1. The Tabernacle Was Built According to a Heavenly Pattern
The Lord commanded Moses, "According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it." Moses was shown the heavenly reality on Mount Sinai. The earthly Tabernacle was not a human invention but a copy of the true sanctuary that the Lord pitched, not man. The writer of Hebrews declares that the Tabernacle and its furnishings served as a copy and shadow of heavenly things. Therefore, every detail points to the greater reality in Christ.
2. The Outer Court: Access to God Through Sacrifice
The Tabernacle was surrounded by a court of fine linen hung on pillars of bronze. The only entrance was a gate on the east side, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread. Within the outer court stood the bronze altar and the bronze laver. The bronze altar was the place of sacrifice, where animals were killed and burned. The laver was for ceremonial washing. The outer court teaches that sinners cannot approach a holy God without sacrifice and cleansing. Christ is both the altar and the laver, both the sacrifice and the cleansing.
3. The Gate: Christ Is the Only Entrance
The gate of the Tabernacle court was the only way into the presence of God. There was no other door. Jesus said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved." The gate was woven of blue (heavenly nature), purple (royalty), and scarlet (sacrifice), with fine white linen (righteousness). Christ's heavenly origin, His kingly authority, His sacrificial death, and His perfect righteousness are the only way to the Father. As the gate faced east, toward the rising sun, Christ is the Dayspring from on high who brings light to those in darkness.
4. The Bronze Altar: The Cross of Christ
The bronze altar stood just inside the gate. It was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, the metal of judgment. All sacrifices were offered here. The fire on the altar never went out. This altar points to the cross of Christ, where the final sacrifice for sin was offered. Christ's body was the wood; His judgment for sin was the bronze. The fire of God's wrath fell upon Him. No one could approach the Tabernacle without first stopping at the altar. No one can approach God without first coming to the cross.
5. The Bronze Laver: Cleansing Through the Word
Between the altar and the Tabernacle stood the bronze laver, made from the mirrors of the serving women. The priests washed their hands and feet at the laver before entering the holy place or offering sacrifices. This cleansing was repeated daily. The laver speaks of the cleansing of the believer through the Word of God. Christ washes His church with the washing of water by the Word. Daily confession and cleansing are necessary for fellowship with God.
6. The Holy Place: The Priesthood of Christ
The Holy Place was the first room inside the Tabernacle tent. Only priests could enter. Inside stood three pieces of furniture: the golden lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of incense. The Holy Place speaks of the believer's access to God through Christ, our great High Priest. Every believer is now a priest who can enter the Holy Place through the veil, which is Christ's flesh. The golden lampstand is Christ the Light; the showbread is Christ the Bread of Life; the incense altar is Christ the Intercessor.
7. The Golden Lampstand: Christ the Light of the World
The lampstand was made of pure gold, hammered into one piece with seven branches. It provided the only light in the Holy Place. The priests trimmed the lamps daily and kept them burning continually. The lampstand points to Christ, the light of the world, and to the church as the light-bearer. The seven lamps represent the seven spirits of God and the perfect illumination of the Holy Spirit. Christ is the source of all light, and His Word is a lamp to the feet.
8. The Table of Showbread: Christ the Bread of Life
The table was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. On it were placed twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was replaced every Sabbath, and the old bread was eaten by the priests. Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life." The showbread speaks of Christ as the living bread who came down from heaven. He is the continual sustenance of His people. As the bread was always before the Lord, so Christ is always before the Father on behalf of His people.
9. The Altar of Incense: Christ the Intercessor
The altar of incense was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. It stood before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Twice daily, the priest burned fragrant incense on this altar. The incense represents the prayers of the saints rising to God. But ultimately, it points to Christ, who ever lives to make intercession for His people. He is the fragrant offering whose perfect prayers ascend continually before the throne of God.
10. The Veil: Christ's Flesh Broken for Access
A thick veil of blue, purple, and scarlet thread and fine woven linen separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. On the veil were embroidered cherubim. No one could enter the Holy of Holies except the high priest, and only once per year on the Day of Atonement. At the moment Christ died on the cross, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The writer of Hebrews declares that the veil represents Christ's flesh. Through His broken body, believers now have boldness to enter the holiest place.
11. The Holy of Holies and the Ark: Heaven Itself
The Holy of Holies contained the Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, and the cherubim of glory. This was the earthly throne of God. No one could enter except the high priest with blood. The Holy of Holies is a type of heaven itself, where God dwells in unapproachable glory. Christ has entered not a copy of heaven but heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. He is the forerunner who has entered for His people. Because He has entered, believers will also enter.
12. The Glory Cloud: The Presence of God
When the Tabernacle was completed, the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could not enter because of the cloud and the glory. This glory cloud led Israel through the wilderness. It points to Christ, who is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being. In Christ, the glory of God is fully revealed. One day, believers will see His glory and dwell in His presence forever.
Conclusion
The Tabernacle is a magnificent type of Jesus Christ and the heavenly reality. Every board, every curtain, every piece of furniture, every sacrifice points to Him. The outer court shows His sacrifice; the Holy Place shows His light, bread, and intercession; the Holy of Holies shows His presence with the Father. Christ is the Tabernacle of God with men. In Him, God dwells among His people, and through Him, believers have access to the Holy of Holies.