30. DON'T LOOK ON THE OUTSIDE LOOK ON THE INSIDEA building with a secret message about fate.
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How important is a building? Well it depends on why it was built and who it was built for! It isn’t an exaggeration to say that the most magnificent, and longest lasting, buildings throughout history were built for kings or religious purposes. And anyone who has been to Istanbul can attest to this fact because in one day you can easily visit the home of the Ottoman Sultans (Topkapi Palace), the Hagia Sophia, and the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. And while there are some beautiful rooms in Topkapi Palace, nothing compares to the massiveness, design, and splendor of the Hagia Sophia or Sultan Ahmet Mosque. And this is quite fitting because these buildings are more than mortar, stone and wood; they are places of worship and prayer. Yes, when a building is made to worship God great care needs to be taken to make it just right.
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque was built between 1609-1617 and the principal architect was Sedefhar Mehmet Ağa. At the time, Mehmet was the royal architect and one time assistant of Turkey’s most celebrated architect Sinan. According to the details in his eight-volume memoir, his main sources of inspiration were the earlier works of Sinan and the Hagia Sophia. One need only look at the outside of the building and take a stroll through its interior to see that a lot of planning was done before a single stone was laid.
The basic layout of the mosque was based on the Şehzade Mosque, built by Sinan, with the same square-based symmetrical plan and spacious courtyard. The prayer hall was topped by an ascending system of domes and semi-domes, culminating in the central dome, which measures 23.5 meters wide and 43 meters high. These domes are supported by four massive pillars similar to the ones in Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, also built by Sinan.
The interior of the mosque was lined with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles from Iznik. The tiles are mostly composed of red and blue and have over 50 different tulip designs on them. In addition to the tiles, 200 intricately designed, stained glass windows filter natural light into the building. All of these elements create a grand, artistic, and peaceful environment.
Breaking with tradition, the sultan actually paid for this mosque with treasury funds and he employed the kingdom's best designers. In addition to Mehmet, the experts Kaşıcı Hasan and Mustafa Mersin Efendi designed the tiles, while Seyyid Kasim Gubari was responsible for painting the calligraphy. This mosque would be the crowning achievement of Sultan Ahmet and he wanted it to be the grandest of Ottoman classical architecture. According to modern day scholars, he accomplished his goal.
But what do you do when God wants a building, not to be worshipped in, but rather to dwell in? What would it look like and what would you use to build it? And if you were a nomadic, tribe of ex-slaves where would you get the materials for such a building? Let’s find the answers to these questions and more by reading Exodus chapter 25 verses 1-9:
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. 3 And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, 4 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats' hair, 5 tanned rams' skins, goatskins, acacia wood, 6 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 7 onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. 9 Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.
As we have studied the Bible, we have learned many things about God’s character and intentions. And it shouldn’t amaze us that there is still more to learn. The God who spoke to Abraham in the desert, rained judgment down on Sodom and Gomorrah, and appeared to Moses in the burning bush is now saying He wants to be among His people. It is almost unfathomable to think that the Creator, who is separate from His creation, could at the same time be present in His creation. But then again, nothing is impossible for God!
However, God didn’t want just any building. In fact, He said that His Tabernacle would be based on a pattern. Now if there is a pattern, there must be an original that it is based on, right? And where would the materials come from? Well the text tells us that the people would provide them through free will offerings (i.e., those willing to give would give.) If you remember, the Egyptians gave many things to the Israelites as they left Egypt and it is certain that most of the precious metals and stones given for the building of the Tabernacle were a result of those gifts. But what would they do with all the materials?
Before we look at each specific item, let’s organize the materials into three main categories. Some of the materials would be used to make the actual Tabernacle structure (i.e., the curtains, walls, support posts, etc.). The other materials would be used to make special furniture important for the worship of God. The rest would be used to make garments for those who served as priests. As we continue, we will not only explain each item but what it was used for. In addition it is important to know that the tabernacle was divided into three main sections: the courtyard, Holy Place, and Most Holy Place. Each piece of furniture was placed in one of these three areas.
Now we aren't just studying the Tabernacle structure because we are interested in architecture and furniture. Rather, it is because there is vital information hidden within the details that we must be familiar with to understand later parts of the Bible. Although all of those mysteries will not be revealed in the following texts, we look forward to unlocking them in later studies.
Lets start by reading about the special furniture in Exodus chapter 25 verses 10-12:
10 “They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. 11 You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and outside shall you overlay it, and you shall make on it a molding of gold around it. 12 You shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.
God’s first instruction was to make a box out of wood. This box was called an ark and was overlaid with gold. Just like every part of the tabernacle, this box was made according to exact measurements given by God. Although every piece of furniture and structural element of the Tabernacle was important, the ark was the most special. Let’s read about it’s cover and contents in verses 17-22:
17 “You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth. 18 And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. 19 Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. 20 The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. 21 And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you. 22 There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.
The ark’s special cover or lid was called the Mercy Seat. It was one solid piece of gold with a cherubim, or angel, on either end. The angels’ wings formed an arch over the mercy seat and the angels’ faces were looking down. It was in the midst of these two angels that God would appear and from which He would speak to Moses. In a sense, you could call it His throne.
But why was it important for the angels to be looking down, as if their heads were bowed? The first reason is that they were showing respect for God’s holiness. All creation owes its existence to God and as we approach Him we should do it in reverence of His righteousness. The second reason was because their gazes were fixed upon the contents of the ark, that is the testimony of the law. The testimony, or 10 commandments, was the foundation of God’s covenant with the Israelites and the basis from which He judges sin. In fact, the whole tabernacle worship system revolved around the seriousness of sin and the need for forgiveness. Let’s continue with verses 23-30:
23 “You shall make a table of acacia wood. Two cubits shall be its length, a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.24 You shall overlay it with pure gold and make a molding of gold around it.25 And you shall make a rim around it a handbreadth wide, and a molding of gold around the rim.26 And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and fasten the rings to the four corners at its four legs.27 Close to the frame the rings shall lie, as holders for the poles to carry the table.28 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried with these.29 And you shall make its plates and dishes for incense, and its flagons and bowls with which to pour drink offerings; you shall make them of pure gold.30 And you shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before me regularly.
In addition to the Ark and Mercy Seat, known collectively as the Ark of the Covenant, God told Moses to make a table. This table, called the table of showbread, was also made of wood and covered in gold and had a specific function in the worship of God. The priests made sure that the table always had twelve loaves of unleavened bread, one for each of the twelve tribes (sons) of Israel. Every Sabbath, the seventh day, they were to eat this bread and it symbolized their dependence on God for sustenance and survival. In addition to the bread, there were bowls and spoons for frankincense, pitchers to hold liquid, and plates for the bread.
You probably noticed that it had rings and poles for carrying. We need to remember that the Israelites were in the desert and on their way to the land that God promised to Abraham and his descendants. When the Israelites broke camp and traveled, the tabernacle had to go with them. Thus it was important that everything be portable.
In verses 31-33 God continued by saying:
31 “You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work: its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it.32 And there shall be six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it;33 three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.
The tabernacle had no windows and the only source of light within its walls came from this lampstand. It was made of pure gold and resembled a tree with six branches. At the end of each branch there was a cup in the shape of an almond blossom. The priests were responsible for keeping the lamp burning by filling the cups with oil. But just like the table, the lampstand also had a symbolic purpose. The constantly burning lights reminded the Israelites that God was always with them. And just as a lampstand provides light in a dark room, God is the source of light in our dark lives. Now let’s turn our attention to the tabernacle or tent by reading Exodus chapter 26 verse 1:
1 “Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns; you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them.
Unlike most temples, which were built with stone, the inner sections of the tabernacle were made of curtains. These curtains were designed after the pattern God gave to Moses and were covered with cherubim. We can only imagine how beautiful the inner tabernacle was when the light from the lampstand reflected off the table of showbread and flickered against the blue and purple walls. When the priests were inside the tabernacle, they probably felt as if they were in heaven. Angels surrounded them and the colors blue and purple reminded them of God’s laws and majesty. But the outside of the tabernacle wasn’t nearly as beautiful. Let’s read about it in Exodus chapter 26 verses 7 and 14:
7 “You shall also make curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; eleven curtains shall you make. 14 And you shall make for the tent a covering of tanned rams' skins and a covering of goatskins on top.
On the outside, the tabernacle didn’t appear to be very special. In fact, compared to the interior it was quite plain. The goat and ram skins provided insulation, served as a sound barrier, and also kept the interior of the tabernacle dry. But there was also an underlying message in its design.
In the inner most part of the Tabernacle, where God appeared on the Mercy Seat, the most precious metals and materials were used. But as you moved away from the Mercy Seat, the materials became less valuable. And the lesson for us is that in the presence of God there is beauty and purity and as you get further away from Him, there is only judgment and a need for continual cleansing. Have you ever felt like you just couldn’t be good enough or feared the judgment? It's likely you need to draw closer to God!
Now let’s look at the actual layout of the tabernacle and get an idea of where each of the aforementioned items was placed. We can read about this in Exodus chapter 26 verses 31-35:
31 “And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it. 32 And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, on four bases of silver. 33 And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy. 34 You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place. 35 And you shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle opposite the table, and you shall put the table on the north side.
The interior of the tabernacle was divided into two sections. The smallest area was called the Most Holy Place and the Ark of the Covenant was placed there. It was important that this area be separate from the other section of the tabernacle, so they hung a curtain to divide the two rooms. It is important to note that the curtain prevented the priests from being in the continual presence of God. It is also a symbol of sin which separates us from God. As we will read in the next lesson, the High Priest was the only one allowed to enter the Most Holy Place and only once a year. The other area was called the Holy Place. It was in this room that the table of showbread, lampstand, and altar of prayer were placed. It was also where the priests conducted most of their work. Although the Israelites never entered the tabernacle, they had an intimate knowledge of what happened in its outer courtyard.
The courtyard was surrounded by a wall made of white linen curtains and could only be entered through a special gateway. The gateway, instead of being made of white linen, was made of multicolored cloth. The Israelites knew that there was only one way to God and it was through that gate. And once on the inside, they would see two pieces of furniture that were crucial to their sacrificial worship system; the altar of sacrifice and the wash basin.
The altar was the first thing seen after entering through the gate. The people would bring their sacrifices to the priest, kill it and burn it upon the altar. The next piece of furniture was the basin for washing. It was placed between the altar of sacrifice and the entrance to the Holy Place. It’s description is found in Exodus chapter 30 verses 17-20:
17 The LORD said to Moses, 18 You shall also make a basin of bronze, with its stand of bronze, for washing. You shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it,19 with which Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet. 20 When they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn a food offering to the LORD, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die.
It was very important that the priests be clean. Before a man became a priest, he had to be ceremonially cleansed. Afterward, they were not allowed to sacrifice or enter the tabernacle without cleaning their hands and feet first. Before they sacrificed it was important that they be purified and before they entered the Holy Place of the tabernacle, they needed to wash away the blood. But there was also symbolism in the washing.
Hands represent service and work, while feet represent the paths of life we travel. The priests were representatives of God and thus their actions had to be holy and pure. So when they washed their hands it reminded them that they were the mediators between God and man and role models for the people of Israel.
Even today, many people wash before they pray to God. And it is no mystery as to why. Humans by nature feel dirty and shameful in relation to God. We can easily see that God is holy and we are not. The Israelites knew this and realized the importance of having a special people to represent them, namely the priests.
Now that all of the furniture, curtains, support posts, and priestly clothes had been made, God wanted every part to be blessed for service. Let’s read what He said to Moses in Exodus chapter 40 verses 1-15:
1 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 3 And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. 4 And you shall bring in the table and arrange it, and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. 5 And you shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the screen for the door of the tabernacle. 6 You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, 7 and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 8 And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court. 9 “Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy. 10 You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar may become most holy. 11 You shall also anoint the basin and its stand, and consecrate it. 12 Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water 13 and put on Aaron the holy garments. And you shall anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest. 14 You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, 15 and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.
The tabernacle was now complete. Moses did exactly what God had told him both in the construction and dedication of His Tabernacle. And then something amazing happened. Let's read about it in verses 34-38:
34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up.38 For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
There once was a reclusive monk who lived in a cave. One day a visitor came and asked him,
“Why do you insist on living here all alone? There is a large church and monastery in the city. In fact, it is one of the most famous in all the land. You should live there and worship God.”
“I don’t understand why I should live there. I have everything I need right here!” he replied.
“What do you mean? That church is one of the finest in the world! The artwork, statues, lofty ceilings, and fine craftsmanship are unmatched. You only need to look at it and see that it is a House of God.”
"Sir, pardon me. When you look at my cave you see a hole. But don't forget that it is still part of the mountain! How grand a palace God has given me. It is here that I meet with him."
On the outside, the tabernacle wasn’t the most impressive structure. But on the inside there was something more precious than the gold, bronze, wood, and fine linen it was made of. Likewise, the Israelites were not that impressive. They were former slaves traveling through the desert with nothing more than a promise. But they had something greater than the Egyptians temples, palaces, and statues. They had the God of Creation, YHWH, dwelling among them. What a day it will be when we too can dwell in the house of the Lord!
Questions for Discussion
1. Have you ever been somewhere and you felt like God was there with you?
2. Why do you think God wanted the outside of the Tabernacle to look plain?
3. What do you think the pattern is based on?
4. Do you think God wanted the curtain to separate the priests from His presence or to protect them?
The Sultan Ahmet Mosque was built between 1609-1617 and the principal architect was Sedefhar Mehmet Ağa. At the time, Mehmet was the royal architect and one time assistant of Turkey’s most celebrated architect Sinan. According to the details in his eight-volume memoir, his main sources of inspiration were the earlier works of Sinan and the Hagia Sophia. One need only look at the outside of the building and take a stroll through its interior to see that a lot of planning was done before a single stone was laid.
The basic layout of the mosque was based on the Şehzade Mosque, built by Sinan, with the same square-based symmetrical plan and spacious courtyard. The prayer hall was topped by an ascending system of domes and semi-domes, culminating in the central dome, which measures 23.5 meters wide and 43 meters high. These domes are supported by four massive pillars similar to the ones in Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, also built by Sinan.
The interior of the mosque was lined with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles from Iznik. The tiles are mostly composed of red and blue and have over 50 different tulip designs on them. In addition to the tiles, 200 intricately designed, stained glass windows filter natural light into the building. All of these elements create a grand, artistic, and peaceful environment.
Breaking with tradition, the sultan actually paid for this mosque with treasury funds and he employed the kingdom's best designers. In addition to Mehmet, the experts Kaşıcı Hasan and Mustafa Mersin Efendi designed the tiles, while Seyyid Kasim Gubari was responsible for painting the calligraphy. This mosque would be the crowning achievement of Sultan Ahmet and he wanted it to be the grandest of Ottoman classical architecture. According to modern day scholars, he accomplished his goal.
But what do you do when God wants a building, not to be worshipped in, but rather to dwell in? What would it look like and what would you use to build it? And if you were a nomadic, tribe of ex-slaves where would you get the materials for such a building? Let’s find the answers to these questions and more by reading Exodus chapter 25 verses 1-9:
1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. 3 And this is the contribution that you shall receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze, 4 blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats' hair, 5 tanned rams' skins, goatskins, acacia wood, 6 oil for the lamps, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 7 onyx stones, and stones for setting, for the ephod and for the breastpiece. 8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. 9 Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.
As we have studied the Bible, we have learned many things about God’s character and intentions. And it shouldn’t amaze us that there is still more to learn. The God who spoke to Abraham in the desert, rained judgment down on Sodom and Gomorrah, and appeared to Moses in the burning bush is now saying He wants to be among His people. It is almost unfathomable to think that the Creator, who is separate from His creation, could at the same time be present in His creation. But then again, nothing is impossible for God!
However, God didn’t want just any building. In fact, He said that His Tabernacle would be based on a pattern. Now if there is a pattern, there must be an original that it is based on, right? And where would the materials come from? Well the text tells us that the people would provide them through free will offerings (i.e., those willing to give would give.) If you remember, the Egyptians gave many things to the Israelites as they left Egypt and it is certain that most of the precious metals and stones given for the building of the Tabernacle were a result of those gifts. But what would they do with all the materials?
Before we look at each specific item, let’s organize the materials into three main categories. Some of the materials would be used to make the actual Tabernacle structure (i.e., the curtains, walls, support posts, etc.). The other materials would be used to make special furniture important for the worship of God. The rest would be used to make garments for those who served as priests. As we continue, we will not only explain each item but what it was used for. In addition it is important to know that the tabernacle was divided into three main sections: the courtyard, Holy Place, and Most Holy Place. Each piece of furniture was placed in one of these three areas.
Now we aren't just studying the Tabernacle structure because we are interested in architecture and furniture. Rather, it is because there is vital information hidden within the details that we must be familiar with to understand later parts of the Bible. Although all of those mysteries will not be revealed in the following texts, we look forward to unlocking them in later studies.
Lets start by reading about the special furniture in Exodus chapter 25 verses 10-12:
10 “They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. 11 You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and outside shall you overlay it, and you shall make on it a molding of gold around it. 12 You shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them on its four feet, two rings on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.
God’s first instruction was to make a box out of wood. This box was called an ark and was overlaid with gold. Just like every part of the tabernacle, this box was made according to exact measurements given by God. Although every piece of furniture and structural element of the Tabernacle was important, the ark was the most special. Let’s read about it’s cover and contents in verses 17-22:
17 “You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth. 18 And you shall make two cherubim of gold; of hammered work shall you make them, on the two ends of the mercy seat. 19 Make one cherub on the one end, and one cherub on the other end. Of one piece with the mercy seat shall you make the cherubim on its two ends. 20 The cherubim shall spread out their wings above, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, their faces one to another; toward the mercy seat shall the faces of the cherubim be. 21 And you shall put the mercy seat on the top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you. 22 There I will meet with you, and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, I will speak with you about all that I will give you in commandment for the people of Israel.
The ark’s special cover or lid was called the Mercy Seat. It was one solid piece of gold with a cherubim, or angel, on either end. The angels’ wings formed an arch over the mercy seat and the angels’ faces were looking down. It was in the midst of these two angels that God would appear and from which He would speak to Moses. In a sense, you could call it His throne.
But why was it important for the angels to be looking down, as if their heads were bowed? The first reason is that they were showing respect for God’s holiness. All creation owes its existence to God and as we approach Him we should do it in reverence of His righteousness. The second reason was because their gazes were fixed upon the contents of the ark, that is the testimony of the law. The testimony, or 10 commandments, was the foundation of God’s covenant with the Israelites and the basis from which He judges sin. In fact, the whole tabernacle worship system revolved around the seriousness of sin and the need for forgiveness. Let’s continue with verses 23-30:
23 “You shall make a table of acacia wood. Two cubits shall be its length, a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.24 You shall overlay it with pure gold and make a molding of gold around it.25 And you shall make a rim around it a handbreadth wide, and a molding of gold around the rim.26 And you shall make for it four rings of gold, and fasten the rings to the four corners at its four legs.27 Close to the frame the rings shall lie, as holders for the poles to carry the table.28 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, and the table shall be carried with these.29 And you shall make its plates and dishes for incense, and its flagons and bowls with which to pour drink offerings; you shall make them of pure gold.30 And you shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before me regularly.
In addition to the Ark and Mercy Seat, known collectively as the Ark of the Covenant, God told Moses to make a table. This table, called the table of showbread, was also made of wood and covered in gold and had a specific function in the worship of God. The priests made sure that the table always had twelve loaves of unleavened bread, one for each of the twelve tribes (sons) of Israel. Every Sabbath, the seventh day, they were to eat this bread and it symbolized their dependence on God for sustenance and survival. In addition to the bread, there were bowls and spoons for frankincense, pitchers to hold liquid, and plates for the bread.
You probably noticed that it had rings and poles for carrying. We need to remember that the Israelites were in the desert and on their way to the land that God promised to Abraham and his descendants. When the Israelites broke camp and traveled, the tabernacle had to go with them. Thus it was important that everything be portable.
In verses 31-33 God continued by saying:
31 “You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work: its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers shall be of one piece with it.32 And there shall be six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it;33 three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.
The tabernacle had no windows and the only source of light within its walls came from this lampstand. It was made of pure gold and resembled a tree with six branches. At the end of each branch there was a cup in the shape of an almond blossom. The priests were responsible for keeping the lamp burning by filling the cups with oil. But just like the table, the lampstand also had a symbolic purpose. The constantly burning lights reminded the Israelites that God was always with them. And just as a lampstand provides light in a dark room, God is the source of light in our dark lives. Now let’s turn our attention to the tabernacle or tent by reading Exodus chapter 26 verse 1:
1 “Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns; you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them.
Unlike most temples, which were built with stone, the inner sections of the tabernacle were made of curtains. These curtains were designed after the pattern God gave to Moses and were covered with cherubim. We can only imagine how beautiful the inner tabernacle was when the light from the lampstand reflected off the table of showbread and flickered against the blue and purple walls. When the priests were inside the tabernacle, they probably felt as if they were in heaven. Angels surrounded them and the colors blue and purple reminded them of God’s laws and majesty. But the outside of the tabernacle wasn’t nearly as beautiful. Let’s read about it in Exodus chapter 26 verses 7 and 14:
7 “You shall also make curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; eleven curtains shall you make. 14 And you shall make for the tent a covering of tanned rams' skins and a covering of goatskins on top.
On the outside, the tabernacle didn’t appear to be very special. In fact, compared to the interior it was quite plain. The goat and ram skins provided insulation, served as a sound barrier, and also kept the interior of the tabernacle dry. But there was also an underlying message in its design.
In the inner most part of the Tabernacle, where God appeared on the Mercy Seat, the most precious metals and materials were used. But as you moved away from the Mercy Seat, the materials became less valuable. And the lesson for us is that in the presence of God there is beauty and purity and as you get further away from Him, there is only judgment and a need for continual cleansing. Have you ever felt like you just couldn’t be good enough or feared the judgment? It's likely you need to draw closer to God!
Now let’s look at the actual layout of the tabernacle and get an idea of where each of the aforementioned items was placed. We can read about this in Exodus chapter 26 verses 31-35:
31 “And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it. 32 And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, on four bases of silver. 33 And you shall hang the veil from the clasps, and bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil. And the veil shall separate for you the Holy Place from the Most Holy. 34 You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place. 35 And you shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle opposite the table, and you shall put the table on the north side.
The interior of the tabernacle was divided into two sections. The smallest area was called the Most Holy Place and the Ark of the Covenant was placed there. It was important that this area be separate from the other section of the tabernacle, so they hung a curtain to divide the two rooms. It is important to note that the curtain prevented the priests from being in the continual presence of God. It is also a symbol of sin which separates us from God. As we will read in the next lesson, the High Priest was the only one allowed to enter the Most Holy Place and only once a year. The other area was called the Holy Place. It was in this room that the table of showbread, lampstand, and altar of prayer were placed. It was also where the priests conducted most of their work. Although the Israelites never entered the tabernacle, they had an intimate knowledge of what happened in its outer courtyard.
The courtyard was surrounded by a wall made of white linen curtains and could only be entered through a special gateway. The gateway, instead of being made of white linen, was made of multicolored cloth. The Israelites knew that there was only one way to God and it was through that gate. And once on the inside, they would see two pieces of furniture that were crucial to their sacrificial worship system; the altar of sacrifice and the wash basin.
The altar was the first thing seen after entering through the gate. The people would bring their sacrifices to the priest, kill it and burn it upon the altar. The next piece of furniture was the basin for washing. It was placed between the altar of sacrifice and the entrance to the Holy Place. It’s description is found in Exodus chapter 30 verses 17-20:
17 The LORD said to Moses, 18 You shall also make a basin of bronze, with its stand of bronze, for washing. You shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it,19 with which Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet. 20 When they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn a food offering to the LORD, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die.
It was very important that the priests be clean. Before a man became a priest, he had to be ceremonially cleansed. Afterward, they were not allowed to sacrifice or enter the tabernacle without cleaning their hands and feet first. Before they sacrificed it was important that they be purified and before they entered the Holy Place of the tabernacle, they needed to wash away the blood. But there was also symbolism in the washing.
Hands represent service and work, while feet represent the paths of life we travel. The priests were representatives of God and thus their actions had to be holy and pure. So when they washed their hands it reminded them that they were the mediators between God and man and role models for the people of Israel.
Even today, many people wash before they pray to God. And it is no mystery as to why. Humans by nature feel dirty and shameful in relation to God. We can easily see that God is holy and we are not. The Israelites knew this and realized the importance of having a special people to represent them, namely the priests.
Now that all of the furniture, curtains, support posts, and priestly clothes had been made, God wanted every part to be blessed for service. Let’s read what He said to Moses in Exodus chapter 40 verses 1-15:
1 The LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 On the first day of the first month you shall erect the tabernacle of the tent of meeting. 3 And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. 4 And you shall bring in the table and arrange it, and you shall bring in the lampstand and set up its lamps. 5 And you shall put the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and set up the screen for the door of the tabernacle. 6 You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting, 7 and place the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. 8 And you shall set up the court all around, and hang up the screen for the gate of the court. 9 “Then you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its furniture, so that it may become holy. 10 You shall also anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and consecrate the altar, so that the altar may become most holy. 11 You shall also anoint the basin and its stand, and consecrate it. 12 Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting and shall wash them with water 13 and put on Aaron the holy garments. And you shall anoint him and consecrate him, that he may serve me as priest. 14 You shall bring his sons also and put coats on them, 15 and anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may serve me as priests. And their anointing shall admit them to a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations.
The tabernacle was now complete. Moses did exactly what God had told him both in the construction and dedication of His Tabernacle. And then something amazing happened. Let's read about it in verses 34-38:
34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.35 And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36 Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up.38 For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
There once was a reclusive monk who lived in a cave. One day a visitor came and asked him,
“Why do you insist on living here all alone? There is a large church and monastery in the city. In fact, it is one of the most famous in all the land. You should live there and worship God.”
“I don’t understand why I should live there. I have everything I need right here!” he replied.
“What do you mean? That church is one of the finest in the world! The artwork, statues, lofty ceilings, and fine craftsmanship are unmatched. You only need to look at it and see that it is a House of God.”
"Sir, pardon me. When you look at my cave you see a hole. But don't forget that it is still part of the mountain! How grand a palace God has given me. It is here that I meet with him."
On the outside, the tabernacle wasn’t the most impressive structure. But on the inside there was something more precious than the gold, bronze, wood, and fine linen it was made of. Likewise, the Israelites were not that impressive. They were former slaves traveling through the desert with nothing more than a promise. But they had something greater than the Egyptians temples, palaces, and statues. They had the God of Creation, YHWH, dwelling among them. What a day it will be when we too can dwell in the house of the Lord!
Questions for Discussion
1. Have you ever been somewhere and you felt like God was there with you?
2. Why do you think God wanted the outside of the Tabernacle to look plain?
3. What do you think the pattern is based on?
4. Do you think God wanted the curtain to separate the priests from His presence or to protect them?