Exodus 25:1-40; Exodus 26:1-37; Exodus 27:1-21; Exodus 28:1-43; Exodus 29:1-46; Exodus 30:1-38; Exodus 31:1-18; Exodus 32:1-35; Exodus 33:1-23; Exodus 34:1-35; Exodus 35:1-35; Exodus 36:1-38; Exodus 37:1-29; Exodus 38:1-31; Exodus 39:1-43; Exodus 40:1-38III. The Sacerdotal Section of the Book-The Tabernacle and Matters of Worship (Exodus 25-40) The Tabernacle-Its Structure and Teaching The importance of the Tabernacle is seen by recalling that while but two chapters are given to the account of the creation of the world, sixteen are given to the construction of the Tabernacle. Too many people see in the Tabernacle something purely Jewish only, instead of seeing therein a wonderful picture of our redemption. While it is but a shadow of heavenly things and but a figure of the true, it is nevertheless a faithful representation of the realities of our redemption. If “ all Scripture is profitable,” and if Christ be the theme of the entire Bible, as He is (cf. Luke 24:27; Luke 24:44), then we should expect to find in this structure in the wilderness many lessons concerning Christ. The Purpose of the Tabernacle God had walked with Adam and visited Abraham; now He will dwell with His people in the Tabernacle in the wilderness; then in the temple at Jerusalem; then in Christ who tabernacled among men; now in the church; and finally in the glory (Revelation 21:3). Up to this time Israel had seen God only at a great distance, as dreadful and awful and far removed from the people (Exodus 19:1-25). But it was difficult to worship God at a distance; He must in some way be brought near. Further, the people felt that there was a moral distance between them and God. How could this distance be bridged? How could God be brought near to them? The answer is found in the Tabernacle, “ Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell with them” (Exodus 25:8). The Tabernacle was God’ s house upon the earth-there, within that enclosure, was the presence of the King of kings and the Lord of lords. God Was the Architect of the Tabernacle Moses was simply the builder. The smallest detail was planned by God. So the whole plan of redemption originated with God (1 Corinthians 2:6-9). Even the skill to carry out the plans was of God (Exodus 35:30-34, cf. Philippians 2:12-13). It is worthy of note that Bezaleel was of Judah, the first of the tribes, while Aholiab was of Dan, the last of the tribes in line. Thus we have an illustration of the first and the last. So was it with Peter, the first, and Paul, last of all (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:8). Just as God was the architect of the Tabernacle, so was He similarly related to the body of Christ (Psalms 40:6-8, cf. Hebrews 10:4-9). He is also the creator of the resurrection body of His people (2 Corinthians 5:1). What minute care God showed in the construction of His Tabernacle; even the placing of a pin was not left to man’ s wisdom. God Himself supplied the necessary genius and skill (Exodus 35:30; Exodus 35:34). The Tabernacle a Type of Christ (Psalms 29:9) It was prepared by God (Hebrews 10:5-10) and was God’ s dwelling place among men . The epistle to the Hebrews was written for the purpose of showing that Christ is the fulfillment of the entire Levitical economy as represented by the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle not Necessarily a Pattern for Christian Church and Worship Indeed the epistle to the Hebrews lays special emphasis on the contrast between the two. There seems to be no identity. The one is carnal and earthly, the other spiritual and heavenly. Of course, there are certain fundamental truths and principles-such as “ without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins” -which are true of both covenants. These underlying truths and principles remain; their ceremonial aspects pass away. The General Appearance of the Tabernacle At first sight and in outward appearance probably crude and homely, certainly not attractive. The commonest covering was on the outside; underneath lay the purple, scarlet, fine linen, gold. These were seen from the inside only. Is not this like Christ and Christianity? Both must be seen from the inside (experienced) in order to be fully appreciated (cf. Isaiah 53:4-5). Christianity, like the stained glass windows of a cathedral, must be seen from the inside to be understood and appreciated. Method of its Structure It is interesting to note that in giving directions God began with the inside of the Tabernacle itself-the Holy of Holies, although in the actual construction Moses began (probably) with the court of the Tabernacle. Religion must begin first within the heart. So was it with Christ of whom the Tabernacle is a type. He came from the bosom of the Father down to man. In our approach to God we have first the brazen altar, and then the Ark of the Covenant, symbolic of the very presence of God. Christ is not our example, until He is first received into the heart as Savior-faith comes before works.