Secrets of The Tabernacle

Secrets of the Tabernacle
“Speak unto the children of Israel…And let them make me a sanctuary;

that I may dwell among them.” Exodus 25:2, 8
Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 1

INTRODUCTION:
“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary.” Psalms 77:13
O ur sins have separated us from God. Our relationship to God has

been severed. But God in His mercy has provided a way to
restoration. God’s desire has always been to abide in the midst of
His people. God with us. God before us. God behind us. God in us. But
how can this be accomplished by a holy God and sinful people?

God’s thoughts are higher. God’s ways are perfect. Man’s thoughts are
lower. Man’s ways are wicked. God alone provides a path man must
follow. This path leads to restoration, renewal, and relationship.
God in His amazing foreknowledge knew we’d be unable to fulfill His

laws. So the same time He administered His law to the Israelites, He also
constructed a system that would atone for disobedience and redeem man
in right relationship with Him. He does this while abiding with His
people.
God planned restoration. But He did more than plan. He placed Himself
within the plan to bring us unto salvation and ensure His purposes are
performed.
Unlike the gods of pagan nations, the God of Abraham resided in the
midst of His people, guided His people, and cared for His people to show
Himself strong in all the earth. That He alone is God and there is none
equal or greater.
God’s plan for a sanctuary derived from the 3rd heaven where Jesus now
acts as our high priest.
1 What we are saying is this: Christ, whose priesthood we

have just described, is our High Priest and is in heaven
at the place of greatest honor next to God himself.
2 Heministers in the temple in heaven, the true place of
worship built by the Lord and not by human hands.
3 Andsince every high priest is appointed to offer gifts
and sacrifices, Christ must make an offering too.

4 Thesacrifice he offers is far better than those offered
by the earthly priests. (But even so, if he were here on
earth he wouldn’t even be permitted to be a priest
because down here the priests still follow the old Jewish
system of sacrifices.)
5 Their work is connected with a mere earthly model of
the real tabernacle in heaven; for when Moses was
getting ready to build the tabernacle, God warned him
to follow exactly the pattern of the heavenly tabernacle
as shown to him on Mount Sinai.
6 ButChrist, as a Minister in heaven, has been rewarded
with a far more important work than those who serve
under the old laws because the new agreement that he
passes on to us from God contains far more wonderful
promises. Hebrews 8:1-5 TLB Version
God purposed to raise up a kingdom of priests even among the children of

Israel:
“6And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an

holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak
unto the children of Israel.” Exodus 19:6
A holy nation, a kingdom of priests was God’s desire. A heart that compels
God to issue strict instruction with no grace for deviation is a heart that’s
fervent for connection.

God hasn’t changed. This is still God’s passion and in Christ, our reality.
“5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house,

an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices,
acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 9But ye are a chosen
generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar
people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who
hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous
light.” 1 Peter 2:5, 9
The Tabernacle was a physical depiction of a future spiritual reality. It was

a temporary dwelling place. From the Tabernacle of Moses, to the Tent of
David, to the Temple of Solomon, to the Word becoming flesh in the body
of every believer. Did you catch the parallel? The Word is in God. God is
in the Word. It dwelt with us by tabernacle / tent (Father), beside us by
flesh (Jesus), and now in us by spirit (Holy Spirit). From the tent, to flesh,
and to the bodies of all believers (the church). It’s nothing short of
amazing when you think about it.
“16Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that
the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16
Within this study, you’ll uncover rich treasures emanating from the
Tabernacle. Hold on to it. Cherish it. And allow this revelation to send you
on a pursuit to grow closer to the Lord. If you draw nigh to Him, He will
draw nigh to you (James 4:8). Let these truths enrich your life and deepen
your love for our Lord. For He alone is truly worthy of it all.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TABERNACLE:
“My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they
shall be my people.” – Ezekiel 37:27
T he Tabernacle would have been half the size of a football field. The
materials used in constructing the Tabernacle were expensive
(estimating over 100 million dollars today). The Israelites offered the
materials needed to build the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:22-38). Materials
likely deriving from the Egyptians at the time of their exodus in Egypt.

The first thing to note is that the Tabernacle was portable. Everywhere the
children of Israel went, the presence of God went. This was a
foreshadowing of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of us today. As the
Israelites traveled through the wilderness, they had to dismantle and
reassemble it over and over. This symbolizes our continual pursuit in
following God and actively engaging in spiritual growth and personal
relationship. We are on a journey with the Lord. One that doesn’t stop but
continues to grow and deepen with each passing day.
His presence rests in the midst of us. There is no place we can travel
where God is not present. The question though is not will God travel with
us, it’s will we travel with Him? Will we follow Him? Have the pillars of
His word direct us? And pursue with childlike longing His presence His
way? Have we prepared our physical temples (bodies) to meet with Him?
Are we comfortable seeing the altar, but never taking part in it?
Did you know that you possess your very own tabernacle fashioned by
God Himself. Right where you are. In the midst of hurt. In the midst of
pain. In the midst of storms. In the midst of rain. God wants to dwell with
you in your wilderness. He wants to guide you and provide for you. Not
just once in a while or whenever you’ve run out of options but daily. God
doesn’t want you questioning or fearing the future. He knows your end.
He shaped your beginning. And all He wants you to do is trust Him with
it. He won’t let you down. God wants to be the one thing you choose to
live without.
Israel’s Cry
It’s interesting how the Israelites cried out to God in Egypt. Many lived
and died in bondage. They were in bondage for 400 years. I’m sure many
felt abandoned. But God heard their cries and took them from bondage to
freedom. That freedom, however, cost them something. They were no

longer dependent on Egypt for food, land, sustenance, purpose, or
direction. Their identity was different. They were not the same. But God
had to teach them how to live as a new creation. They may have left
Egypt, but Egypt didn’t leave them. Their ways of thinking, their hopes
and desires were still in Egypt while their bodies were headed in the
opposite direction. This means that inside, they were conflicted. Sure,
they obeyed with their bodies, but their hearts didn’t trust that the ways
of the Lord were right for them. But God knew what He was doing
because the time it took to get to the promised land could have been
much shorter.
In fact, God purposely led them in a direction where He could show

Himself strong on their behalf so that they wouldn’t fear and return to
Egypt after being led into the promised land.
“17And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led
them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was
near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war,
and they return to Egypt:” – Exodus 13:17
“18But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the
Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of
Egypt.” – Exodus 13:18
They could not fathom having their physical needs met by an invisible
God especially being surrounded by a culture that fashioned idols with
their bare hands and then looked to these inventions for provision and
protection.
But the wilderness was necessary. It may have been a relief from the harsh
burdens of Egypt but that didn’t mean it was comfortable. They had to
learn a new lifestyle. One that forced them to either move with God or
move without Him and die. In fact, all did die in the wilderness with the
exception Joshua, Caleb and the children of the parents who left Egypt.
Let’s face it. The wilderness is unpredictable. It’s scary and confusing. It
looks like death. That may have been how many saw it (lack, famine,
potential attacks from enemies, potential attack from beasts, etc) because
that’s exactly what it was. God wanted Egypt (the world) and everything it
represented: its ways, its ideas, its gods, its pride, all of it. God wanted it to
die. He wanted it completely separated from His people, as far as east is to
the west. It was only in Egypt’s death, could God give them life – life
funneled through Him.
It’s interesting how the path to God isn’t a spectacular show of gifts,
prestige, better living, “What God has for you is for you”, or the “God has
wonderful things planned for you” mantra. Not that God doesn’t give gifts
because He does. Not that living for God isn’t the better option because it
is. And not that God doesn’t have plans for us because He does. But the
path to God is exactly that. A path to God. Not a path to gifts, better
living, or lifelong plans. That path will look different for each of us. And it
may not pan out the way we imagined. But the path to God will always be
to Him. God is the prize. Jesus is the treasure. And with Jesus comes
everything else. But if our focus towards God is one that have gifts,
purpose, and blessings dangling before our eyes as a treat, then that’s all
we’re ever going to be truly after.
We must get rid of the deception that the decision to follow Jesus is best
because He makes life easier, comfortable, or better. When the disciples
followed Christ, they left convenience. They left routine, and
predictability. They tossed aside their own passions and dreams and
pursued the will of God. Following Jesus isn’t the best option because life
somehow becomes better. It’s the best because it’s the path that leads to
Him. There is no other path that leads to Christ except the one He has
laid out for us to follow. We follow Jesus because we want Jesus not a
better life. But are our lives better because we follow Jesus? Absolutely.
But the emphasis on “my” life is no longer. Now, Christ lives in me and it’s
“our” life. It’s a life toward God with God. And that life no matter what it
looks like is worth living for better or for worse.
But one thing is guaranteed. Death is a part of it. The first thing you
encounter on the path to God is death. A leaving behind of everything you
personally esteem great, glorious, and wonderful. A letting go of what you
think is right, true, holy, and upstanding. A true departure from desires
we all selfishly pursue, traditions we loyally obey, and habits we
desperately long to continue. All these things must die. We leave them
behind as we venture on the path to God. We let them go to receive
something greater. Something the world doesn’t offer or compare to.
Seems strange, doesn’t it? Almost foolish. In God, death is life. Lost is
found. Poor is rich. God creates the foolish things to confound the wise.
Those who profess to have all the answers could never understand the
ways of God. The path to clarity in God is not reasoning. It’s fear. Huh?
How is that? How does fear equate to understanding? That beloved, is of
itself a deep mystery. But it makes sense once we ponder approaching
God. If we reverence God and fear Him enough to take Him seriously,
then we’ve just opened ourselves up to truly understanding His character.
If we fear, then we’ll believe. And if we believe, we’ll trust. And God
reveals secrets to those He can trust. Likewise, the more trust God, the
more we rely and obey Him.
God grants us His wisdom when we become afraid to challenge it. God
will continue to pour into a vessel He can mode. Not a vessel too smart to
accept His truth. But with an attitude that always views Him in the proper
perspective – high up.

Tabernacle Materials
The materials for the tabernacle were given as a free will offering except
the silver – Exodus 38:25-28 (Exodus 25:3 – gold, silver, brass used). So
much was offered that Moses commanded the Israelites to stop.
“5And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than
enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.
6And 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.” – Exodus 36:5-6
The Lord’s dwelling was to be constructed from what was offered by the
people. They were to give willingly. They also could have chosen not to
present an offering.
“1The Lord said to Moses, 2 Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for
me an offering; from every man whose heart makes him willing you shall
receive the offering for me. 3And this is the offering which you shall receive
from them: gold, silver, and bronze, 4blue and purple and scarlet stuff and
fine twined linen, goat’s hair, 5tanned ram’s skins, goatskins, acacia wood,
6oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense,
7onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breast piece.
8And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.
–Exodus 25:1-9
God still petitions us to present an offering. Like the Israelites
we are also given the choice to present. However, today, God
makes no request for gold, silver, or bronze. He insists on no
linen, or wood, or oil. Herein is the Lord’s plea:
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.” – Romans 12:1
The Lord desires a living sacrifice not an object. Not a sacrifice

shaped by hands of the living but one He has uniquely
fashioned from Himself which also breeds life (God alone
thereby being the only life source).
The breath He blew inside of us to create a “living” soul – this

is the sacrifice He desires. Your body is where He wants to
dwell. Are you willing to present your body as an offering? God
left the choice up to the Israelites and He continues to leave
the choice up to us today.

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE:
“Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as

he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it
according to the fashion that he had seen.” – Acts 7:44
T he Tabernacle comprised of a large tent with a Courtyard

in the front commonly referred to as the Outer Court. The
dimensions for the courtyard were: 50 x 100 cubits (cubit
image on next page).

The Courtyard was
surrounded by a white
linen fence supported
upon 60 pillars. The fence
was 5 cubits (7 feet) high.
The children of Israel
encircled the Courtyard
and were a considerable
distance away from it
(Numbers 2:2). The
distance is thought to be
about 2,000 cubits (or half a mile away). Outside the camp
lived pagan nations symbolizing the condition of those
without God (not living in a physical wilderness but still
spiritually lost). Anyone from among the children of Israel was
allowed to enter the Courtyard and present an offering
(Leviticus 1:1-3). Only two pieces of furniture were positioned
within the Courtyard: The Brazen Altar (or the Altar of Burnt
Sacrifice), and The Laver.
Within the Courtyard was a tent known as The Sanctuary

which comprised of two areas: the Holy Place and the Holy of
Holies. Both were separated by a veil. The Sanctuary was 30
cubits long, 10 cubits wide and 10 cubits high (or in feet 45 x 15
x 15).
The Holy Place (or Inner Court) measured 20 cubits long with
10 cubits height and the same in width. Only the Levite priests
were allowed to enter the Holy Place and only the high priest
could enter the Holy of Holies. The furnishings contained in

the Holy Place were the Table of Showbread, The Lampstand,
and the Altar of Incense.
The Holy of Holies (or Most Inner Court) was in the shape of a
perfect cube: 10 x 10 x 10 or 1000 cubits. The whole of this cube
plated in gold: floors, walls, and ceiling. This portion of the
Sanctuary was left in total darkness. As mentioned above, only
the high priest was permitted to enter, and he could only enter
once a year. Inside of the Holy of Holies rested one piece of
furniture comprised of two parts: the Ark of the Covenant and
the Mercy Seat. The Ark was a chest made of acacia wood and
overlaid with gold inside and out. The Mercy Seat was the lid
that sat on top. Two cherubim (angels) sat at both ends of the
lid facing each other. Because this place was most holy, not
even Aaron was allowed to enter when he desired.
“Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into

the Most Holy Place behind the curtain in front of the
atonement cover on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear
in the cloud over the atonement cover.” - Leviticus 16:2
Take note of the three levels of separation. The presence of

God is seen dwelling with His people but in a manner
completely distinguished from His people. As close and
involved as God was in their every step, He’s still unlike man.
And so right in the midst of sinful man, God resides, making
Himself known by teaching man His ways and His word.
Powerful!

Tribe of Levi Surround the Tabernacle
“But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the

Testimony and watch over it, so that no wrath will fall on the
congregation of Israel. So the Levites are responsible for the
tabernacle of the testimony.”
—Numbers 1:53

T he formation circling the encampment is quite interesting.
Notice how the Levite priests headed by Moses, and Aaron
are camped directly in front of the Tabernacle while the
rest of the Levites surrounded the Tabernacle to the north,
south, and west. Ever thought why the Levites? I have.
The answer may surprise you. Don’t worry. I won’t keep you in
suspense. But as a teaser, it has something to do with their
violent past. Confused? It’s okay. We’ll trace back a bit to
unpack the details.
Levi was the first son of Jacob (renamed Israel). In Exodus 34,
Levi and his brother Simeon slaughtered an entire city because
of the rape of their sister Dinah. This displeased Jacob because
he feared a rebellion might ensue from their neighbors
(Genesis 34:30-31). At the end of Jacob’s life, he released a
blessing to his sons, but condemned Levi and Simeon’s anger
and announced their land inheritance would be divided and
scattered. Simeon’s inheritance came from within the
inheritance of the children of Judah. Thus the Simeonites
obtained their land within Judah’s territory (Joshua 19:1-9).
The Levites received no land but instead 48 cities that were

distributed among the other tribes of Israel (Numbers 35:1-8).
Instead of a land inheritance, the Lord God became their
inheritance (Numbers 18:24; Joshua 13:33). So even though the
Levites did not inherit land, the Lord did set them apart and
chose them to serve and minister unto Him in a special way.
Let’s take a closer look at their role in scripture:

“6And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from
among the children of Israel: to you [they are] given [as] a gift
for the Lord, to do the service of the tabernacle of the
congregation.
7Therefore thou and thy sons with thee shall keep your priest’s
office for everything of the altar, and within the vail; and ye shall
serve: I have given your priest’s office [unto you] as a service of
gift: and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
8And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee
the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of
the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of
the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance forever.”
—Numbers 18:6-8
Based on the above scriptures, the Lord anointed and

consecrated the Levites as a service gift into the priestly office
to minister in the tabernacle forever. This was a huge job. But
what makes the Levites so highly favored by God? Their past
history suggests they’d be cursed. Not favored.
Well interestingly enough, the Lord used their fierce anger for
justice for His glory. During their journey to the promise land,
the Israelites rebelled against God and assembled a Golden
Calf to worship. Moses was receiving God’s law on Mt. Sinai at
the time. But when he came down and realized what was
taking place, he stood at the gate of the camp and ordered all
those on the Lord’s side to gather together with him. Out of all
the tribes, it was the sons of Levi that surrounded Moses, rose
up against those opposed to God’s way and slayed them
resulting in the death of three thousand men (Exodus 32:28).
The Levites developed a righteous indignation. They were

angry. But this time, their fierce anger burned against those
willing to worship idols and follow the laws of their own heart.
They stood that day not for human justice (or in their case
family) but for divine justice. The Levites were rewarded for
defending God’s honor. Their righteous zeal for abiding by His
words (and His alone) redeemed them. But their reward
extends beyond just that of priesthood. They were rewarded
with consecration. Let’s dig a bit more.
During the Passover, God redeemed all the first born of Israel
(those with the blood of the lamb on their door posts) and
slayed all the first born of Egypt. As an honor and reminder of
His redemption, God required every firstborn of Israel to be
consecrated (given, set apart for His service) to Him (Exodus
13:2; 22:29).
God changes this when He announces in Numbers 3:12-13 that

He has taken the Levites among the children of Israel instead
of all the firstborn – Himself becoming their inheritance
(Deuteronomy 18:1-2; Joshua 13:14).
The Levites became God’s instrument for atonement,

preserving God’s laws, and warning Israel of idol worship. God
used their “scattering” as a shield for His honor. He knew
they’d continue defending Him: His ways, His laws, and His
word. The Levites defended God. Their defense consecrated
them to serve. The lesson here is that God can use all of who
we were and shift it to become who He wants us to be
ultimately being set apart for His use and for His glory.

TRIBES SURROUNDING THE TABERNACLE
“And the tabernacle of meeting shall move out with the camp of
the Levites in the middle of the camps; as they camp, so they
shall move out, everyone in his place, by their standards.” -
Numbers 2:17 (NKJV)

West of the Tabernacle were the Gershonites (descendants of
Gershon, first son of Levi). Their duties were carrying the
covers, curtains, screens, and cords with ox carts (Numbers
3:25-26; 7:7-8).
The Meraites (descendants of Merai, third son of Levi) camped

on the north side of the Tabernacle. Their responsibilities
included moving poles, boards, sockets, pillars and bars by
hand (Numbers 3:36-37).
The South side of the

encampment belonged to the
Kohathites. They were
charged with carrying the
holy things of the Tabernacle.
The holy things were to be
covered. The holy things
were to remain unseen for a
reason. First it signified the
mystery of the most holy
things in God. Many things
about the Lord remain
hidden even to those who are
close to Him.
Why? Because the secret things of God belong only to God

(Deut 29:29; Rom 11:33). You can know a lot about someone.
But you won’t know everything about them. In fact, we don’t
know everything about ourselves. There are things even about
ourselves that only the Lord knows. He reveals only what He
wills to reveal. And when He does, it’s for a reason. But it’s
amazing to see the foreshadowing of how God set up the
Israelites to camp on each side of the Tabernacle. Who only
knew but God that He’d set up the church (camped / or
residing) in the four corners of the earth with the Tabernacle
now being within each and every one of those that follow Him.
Another reason the holy things were to remain hidden is due

to the character of God. Exodus 33:20 states that no one can
see God and live. The Most Holy Place represented the
presence of God. He could not be seen by anyone. The high
priest being allowed inside of the Most Holy Place is a
representation of Christ but even then the presence of God
would have been shielded to protect the priest from death.
Moses, Aaron and Aaron’s sons were given prominence by God

to camp before the Tabernacle. All others who came near were
to be put to death.
“38Now those who were to camp before the tabernacle eastward, before the
tent of meeting toward the sunrise, are Moses and Aaron and his sons,
performing the duties of the sanctuary for the obligation of the sons of
Israel; but the layman coming near was to be put to death.”
- Numbers 3:38
Are you seeing a pattern here? Critics of the word of God

would read this through a world lens and deduce: see, God is a
being that amounts to rules, do’s, don’ts, and death. He cares
nothing for the humans He created. He’s just about control.
But the parent of a child going near the burner of a stove
doesn’t find it of great importance to explain to that child why
putting his/her hand in the fire would burn, hurt, and scare
him/her. The parent doesn’t feel the need to give a lesson on
the organ of the skin, nervous system, the element of fire, heat,
the temperature of the body and if a certain part of that
temperature is raised or burned, why it results in injury. The
parent just says, don’t go near the fire because you could hurt
yourself.
See we don’t have to understand the mechanics of the

consequence to obey the instruction. And God doesn’t reveal
to us the why of the law. He just tells us the law and He tells us
the consequence if that law is not followed. Now if someone
told you what you needed to do and what would happen if you
didn’t do it, what else would you need to follow the
instruction? Proof of the consequence if the instruction isn’t
followed? Proof that the instruction is real? Proof that the
person telling you the instruction is truthful? Proof that the
person telling you the instruction actually exists?
Sadly, this is what we’re faced with today. For the world, either
the bible is a myth, full of stories and imagination. Or the God
the bible describes is make-believe. Or it’s a possibility that He
may be real, but He’s not truthful, or loving, or kind, or in our
corner. Or on the opposite of that God is truthful, and God is
real, and God is kind, and God is in our corner, and just
knowing that about Him and living the best way I can will be
sufficient for an eternal life with Him.

But no one would think a parent telling their child to stay
away from the stove because the burner is on would think that
parent is trying to control their child. Or doesn’t love their
child. Or is in effect inflicting pain or evil towards their child.
In fact, one would think the complete opposite. This parent
loves their child. This parent wants to protect their child and
make sure no harm or injury occurs. No one thinks, what an
evil parent: telling the child to stay away from the fire without
giving proof that it could really harm them. Or without
explaining why they should stay away in the first place. But
this is what people what with God.
The world has heralded man and convinced man that his/her
life is so supreme that everything he/she thinks of, he/she can
do. In that case, do we really need God? Can we solve every
issue man faces ourselves?
And so now, when the talk of God arises, when the need of
God resurfaces, now the forethought becomes: God, really?
Prove it? God says I shouldn’t be committing this particular
sin, prove it? Oh, you’re quoting from that book. That book is
wrong. Prove it some other way?
The pride of mankind has taken him (her) so far down in

morality and depravity, that the only way to make sense of it
all is to deny truth and cope with an alter reality that man
(woman) knows in his (her) soul is wrong but he’ll (she’ll)
force his (her) mind to accept it because even though that way
brings him (her) no peace, it appeases the flesh. That way may
provide temporary pleasure but has a tag attached with an
eternal cost. A life of temporary pleasure is not worth the cost
of eternal torment. Thankfully, in Christ it’s not too late refuse
the tag because Christ paid the cost.

Priesthood Qualifications and Duties
“At that time the LORD separated the tribe of Levi, to bear the ark of the
covenant of the LORD, to stand before the LORD to minister unto him, and
to bless in his name, unto this day.”
– Deuteronomy 10:8

T he Levites were set apart to serve in the Lord’s work. But that didn’t
mean that their tribe automatically qualified them to serve. They still
had to prove worthy of their calling.
• They were to be under the direct supervision of Aaron and his sons
(Numbers 4:16b).
• Undergo a purification process (Numbers 8:6).
• Be 25-years old or above (Numbers 8:24).
• They could not shave their heads, the edges of their beards, or cut
their bodies (Leviticus 21:5).
• They had to be holy and not dishonor God’s name (Leviticus 21:6).
• They could only marry a virgin (Leviticus 21:7).
• And they could not have any defects of physical impairments
(Leviticus 21:16-21).
The sacrificed animal along with the mediator

(priest) was required to be without blemish. The
priest represented the people. His walk had to mirror
the statutes of God. Anything less rendered him
unfit. Deviating from the statutes of God after
becoming priest rendered nothing less than death.
As believers we are also priests, a royal priesthood.

We are not off the hook once we become Christians
any more than the Levites were once they became
priests. We serve a God that forgives and restores but
He’s as serious about holiness today as He was at the
time of Moses.

Priesthood Duties
The duties of the Levitical
priesthood included:
• Serving the Lord (Deut.
10:8)
• Ministering to the
people (Num 3:5-9)
• Teaching the people (2
Chr 17:19-11)
• Serving as judge to
resolve controversy
(Deut 21:5)
• Keeping the Tabernacle
(Num 3:38; 4:16)
• Taking care of the altar
(Lev 6:8-13), the lamps
and the showbread (Lev 24:1-9)
• Preparing the holy things for each day’s journey (Num 4:5-
15).
• Continuing the sacred fire (Lev 6:12-13)
• Blowing the Trumpets (Num 10:1-10).
All Levites including priests were supported through the tithe

(Lev 27:30-33, Num 18:1).

Levite High Priest Duties
The high priest was considered the supreme religious leader
among the people. His role involved consecrating priests and
overseeing their work and the work of the Levites. The high
priest maintained the golden candlestand with its fire (Lev
24:1-4), burned daily incense (Exo 30:7-8) and inquired of the
Lord for direction concerning His will (Num 27:21).
The most important duty the high priest conducted was his
service associated with the Day of Atonement which took
place once a year. This was the only time that he and he alone
was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place to stand before
God behind the veil. Once a sacrifice was made for himself and
the people, he would enter and sprinkle blood on the Mercy
Seat (representative of God’s throne Lev 16:14-15).
His role is synonymous with Christ who is our forever high

priest who having offered Himself (a perfect sacrifice) became
also our tabernacle (one not made with hands Heb 9:11). For
there is one mediator between God and man – Jesus (1 Tim
2:5).

High Priest Garments
“..and they made the holy garments for Aaron; as the Lord
commanded Moses.” Exodus 39:1

The garments for the high priest is described in Exodus
39. An embroidered coat, girdle, and breeches were
common among all the priests but there were 4 garments
specific to only the high priest. Let’s take a closer look at
them.
1. The Miter (Headdress and the Plate of God) as detailed in

Exodus 28:36-39 and 39:28-31. The miter was a turban
made of fine linen. The plate consisted of a holy crown
with the words, “Holiness unto the Lord” upon it. We find
all throughout the Old Testament how the Lord set His
people apart from the world. Out of a world that says
“many” God declares “one”.
-The Lord wanted the firstborn of every child and

animal sanctified for Himself (Exodus 13:2). Not
all just one (the first).
-God placed one tribe around the Tabernacle to

care for it (out of the 12, He chose one): the tribe
of Levi.
-One family (that of Aaron) was separated unto

the Lord as priests.
-God called one nation to become a kingdom of

priests (holy unto Him).
-God called one day of the 7 holy (Sabbath).

We can continue. But I believe you see the pattern here. God
continually sets apart until what He sets apart, He unifies with
Himself.
2. The Ephod (Exodus 28:6-14; 39:2-7) was made of blue

(heavenly), purple (royal), scarlet (sacrifice), fine twined
linen (righteousness), gold (Diety), and cunning work.
Remind you of anything? The same pattern was found in
the Veil leading to the Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place).
Amazing isn’t it! Christ Jesus is both the door (the way),
and the High Priest. Two onyx stones were on each
shoulder of the high priest that included the names of the
tribes of Israel (6 on each one). Signifying that Christ is
our burden bearer. Remember the tribes were under the
law. But Jesus bore the weight of the law on His shoulders
(carried it) and took it with Him to the cross. He bore the
weight of our sin upon Himself.
3. The Breastplate of Judgment (Exodus 28:15-30; Lev. 8:8)

was made of the same materials as the Ephod. Inside were
12 precious stones that had the names of the 12 tribes of
Israel. Wow! So the weight of the law was upon the
shoulders of our King but our names are continually upon
His heart. Ever present is the reason why He decides to
take our place upon the cross: love. We are His beloved.
4. The Robe of the Ephod (Exodus 28:31-35; 39:22-26) was all

blue (signifying presence of the Holy Spirit). Upon the
hem of the robe were pomegranates of blue, purple,
scarlet, and twined linen (speaking to the fruitfulness of

ministry led by the Holy Spirit). There were also golden
bells between each pomegranate around the hem of the
robe. The bells sounded the message that the high priest
was alive. The Pentecost bells within every believer
continue to sound the message that our High Priest is
alive and well and that He is coming again soon.
Hallelujah! Jesus is alive!

Transporting the Tabernacle
“But unto the sons of Kohath, he gave none; because the service of the
sanctuary belonging unto them [was that] they should bear upon their
shoulders.” – Numbers 7:9
T he journey to the promise land involved relocating over

and over. The Israelites became accustomed to packing,

moving, and re-settling again according God’s direction (the
pillar of cloud or pillar of fire leading them). The Levites were
tasked with the responsibility of setting up and dismantling
the Tabernacle. No other tribe was allowed to do this. And
even among the Levites, different tribes performed different
roles.
For instance, Aaron and his sons were charged with covering
the sanctuary and the sons of Kohath (second son of Levi –
Aaron and Moses were both Kohathites) were entrusted with
carrying the holy objects on poles and carrying bars upon their
shoulders (Numbers 4:15). Carrying, not touching. The
sanctuary and holy items were not to be touched. Touching
meant death. In fact, someone did die from touching the Ark
of the Covenant: Uzzah.
In 2 Samuel 6:1-7, David had men accompany him while

returning the Ark of the Covenant (which housed the Ten
Commandments) back in Jerusalem. The Ark had been stolen
in battle and had resided in the enemy’s possession 20 years.
David triumphed over the Philistines and recovered the Ark.
Hurray! Go David! The problem? Transport.
David placed the Ark upon a cart and had the Levites direct it
back to Jerusalem. However, it should have been on the
shoulders of Levites specifically the Kohathites (Levite Tribe
Numbers 4:15). The Kohathites were the only Levite tribe
charged with carrying furnishings in the sanctuary.
In an attempt to steady the Ark, Uzzah reached out and

grabbed it to prevent it from falling causing the anger of God
to burn and strike him dead. As well-intentioned as Uzzah
may have been, His actions were in direct violation to God’s
law (wages of sin being death). The Lord’s word did not change
because the Ark was captured. It didn’t change because David
was now King, or because the Israelites were unaware of how
God wanted it transported. The word does not change. The
word doesn’t adapt to our situation. We must change. We
must allow our lives to become molded. We must adapt or else
we’ll be cut off just as the Israelites were (Leviticus 18:9).

THE OUTER COURTYARD
“Then he made the court: for the south side the hangings of the court were
of fine twisted linen, one hundred cubits; their twenty pillars, and their
twenty sockets, made of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their bands
were of silver.”
– Exodus 38:9-10

Entering the Tabernacle meant entering holy ground. There
was only one entrance. That same entrance was also the exit.
Shoes were to be removed before entering. This typified taking
nothing of the world with them as they came close to God.
They were to completely separate themselves from the outside
world into the supernatural.
Our society wants to intertwine holy and unholy. Should all

sexual practices should be accepted, whether a couple is
married or not? Should behavior be questioned or
condemned? God loves you just the way you are and loves you
exactly as you are. Right?
As true as this statement is, it’s also equally true that once God
enters your life, He doesn’t intend to keep you the way you
came. The very fact that the supernatural invades the natural
means something changes. It has to or else there would be no
need for God to enter our lives. If nothing changes then
nothing changes.
Satan wants to contaminate, combine, and mix things up. But

why? What would be the purpose in doing this? Well
remember that Satan deals in deception. And if the truth is
mixed in with the lies, then you’ll be too confused to recognize
truth and you’ll have no problem settling for the lie. The goal
is that you never find the truth. And in never locating the
truth, you’ll never be free.
So in order to recognize the truth, you have to be able to

separate the two. Division is necessary. In Matthew 10:34 said
that He did not come to bring peace, but a sword. What does a
sword do? It cuts. It separates. Jesus the Prince of Peace came
to separate not unite the world.
Notice the trend. “We’re all in this together.” There is a huge

push for unity. Many facets of society are involved in
intertwining all religions, currency, and world systems into
one. And because this sounds decent, kind, noble, generous,
and considerate, many people are deceived because of it.
God has no interest in uniting the whole humanity unless it is

within Himself. God is completely holy. The very definition of
holy is separate, sacred, and set apart. Meaning God is separate
from everything we know or see on earth. He’s so separate and
holy that we are only able to see His works. Think about it. If
you could regularly see God then that would mean God would
have to unite with the world. And He only united with the
world when He came to die for the world. He didn’t unite with
the world to unify it. He united with the world to separate His
people from the world.

THE BRASS LAVER
"17Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: 18You shall also make a
laver of bronze, with its base also of bronze, for washing. You shall
put it between the tabernacle of meeting and the altar. And you shall
put water in it, 19for Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and
their feet in water from it. 20When they go into the tabernacle of
meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an
offering made by fire to the LORD, they shall wash with water, lest
they die. 21So they shall wash their hands and their feet, lest they die.

And it shall be a statute forever to them-- to him and his descendants
throughout their generations." – Exodus 30:17-21
T he Brass Laver was the only furniture besides the Brazen

Altar placed in the Courtyard. The word “laver” means
bath or wash basin and was used for washing of the priest’s
hands and feet. The hands and feet symbolizing the hands and
feet of Christ nailed to the cross. Jesus was nailed to a cross;
our judgment placed upon Him. His hands perfect. His feet
perfect. This practice of washing prior to daily duties,
sacrifices, and entering the Inner Court, symbolized hands and
feet despite how having been cleaned ahead of time, now
needed to be cleansed by God alone. It did not matter how
much he washed before arriving at the Tabernacle. His hands
and feet could be physically spotless. Inside the Court, a
different type of cleansing took place. One that depicted a
spiritual reality.
It is impossible for sinful man to approach a holy God. No one

can come to Jesus unless the Father draws Him (John 6:44).
God alone draws out a path where man can dwell together
with God and live. Purification is the start of that path. And
the Brazen Laver is where it began.
The Laver consisted of a brass circular bowl with a mirror

surface and a bass base. The mirror surface created a stark
reminder of even the priest’s necessity for being purified and
cleansed through the washing of the Word (Ephesians 5:26). It
was positioned between the Brazen Altar and the entrance of
the Holy Place and was used continually throughout the day
for sacrifices and before entering the Holy Place (Inner Court).
The priest would ceremonially wash his hands and feet at the
start of the day prior to serving at the altar or beginning any of
his morning duties. The priest would also wash his hands and
feet after sacrificing and also before entering the Holy Place.
The Laver was used daily by serving priests to purify
themselves prior to offering sacrifices. Each priest would dip
and wash their right hand, then right foot. Once complete, the
priest would do the same to his left hand and left foot. The
purification was an important process even for the priests.
Should anyone be guilty of defilement, the anger of the Lord

would strike hot and break out against them (Exodus 19:22).
Thus they had to be both physically and spiritually clean. If a
priest did not wash prior to sacrifices or entering the Inner
Court, he would die (Exodus 30:20-21). Thus signifying that
man cannot approach God without God and live. In our own
strength we can do nothing. And God invites us into His
presence His way not our own. Also note that redeemed
people are cleaned people. No man can walk in filth (sin) and
walk with God.
This is a good spot to pause and ponder a bit because there is a

great spiritual debate (and has been for a long time) among
Christian circles regarding works vs. grace and once saved
always saved. Some in this school of thought teach that you
didn’t do anything to earn yourself and you can’t do anything
to lose it.

I want you to think with me about “will”. Mostly what we call
“free-will”. Now God created humans (animals, and angels)
with free will. You serve God because you will to (or choose
to). You’re not forced to do so. God’s will is that you enter into
relationship with Him and He works with your will to unite
you to Himself. He doesn’t force you, deceive you, manipulate
you, or coerce you. He loves you, leads you, and guides you (as
much as you’ll allow) to a relationship.
And just like a human relationship is a two way street, so the

same is with God – only He never leaves. We do. See God is the
one who always says yes. He’s the one who always wants to
reconcile. It’s us that choose to stop communicating, stop
growing, stop learning, stop spending time and so on. We
make the choice. And because God didn’t force us to come in
relationship with Him, He also won’t force us to stay. We can’t
approach God without God. We can’t stay in relationship with
God without God. But we are always given the option to
decide.
We all have 24 hours in a day. Can you decide what to do in

those 24 hours or is that being controlled by someone else?
You get the choice. A relationship of love is one that flows
from desire. And God desires you. He’s made it so you can
freely desire Him back. So is it about works or grace? Neither.
The world says, you’ve worked hard, so you’ve earned it.
Compared to others, you’re top notch. Many within the church
say, God loves you and He’ll never leave you. Forget about your
works and just believe and receive Jesus. They can’t get you
anywhere anyway.

But what does God say? God says, I test the mind and search
the heart (Jeremiah 17:10). God says from the heart flows the
issues of life (Proverbs 4:23). In another lesson, we’ll discuss
what God says specifically about the heart but just know that
your heart is your will. It’s the power behind your decisions
(what you can’t see) just like your physical heart is the power
behind your actions (what you can see). And God says, that
part of you, I know. That’s the part I judge from. That’s
because all of your outward decisions first take place inwardly
from your heart. So God can judge you as a fornicator because
it first began in your heart. And unless you allow Him to
transform your heart so that you’re dead to that decision,
you’ll be condemned for it in eternity.
So don’t allow man to misappropriate the word and title you

saved and sanctified if your heart is far from Him. We enter
into the Tabernacle (Christ) His way, and we remain there His
way.
Now, let’s get back to the Laver. The Laver was constructed
from pure metal made from melted-down copper mirrors. It’s
very distinct in that God provided no measurements for it.
Some theologians interpret this as a symbol of God’s limitless
power to cleanse, purify, and make righteous.
Outside of the Holy Place, everything was constructed from

bronze. The use of brass is exquisite and is worth studying.
Let’s explore just a couple instances where we see it in the
word. In the story of David and Goliath, take note that Goliath
armed himself with a brass helmet, brass breastplate, brass
boots (called greaves in the KJV translation), and even brass
between his shoulders (1 Samuel 17:5-6). God used David to
triumph and execute His judgment upon the Philistines.
In the book of Revelation, John describes the feet of Jesus as

fine brass, as if they had been burned in a furnace (Revelation
1:15-17). The furnace is a symbol of wrath, purification and
refinement and is typified in the Brazen Altar where the blood
of animals where sprinkled upon the Altar and their bodies cut
and burned. This offering was a sweet aroma to the Lord. A
picture of the Brazen Laver is seen in Christ because we are
washed and cleansed in the blood of Christ.

THE BRAZEN ALTAR
ALTAR OF BURNT SACRIFICE
“And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the
tabernacle of the tent of the congregation.” –Exodus 40:6
U pon entering the Outer Court, all are confronted first by

The Brazen Altar (remember brass being a picture of
judgment and purification). Altar means “high place.” This
high place had to be elevated. Why? The lifting up of the Altar
typifies Jesus being lifted up so that all would know He is the
way – the true sacrifice for sins.

“28Then said Jesus unto them, ‘When ye have lifted up the Son of
man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of
myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things.’”
-John 8:28
“32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto
me.” - John 12:32
During the time of the wilderness, the Israelites spoke against

God and against Moses on several occasions. One particular
time, the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people many of
them died from the snake bite. The people went to Moses,
confessed their sin of speaking against him and the Lord and
asked Moses to pray that the Lord would take away the
serpents. Moses prayed but God didn’t remove the serpents in
the same manner He sent them.
He told Moses to make a serpent, set it on a pole (lift it up)

and everyone who was bitten should look upon the serpent to
live (Numbers 21:5-9). All that chose to look up at the serpent
lived. The serpent was brass. This was a picture of Christ being
lifted up and all those choosing to look toward Him for eternal
life would receive it.
We look at that this today and think, why would God tell
Moses to make a serpent (something that was killing them) lift
it up and have people look at it to receive healing? How could
something that brought them death, in turn give life? Well,
God takes the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.
God brought the judgment and He also brought the healing.
Those that are dying are not concerned with how the medicine
works. They just want it to work. And if it works, whatever way
it works, they’re grateful. They realize that understanding the
how may be a bit over their head. And that’s okay. But today
many of us want all the details before believing the cure is
effective. In fact, as a society, we just refuse to believe that
we’re sick. What sin? What problem? Not I. So instead of
taking any interest in the solution, we ignore it convinced that
it’s for someone else. But it would do us well to acknowledge
our sickness, sin, and accept the cure.
Now the Altar was positioned immediately in front of the

entrance. There was no escaping it. It illustrated the path to
approaching God. It was impossible to enter God’s presence
without sacrificing at the Brazen Altar. This means that our
approach to Life (God) is through death. Today, it is
impossible to come into relationship with God without
accepting the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. The presence of
God requires sacrifice.
But this sacrifice was two-fold. The offerer himself must be the
one to present the offering of his own volition. The offering
must be perfect without spot or blemish and also willing to
receive the full measure of punishment on the offerer’s behalf.
Once the offerer presents his offering, he must look upon its
innocence, place his hand upon its head, and kill it. He must
be the one to not only view the death his sin caused but
perform it. He observes simultaneously the injustice of the
innocent and grace for the wickedness. In our case, our sin
nailed Christ to the cross. We became the observers of what
should’ve been our punishment.
Now when it comes to an offering the bible says without the

shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins (Hebrews
9:22). Why? Because the penalty for sin is death (Romans
6:23). Death is separation. Physical death is separation from
the body. Spiritual death is separation from our life source (our
Creator).
Upon entering the Tabernacle, visitors are confronted with the

Brazen Altar. None was to enter without a sacrifice. There was
no such thing as “I’d like to see what this sacrifice thing is all
about.” Offerers were not curious visitors wanting to give God
a “try.” You couldn’t arrive there haphazardly and then decide
you’ll give it some more thought. You were either serious
about approaching God or you weren’t. And you understood
the meaning and the seriousness of the sacrifice beforehand.
As long as a sacrifice was brought, anyone could come through
the gate. But the one offering the sacrifice was not allowed to
sacrifice it. Only the priest was allowed near the Brazen Altar.
The offerer stood afar off. He needed a mediator – the priest.
The Brazen Altar was in the structure of a hollow box made

from acacia wood and overlaid with brass, thus making it
fireproof. It was 5 cubits square long and 3 cubits high. Take
note of the design. It’s easy to miss but it’s important. Why 5
cubits high? The 5 represent the 5 wounds of Christ. One
through each hand (or wrist), one through each foot and one
through His side (with a spear). The 3 cubits represent the
trinity.
All the utensils used for the animal sacrifices were also brass
(Exodus 27:3). The Altar included rings and poles which gave it
the ability to be carried. There were horns on each corner of
the Altar. These 4 horns symbolized God’s strength and power.
“10The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of

heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the
ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and
exalt the horn of his anointed.” - 1 Samuel 2:10
“6And 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.”
- Revelation 5:6
The message within the horns is God’s strength and power to

save man by breaking the power of death over the sinner,
removing the penalty of
death from the sinner and
placing it upon the
innocent on man’s behalf.
The horns on each corner
extended outward in a
different direction
signifying God’s desire to
draw all men from every

corner of the earth into right relationship with Him.
Take note in both instances (old and new Testaments) it was

the blood of a species unlike man that God used to fulfill the
Word He set forth regarding the penalty for sin (The wages of
sin is death Romans 6:23). In the Old Covenant it was the
blood of animals. In the “better” covenant (Hebrews 8:6): the
blood of man manifested as God the Word becoming flesh.
The blood from a

sacrifice was placed
upon each horn.
The blood stained
horned was a
reminder to God’s
people that
atonement could
not be made
without blood. And
that through this
blood offering, God
alone possessed the power to offer life through death.
There were three separate piles of wood that burned on top of

the Altar. The largest fire consumed the burnt sacrifices. The
second provided coals within the Sanctuary, and the third was
the perpetual fire. This fire burned constantly and was never to
be extinguished. There was nothing placed upon it and no
coals removed from it.

“12And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be
put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and
lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn thereon
the fat of the peace offerings. 13The fire shall ever be burning
upon the altar; it shall never go out.” – Leviticus 6:12-13
The continual burning of the Altar models God’s character. He

is a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24). This was sacred fire
started by God and only to be put out by God (Leviticus 9:23-
24).
Additionally the animal to be sacrificed had to be a product of

a person’s labor or that which sustained his life. A wild or
stolen animal was unacceptable. The offering represented a
laborer’s daily bread and the toil of his hands (work and time).
This typified a surrendering of the laborer’s soul to God. This
made the offering acceptable.
The Bronze Laver and the Brazen Altar were the only two
pieces of furniture in the Outer Court. Now, let’s move on to
the Inner Court (or Holy Place).

DESCRIPTION OF THE INNER COURT (HOLY PLACE)
The Inner Court known as the Tabernacle was constructed

with 48 wood boards overlaid in gold and set in silver sockets.

Fun Fact: It was forbidden for anyone to gaze at the priest as
he lifted the veil and entered the Holy Place to perform his
duties. Likewise the Levite priests who worked in the
courtyard were forbidden to gaze at the high priest while
entering the presence of God once a year to look upon the holy
things contained inside. The penalty was death.
There were 5 Pillars at the entrance of the Holy Place made of

Acacia wood (which speaks of the incorruptible humanity of
the Lord Jesus Christ), covered with Gold, and included copper
bases (Exodus 36:38). These 5 pillars represent the Torah (the 5
books of Moses which form the basis of the Hebrew
Scriptures). Cooper represents judgment which through Moses
came the Law (Romans 2:11-16).
To also blow your mind there are 4 Pillars at the entrance of

the Holy of Holies made of Acacia wood, covered with God
and includes silver bases (Exodus 36:36). The 4 Gospels form
the basis of the New Covenant Scriptures. Silver represents
redemption.
The entrance curtain to the Holy Place consisted of 4 colors:

Blue, Purple, Red, and White. Inside the Holy Place contained
three pieces of furniture: the Table of Showbread on the north
side, the Golden Lampstand on the south side, and the Altar of
Incense on the west side (which was positioned directly in
front of the veil (curtain) to the Most Holy Place.

So let’s take note of the differences between the Courtyard and
the Holy Place. First, only the priests and High priest were
allowed in. Why do you think this is? Well we first have to
realize what the priests signified. The priest stood as mediators
between God and the people. So being closer to God’s presence
required a certain separation from the world that would purify
them in such a way that they would be able to contain being
near God’s presence and not die.
Sure someone coming in with a sacrifice for his family’s sins

and that animal being sacrificed signified atonement but it
didn’t mean that family or person was walking daily undefiled
in a manner that pleased God. A person had to be proven. This
is where the priest and High priest come in.
The next significant difference between the Courtyard and the

Holy Place aside from the furniture and who was allowed to

enter were the manner in which the furniture was made. All of
the furniture in the Holy Place were made of gold while all of
the furniture in the Courtyard were made with brass.
Now in each instance of the Tabernacle, we find it planned by

God, the measurements, the design, the type of materials, etc.
All of it was done with purpose. So how should God be
worshiped? By God’s design. How should we approach God?
By God’s design. How should we enter into redemption and
reconciliation? By God’s design. Nothing wasn’t planned by
God. However, man had the choice whether or not to build it.
Man had the choice whether or not to maintain it as God
designed. Notice God’s dealings with man: He sets up the
avenue. He creates the design. We decide to follow it and align
all of our actions according to it. Now let’s learn more about
the furniture inside the Holy Place.

THE TABLE OF SHOWBREAD (TENT OF MEETING)
"You shall also make a table of acacia wood; two cubits shall be
its length, a cubit its width, and a cubit and a half its height.
And you shall overlay it with pure gold, and make a molding of
gold all around. You shall make for it a frame of a handbreadth
all around, and you shall make a gold molding for the frame all
around. And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and put the
rings on the four corners that are at its four legs. The rings shall
be close to the frame, as holders for the poles to bear the table.
And you shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them
with gold, that the table may be carried with them. You shall
make its dishes, its pans, its pitchers, and its bowls for pouring.
You shall make them of pure gold. And you shall set the
showbread on the table before Me always." - Exod 25:23-30
The term “showbread” comes from a Hebrew word that means

“Bread of face” or Bread of presence”. There were 12 cakes of
bread arranged in 2 rows of 6 loaves each. The loaves were
gathered from the 12 tribes each Sabbath (weekly).
The Showbread typifies Jesus. The material for the used to

construct the table was wood and gold representing the
humanity and incarnate nature of Christ (born in flesh yet God
incarnate). He was born in Bethlehem which means “House of
Bread” in Hebrew. In John 6:35 Jesus says:
“35I am the bread of life. he who comes to Me shall never hunger,

and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
The Lord communed with His people through bread allowing

man to be partakers of Him. Only the priests could partake of
the Showbread and only in the Holy Place (Lev. 24:9)
signifying that only believers could receive inside of them life
eternal.
The loaves were anointed with oil in the form of a cross each
one representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The burning of
frankincense at the top of the loaves made them an offering by
fire to the Lord (Lev 24:7). They were always before the face of
God and the priests making the offering a continual one. The
table represented fellowship among believers in the presence
of God who are ingesting the spiritual food (the Word of God).
So as believes we’ve come through the bloody altar – laid down
our sin, lives, and everything we’re attached to in the world
and put it to death. Then we come to the bronze Laver where
we are washed clean in the Word. We then enter the Holy
Place to fellowship with others in the Word and presence of
God.
The priests were to feed at the table daily. The Showbread was
to be their daily food. Eating together strengthened the bond
of a relationship. To eat the Showbread (God’s bread) in His
house, as a friend and guest of the Lord signified God and man
communing together. God dines with us and fellowships with
us.
The loaves were made of fine flour. This point to a meat (or
meal) offering (Lev 2). Don’t let the word “meat” to confuse
you. Jesus said in John 6:55 that “my flesh is meat indeed, and
my blood is drink indeed”. During communion we eat bread as
representation of Jesus’ body (not steak). The loaves were
made unleavened (or basically without yeast or any other
agent that makes it rise). It stays flat and dense. The leaven
was likened to sin because a small amount affects the entire
lump of dough (Galatians 5:9). The bread being unleavened
points to the sinless nature of our Lord Jesus.

The table had a gold molding (crown) all around which in of
itself is amazing because of it speaks of Kingship, Protection of
those entering in fellowship with Him and an enclosure of
royal brilliance that can only come from the presence of
someone in extremely high authority.
The word “shew” means to “tell forth” or “declare”. Isn’t it

interesting how we have around the table a fellowship of
priests partaking of a representation of our Lord’s body that
came about through the lineage of the 12 tribes of Israel. And
their fellowship is in God’s house (designed by Him) and in
God’s presence (with Him).
Would it amaze you to discover that the cakes were pierced (or
perforated)? That’s right! Just as Jesus was pierced and
wounded, so were the cakes that represented Him. Jesus is the
true bread which came down from heaven and gives life to the
world (John 6:32).
Let’s not forget that the Table of Showbread had bowls, cups,
and pitchers accompanied with it. Meaning there was also a
drink offering associated with the eating the bread which
represents Jesus’ blood being poured out for us.
So how does the Table of Showbread apply to us as believers

today? Well, we are His priest who must come together with
one another to fellowship in His house and in His presence.
We must continue to hold communion to eat and drink in His
body that was broken for us until He returns. As the priests
feasted daily, we in turn must also eat daily of the Word and
ensure that the Words we’re eating remain undefiled and pure.
And finally, just as the Golden Lampstand illuminated the
Holy Place and shed light on the bread, so we must also allow
the Holy Spirit to shine light on the Word and guide our path
towards the presence of our King.

THE GOLDEN LAMPSTAND (CANDLESTICK)
"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. 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. 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.
And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like unto
almonds, with their knops and their flowers. And there shall be a
knop under two branches of the same, and a knop under two
branches of the same, and a knop under two branches of the
same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the
candlestick. Their knops and their branches shall be of the same:
all if shall be one beaten work of pure gold. And thou shalt make
the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof,
that they may give light over against it." - Exod 25:31-37
Let’s note the details of the construction.

1. The main shaft has 4 bowls, 4 knops, and 4 flowers
making 12 parts. (4 X 3 = 12).
2. Six branches. 3 out of one side of the main shaft. Each
branch had 3 bowls, 3 knops, and 3 flowers totaling 9 parts
for one branch. There were 3 branches on one side of the
shaft, making a total of 27 parts. (3 X 9 =27). Now 12 and
27 added together makes 39 (12 + 27 = 39).
3. Now add the other 3 branches on the other side to equal
six branches. Remember 3 branches equates to 27 parts. So
add 27 to our 39 (27 + 39 = 66). Did you catch it? The
Golden has 66 parts (bowls, knops, and flowers) which is
the exact number of Books in the Bible.
The Word of God is our source for true light. All 66 books
filled with the oil of the Holy Spirit. No other books are
needed. The Bible is sufficient and complete. You’ll read
commentators that quote from the so named lost or forgotten
books of the Bible including but not limited to the book of
Enoch, Maccabees, Psalms of Solomon and more. If you come
across teachings that reference these writings, it’s time to
throw out the teaching. Because if we can accept these books
as authoritative, who’s to say we can’t accept others? We must
pray for discernment when it comes to the Word. Remember
that Satan deceives and perverts the Word. Let’s not give him
an open door to do so by allowing things in our spirit that are
outside of the light (God’s Word).
The Golden Lampstand stood on the south side across from

the Table of Showbread. The Golden Lampstand was the only
light in the Tabernacle. It filled every corner. The light could
not be manufactured from the outside. It had to be revealed.
But not only did it have to be revealed to the world, it was also
hidden from the outside world. And even though the light was
there, it could not uproot itself and shine upon the priests. The
priests had to physically enter in to receive light’s revelation.
And it was only the priests who entered that had the privilege
of enjoying the light. Today, Christians are the only reflectors
or God’s light to a lost and dying world. But only those who
enter in God’s light receive its revelation.
The Lampstand was made of pure beaten gold. Jesus was

beaten and bruised for us. We must be willing to partake in
His suffering if we are wanting the His light inside of us to
shine.
In the book of Acts, Jesus told the disciples that they are to be
witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost
parts of the earth. But once He ascended and Pentecost took
place, the followers of Christ remained together praying,
fasting, and fellowshipping. It wasn’t until they started to be
persecuted, jailed, beaten, rejected, thrown out, and ridiculed
that they started to spread a part and teach about Christ. Their
rejoicing and fellowship quickly turned into trial and hardship.
But it was this beating (or struggle) that spread the message of
the gospel even further. The light of Christ shone even brighter
among them in the face of persecution because the Holy Spirit
gave them power to not be moved by what they saw, or felt, or
experienced.
There are 7 branches. Jesus embodies the 7-fold spirit of God.
“1-5There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a
branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 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 the fear
of the Lord. And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He
shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what
his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall
strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breadth
of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt
of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.”
The Lampstand was decorated with almond blossoms and

almonds. The almond tree was the first to blossom after the
winter in Israel. This point to Christ’s resurrection. It was the

high priest who supplied the oil and dressed the lamps.
Currently, Jesus is our high priest who provides the oil
(remember He said He had to go for the comforter – the Holy
Spirit – to come) and ensures we’re properly trimmed. Jesus
says He is at the right hand of God interceding for us (Romans
8:34).

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE (THE GOLDEN ALTAR)
"And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim

wood shalt though make it. A cubit shall be the length thereof,
and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two
cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of
the same. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top
thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns
thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round
about. And two golden rings shalt thou make to it under the
crown of it, by the two corners thereof, upon the two sides of it
shall thou make it; and they shall be for places for the staves to
bear it withal. And thou shalt make the staves of shittim wood,
and overlay them with gold. And thou shalt put it before the vail
that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is
over the testimony, where I will meet with thee. And Aaron shall
burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the
lamps, he shall burn incense upon it. And when Aaron lighteth
the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual
incense before the Lord throughout your generations." - Exod
30:1-8
The Altar of Incense was the place of prayer, intercession,

praise, and worship (a representation of Christ making
intercession for us). It was constructed from Acacia wood
(representing the incorruptible humanity of Christ) and
overlaid with gold. It was foursquare which depicts the
intercession of Jesus going to all four corners of the earth.
“2Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the

lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” Psalms 141:2
Day and night, night and day let incense rise. Each morning
and at twilight every day, Aaron was instructed to burn
incense on the Altar as a regular offering to the Lord. (Exo.
30:7-8). The Altar was exclusively for burning incense. It
provided a thick cloud of smoke curling upward and filling the
Tabernacle which was symbolic of Israel’s prayers to God. The
Altar was situated right in front of the veil that separated the
Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place) basically
in front of the place God said He would dwell among His
people.
The incense offered was a recipe given from God (Exo. 30:34-
38). The Lord commanded no other incense could be burned
on the Altar. The fire used to burn the incense was taken from
the Brazen Altar of burnt offering outside of the sanctuary
(Lev. 16:12). The sweet spices used were Stacte, Onycha,
Galbanum, and pure Frankincense (Exo. 30:34). In Greek,
Stacte means “everything that is dripping”. Onycha is prepared
by beating (grinding) and burning. Afterwards a sweet smell
arises. Galbanum is bitter but has healing abilities. Even the
spices were types of Christ bruised on the cross as He was
consumed by the fire of God’s wrath for our sins. Though in
this, it was a sweet savor to God (just as the spices) because it
healed the world of its deadly wound of sin.
Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest

smeared blood on the horns of the Altar of Incense to cleanse
it. The high priest would also take some incense into the Holy
of Holies, the cloud from the censer rising and covering the
Ark of the Covenant. This cloud created a barrier between the
high priest and God much like God hiding Moses in the cleft of
the rock for protection as the glory of God passed near Him
(Exo. 33:22).
So what is the application for us today as priests? Well the veil

has been torn. So we are able to enter the throne room directly
to honor and petition the King. And just like God designed the
manner in which offer the incense, we also have a design for
how we should offer our prayers unto God. No strange fire.
What is strange fire? Let’s take a look at Lev. 10:1 and explore:
“1And Nedab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer,
and put fire in them and laid incense on it, and they presented
strange fire before Jehovah, which he had not commanded
them.”
Do you want to know what happened to Nadab and Abihu?

Let’s take a look at the next verse:
“2And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and
they died before the Lord.”
Does that sound pretty harsh of God to send fire to devour

them right there? Well let’s take a closer look at what
happened.
Nadab and Abihu are priests (sons of Aaron). They enter in the
Lord’s dwelling and directly before the Lord’s presence. Inside
of the fire coming from the Altar (which directly came from
the Brazen Altar of sacrifice) outside of the sanctuary, they
added their own fire to it. Take note of why that fire is
significant. This particular fire consumes the burnt sacrifices
for the sins of the people. This fire was started by God. This
fire was to be perpetual. It was to burn continuously (Lev.
6:13). This fire consumed the innocent animal that took the
place of the sinner. This fire was the proper atonement for
man’s sin that foreshadowed Christ once and for all sacrificial
atonement for our sin. If the smoke from the incense
represents the prayer, then the prayer can only be accepted
through by way of the death / sacrifice that goes before it.
There’s no approach (prayer, fellowship, etc) with God without
the mediator. God set up a foreshadowing of our mediator
when He instituted animal sacrifice. Nadab and Abihu knew
God’s commands, but they own offering to God their way.
We can’t pray to God, worship God, be in God’s house and

think we can’t come through the way of death and sacrifice.
The wages of our sins must be paid. Death must take place.
And we can either choose to pay the wage ourselves or come
under the blood of Christ who took our place and paid the
wage on our behalf. But our flesh must die. We must become
as He is. And with His help all things are possible.
This can be a very sobering thought for many of us who believe

we know the Lord, reside in His presence, visit His local house
often and even offer up prayer and supplications to Him
regularly. As close and comfortable as we can be with God
(even to the point of having family members in the church
faithfully serve God), we still must evaluate ourselves through
the filter of the Word and daily approach God His way – the
way He’s designed (with a heart willing to pursue Him while
confessing and turning from sin). Or else we could be the ones
guilty of offering up strange fire to Him.

THE GATE. THE DOOR. THE VAIL
"You shall make a veil woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread,
and fine woven linen. It shall be woven with an artistic design of

cherubim. You shall hang it upon the four pillars of acacia wood
overlaid with gold. Their hooks shall be of gold, upon four
sockets of silver. And you shall hang the veil from the clasps.
Then you shall bring the ark of the Testimony in there, behind
the veil. The veil shall be a divider for you between the holy place
and the Most Holy. You shall put the mercy seat upon the ark of
the Testimony in the Most Holy." Exod 26:31-34
“9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and
shall go in and out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9.”
There were 3 entrances to the Tabernacle: the gate to the

Outer Court, the door to the Holy Place, and the Veil to the
Holy of Holies (corresponding to the 3 stages of spiritual
journey – justification, sanctification, and glorification).
The gate in the front entrance was wider than any other
entrance, signifying that God makes the path to Him available
to all.

Matt 22:14 tells us that many are called but few are chosen. All
three entrances were suspended by metal (silver or gold)
hooks which supported the pillars. That means to enter, one
had to pass beneath the hangings of the pillars – basically
stoop down (bow) to go under the curtain. This is a picture of
the kind of heart or attitude we should have as we approach
the presence of God (humility). The man who is not willing to
bow, cannot enter.
The camp of Judah camped right outside the Eastern Gate. The
name Judah means “praise” – the tribe that Jesus descended
from (Hebrews 7:14).
The word veil means “to separate”. It was made of finely spun
white linen, blue, purple, scarlet just as the door for the
shielding the Holy Place and the gate to the Outer Court but
was different because it was embroidered with cherubim. The
Veil before the Holy of Holies could never be touched by
anyone except the High Priest and he was only able to touch it
once a year to enter into the Holy of Holies and sprinkle blood
on the Mercy Seat on the Day of Atonement.
“9Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the
Holy Place inside the veil, before the Mercy Seat which is on the
Ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the Mercy
Seat.” – Lev 16:2.”

The colors of the veil had significant meaning. Fine linen
(white) represents the purity and righteousness (Matt 5:20) of
which we know represents Christ who was without blemish.
Blue is a picture of heaven as Christ came down from heaven
(John 3:13). Scarlet (deep red) points to Christ who purchased
our salvation with His blood (Romans 3:1-19). And purple,
which denotes royalty (Luke 1:32). The veil was about 10cm (4
inches) thick. To put it in perspective, two teams of oxen
pulling together in opposite directions would be unable to tear
it.
No man could tear it. Yet at the very hour Christ died this veil
was torn from Top to Bottom and not bottom to top (Matt.
27:51), proving the tearing of the veil was an act of God. This
meant that the proper offering had been accepted on man’s
behalf for redemption once and for all. The throne room was
now open to all people. Jewish priesthood was no longer
needed. Believers are now priests (1 Peter 2:9). No longer was
there a need for the High Priest to atone for sin. Jesus, our
High Priest, atoned for our sins once and for all (Hebrews
9:12). Through Christ and Christ alone, the path was made
clear toward God.
The 3 doors also represent the Trinity. In John 6:44, Jesus said
that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws him. So
the first gate represents the Father drawing each of us to
Christ. It’s within the Holy Place that we are able to partake
and fellowship with Christ. And it’s only through Christ that
we receive the Holy Spirit.

THE HOLY OF HOLIES (THE MOST HOLY PLACE)
“And they shall make an ark of acacia wood; two and a half
cubits shall be its length, a cubit and a half its width, and a cubit
and a half its height. And you shall overlay it with pure gold,
inside and out you shall overlay it, and shall make on it a
molding of gold all around…. And you shall put into the ark the
Testimony which I will give you.” Exodus 25:10-16

The Holy of Holies was a perfect cube measuring 10 cubits on
each side. Inside, resided The Ark of the Covenant which was
given to Moses as first in order of construction of the
Tabernacle (Exodus 10:22). This was the only furniture inside
of the Holy of Holies. It was also the most majestic of all
furniture in that Tabernacle. It was made of Acacia wood and
overlaid with gold without, then wood, and then gold within (3
layers).
Inside of the Ark of the Covenant (also known as the Ark of

the Testimony) were the Tables of the Law (the stone slabs
upon which the 10 commandments were given to Moses –
penned by God – on Mt. Sinai), a golden pot of Manna (the
supernatural bread that God provided to Israel for food), and

Aaron’s Rod that budded (a dead stick that budded almond
blossoms overnight as a sign of God’s selection of Aaron as
High Priest).
The Manna testifies of the daily provision that God gives us.
Just as the Israelites had to go back and forth every morning
and gather their daily food, so Jesus reminds us that we need
to come to God daily for the provision that only He can
provide.
The Rod signifies Christ who was dead but resurrected unto
life. The Lord can arise New Life from what we put to death in
our lives in honor of Him (flesh, relationships, old habits,
thoughts, sin, etc).
The Tablets point to the Word of God which bring life to all
those who obey it. The words of God are life to those who find
it and health to one’s whole body (Proverbs 4:20-22). Now the
law is written on the tablets of our hearts (Jer 31:31-34).
On top of the Ark is what is known as the Mercy Seat. It was

constructed of one pure piece gold (yet fashioned into 3) with
two Cherubim facing each other with their wings outstretched.
“17-22You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold; two and a half
cubits shall be its length and a cubit and a half its width. And
you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work you
shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat. Make one
cherub at one end, and the other cherub at the other end; you
shall make the cherubim at the two ends of it of one piece with

the mercy seat. And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings
above, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and they shall
face one another; the faces of the cherubim shall be toward the
mercy seat. You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and
in the ark you shall put the Testimony that I will give
you. And there I will meet with you, and I will speak with you
from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim
which are on the ark of the Testimony, about everything which I
will give you in commandment to the children of Israel.” Exodus
25:17-22.”
The two Cherubim were constructed from the same piece of

gold as the Mercy Seat (thus denoting Deity – Father and Holy
Spirit). The Mercy Seat was sprinkled with blood. Jesus is our
Mercy Seat.
Removing the Mercy Seat meant death. The people of Beth

Shemesh looked inside the Ark (removing the blood-stained
Mercy Seat from the top) after the Philistines returned it. This
resulted in God striking 50,070 men dead (1 Samuel 6). God’s
mercy removed means that we must pay the penalty of God’s
judgment against sin – death.
Jesus met the demands of the law when He shed His blood in
our place. That means our approach to God must be on the
basis of the sacrifice He made on the cross when He died. Our
righteousness is as filthy rags compared to God. God does not
compare us with one another. He measures us by the Word.

The Word that He provided. And His Word declares that we
must be like Him – holy.
On the Day of Atonement (once per year), the high priest

would sacrifice a bullock on the Brazen Altar as a sin offering
for himself and his household before making an offering for
the nation of Israel (Lev. 16:6-11). He then took a censer full of
burning coals from the Brazen Altar and two handfuls of sweet
incense into a golden bowl and entered the Holy of Holies.
He poured the incense on the coals which would emit a thick,

fragrant cloud of smoke into the chamber. He would then
return to the Brazen Altar, take a basin full of the bullock’s
blood, and again enter the Holy of Holies to sprinkle the blood
on the Mercy Seat. The blood made it possible for God to show
mercy to the nation of Israel. The blood was sprinkled 7 times
which spoke of God complete atonement (Lev. 16:14).
“16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we

may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” – Heb
4:16.”
Because of Christ, God now extends His mercy and grace so

that everyone can stand before Him and petition for help in
time of need.

The Israelites first journey with the Ark took 3 days
(symbolizing the death, burial, and resurrection of our Lord
Jesus). The Ark went first (Numbers 10:33-36).
The Ark went through the Jordan 2000 cubits ahead of the
people symbolic of Jesus going through the death, burial, and
resurrection 2000 years before His church does the same in
Him (Joshua 3:3-4).
So what happened to the Ark of the Covenant? Jeremiah 3:16

gives us some detail:
“16And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased

in the land, in those days, saith the Lord, they shall say no more,
The ark of the covenant of the Lord: neither shall it come to
mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it;
neither shall that be done any more.”
The Ark disappeared from the divine record sometime

between 621 B.C. when Josiah placed it in the temple. It
completely foreshadowed all that Jesus is and what He came to
restore.
The three parts of the Tabernacle in some ways also symbolize

the life of a believer. From the Outer Court, we’re cleansed
from the world, dead to sins, and placed in an eternal family
(the church). Inside of the Holy Place, our journey and growth
with God and His body take place. We take part in His body
and work to add more to His kingdom (house/ presence/
Tabernacle). We become faithful priests in our service unto
Him until death. And the Holy of Holies typifies heaven. After
faithfully serving the Lord, we are united with Him face-to-face
passing through the veil of death into eternal life with our
Lord.
There is only one way into the Outer Court, the Holy Place and
the Holy of Holies: and that’s through Jesus.
“9According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the

tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even
so shall ye make it.” Exodus 25:9

Secrets of The Tabernacle

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Secrets of the Tabernacle

“Speak unto the children of Israel…And let them make me a sanctuary;

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 1

“Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary.” Psalms 77:13

O ur sins have separated us from God. Our relationship to God has

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 2

God in His amazing foreknowledge knew we’d be unable to fulfill His

1 What we are saying is this: Christ, whose priesthood we

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 3

God purposed to raise up a kingdom of priests even among the children of

“6And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 4

“5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house,

The Tabernacle was a physical depiction of a future spiritual reality. It was

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 5

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 6

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 7

In fact, God purposely led them in a direction where He could show

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 10

The Lord desires a living sacrifice not an object. Not a sacrifice

The breath He blew inside of us to create a “living” soul – this

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 12

“Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as

T he Tabernacle comprised of a large tent with a Courtyard

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 13

Within the Courtyard was a tent known as The Sanctuary

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 14

“Tell your brother Aaron not to come whenever he chooses into

Take note of the three levels of separation. The presence of

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 15

“But the Levites are to camp around the tabernacle of the

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 16

The Levites received no land but instead 48 cities that were

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 17

Based on the above scriptures, the Lord anointed and

The Levites developed a righteous indignation. They were

God changes this when He announces in Numbers 3:12-13 that

The Levites became God’s instrument for atonement,

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 20

Secrets of the Tabernacle Page 21

The Meraites (descendants of Merai, third son of Levi) camped

The South side of the

Why? Because the secret things of God belong only to God

Another reason the holy things were to remain hidden is due

Moses, Aaron and Aaron’s sons were given prominence by God

Are you seeing a pattern here? Critics of the word of God

See we don’t have to understand the mechanics of the

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The pride of mankind has taken him (her) so far down in

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The sacrificed animal along with the mediator

As believers we are also priests, a royal priesthood.

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All Levites including priests were supported through the tithe

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His role is synonymous with Christ who is our forever high

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1. The Miter (Headdress and the Plate of God) as detailed in

-The Lord wanted the firstborn of every child and

-God placed one tribe around the Tabernacle to