The Tabernacle 

Psalms 50:5 Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

The tabernacle was a mobile sanctuary of worship the Israelites used as they were traversing the wilderness on their way to the promised land. It was God's way of gathering his people unto him. The holiest part of this sanctuary was within the tent where the ark of the covenant was held. God's spirit literally dwelled with them in this tent. 

Exodus 25:8 And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

God's instructions on how to construct the sanctuary is told to us in Exodus. These passages are filled with figurative language, metaphoric symbolism, and hold prophetic implications. It can appear as somewhat dry reading at first glance with the seemingly tedious level of detail, but virtually every detail holds spiritual significance. We are going to attempt to uncover a few of these details below.

Exodus 26:14 And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins.

Exodus 26:31 And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made

The outside of the tent was bland. It was grey, uncolored, and nothing special to look at. But inside it was glorious, colorful, furnished with gold, with beautiful purple, blue, and scarlet curtains, and filled with the spirit of God. Normal, plain outside. Glory of God within. If we look back to the passover, we can see that the skin of rams dyed red symbolizes the blood sacrifice required for God's wrath to pass over his faithful. Badgers skins represent a humble outward appearance. Rams skin dyed red represents sacrificial blood. Gold represents Deity. Blue represents the sky (heaven). Purple represents royalty. Scarlet represents blood. The spirit of God is housed in this temple. 

Colossians 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

All of these details are a foreshadowing. The use of foreshadow in the bible implies that the author knows what is going to happen in the future. If events in Exodus were used to foreshadow others hundreds of years down the line, this becomes one of the strongest pieces of evidence we have proving that God is the author. 

66 different books, 40 authors, spanning roughly 2500 years (post flood), and thousands more before then. Yet, the message is united throughout. Every chapter, teaching, genealogy, and event, weaves together seamlessly. The future is told generations in advance. The only possible way this can be is if the book was divinely inspired, created outside of our time construct...written 100% by man and 100% by God. 

Hebrews 10:1 For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.

This verse points us back to the Passover, indicating that the laws set fourth by Moses and God in the Torah (first 5 books of the Old Testament), specifically regarding the passover feast celebration, held a deeper meaning. These instructions were an outline of things that were to come in the future. The coming of the messiah (Jesus) unto Jerusalem and his sacrifice paralleled the same timeline, preparation, and fulfillment, of the very details spelled out in this ancient Old Testament holiday (see our Passover study for more detail).

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.

Hebrews 8:5 also directs us to examine the "pattern" God showed Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle. As the biblical narrative advances, the tabernacle evolves from a mobile into a permanent structure, which becomes the Temple of Jerusalem. Not only does the tabernacle in the wilderness foreshadow the coming of the messiah, but it also foreshadows the construction of the first temple that was built by Solomon. The temple is a critical character in God's narrative. It is the way God communicates with us. It's a place of worship, a house of prayer, the house of God, and the gathering place of his saints. It is the medium that connects our physical reality to the spiritual, an open line of communication with the creator. 

1 Kings 5:8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message that you have sent to me. I am ready to do all you desire in the matter of cedar and cypress timber."

First Kings describes the construction of the first temple which proceeds from the designs of the tabernacle sanctuary. This emphasizes that the construction of the tabernacle was a blueprint for God's future planning. Each time the tabernacle or temple is brought up in your reading, pay especially close attention. These cycles of construction, destruction, and rebuilding, all hold spiritual significance in God's plan and timeline. We will break down the figurative meaning of the temple(s) in a separate study, but for now let's focus specifically on the tabernacle, using this as springboard to deepen our overall understanding. 

2 Kings 25:1 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.

9 And he burnt the house of the Lord, and the king's house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man's house burnt he with fire.

Historically, the spirit of the Lord would dwell in a physical tabernacle, within the holy of holies. As time progressed, this method of interaction developed from a mobile sanctuary in the wilderness to a fixed location in the temple of Jerusalem. But this led to some problems, for instance, what if the temple were to be destroyed? Where then, would God's spirit dwell, and how would his people fellowship with him? It turns out the temple was destroyed, twice (the first time by King Nebuchadnezzar above). All of these events are spelled out in God's word and were predicted by his prophets. The destruction of the temple was to be expected, each time, according to plan. God already had a solution in place, ready to be released thousands of years in advance. His name is Jesus Christ. 

Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell

Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

God's spirit was not going to be confined to one specific location forever. How could it? For those who love God, the children of Abraham and gentiles grafted in by faith, would spread far and wide across the planet earth. His presence could not be limited to Jerusalem. 

The plan began with Jesus. The spirit of God transitioned from dwelling in a man-made ark, to dwelling within his only begotten son, born of a virgin (see Isaiah 7:14), using his very body as a holy temple. Jesus Christ became the tabernacle for God's sprit to dwell in fullness. 

Notice the tent in the original tabernacle. The outside was plain. It was not colorful. It was covered in badger skins, appearing completely ordinary. Now compare this to Jesus. He was an ordinary man. Nothing about him looked special at all. He was a humble servant. He was poor. But that tent, which appeared ordinary on the outside, contained the glory of God within. Jesus Christ, ordinary on the outside, had the fullness of God dwelling within him. 

The second layer of the tent was made of ram skins, dyed red. Ram skins point us to the passover sacrifice, while the color red points to blood. A lamb, without blemish, had to be sacrificed during the passover, and its blood had to be placed on both doorposts and on the top lintel to allow God's wrath to passover. Jesus Christ was a man, without sin. His death was the only sacrifice that could take away our sins forever. Only his perfect blood was worthy to cover our imperfections. 

The curtains within the tabernacle were purple, blue, and scarlet. Purple is the color for royalty. The symbol for the tribe of Judah was a Lion, which represents a King. David was the first archetype King of Judah, and Jesus followed from his line, as the true Lion, King of Judah. Blue represents the sky, or heaven. Jesus came from God in heaven. He was God's only begotten son, the living word made flesh. Scarlet emphasizes the blood. The ark within the tabernacle was wood, symbolizing humanity, and salvation, and it was encrusted with gold, representing Deity. Jesus was Man and God. 

The tabernacle had an ordinary outside, it had to be sacrificed (destroyed), it contained the King, Heaven, God, within. Jesus Christ was an ordinary man on the outside. He had to be sacrificed. Within, he was the King of the universe, from heaven, our living God in the flesh. 

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Many different patterns can be identified in the bible, and we can see one emerging here. This pattern can be expounded on beyond this example, but the basic form is as follows; A is to B, as B is to C. The tabernacle is to Jesus Christ, as Jesus Christ is to the Christian. The verse above tells us that the believer in Jesus, literally becomes a holy temple of the Holy Spirit. We become living tabernacles for our God. 

Let's take a quick step back and behold what is being revealed to us here.......We've evolved from God dwelling in a tent in the wilderness, to a permanent fixed structure laden with gold and riches, designed flawlessly...to the destruction of that beautiful temple, which transitions to God literally coming into the flesh, and sacrificing himself so that he could share his holy spirit with us. Through faith in Jesus, God allows us to become a living temple containing his holy spirit. Your body is a temple.

Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Just as Christ was not beautiful and glorified on the outside, neither is Christian life. Being a dedicated Christian is not easy...in fact, every day is a battle. We are at war with our flesh constantly. We do not belong in this world, as this world is full of sin. As we traverse and we do succumb to sin, we are filled with guilt. We have to abide by rules, we need to be disciplined, and we are commissioned to bring as many people to Christ as we can. People may look at the true believer as crazy, but we know the truth. We have been born of the spirit. We have been baptized in fire. This cannot be discerned by the eye of our fellow man, but it is a visceral change and spiritual  transformation that occurs in the heart of a Christian. 

While appearing difficult on the outside, inside we are filled with hope. We are filled with love. We know that Christ is God, we know that his word is truth, and we know that he is love. He sacrificed his perfect self, so that we might be saved. We know that there is life beyond death, and we can look forward to this. Life on earth is fleeting. Christ gives us true purpose. Outside, unappealing. Inside, glorified. Just like the tabernacle. 

Numbers 2:2 Every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father's house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch.

3 And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.

10 On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies: and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur.

18 On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies: and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud.

25 The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies: and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai.

In the book of numbers, we see exactly how the tribes were ordered to camp around the holy site. The 12 tribes were broken down into 4 main camps; the camp of Judah to the east, the camp of Ephraim to the west, Dan to the North, and Reuben to the south. We see that each camp had their own "standard" which was their representative flag, and that each standard held the symbol of their fathers house. 

Before the bible (or Torah) was mass produced, the ancient hebrews and rabbis would share the word of God and their religious customs through oral tradition. As we read these ancient texts we have to understand that there were cultural norms from that time period we may not pick up on, but were widely understood by the people of that time. These ensigns are not explicitly detailed in the book of numbers, but through researching the oral commentaries, and using other biblical passages, we can understand what these symbols were. 

Each of the 12 tribes had their own individual signs and symbols which can be seen here, but when the twelve were organized into four larger camps, each camp also had its own symbol. The standard of Judah to the east was represented by a Lion. The standard of Ephraim to the west was represented by an Ox. The standard of Reuben to the south was represented by a Man. And the standard of Dan to the north was represented by an Eagle. Four camps. Four directions (N, S, E, W). Jacob, the father of Israel, had four wives, and 12 children (4 camps, 12 tribes). And there are four creatures represented within the cherubim. All of these details have a deeper figurative meaning. 

Ezekiel 1:10 As for the likeness of their faces, they four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side: and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four also had the face of an eagle.

We can see that the four creatures within the cherubim are reflective of the four camps surrounding the tabernacle. The ark of the covenant featured two cherubim (one on each side of the structure), covering it with their wings, with their faces facing the floor. Because the cherubim are engraved on the ark, this draws a direct connection between these verses in Ezekiel to the tabernacle. 

The cherubim, which covered the throne of God, were made up of an Ox, Man, Eagle, and a Lion, into one creature. The 4 camps of Israel, which surrounded the tabernacle (temple of God), were represented by the same four symbols, forming one nation. The Ox represents a lowly servant and strength. The Eagle represents the highest heavenly being and judgment. The Lion represents righteousness and a King. And Man represents the highest earthly being and God's most prized creation. 

Revelation 4:7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.

The four different creatures and the four camps of Israel were foreshadowing the characteristics of the coming messiah. They represented the four characteristics of God and of Jesus. 

The story of Jesus Christ was told to the world in the four synoptic gospels; Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each biblical account presented the characteristics of Jesus from a different light. In the book of Matthew, Jesus is presented as a King. In Mark, he's presented as the suffering servant. In Luke, he is presented as the Son of Man. In John, he is presented as the Son of God. Jesus was both King and Servant. He was both Man and God. 

The gospel of Matthew, The tribe Judah, The Lion, The King of Israel. 

The gospel of Mark, The tribe of Ephraim, The Ox, The suffering servant of God. 

The gospel of Luke, The tribe of Reuben, The Man, The Son of Man. 

The gospel of John, The tribe of Dan, The Eagle, The Son of God. 

Four gospels, four creatures of the cherubim, four tribes, four cardinal directions, four wives of Jacob, four characteristics of Jesus. These four symbols merge into One God, One Nation, One Creature, One Father, and One Body. All of these symbols are interconnected, and all of them point us to Jesus. Just as these symbols point to the cross, so too does the physical arrangement of the camp.

Numbers 2:9 All that were numbered in the camp of Judah were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand and six thousand and four hundred, throughout their armies. These shall first set forth.

16 All that were numbered in the camp of Reuben were an hundred thousand and fifty and one thousand and four hundred and fifty, throughout their armies. And they shall set forth in the second rank.

24 All that were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were an hundred thousand and eight thousand and an hundred, throughout their armies. And they shall go forward in the third rank.

31 All they that were numbered in the camp of Dan were an hundred thousand and fifty and seven thousand and six hundred. They shall go hindmost with their standards.

The tribe of Judah (Lion) camped to the East and consisted of 186,400 people. The tribe of Reuben (Man) camped to the South and consisted of 151,450 people. The tribe of Ephraim (Ox) camped to the West and consisted of 108,100 people. The tribe of Dan (Eagle) camped to the North and consisted of 157,600. At the very center of this encampment was the tabernacle, and the holy of holies. And the tribe of Levi, the Levites, encamped around all four sides of the tabernacle, effectively shielding the nation of Israel from God. 

Imagine for a second that you're God and you are looking down onto this campsite from above, from a birds eye view. If each camp was spread out according to its cardinal direction, proportionate to the number of people within their camps, the campsite would form a cross. The nation of Israel, as they were in the wilderness camping around the tabernacle of God, physically arranged in one body, formed a giant cross. 

The East, represented the base of the cross, having the most people, covering the most distance. The West represented the top of the cross, having the least people, covering the shortest distance. The North and South, represented a relatively equal distance, and equal population of people. In the context of a crucifixion, the head would rest on the West, the legs and feet would be nailed on the base to the east, and the hands would be nailed to the North and South, respectively, at a relatively equal distance apart. But that's not all...

Exodus 40:8 And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.

As the construction of the tabernacle is described here, we see that there was only one gate designed in the blueprint. Every time a gate is mentioned, it's called "the court gate" or "the gate". It's never a north gate or south gate or west gate. There is never a reference to multiple "gates". The verse above is an example of this and proves that there was only one gate that was directed to be built.

Ezekiel 10:19 And the cherubims lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight: when they went out, the wheels also were beside them, and every one stood at the door of the east gate of the Lord's house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

In the tabernacle, the cherubim cover the throne of God (the ark of the covenant). In the book of Ezekiel, this prophet is granted the incredible vision of seeing God's actual throne room in heaven. This vision reveals that the cherubims were all situated at the east gate of the Lord's house, and the glory of God was over them from above. The glory of God shone over the cherubim from above. The cherubim represent the 4 characteristics of Jesus Christ (King, Servant, Man, God). The glory of God shone over Jesus from above. Notice also that the one gate was situated at the east. 

Ezekiel 43:4 And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east.

The glory of the Lord enters by the way of the gate, whose prospect is toward the east. This validates every detail of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The glory of God enters the camp from the east. There's only one way, one gate, one entrance into the tabernacle. Now which tribe is camped towards the east? Which camp did the glory of God enter through? 

Revelation 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

The tribe of Judah is the camp that is stationed to the east of the tabernacle. King David comes from the Tribe of Judah. Jesus' mother Mary came from the line of David. Jesus is the Lion of Judah. He is the King of Kings. Just as the glory of God physically enters into the tabernacle from the east gate (the only entrance), so too does the glory of God enter into the world through Jesus Christ. There is only one entrance into the camp. One gate. One way. The glory of God enters through the tribe of Judah. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only way into the temple of God. 

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.

Every detail of the tabernacle in the wilderness points to Jesus. So far we have explored the tent and the details of it's construction, the significance of the tabernacle transitioning into a fixed temple, the symbolism of the different colored curtains, the meaning of the different ensigns of the 4 tribes in connection with the cherubim, the structure of the camp forming a cross, the gate to the east foreshadowing the only entrance for God's glory, and how all of these elements have figurative and prophetic implications foreshadowing the messiah (Jesus Christ) to come. But we're not done yet! Now, we're going to take a look at the brazen altar and lavern, the table of shewbread, and the candlesticks (or lamp stand depending on your Bible version). 

Exodus 38:1 And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

6 And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.

8 And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

The brazen alter is the place where sacrifices were made and then burnt for a sweet aroma to The Lord. We can see in verse 8, when one entered through the east gate, the brazen alter is the first thing that they would see. 

Leviticus 1:9 But his inwards and his legs shall he wash in water: and the priest shall burn all on the altar, to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord.

In the hebraic tradition, every single person had to bring a sacrifice to the brazen alter. No matter their political position, or their supposed level of holiness, every individual was required to bring fourth a sacrifice. This was the only way that anyone could approach God. The sacrifice represented the individual at the altar. It took the place of the human being as a symbolic representation of their sin debt. The slain animal would become their substitute or "scapegoat". But, the problem with this tradition is that an animal could never actually take away a person's sin. Only God can take away sin. The animal only covered the sins of the individual momentarily during this ritual. 

Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

At this point we have established that the Tabernacle housed the spirit of God, which was a foreshadow of when His spirit would dwell within Jesus Christ. Seeing how the layout of the tabernacle points to Jesus, implies that the brazen alter points us to the instrument of His sacrifice. As the animals were sacrificed at the brazen alter, Jesus was sacrificed on the cross. As the sacrificial offerings were burnt, they made a sweet and savory aroma unto the Lord. The sacrifice of Jesus was also a sweet savor unto the Lord. The crucifixion was not a tragedy, but an incredible achievement of prophetic fulfillment. The alter points us to the cross. But what is the purpose of all this sacrifice? Why did so many animals have to die, and why did the most righteous person to have ever walked the earth have to be killed? 

Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God

The law of Moses, the 10 commandments, were not given to "save" us. In fact the 10 commandments condemn us. No human being can keep these laws perfectly and if we violate God's word, we commit sin. Our God is perfect and Holy. If we sin against him, the reward is death. Therefore, unless there is another way...unless there was a new covenant or new system put in place, we would all be condemned to death. Even the most righteous human being on the planet, who may be generous and kind, and may be a great person by comparison to others...is not righteous by God. 

We are not being judged on a relative basis to each other. We are judged by the standard of God, by a standard of perfect holiness. As the verse above in Isaiah states, our human righteousness is as clean as filthy rags (the term filthy rags is a reference to used women's hygiene products...). I think that about sums up our potential to "earn" our own salvation. We can't. I repeat, we cannot earn our own salvation. Any religion or individual that tells you otherwise is a liar. All have sinned. All fall short of the glory God. All need the blood of Jesus Christ to take away their sins. Otherwise, who else will? 

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: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

The system of sacrifice exists because God values his creation of Man over all other creations. We are the only animal blessed (or cursed) with the gift of knowledge, reason, and consciousness. God does not want a bunch of mindless robots to worship him on command. How boring would that be? He wants his most prized creation to worship him out of pure love, and out of an individuals free will to do so. Our worship and praise of the one true God is but a microscopic reflection of the deep love he has for us. Every breath, every second we have to be alive is a statistical impossibility. The only reason any of us have the gift of life is because it was given to us by our creator. By the one and only Life Giver. 

His creation was hijacked and corrupted by Satan. Through Satan's corruption of Eve, sin had entered into the world, and it is now something that all of us have to battle against. Because God did not want his prized creation to be eternally condemned, he sacrificed two animals and covered them with their skins. If you remember, Adam and Eve originally tried to cover themselves with fig leaves, but fig leaves were not an adequate cover for their sin because there was no blood spilt for their atonement. Life of the flesh is in the blood. It is blood that makes atonement for the soul, and without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins. 

Philippians 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith

Faith in Christ is the overriding force that pulls the unsaved individual out of their condemnation and into righteousness, through His perfection. His sacrifice covers our sin, as God covered the sins of Adam and Eve. Only God himself can take away our sins through this sacrificial method. Bulls and goats were never the actual solution. They were only a forecast of the true sacrifice to come. The true passover of God's wrath/judgment comes from the blood of His Lamb, Jesus. 

Exodus 29:4 And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

Leviticus 8:6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.

Exodus 30:18-21 Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

19 For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:

20 When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the Lord:

21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

Here we find that the foot of the altar (also made of brass) was effectively a water basin used for cleansing before the priest would begin these spiritual rituals. It's evident that the washing of ones-self with water was a critical step in the process-if they did not wash themselves, they would die. The hands and the feet had to be washed with water before anyone could approach the Lord. 

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 

Titus shows us that the ceremonial washing with water represents a spiritual washing by the Holy Spirit. This washing with water, or with spirit, creates a regeneration, and a renewing. The greek word for "regeneration" in the verse above is "paliggenesia" which translates to new birth, renewal, recreation, or regeneration. The washing of ones-self in the water is representative of us being washed in the Holy Spirit. Unless one is born again they cannot see the kingdom of God. Through our faith in Jesus we can receive the Holy Spirit, and with a washing away of our filth, and purification of our spirits, our souls can then approach God.  

Ezekiel 36:25  Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Notice these verses above in the book of Ezekiel. This OT prophet shows us that the sprinkling of clean water, echoed in Leviticus and Exodus in the tabernacle ceremonies, cleanses us of our sins. When we are washed, we are given a new heart and a new spirit. We are converted from having a heart of stone to a heart of flesh. God literally puts his spirit within us! If we do not receive the spirit of God, we cannot fellowship with him beyond this life. The ancient texts describing the tabernacle, and the process of washing with water, foreshadow the process of being born again; receiving The Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus.

Ephesians 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

John 17 is one of the most profound chapters in the bible. This chapter records the longest prayer that Jesus makes, and should be a model (one of many) that shows believers how we should go about praying. In this prayer, Jesus asks God the Father to sanctify us with his truth. His word is truth. Ephesians then draws us back to the image of washing our hands and feet in the sanctification process of the tabernacle. Now, this verse tells us that sanctification and cleansing comes with the washing of water, by the word. The Word is what cleanses us. The Gospel is what saves us. The OT description of being washed is a figurative demonstration that we must wash ourselves, not with water, but with the Word of God. The Word is a figure of cleansing water. 

Whats interesting to consider, is that this basin of water at the altar created a reflection. The water was still, so it functioned like a mirror. The priests could look into this basin and see on their body where there was dirt or uncleanliness. Now compare that to the word of God. The word shows us where we have filth in sin. The word shows us how we can spiritually cleanse ourselves, and if we abide by the message, we can become purified. The word of God reveals our filth, just as the basin of water revealed the physical dirt upon the priests. The water cleanses and takes away this dirt before the levite could approach God. The word cleanses our souls and takes away the sins we accumulate in this fallen world. If we do not receive the Word, if we do not receive the Spirit of God, we cannot fellowship with him in heaven. The Word is a figure for the Spirit of God. It is a figure for Jesus Christ. 

Exodus 25:31 And thou shalt make a candlestick of pure gold: of beaten work shall the candlestick be made: his shaft, and his branches, his bowls, his knops, and his flowers, shall be of the same.

32 And six branches shall come out of the sides of it; three branches of the candlestick out of the one side, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side:

33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with a knop and a flower in one branch; and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knop and a flower: so in the six branches that come out of the candlestick.

37 And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it.

The candlesticks reveal even more truth to us. One of the many "I AM" declarations Jesus makes is in the book of John is;

John 8:12 I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Each lamp held one central candle stick which fed oil to the six branches that extended from its center. This central candle represents Jesus as the light of the world. He feeds his sheep, the believers, and gives us the oil from himself. 

Zachariah 4:12 And I answered again, and said unto him, What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil out of themselves?

2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:

3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

14 Then said he, These are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth.

The oil represents the Holy Spirit. God feeds the branches of the candlestick with oil, and the entire lamp then gives light, which represents the church body. Notice in the last verse (Ex 25:37) that the lamps "give light over against it". Jesus is the light of the world which shines upon us. He gives us the oil (Holy Spirit-bringing wisdom, understanding, enlightenment) so that we too may give off light, then shine that light back onto him as the central source, our light being our thanksgiving, praise, and glorification of God. We must always point to Jesus and guide others to him. The candlestick imagery is dense and can be identified throughout the old and new testaments, in the books of Zachariah and Revelation. 

In verse 14 there are two anointed ones who stand by the Lord. These two are represented as olive trees. The olive trees produce and distribute oil to the seven lamps, through the seven pipes. The trees are distributing the Holy Spirit to the church (lamps). (study this deeper)

Revelation 4:5 And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

Revelation 1:20 The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Isaiah 11:2 And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord

Isn't this incredible? God commanded his people to construct these candlesticks and seven lamps thousands of years before the book of revelation was written. By understanding this figurative language and drawing clues from Zachariah, we can see that the oil represents the Word of God. By observing how the central candlestick feeds oil to the branches, turning those branches into lights, this allows us to make the connection to God and Jesus feeding us. 

The OT often presents us with the objective physical demonstration of a deeper spiritual truth. Many of these teachings were used to forecast future events or spiritual truths elsewhere in the bible. Many of the OT prophecies are revealed and fulfilled in the NT. This presents the entire bible as one integrated and cohesive message. With over 40 different writers spanning thousands of years...The only way this can be...the only way this book can be explained is that it must have been influenced from outside of our time construct. It must come from God. 

Exodus 37:15 And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table.

Leviticus 24:2 Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.

4 He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the Lord continually.

5 And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

6 And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the Lord.

8 Every sabbath he shall set it in order before the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant.

Now, lets take a look at the table of shewbread, which was staged right next to the candlesticks. The shewbread was holy bread that God demanded to be kept on his table continually, replaced fresh each sabbath. There were two heaps that were kept on the table, each heap having six loaves of bread. So on the table, we had twelve loaves of bread, indicative of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve disciples of Jesus. 

Deuteronomy 8:3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live.

Bread has a powerful figurative meaning throughout the bible. We can see in the book of Deuteronomy above that bread is compared to the Word of God. God fed the Israelites while they were in the wilderness with bread that he provided from heaven. God's word comes to us from him, in heaven. The example of manna coming from heaven is a poetic picture of God's word coming to us. While bread physically sustains the individual, the word of God spiritually sustains us. The verse above shows us that man cannot live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from God. This creates a figurative connection between bread and the word. God wanted his people to always remember the importance of staying in his word, hence the continual and everlasting practice of placing shewbread on the table (Lev 24:8 above). 

John 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Again, we see that the details laid out in the tabernacle design all point to Jesus. Jesus Christ is the living bread that came from heaven. The manna which came down to feed the Israelites in the wilderness was a foreshadow of Jesus Christ. He is our spiritual food. He is the Word of God made flesh. We must consume the word, feeding ourselves with it continually, the same way we feed our bodies with physical bread. Consuming the Word of God-considering bible passages and studying the scriptures are as critical to our spiritual health as eating food is to our physical health. As men and women of faith, we are in a constant struggle with this fallen world, especially as our flesh is inclined towards sin. Whoever wins the battle between flesh and spirit depends on which part of you is stronger...which one do you feed? 

As a side note-I believe this is why fasting is such a critical component to our spiritual life. If we are feeling down or defeated because of a worldly circumstance, or if we mess up and stumble into sin, abstaining from food can be an effective practice to draw us closer to God (if performed with that intention). During a fast, make sure you focus more on the Lord in prayer and in scriptural study. Use that time to humble yourself and remain appreciative of everything God provides. 

Matthew 26: 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body.

Luke 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Jesus shows us that every time we break bread or drink wine, we should do so in remembrance of him. Thank him for his sacrifice and thank God for his grace upon us. God told the Israelites to continually perform these ceremonies in remembrance of his everlasting covenant with them. We can see that the drink offering (below) and the table of shewbread were both ancient traditions the Hebrews performed for thousands of years preparing for their messiah, preparing for God's spirit to truly dwell in them. These ceremonies were all a foreshadow of the true offering to come. The bread offering was representative of Christ's bodily sacrifice. The wine offering was representative of Christ's blood that he shed for us. 

John 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)

Any organized religion that tells you the bread and wine literally transmutes into flesh and blood are perverting the scriptures. Notice the verses above...John tells us that out of Jesus' belly shall flow rivers of living water. Does he mean this literally? Of course not...the very next verse tells us that he was figuratively comparing rivers of living water to the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus clearly states that these gestures of breaking bread and drinking wine are to be done in remembrance of him. These are figurative symbols of the sacrifice he made for us. Just as Jesus is not literally a "vine" and we are not literally "branches", neither is the bread literally his body, and wine literally his blood. 

The bible is rich with figurative language. It is critically important as believers that we have enough understanding to discern between the truth, and false doctrine. The transubstantiation belief perpetrated by many religions is a lie which promotes the idea of cannibalism and vampirism by definition (consuming human flesh and blood). That is not how Jesus wanted to be remembered. Jesus himself says in Matthew 12:30, "He that is not with me is against me." Teachings like this are against Jesus. We must stay sharp, always, and rebuke these false traditions which can easily be disproved by scripture.

Exodus 37:16 And he made the vessels which were upon the table, his dishes, and his spoons, and his bowls, and his covers to cover withal, of pure gold.

Numbers 28:7 And the drink offering thereof shall be the fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to be poured unto the Lord for a drink offering.

We can assume that the bowls on the table of shewbread were the vessels used to handle and pour the drink offering. In numbers 28, we see that the drink offering was made in the holy place of the tabernacle, and it was to consist of strong wine. The drink offering represents blood spilled in the sacrifice. The shewbread represents Christ's body, which the levitical priests were to consume and replenish, weekly. The bread represents the Word of God which is to be consumed and remembered by us continually. The wine represents the blood which is the payment required to cover our sins, showcased in the drink offering. All of these object teachings spelled out in the design of the tabernacle, revealed in these rituals, were but a foreshadow of God's redemptive plan; the true and only offering that can absolve us of our sins forever. The offering of his Son. The offering of himself in the flesh. God spilled his own blood in order to rescue his greatest creation, Man, from his own sin. 

Exodus 31:7 The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle

8 And the table and his furniture, and the pure candlestick with all his furniture, and the altar of incense,

 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. 

Let us take a final look at the last three pieces of furniture within the tent; the altar of incense, the vail, the mercy seat laid upon the ark of testimony (further detail on the ark can be found here). 

Exodus 30:7 And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.

8 And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.

Every morning and every evening Aaron and the levites were instructed to burn incense for the Lord. The incense came from burning a specific mixture of many spices including frankincense and others. As the substance would burn, it would fill the camp with a nice smell and the smoke would travel from the tabernacle straight up to heaven. The incense is a figurative symbol for our prayers. 

Psalms 141:2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

King David makes this connection for us in his book of Psalms. We see here that his prayer was set fourth before the Lord as incense. Comparing our act of prayer to a sweet smell shows us how important our prayers are to God and how he perceives this act from heaven. When we pray to God, he loves it! It's as if your favorite meal was just cooked in the oven and the smell warms your heart. That's how God feels when we pray to him. 

Psalms 55:17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

God wants us to pray to him every day, perpetually. Our prayers are a sweet smell to him. They travel directly to him just as the smoke from the incense travels directly to heaven. He wants us to pray every morning and every evening, just as the Levites were instructed to burn incense each morning and evening. In fact, David takes this a step further and prays at noon too. 

Revelation 8:3  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.

4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand.

This verse in the book of revelation really brings the point home. The levitical practice of burning the incense is not only a figurative symbol for the prayers of saints, but it's also a foreshadow of this future ceremony that is actually going to take place in heaven as the end times unfold. We see that an angel brings fourth all of our prayers, the prayers of the saints (born again christians), and makes this offering before Jesus right after he breaks open the seventh seal, which initiates the blowing of the seven trumpets. We don't know when this will happen in terms of timing, but what we can do is continue to pray, non-stop, so that we do our part in providing the incense for this ceremony. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Within the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant was located in the holiest room of the tent. The altar of incense, candlesticks, and table of shewbread were located outside of that holiest room. These two rooms were separated by a thick curtain, or vail. 

Before Christ, God's presence would only dwell over the mercy seat, over the ark. Only the High Priest was allowed in this room during the day of atonement (or Yom Kippur), once per year, to burn incense and sprinkle the blood of the sacrificed bull and goat upon the mercy seat. The mercy seat was a covering made of pure gold which rested upon the ark. 

2 Samuel 7:2 That the king said unto Nathan the prophet, See now, I dwell in an house of cedar, but the ark of God dwelleth within curtains.

The ark of God dwelled within these curtains. They held back his presence from the world and protected the people from him. God is too holy for any ordinary man to approach him. If they did, they would die. Only the high priest could approach God during the day of atonement, once per year. If all the preparations for this ceremony were not made perfectly, even the high priest would die. And if anyone touched the ark directly, they would also die, high priest or otherwise. 

Numbers 4:5 And when the camp setteth forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering vail, and cover the ark of testimony with it

Even when the tabernacle was on the move, the ark of the covenant had to be covered with the vail to protect the people from God's presence. 

Approaching the ark was the only way to interact with God during the time of the Old Testament. When the permanent temple was built in Jerusalem, the same directions were followed regarding its construction and the arrangement of the furniture within; the table of shewbread, the ark, the curtains, everything was mirrored in the tabernacle tradition. The curtain/vail continued to shield God's presence within the holiest part of the temple sanctuary just as it did within the mobile tent. 

Matthew 27:50-51 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent

When Jesus Christ was sacrificed for our sins (the ultimate day of atonement) the vail within this holy sanctuary was supernaturally ripped in half. This curtain was massive. It was 60 feet (40 cubits) high, and four inches thick. To rip it would have been a feat in itself...but to find this curtain miraculously torn in two at the moment of Christ's death was no coincidence. This was a sign from God testifying to the significance of Christ's sacrifice. 

The purpose of the curtain was to protect God's people from his holy presence, while still offering his fellowship through the high priest. The only place God would dwell in the OT was within this curtain, over the mercy seat and the ark of the covenant. When the curtain was torn in half, this was a figurative message showing that God's presence was released into the world. With Jesus' sacrifice, the people no longer needed a levitical priest to perform these sacrifices in the physical temple of God. In Christ, our bodies become our temples. And through faith in him, we are able to have fellowship with God. God actually hears our prayers if we are in Christ. If we believe in Jesus, his blood becomes the sacrificial covering for our sins. His blood accounts for all the sins of the world, and is paid for those who believe in him. Through Jesus we can have fellowship with God. He is our high priest. The temple system is no longer relevant. The vail was rent in two. We are now called to be priests in our own life, Jesus being our High Priest. 

1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light

The ark of the covenant was the only piece of furniture in the holiest room of the tent/temple. The mercy seat rested upon the ark as a slab of pure solid gold, covered by the two cherubim. The High Priest was only allowed in this room one day out of the year on the day of atonement. He would enter this room to sprinkle the blood of sacrificed animals on the mercy seat. 

God forgave the sins of all those who offered a blood sacrifice to him. This was how He could remain just and holy while still preserving his chosen people, even though they sinned and should have been condemned. The seat of mercy shows that God continues to extend his mercy to us despite our rebellion against him. 

Exodus 25:22 And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel.

Is there a greater demonstration of love than sacrificing one's self to save another? And as a parent, could you imagine sacrificing one of your own children to save the life of another? That's exactly what God did for us. In order to rescue us from our condemnation in sin, he sent his only begotten son so that the world through him could be saved. Is there any greater possible act of mercy than this? Since the beginning of God's interaction with his chosen people, he wanted his presence to be associated with mercy. This is why he resided above the mercy seat. 

1 John 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

God's presence solely dwelled over the mercy seat. This was the only item in the tabernacle that was made of pure gold. When Jesus walked on earth as a human, God's presence not only dwelled within him, but he also dwelled above him in heaven, just as he dwelled above the mercy seat. Jesus was a sinless man. He was pure. He was the lamb of God, without blemish. Just like the mercy seat, made of pure shining gold. Through faith in Jesus we are able to receive complete and unconditional mercy from our Father in heaven. The mercy seat is where the high priest would sprinkle blood on the day of atonement. This is where the supernatural transference took place from sin to forgiveness so that the people could be reconciled back unto God, and visa versa. 

The Hebrew definition for the word "mercy seat" is "kapporeth" (H3727). The root of the word kapporeth is "kaphar" (H3722) which translates to propitiation, atonement, to cover, to cancel, to cleanse, to forgive, to annul, to pardon, to reconcile. Jesus Christ fits the definition of "mercy seat" or "kaphar" exactly. The blood that Jesus shed for us covers our sins, which cancels our sin debt. Through prayer and repentance and belief in Jesus Christ, the holy spirit enters into our hearts. The holy spirit then cleanses our souls, so that our transgressions are annulled, and we can be pardoned. Because we are pardoned, we can finally be reconciled back onto God the Father-all through the redemptive work of his Son. The definition of the word "kaphar" forecasts, almost step by step, the very mechanics of God's redemptive work through his son Jesus. The Lord's connection to the mercy seat is undeniable. 

John 20:12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

For context, this verse takes place three days after the crucifixion and death of Jesus in the tomb where he was buried. Peter and Simon had just left the tomb believing in Jesus' resurrection (as his body was not there), but Mary Magdalene hung back after they left, and she began to weep. As she was consumed with sorrow, weeping, she looked into the burial chamber and saw two angels; one sitting at the head, one sitting at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Now, look back to Exodus 25 above. God dwelled above the mercy seat from between the two cherubim upon the ark of testimony. Cherubim are high ranking angels always positioned next to God. When Mary Magdalene saw two angels postured on either side of Jesus' burial place, this was a direct parallel to the two cherubim resting on either side of the mercy seat, with Gods presence dwelling between them. Jesus was God in the flesh. The two angels postured at Jesus' head and feet at the moment of his resurrection testified both to his deity and to the figurative connection between him and the mercy seat of the tabernacle. 

Psalm 47:8 God reigneth over the heathen: God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness.

When the high levitical priest performed the annual ritual on the day of atonement, his work was never complete. The priest would have to come back year after year, sacrificing tens of thousands of animals over time, but the work was never truly finished. It's ironic that the mercy seat was called a seat because no one was ever permitted to sit there...until Jesus fulfilled his sacrificial duty. In the verse above we see that only God sat upon the throne of holiness. He sits upon a seat of mercy in heaven. The mercy seat in the tabernacle is a type for God's throne in heaven.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

At the moment of Jesus' death, his final words were "It is finished". Year after year, for thousands of years prior to this moment, the levites had to carry out animal sacrifices on the day of atonement in order to cover the sins of the Israelites. But, their sins were never truly taken away-as the atoning work was never finished. With Jesus, the atonement was finally complete. His sacrifice was the true sacrifice that would take away the sins of mankind forever. 

Hebrews 1:3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high

Sitting down at the right hand of God does not literally mean sitting by his right side. This was a figurative term of endearment. In the Hebrew tradition, to sit at the right hand of the host of a party for example, was to be in the position of high honor. God gives Jesus the highest honor. He gives him power over heaven and earth. When Jesus sits down on the right hand of God, he is claiming his position of authority. He is sitting on the throne of God, in heaven. Once Jesus sat on the mercy seat in heaven, the atonement was finally finished. 

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Jesus Christ was God incarnate in the flesh. Only God has authority over heaven and earth. Only God has the ability to take away the sins of mankind. Only God resided over the mercy seat. Only He could claim his throne. Jesus takes away the sins of mankind. He sits upon the throne of God. He was given power over heaven and earth. Jesus is our high priest that was able to finish the atoning work, sitting on the mercy seat, transferring all of our sins into forgiveness with his own blood.

Revelation 22:1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Revelation 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.

God's throne is called the throne of God and "of the Lamb". Jesus is known as the Lamb of God. In revelation 5:6 we see that Jesus (the Lamb) is located in the midst of the throne. Only God sits upon his throne. Jesus was God incarnate in the flesh. His legacy was scripted in the ancient tabernacle through the construction and representation of each different piece of furniture, all building into the holiest room where the mercy seat and ark of the covenant were located. 

Jesus Christ was God's tabernacle in every way. He was foreshadowed in the wilderness and brought to reality in the flesh. I would attempt to summarize this myself, but God does a much better job of this in chapter nine of Hebrews.

Hebrews 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;

4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.

6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.

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:

8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:

14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.

17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.

19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.

22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;

26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Amen