Chapter 2, The Tabernacle
The wilderness tabernacle was a beautiful structure. Viewed from any side, the tabernacle was beautiful. The north, south, and west sides were formed of upright boards, ten cubits high, plated with gold within and without, and kept in position by silver sockets underneath, and by bars overlaid with gold, which passed through golden rings, and extended around the building. (Ex. 26:15-30)
The front, or east end, was enclosed by a curtain "of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer. " (Ex. 36:37) It was hung upon five pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold, and added much to the beauty of the entrance. The rich rainbow tints of the curtain, inwrought with cherubim, which formed the door of the building where God promised to dwell, was a beautiful "shadow" of the entrance to the heavenly sanctuary. Here, with a rainbow of glory encircling His throne, the Father sits, while ten thousand times ten thousand angels pass to and fro at His command. (Rev. 4:2-4; 5:11)
The roof, or covering, of the tabernacle consisted of four curtains of cloth and skins. The inside curtain, like that at the entrance of the tabernacle, was of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, with golden cherubim wrought in it by a cunning embroiderer. (Ex. 26:1) This formed the ceiling, which was a faint representation of the canopy of glory above the throne of God, with the myriads of angels ready to fulfill His commands. (Ezek. 1:28) Over this was a curtain of goats’ hair, above that a covering of rams' skins dyed red, and over all a covering of badgers' skins, all forming a perfect protection from the weather. (Ex. 26:1-14)
The different colors in the coverings, blending with the golden wall and the gorgeous entrance curtain, or veil, as it was called, combined to make a structure of surpassing glory. Over the tabernacle rested the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, which guided the Israelites in all their wanderings. (Ex. 40:38) In the midst of the desert heat there was a cool, refreshing shelter beneath the shade of the cloudy pillar for those who served in the tabernacle or worshiped in its court, while without was the scorching heat of the desert. (Isa. 32:2)
What a beautiful symbol of the covering God spreads over His people in the midst of this wicked world, so that it is possible to dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty One (Psa. 91:1) while in the midst of the turmoil and strife of this wicked world.
At night, when the intense heat abated and darkness covered the desert, then above the holy tabernacle hung the cloud, now a great pillar of fire, “in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” (Ex. 40:38) God’s immediate, visible presence lighted up the entire encampment, so that all could walk safely through the darkness. What an expressive type was thus given of the Christian's walk! There may be no visible light; but when the light of God’s presence surrounds him, his pathway is light. David knew this when he wrote, “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance.” (Psalm 89:15)
The weakest trusting child of God can have the blessed privilege of being guided by the light of God's countenance, safe from the pitfalls of Satan, if he will surrender his heart to God.
Within the golden walls of the tabernacle, priests of divine appointment performed a work representing in types and symbols the plan of redemption. The work of Christ has two distinct phases, one performed in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, the other in the second apartment. He offers salvation free to everyone. Many accept and start out on the Christian pathway. Christ reaches down His infinite arm to encircle and support everyone who calls upon His name, and no power of earth or Satan can force a child of God out of His protecting care. (John 10:28-29) The only way any can be lost is by letting go their hold upon that infinite hand. Like Peter, if they take their gaze from Christ and fix it upon the sea of life, they sink, unless, like him, they cry out, “Lord, save me,” and are rescued by the Savior. (Matt. 14:29-31)
There were two apartments in the sanctuary, or tabernacle. In the first apartment a service was performed daily throughout the year which typified the work of inviting the guests and gathering them to the marriage. On one day at the end of the year a service was performed in the second apartment which typified the work of choosing out from among the many that have accepted the call, those who are worthy of eternal life, as illustrated in the parable by the king examining the guests.
Type: The earthly sanctuary was a shadow of the heavenly sanctuary. Heb. 8:1-5. The earthly sanctuary had two apartments, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. Heb. 9:1-3.
Anti-type: There is a temple in heaven. Rev. 11:19. The heavenly sanctuary also has two apartments. Heb. 9:24 [the Greek hagia, “holy places,” is the plural form]