Lesson One

TEXT: Exodus 25:8-9 - And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. [9] According to all that I show you, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments, even so shall you make it.

Never before had a people been so privileged and blessed as the nation of Israel under the wings of the Almighty. Before we get into the construction of the tabernacle let’s consider just a few things the nation had experienced just prior to the construction of God’s “dwelling place.”

They had been chosen to be God's witnesses to the other nations of the earth, testifying to the fact that there is only ONE TRUE and LIVING God. In fact, during the very days Moses had been up on Mount Sinai face to face with God, the Lord had given him the civil and religious laws that were to form Israel as a nation and govern them as a people. To be blunt, these civil and religious laws form the basis for all society today! The very fiber of governments throughout the entire globe is united by these principles. This is just one small way that shows how valuable the Jewish race has been to humanity.

We know from the record of Exodus chapters 19-31 that God had just completed giving Moses three things:

The Instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the place where God's very own presence was to dwell in a very special way upon earth.

Moses had come down from the mountains and shared all with the people, forming them into a nation ruled by law, the laws that had actually been given by God Himself. Now, they were ready to begin their final march to the Promised Land. They were ready to begin their march except for one thing: building the house of God, the TABERNACLE. The Tabernacle was to be the place of God's presence where He would dwell and guide His people in a very special way during their wilderness journeys. The building of the Tabernacle was to be one of the most joyful and momentous occasions in the history of Israel.

The Tabernacle was the WORSHIP CENTER of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and wilderness journeys. The wilderness wanderings lasted from the day of Israel's liberation from slavery over to the day Israel's entrance into the Promised Land. The Tabernacle was actually a large, beautiful, portable tent, built so it could be easily pitched and taken down.

1. The Tabernacle was the worship center of Israel for a long, long time: more than 500 years from MOSES to DAVID - until Solomon's TEMPLE was built

a. Some 37 entire chapters discuss the Tabernacle: 13 chapters in the book of Exodus discuss the Tabernacle and its priesthood.

b. Some 18 chapters of Leviticus discuss the sacrificial system of the Tabernacle.

d. In the New Testament, the Tabernacle is discussed in detail in four of the 13 chapters in the book of Hebrews - 30% of the entire book.

The Tabernacle was full of symbols, types, pictures, and shadows that point to spiritual truths for the believer. The symbolism of the Tabernacle is significant, very significant. However in looking at symbolic meanings, we must allow the Bible to speak for itself and allow "scripture to interpret scripture." The Holy Spirit is our guide, just as He was the guide in the construction of this magnificent building.

4. God's Holy Sprit Inspired Moses To Write Everything Down That God's People Would Need In Order To Know How God Wanted To Be Approached And Worshipped.

The Tabernacle and its priesthood were teaching tools for more than 500 years. Israel had to settle for an imperfect Tabernacle that was made with human hands. The believer today has a much better perspective of our redemption that was spelled out in the Tabernacle. The spiritual has come to fulfill the natural. We are no longer limited to the mere shadow of the Tabernacle and its priesthood; we have the reality of the Tabernacle's message - the very Person to whom the Tabernacle pointed - THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Redeemer of the World.

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

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 showed to thee in the mount.

Hebrews 9:23-24 - 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:

Hebrews 9:28 - 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.

Hebrews 10:1-5 - 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. [2] For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. [3] But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. [4] For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. [5] Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:

Hebrews 10:9-12 - Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. [10] By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. [11] And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: [12] But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;

§ The Tabernacle symbolizes or pictures the Christian believer, the person who TRULY follows God

John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The Tabernacle was a worship center in which God dwelt, and the Tabernacle stood as a witness to the world. So does the church. God's presence and witness dwell within the church in two ways:

· God's Spirit dwells among believers - within the presence of believers - when two or three of them gather together:

Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

1 Cor. 3:16 - Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Ephes. 2:20 - And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

1 Cor. 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? [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

The Tabernacle was the dwelling place for God's presence upon earth, standing as a strong witness to the Lord. The believer, his body - is the very TEMPLE OF GOD, the sanctuary and dwelling place for the presence and witness of God upon earth.

John 17:23 - I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 Cor. 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? [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

2 Cor. 6:16 - And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Col. 1:27 - To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Col. 3:3 - For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Stephen Oxford says this about the Tabernacles' relation to the believer and vice versa:

· The Body - Corresponds to the OUTER COURT; it the outer and visible part of our personality. (Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 1:7,9)

· The Soul - Corresponds to the HOLY PLACE; it's the part of our personality that enjoys fellowship with other believers, worships, eating at the table, walking in the light, and interceding in prayer.

· The Spirit - Corresponds to the HOLIES OF HOLIES; it's the believer’s deepest hidden life, the individual and personal communion of one sheltered under the BLOOD (John 4:23; Romans 1:9); it is the place of spiritual victory.

"As such the Tabernacle speaks of the whole ministry of the New Testament Christian," according to Oxford.

The purpose of the tabernacle had TWO main purposes and several other smaller ones. Its short-term purpose was to build God a sanctuary where God might be worshipped and be able to live among the people.

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

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.

The long-term purpose of the Tabernacle was to arouse God's people to look at the promised MESSIAH. The promised MESSIAH would come and fulfill every picture of the Tabernacle within HIMSELF. Through the life of Jesus Christ, God's people would no longer have to settle for a pattern made with human hands. Jesus Christ is the true Tabernacle who came to "tabernacle" among HIS PEOPLE! That word tabernacle can mean, “camp out,” “dwell,” “stay,” “commune,” “inhabit,” and “be in union with.” All those things speak to us of the relationship between the believer and our Lord.

John 1:14 - And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 1:1-3 - God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, [2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; [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;

God made a dwelling place for man when He created the earth. The details of creation are contained in Genesis 1 and 2. Mankind marvels at the creation. But the most striking and riveting mystery in all of scripture perhaps is how a Sovereign Creator, a Supreme Being, could lead a group of slaves to construct a building to where GOD HIMSELF could dwell among the people. A wealth of knowledge, truth and revelation about God lies in this study. The Tabernacle is a mere shadow of our Redeemer and a picture of the type of dwelling place God wants US to be FOR HIM. We are the New Testament Tabernacle of the Lord.

God has forever wanted to dwell among His people. This is revealed in the typical dwelling place in the Old Testament and consummated in the New. There is a progressive revelation of the dwelling places for God in Scripture:

· God dwelt with man before the entrance of sin in Eden's dwelling or tabernacle. God walked and talked with Adam in this Garden (Genesis 3:8, 24)

· God walked and talked with Noah and the patriarchs in their times (Genesis 6:9). God appeared to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Gen. 17:1; 26:24 and 35:1)

· God dwelt with man in the TABERNACLE OF MOSES (our study and Exodus 25:8, 22). He dwelt with redeemed Israel.

· God gave further revelation and truth in His dwelling under King David in the TABERNACLE OF DAVID 17:1-6 and Acts 15:15-18)

· God's fullest and most perfect revelation was in the person of JESUS CHRIST. He is the FULLNESS of the Godhead Bodily. He is God in human form. He is THE TABERNACLE and THE TEMPLE. He was the WORD made flesh who DWELT (lit. tabernacles) among us, and we BEHELD HIS GLORY. God was IN CHRIST. (2 Cor. 5:18-19)

· God now dwells in the tabernacle or dwelling place of the Church. He dwells individually in each believer’s heart and corporately in the Church as a body. (2 Cor. 5:1; Ephesians 3:17 and 2 Peter 1:13-14; 1 Timothy 3:15; John 14:23; 1 Peter 2:5; 2 Corinthians 6:15-18; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and Ephesians 2:20-24)

· The ultimate revelation of the dwelling place of God is seen in the revelation of the FOURSQUARE CITY of GOD. This is the New Jerusalem. "The Tabernacle of God is with MEN, and He will DWELL with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." (Revelation 21:3, See Hebrews 8:2, 5; 9:11, 24; Revelation 11:19; 21:1-3)

Rev. 21:1-3 - And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. [2] And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

So God has dwelt WITH MEN, AMONGST MEN, and today, IN MEN. Fellowship with God and man is necessary to fulfill God's purpose and plan in redemption. (In the beginning (Genesis) we see God coming down to earth to dwell and fellowship with Man eternally) God desires fellowship with man, and yet God can only dwell with man on His own grounds and His own terms. That is, Divine holiness having dealt with man's sinfulness: "Be ye holy, as I am holy," (Lev. 11:44, 1 Peter 1:15-16)

In the Old Testament we see that there were many different names by which the Tabernacle of Moses was called. Each of these names brings out its own particular aspect of the truth, even as the various names for the New Testament Church speak different aspects of the Church. This Tabernacle was called:

· The Tabernacle (Exodus 25:9) - The word tabernacle simply means "tent" or "dwelling place." This tabernacle was to be the dwelling place of the Most High.

· The Sanctuary - (Exodus 25:8) - The word "sanctuary" means "a holy place" or "place set apart." This Tabernacle was to be a place set apart for the habitation of a holy God.

· The Tent of Testimony or Witness (Numbers 9:15; 17:7; 18:2; Exodus 25:22 and 26:33-34) - The Tabernacle received this title because it contained the Ark of the Covenant which contained the Tables of the Law. The Tables of the Law were called the "testimony of a holy God." They were His moral standard for redeemed Israel.

· The House of God - (Exodus 24:26, Deuteronomy 23:18; Joshua 9:23; Judges 18:31) - This was God's hosue in which He was to be Lord.

· The Tent of the Congregation - (Exodus 40:34-35) - This was to be the place where the congregation gathered together at the door for festival days and worship. Even as they gathered unto the door of the Tabernacle, so today we gather to THE DOOR, the Lord Jesus Christ, who declared, "I am the DOOR." (John 10:1-10)

There were seven particular requirements necessary for the building of the Sanctuary of the Lord in the Old Testament. The dwelling place of God was to be built:

Exodus 25:2 - Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that gives it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.

The Spirit of Giving came upon the Israelites in thankfulness to the Lord who had delivered them out of the House of Bondage in Egypt through the blood of the Passover Lamb. This is the kind of offering in which God is interested - FREE WILL. It is interesting to notice when the Children of Israel got all this material to build the sanctuary. They got it from the Egyptians themselves. This was a direct fulfillment of prophecy given to Abraham years before that Israel would come out with great substance:

Genesis 15:12-16 - And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. [13] And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; [14] And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. [15] And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age. [16] But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.

These blessings that the people receive from the hands of the Egyptians were not received to make the people rich, but they were given to them to be given back to the Lord. There came a time to give and the people responded. The same principle works today.

Exodus 35:21 - And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. 26 - And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats' hair.

Exodus 36:2 - And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

The people were stirred up about the building of the Lord's Sanctuary. That is how we today should also conduct ourselves as believers when it pertains to the building of God’s house today. We should ask the Lord to stir our spirits up to be as close to Him and as LIKE HIM as we can possibly be.

Isaiah 64:7 - And there is none that calleth upon thy name, that stirred up himself to take hold of thee: for thou hast hid thy face from us, and hast consumed us, because of our iniquities.

2 Tim. 1:16 - The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

Exodus 35:5 - Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,

Exodus 35:21-22 - And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. [22] And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.

Exodus 35:29 - The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses.

Exodus 25:1-2 - And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, [2] Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.

The Lord is looking for someone who has a willing heart to give and do His will. It is the only type offering and pledge, or tithe, He really accepts. Motives are everything. The Lord wanted His house built up by a people who were WILLING to bring their offerings to Him.

Exodus 36:3 - And they received of Moses the entire offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.

A study of Exodus 35 and 36 reveals the word "heart" or "hearted" is used at least 12 times. The people gave these offerings freely as a heart response to the goodness of the Lord. It is the condition of the heart that counts before the Lord. (Psalms 51:10,12, 17 and Mark 7:6)

Exodus 36:1-8 - Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded. [2] And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: [3] And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning. [4] And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; - [5] And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. [6] And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. [7] For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much. [8] And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them.

Exodus 35:10,25 - And every wise hearted among you shall come, and make all that the Lord hath commanded;
25 - And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen.

The Tabernacle was built by the wisdom of God through Moses. The Temple was later built by the wisdom of God through Solomon (1 Kings 3:12-13). And likewise the New Testament Church will only be built by the wisdom of God:

Proverbs 1:1-6 - The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; [2] To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; [3] To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; [4] To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. [5] A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: [6] To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Proverbs 9:1 - Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars:

1 Cor. 3:9-11 - For we are laborers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. [10] According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. [11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Eph. 1:14-18 - Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
[15] Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, [16] Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; [17] That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: [18] The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

It is important to understand that even though Moses was learned in all the wisdom of Egypt-world, he depended on the wisdom of God alone for the building of God's Sanctuary (Acts 7:22). The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.

Acts 7:22 - And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

1 Cor. 1:18-25 - For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us, which are saved, it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. [20] Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? [21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. [22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: [23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; [24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. [25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Proverbs said Wisdom has built the house out of seven pillars. Those seven pillars are the foundations of our faith:

Exodus 36:1-3 - Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded. [2] And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: [3] And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.

The equipping and enabling of the Holy Spirit upon men built the Tabernacle. The New Testament Church must be built accordingly. We are now living the Dispensation or Age of the Holy Spirit. More than ever before it is necessary for God's people to be totally available to and dependent upon the ministrations of the Spirit of God (1 Cor. 12:1-13 and Galatians 5:16-26). This is the way in which God accomplishes His work among men.

Zech. 4:6 - 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.

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 showed to thee in the mount.

A study of Exodus 39-40 reveals that 17 times we are told that Moses built the Tabernacle "as the Lord commanded Moses." In addition, at least seven times in other places he is told to make all things according to God's pattern. Nothing was left to the mind or imagination of man. Everything was to be made according to God's pattern. God can only bless and seal with glory that which is done according to the standard of His Word. The N.T. Church must be built according to the pattern of God. That pattern may not be the same for each church but we must find out by the Spirit what the will of God is for our churches and lives and walk in that pattern!

Moses gave COMPLETE obedience to the instructions and revelation of the Sanctuary. He fulfilled God's Word to him to the LETTER. As a result we have the following PROGRESSION in Moses' experience:

There were primarily TWO individuals in the construction of the Tabernacle. The first man was BEZALEEL. He was a man filled with wisdom, understanding and knowledge. He was a skilled workman. He was a man filled with the Spirit of God with a vision of God's plan in his heart. In his very name we see that the hand of God was upon this man's life. Whenever God calls a person by name it is always significant to a spiritual truth. Divinely given names are significant of the nature of the individual. This principle is set forth in Hebrews 7:2 in the case of Melchezidek:

Hebrews 7:2 - To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

God says of Bezaleel, "See, I have called by NAME Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of JUDAH. (Exodus 31:2)

Exodus 31:2 - See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

Bezaleel means, "in the shadow of God" or "God is my protection." (cp. Isaiah 49:1-2) The name "Uri" means "light" or "splendor" and calls to mind that Jesus was to be the Brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of His person (Hebrews 1:3)

Isaiah 49:1-2 - Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The Lord hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name. [2] And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me;

Hebrews 1:1-3 - God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, [2] Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; [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;

The name "Hur" means "noble, whiteness or free." We remember that Jesus was anointed to set people free. He was the TRUTH, and knowing the TRUTH is able to set men free. (Luke 4:16, John 8:32,36). Bezaleel was of the tribe of Judah, which means "praise." Jesus was the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5). He ALONE is worthy to be praised.

As a type of the Holy Spirit, Bezaleel typifies the work of the Holy Spirit to bring us into: LIGHT, SPLENDOR, THE SHADOW OF God's PROTECTION and make our lives "noble" and "whiteness." The Holy Spirit has come to set us free.

The other man involved in the building of the Tabernacle was Aholiab (Exodus 31:6 and 35:34-35). He was also a skilled man who was filled with wisdom. Aholiab was "the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan." Aholiab means "tabernacle or tent of my father." Jesus was that Tabernacle or Temple of His Father (John 1:14 and 2:19-21). Jesus is the one who BUILDS the Tabernacle, which is the CHURCH for His Father. The Church becomes a habitation of God by the Spirit of God. (Eph.2:20-22). The name Ahisamach means "brother of support" pointing to the ministry of the Holy Spirit who is called to be our support and helper (John 14:26 and 15:26). Aholiab was of the tribe of DAN, which means, "judge." This also speaks of one aspect of the Spirit's ministry. He is to reprove, or JUDGE, the world of sin, righteousness and JUDGMENT.

1 Cor. 2:15 - But he that is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

As a type of the Holy Spirit Aholiab has come to help us and comfort us. His work in us is to convict us of sin. When we judge ourselves, we will not be judged by the world. When a person matures in the things of the SPIRIT, he JUDGES all things, yet he is not judged of any one. In other words, the Spirit of God will keep us out of condemnation.

Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

GOD HIMSELF was the Divine Architect. Moses, Bezaleel and Aholiab built to the Divine Pattern.

The Tabernacle And The Revelation Of The Cross

In Israel there were 12 tribes at the time of construction of the Tabernacle. These 12 tribes were divided into four groups in regard to their positioning around the Tabernacle. Each group of three Tribes had their own particular standard under which they encamped. The four groupings were as follows:

· On the EAST side under the standard of the LION were positioned the Tribes of Judah, Issachar and Zebulon. (Numbers 2:3-9) These armies totaled 186,000 individuals and comprised the largest of the groups:

· On the WEST side of the Tabernacle under the standard of the OX were the three tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh and Benjamin (Numbers 2:18-24). This was the smallest group of tribes involving 108,100 people:

· On the NORTH side the Tribes of Dan, Asher and Naphtali camped under the standard of the EAGLE (Numbers 2:25-31). This camp was comprised of 157,000 individuals.

· On the SOUTH side Tribes of Rueben, Simeon and Gad on the SOUTH side of the Tabernacle under the standard of the MAN. The individuals that total this group almost equal the number of the group on the NORTH, 151,450

The Tribes arranged on the NORTH, SOUTH, EAST, WEST with the Tabernacle in the midst form a heavenly view of a CROSS one would see if looking at the camp from above. The New Testament fulfillment is that God's camp of HIS SAINTS around the world is seen in relation to each other and in relation to JESUS CHRIST ON THE CROSS!

I want to hammer that point home here. There are many voices in the Body of Christ today telling us we should “move on” or “go beyond” the cross. Neighbor when we move away from the cross we backslide! The coming apostasy will be a movement of the church away from its foundational message – that man is a sinner who stands condemned before God without hope unless man repents and embraces the cross of Christ. Any other message than that is “another gospel,” that embraces “another Jesus,” and is empowered by “another spirit.” The Tabernacle rebukes all such foolishness. It’s central message – even in the way it was organized in the wilderness is that God’s prescribed order of our walk with Him starts and ENDS with the cross of Christ!

Everything we have today as believers – be it salvation, baptism in the Holy Spirit, miracles, gifts of the Spirit, fruit of the Spirit, wisdom, knowledge, etc. all come through the HOLY SPIRIT. The Holy Spirit is here today to do one thing – to fulfill the FINISHED work of Christ on the cross in our hearts and lives. The Holy Spirit does not work any other way! He WILL not work in any other circumstance and there are no exceptions to that rule!

This is Divine Order. Just as God had order then, He has order now in the Church.

The principle of the Cross is the foundational block of all Christianity. It must be maintained for full blessing. All we have comes through Calvary. The Holy Spirit comes through Calvary. Healing comes through Calvary. Deliverance comes through Calvary. Victory comes through Calvary. Our redemption comes through Calvary. To state it again - the Holy Spirit’s work in our New Testament tabernacles is to bring the experience of the CROSS into our daily lives so that Jesus Christ can live through us and in us as we seek His glory to bring hope to a lost and dying world.

WE DIE AT THE CROSS just as Jesus died on the cross. As Jesus was buried in that tomb so too must WE BE BURIED with Him in that tomb. As He was raised the third day over the powers of darkness, death and hell, so too have we been RAISED up with Him over those powers. But before we can be raised over the powers of darkness – we must DIE! We must DIE. God help us to DIE. God help us to be obedient “even unto death,” to Your will today. God help us make the reality of YOUR SON’S DEATH on the CROSS a reality in our lives so that HIS LIFE can live through us! Praise God, Praise God.

Galatians 6:14 - But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

1 Cor. 2:1-2 - And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellence of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. [2] For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

Col. 2:15 - And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Further confirmation of the "Cross" principal is that it is seen in the Divine placing of the furniture in the Tabernacle itself. God gave express instructions as to the position of the FURNITURE. Divine arrangement is seen throughout the whole of the structure and enclosure.

· The ARK of the Covenant was placed at the HEAD in the MOST HOLY PLACE, or the HOLY OF HOLIES, the Holiest of All

· The STAVES were left in the rings. Hence the ARK was placed with the Staves running NORTH and SOUTH.

3. It was spoken of as being before the Mercy Seat. (Ex. 30:6). This would place the Incense Altar in line with the Ark of the Covenant, or at the "Heart" of the Tabernacle (Ex. 40:22)

· The SHOWBREAD TABLE was placed on the NORTH side of the Tabernacle (Ex. 40:22)

· The GOLDEN CANDLESTICK was placed on the SOUTH side of the Tabernacle. (Ex. 40:24). It is specifically placed opposite the Table. Both were in the Holy Place. Thus Candlestick and Table were opposite each other. (Ex. 26:35)

· Coming out to the OUTER COURT we find that the BRAZEN ALTAR was placed before the DOOR. (Ex. 40:6, 29) That is, at the "FOOT," the beginning of man's approach to God. Then the BRAZEN LAVER was placed in the OUTER COURT "between the tent of the tabernacle" and the Brazen Altar. (Ex. 40:7). Thus in line with the Brazen Altar

· Though Scripture does not expressly state all in their position, yet it can be seen that if a straight line is drawn from the Ark of the Covenant, passing through the Incense Altar, and through the Brazen Laver to the Brazen Altar, and then another straight line is drawn from the Golden Candlestick across to the Table of Showbread, the revelation of the Cross is beheld in the positioning of the furnishings.

Evidence thus shows the furniture in the form of a CROSS! The Divine message is clear: All of God's dwelling with His people is upon the basis of the work of the CROSS, which is in CHRIST JESUS.

1 Cor. 1:17-18 - For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. - [18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us, which are saved, it is the power of God.

Galatians 5:11 - And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Col. 2:14 - Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.

Col. 1:20 - And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Hebrews 12:2 - Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Eph. 2:14-16 - For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; [15] Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; [16] And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

Philip. 2:8 - And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

The chapters in the Book of Exodus dealing with the complete revelation and construction of the Tabernacle are as follows:

· Exodus 25-31 - In this section we have the actual REVELATION of the Tabernacle to Moses in the Mount closing with the giving of the Ten Commandments on the Two Tables of Stone

· Exodus 32-34 - Here we find the Golden Calf erected and the idolatry of Israel followed by the judgment of God. This closes with the intercession of Moses and the second giving of the Ten Commandments on the second Tables of Stone

· Exodus 35-40 - The final section includes the actual construction of the Tabernacle and closes with the placement of the Ten Commandments and the Ark of God. When all is done after the pattern the Glory of God fills the Sanctuary.

We offer the following chart to summarize the accounts of the revelation and construction of the Tabernacle pieces:

Passage	Revelation	Construction
1. Offerings and material commanded to be brought	Exodus 25:1-9	Exodus 35:4-29
2. The Ark and the Mercy Seat	Ex. 25:10-23	Ex. 37:1-9
3. The Table of Shewbread	Ex. 25:23-30	37:10-16
4. The Golden Lampstand or Candlestick	Ex. 25:31-40	37:17-24
5. The Curtains and the Coverings	Ex. 26:1-14	36:8-19
6. The Boards, Bars and Sockets	Ex. 26:15-30	36:20-34
7. The Veil	Ex. 26:31-35	36:35-36
8. The Tabernacle Door	Ex. 26:36-37	36:37-38
9. The Brazen Altar	Ex. 27:1-9	38:1-7
10. The Court, Pillars, Sockets, Pins and Cords	Ex. 27:9-19	38:9-20
11. The Oil for the Candlestick	Ex. 27:20-21	39:27
12. The Priests' Garments	Ex. 28	39:1-32
13. The Consecration of the Priests	Ex. 29	Lev. 8:1-36
14. The Golden Altar of Incense	Ex. 30:1-10	37:25-28
15. The Soul-Atonement Money	Ex. 30:11-16	38:21-31
16. The Brazen Laver	Ex. 30:17-21	38:8
17. The Holy Anointing Oil	Ex. 30:22-23	37:29
18. The Incense	Ex. 30:34-38	37:39
19. The Builders	Ex. 31:1-11	35:30-36:7
20. Furniture Inspected by Moses		39:33-49
21. The Glory of God Fills the Sanctuary		Exodus 40

Our God is a sovereign ruler of the universe, and when He tells us that "all these things happened to them for an example" to us, he means ALL THINGS! Every detail of the Tabernacle speaks some truth to the end of this age we live in today. The time it took to construct the Tabernacle holds an important revelation as well. It is a prophetic shadowing of what was to take place 1500 years later in the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ.

When we correspond Exodus 19:1 and Number 9:1 with tradition in Jewish history, we find that the Tabernacle took about NINE MONTHS to complete. After nine months it became the habitation of God. In the Lord Jesus Christ, the Word which dwelt among us, was in the womb of the Virgin Mary for NINE MONTHS:

Hebrews 10:5-8 - Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou would not, but a body hast thou prepared me: [6] In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. [7] Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. [8] Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither had pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;

As the Tabernacle took nine months to complete, so did the incarnation. So did the BIRTH of the nation of ISRAEL take nine months - the number of months usually involved in BIRTHING in the natural. That's how beautiful this picture of the tabernacle is. The WORD and the SPIRIT built the Tabernacle of Moses. The SPIRIT AND THE WORD has built the tabernacle of the New Testament believer today.

The Tabernacle of Moses was simply a portable tent with various curtains and coverings over a wooden structure. It had three apartments or places to it. The scriptures refers to each of these as

· The Holy Place contained: The Golden Altar of Incense; The Table of Shewbread; The Golden Candlestick

The message of the tabernacle is graphically illustrated with one simple word - the WAY. It is God's appearance or approach to man in grace or Man's approach to God in faith. As man comes to God, he must begin at the Gate, accept the Blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ. From there on he progresses step by step, line upon line, until he comes to the ultimate, the full of Glory of God as seen in the Most Holy Place.

God first comes in Grace to man. Without this Grace, no man would be able to stand in the presence of a THRICE HOLY God who is sinless. Sinful man would be stricken dead on the spot. In this present study we will be following the second approach. We begin where God began. This is the order of Sovereign Grace. God coming out from His Throne in Heaven to meet the sinner in redeeming love.

· From the Brazen Altar to the Ark of the Covenant - Man's Approach - Faith

· From the Ark of the Covenant to the Brazen Altar - God's Approach - Grace

The entire revelation of the Bible is God's plan of redemption. God's plan of redemption is always God ward to Man ward. The Tabernacle is a picture of God's plan of salvation to man. It is illustrated in seven main ways:

Jesus said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate...because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life. (Matthew 7:13-14)

2 Cor. 5:19-21 - To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. [20] Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. [21] For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

John 13:10 - Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
John 15:3 - Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.

John 8:12 - Then spoke Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

John 6:35 - And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

The Way of Intercession - THE ALTAR OF WORSHIP or INCENSE;

Hebrews 13:15 - By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

The Way of Communion - THE ARK OF THE COVENANT;

1 John 1:3 - That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

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