The Version Of Christ

The Tabernacle's Construction

God provided Moses with specific instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, a mobile sanctuary where His presence would dwell among His people. The chapter emphasizes the significance of creating a space that reflected God's holiness and His desire to be near His people.

1. The Tabernacle Structure

The Tabernacle itself was to be made of ten curtains of fine linen, each adorned with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, reflecting the majesty and purity of God (Exodus 26:1-6).

The curtains were to be joined together with loops and clasps of gold, making it a movable, yet sacred, structure (Exodus 26:7-14).

2. The Framework

The Tabernacle's framework was to be made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold. These wooden frames supported the curtains, and the structure was designed to be portable yet strong, to symbolize the enduring presence of God with His people (Exodus 26:15-30).

3. The Most Holy Place

God specified the dimensions of the Most Holy Place, a sacred room within the Tabernacle where His presence would dwell. The inner sanctum was to be separated by a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn (Exodus 26:31-33). This veil symbolized the barrier between God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness, reminding the people of their need for purification.

4. The Holy of Holies

Inside the Most Holy Place, the Ark of the Covenant would be placed, representing God's throne on earth (Exodus 26:34-37). This space was reserved for God alone, emphasizing His holiness and the need for sanctification to approach Him.

How does the Tabernacle symbolize the holiness and presence of God? What might it mean for us today to create spaces of reverence for God in our own lives?

The Altar of Burnt Offering and Courtyard

In this chapter, God provided further instructions for the Tabernacle's outer features, particularly focusing on the altar of burnt offering and the courtyard.

1. The Altar of Burnt Offering

The altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. It was to be large enough for sacrifices to be made regularly. The sacrifices were a means of atonement for sin, symbolizing the people's need for purification to approach a holy God (Exodus 27:1-8).

2. The Courtyard

A courtyard was to surround the Tabernacle, and it was to be enclosed by curtains made of fine linen. The entrance to the courtyard was to have a gate of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. This courtyard represented the boundary between the holy space of the Tabernacle and the rest of the camp (Exodus 27:9-19).

3. Oil for the Lampstand

God instructed the Israelites to bring pure olive oil to fuel the lampstand inside the Tabernacle, ensuring that the light never went out. This oil symbolized the need for continual spiritual renewal and vigilance before God (Exodus 27:20-21).

What does the altar of burnt offering symbolize in terms of the atonement of sin? How can we apply the concept of continual renewal, like the lampstand, in our own spiritual lives?

The Priestly Garments

God outlined the specific garments for the priests, particularly Aaron and his sons, to wear when serving in the Tabernacle. These garments symbolized their sacred role and the holiness required for service to God.

1. The Ephod

The high priest was to wear an ephod made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It was designed with two onyx stones, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, placed on the shoulders. This ephod symbolized the high priest carrying the people before God (Exodus 28:6-14).

2. The Breastplate

Attached to the ephod was the breastplate, which contained twelve stones, each engraved with the name of a tribe. The breastplate symbolized the priest's role in representing the people before God (Exodus 28:15-21).

3. The Robe and Other Garments

Aaron's robe, made of blue, was to be worn with a tunic, sash, and headpiece. These garments were designed for the priests' service and represented their sanctity before God (Exodus 28:22-39).

The bells and pomegranates on the hem of the robe symbolized the priest's presence before God, and the bells served as a warning to the people that the priest was entering God's presence.

4. Consecration of the Priests

The final section of the chapter details the process of consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. This ceremony involved anointing with oil, sacrifices, and the imposition of hands, signifying the transfer of authority to serve before God (Exodus 28:40-43).

How do the garments of the priests symbolize their role in mediating between God and the people? What does this tell us about the holiness required in serving God?

Consecration of the Priests and the Altar

God continues to provide detailed instructions for the consecration of priests and the altar, emphasizing the sacredness of the role and the importance of purity.

1. Consecration of the Priests

Aaron and his sons were to be washed with water, dressed in holy garments, and anointed with oil to be set apart for God's service. The blood of a bull was used for purification, marking the beginning of their sacred duties (Exodus 29:1-9).

The priests were also to offer sin offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, signifying the dedication of the people to God through sacrifice (Exodus 29:10-28).

2. The Altar and its Consecration

The altar was to be consecrated by Moses, who sprinkled its corners with blood. This act symbolized the purification and sanctification of the altar for God's use (Exodus 29:36-37).

God promised that His presence would dwell in the Tabernacle forever, emphasizing His desire to be among His people (Exodus 29:42-46).

What does the process of consecration reveal about the holiness and sanctity of the priesthood and the altar? How does the act of consecration connect with the idea of being set apart for God's purposes in our own lives?

The Altar of Incense and the Census

This chapter focuses on the altar of incense, the census tax, and the anointing oil, all of which held significant spiritual symbolism.

1. The Altar of Incense

The altar of incense, placed in the Holy Place, was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Aaron was to burn fragrant incense on it every morning and evening, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God (Exodus 30:1-10).

The altar of incense highlighted the importance of ongoing prayer and devotion, serving as a reminder that the people's worship and prayers were an essential part of their relationship with God.

2. The Census Tax

A census was to be taken to count the people of Israel. Each person, regardless of their social status, was required to give a half-shekel as a ransom for their life, emphasizing the cost of redemption and the value of each person (Exodus 30:11-16).

3. The Anointing Oil

God instructed Moses to prepare a sacred anointing oil, made from myrrh, cinnamon, and other spices. This oil was to be used to consecrate the Tabernacle, the altar, the priests, and everything related to the sanctuary. It symbolized the presence of the Holy Spirit and the sanctification of all things dedicated to God (Exodus 30:22-33).

4. The Incense

Lastly, God provided instructions for making the sacred incense, which was to be burned only at the altar of incense. This special blend symbolized holiness and the sweetness of God's presence (Exodus 30:34-38).

What do the altar of incense and the census tax reveal about the role of prayer and personal sacrifice in the life of Israel? How do we view our prayers and offerings in our relationship with God today?

The Holiness and Sacredness of God's Presence

Chapters 26 to 30 of Exodus underscore the importance of purity, sanctity, and holiness in the life of the Israelites. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, the priests, and their consecration demonstrate that God's presence is sacred and should be approached with reverence. The Tabernacle becomes a powerful symbol of God dwelling with His people, guiding them and purifying them for service.

These chapters challenge us to reflect on how we approach God and how we treat what has been set apart for His use. Are we willing to consecrate our hearts and lives for His purposes, just as the priests and the Tabernacle were consecrated to God's purposes