?” 2 David answered Ahimelek the priest, “The king sent me on a mission and said to me, ‘No one is to know anything about the mission I am sending you on.’ As for my men, I have told them to meet me at a certain place. 3 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever you can find.” 4 But the priest answered David, “I don’t have any ordinary bread on hand; however, there is some consecrated bread here—provided the men have kept themselves from women.” 5 David replied, “Indeed women have been kept from us, as usual whenever I set out. The men’s bodies are holy even on missions that are not holy. How much more so today!” 6 So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the LORD and replaced by hot bread on the day it was taken away. ( 1 Samuel 21: 1-6 ).
Later, it was established at Gibeon.
The tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were at that time on the high place at Gibeon. ( 1 Chronicles 21:29 )
During David’s reign, the Ark of the Covenant was moved to Zion, but the Tabernacle had not housed it for many years. Nevertheless, sacrifices continued to be offered at the Tabernacle in Gibeon, referred to as “the great high place.
The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. ( 1 Kings 3:4 )
After the construction of Solomon’s temple, the Tabernacle was transported to Jerusalem and seemingly stored there.
and they brought up the ark of the LORD and the tent of meeting and all the sacred furnishings in it. The priests and Levites carried them up, ( 1 Kings 8:4 )
and they brought up the ark and the tent of meeting and all the sacred furnishings in it. The Levitical priests carried them up ( 2 Chronicles 5:5 )
This historical trajectory of the Tabernacle illustrates its significance as the central place of worship throughout various stages of Israel’s history, from the wilderness wanderings to the establishment of the kingdom and the construction of the temple.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ANIMAL SACRIFICES IN THE OLD TESTAMENT TABERNACLE
In the Old Testament, God instituted a system of animal sacrifices to convey the seriousness of sin and the necessity of atonement. These sacrifices served as a poignant reminder that sin has grave consequences and can only be remedied through the shedding of blood. God required individuals to offer sacrifices to lay their hands upon the animal, symbolizing that it represented them. The act of sacrificing involved killing the animal, typically by cutting its throat with a sharp knife, underscoring the gravity of sin. Only certain “clean” land animals were permitted for sacrifice, including oxen, sheep, and goats. Additionally, doves or young pigeons were allowed for those who could not afford larger animals.
Oxen or Cattle:
Leviticus 1:3: “If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to
offer a male without defect. You must present it at the entrance to the
tent of the meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord.”
Sheep:
Leviticus 1:10: “If the offering is a burnt offering from the flock, from
either the sheep or the goats, you are to offer a male without defect.”
Goats:
Leviticus 1:10: “If the offering is a burnt offering from the flock, from
either the sheep or the goats, you are to offer a male without defect.”
Doves or Young Pigeons:
Leviticus 1:14: “‘If the offering to the Lord is a burnt offering of birds,
you are to offer a dove or a young pigeon.”
The importance of blood in atonement was emphasized by God, who explained to Moses that the life of a creature is in its blood, and that
blood was given to make atonement for sin.
For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar;
it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. ( Leviticus 17:11 )
Furthermore, the sacrificial animals had to be unblemished, representing the offering of the best from the herds and flocks. Deformed or sick animals were not acceptable for sacrifice.
THE OFFERINGS
The call to bring sacred offerings reflects a fundamental principle. The act of giving is an expression of devotion and gratitude. In this context, the offerings are not coerced but are to be made willingly by those whose hearts are moved to participate. It underscores the voluntary nature of worship and the sincerity of one’s faith. The list of offerings encompasses a diverse array of materials, each with symbolic significance. Gold, silver, and bronze represent wealth and prosperity, while blue, purple, and scarlet thread signify royalty and majesty.
Fine linen and goat hair denotes purity and humility, while tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather speak of protection and covering. Acacia wood symbolizes endurance and strength, and olive oil signifies illumination and anointing. Spices evoke the fragrant essence of worship, and gemstones embody the beauty and preciousness of God’s presence.
Purpose Of The Offerings:
Atonement:
“For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” ( Leviticus 17:11 )
“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22)
Worship and Gratitude:
“When you sacrifice a thank offering to the Lord, sacrifice it in such a way that it will be accepted on your behalf.”
( Leviticus 22:29 )
“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.” ( Psalm 50:14 )Community and Fellowship:
“Tell the whole community of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man is to take a lamb for his family, one for each household… The animals you choose must be year-old males without defect, and you may take them from the sheep or the goats.”
( Exodus 12: 3-4 )
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” ( 1 Corinthians 10: 16-17 )Sanctification:
“So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests.” ( Exodus 29:44 )
“This is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood… In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
( Hebrews 9: 18-22 )
THE TYPES OF OFFERINGS THAT WERE PRESCRIBED IN LEVITICUS, EACH SERVING A SPECIFIC PURPOSE:
Burnt Offerings: ( Leviticus 1: 3-17 )
Here it outlines the procedures for burnt offering These offerings symbolized complete surrender and dedication to God. They were entirely consumed by fire on the altar, signifying the worshipper’s desire for atonement and reconciliation with God.
Grain Offerings: ( Leviticus 2:1-16 )
It provides instructions for grain offerings. These offerings consisted of flour mixed with oil and frankincense, symbolizing gratitude and acknowledgement of God’s provision. Grain offerings were a gesture of thanksgiving and worship.
Peace Offerings: ( Leviticus 3: 1-17 )
The details of peace offerings symbolized communion and fellowship with God. These offerings were shared between the worshipper and God, as well as with the priests and the worshipper’s family. They celebrated the peace and harmony achieved through their relationship with God.
Sin Offerings: ( Leviticus 4: 1-35 )
Here it explains sin offerings, which were offered for unintentional sins committed by the individual or the community. These offerings served as a means of atonement, purifying the Tabernacle and restoring the broken relationship between God and His people.
Guilt Offerings: ( Leviticus 5:14 ) , ( Leviticus 6:7 )
This outlines guilt offerings, which were made for specific transgressions such as unintentional defilement of sacred objects or deceit against others. Guilt offerings emphasized the importance of restitution and repentance, seeking reconciliation with both God and fellow humans. Additionally, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies and sprinkled the blood of a bull and goat on the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the atonement for the sins of the people. The scapegoat, upon which the sins of the people were symbolically placed, was then released into the wilderness. Despite the meticulous rituals and sacrifices, it’s crucial to recognize that animal sacrifices provided only temporary relief from sin, necessitating repeated offerings. The sprinkling of blood on and around the altar underscored the importance of blood in atonement, serving as a constant reminder of the gravity of sin and the need for reconciliation with God
Message from the Tabernacle to Believers
The journey of the Tabernacle through Israel’s history reflects God’s faithfulness and presence among His people. Just as the Tabernacle provided a place for encounter with God, believers today are reminded of the importance of seeking God’s presence in their lives. Whether in times of wandering or settled in the promised land, the Tabernacle remained a focal point for worship and communion with God. Likewise, believers are encouraged to make space for God in their hearts, to seek His guidance and to commune with Him in every season of life. The Tabernacle’s journey serves as a reminder that God desires to dwell among His people, and believers are called to cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him, seeking His presence above all else