Tabernacle Typology Part 6: Coverings

Tabernacle Typology Part 6: Coverings

by | Aug 21, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

Tabernacle Typology 6: Coverings

Ex. 25:1-9: (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

Much like these temples made of flesh and bone that we inhabit, the Tabernacle was likewise covered with skins and hair.

God instructs Moses to use Goat’s Hair, Ram’s Skin and Badger Skin in the construction of the Tabernacle.

From outside the Tabernacle, then, would’ve looked like any other tent – just like Jesus, taking on flesh, would look like any other man. The rather mundane coverings hid from view the Holy and the Divine within.

In Isaiah 53 we read: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:2-3, NIV)

The coverings also speak of Jesus in other ways:

Goat’s Hair: This hair was woven by women into yarn (Ex. 35:26), making a hard-wearing material most suitable as a tent-covering.

In Matthew 25:32, a description of the Last Judgement, we find goats and sheep being separated from one another, the sheep signifying the righteous, whilst the goat’s were emblematic of the unrighteous. On the cross, Jesus was our scapegoat (Leviticus 16), taking all our transgressions upon Himself, taking all the blame for us. God revealed Himself in the likeness of sin, He revealed Himself in the likeness of unrighteousness to condemn it, and set us free (Rom 8:3). Thus it typifies Christ coming in the likeness of sinful flesh to defeat death and break the bonds of sin.

Ram’s Skins: Dyed red after they had been prepared.

Christ is called the Lamb of God, signifying His pure and spotless life, as well as His gentleness and meekness, the love that defined every deed, every act and every word to come from Him. The ram however signifies the strength of His public testimony, His steadfastness and resolve.

It also signifies the covenant made with Abraham – the fact that Jesus would take our place on the Cross. The Ram’s skins were dyed red, typifying how Jesus sealed the testimony in His blood, how the new covenant in His blood was made.

Sealskins: Or ‘badgers’ skins’. The Hebrew word Tachash – translated here as Badger Skins and Seal Skins in other versions of the text – has been the subject of much debate over the years. Jewish legend explains it as a unique animal, which existed only in the time of Moses.

Dr. Terry Harman shares the following thought: “If the tachash was a mysterious animal that only lived during the construction of the Tabernacle, then the Lord provided it and the people of God used it to glorify the Lord and the dwelling place of the Shekinah because it was a “one of a kind,” fit for the King of Kings and it will always remain a mystery.”

The Badger’s Skins are emblematic of strength and endurance. It was the external covering of the Tabernacle, probably hinting at the outer, or physical appearance of Jesus. Jesus was a carpenter (Mark 6:3), and thus it’s probably not too farfetched to assume that He might’ve had a rather rugged appearance. The fact remains that many who looked at Jesus only saw the uncomely badger’s skin of the Christ – and could not recognize that which was under the skin.

The badger’s skins typify Christ as a pilgrim, a sojourner in this world. An outcast, if you will, meant not for this life, but for the glory that was, and is, and always will be His!

Reflect:

1. In meditating on the above, on the coverings of skin and hair – how does it speak about the life of the Believer in Christ?

2. Many did not recognize the beauty of the Messiah. Thinking back on your own life, what is it that attracted you to Christ? How has your thinking and vision of Him changed as you have ventured deeper into the Sanctuary of relationship with Him?

Prayer: Lord, I pray that my relationship with You will always be more than just skin deep. I pray that You will take me deeper – deeper into the Sanctuary of Your Presence. Expand my vision of You and Your Kingdom – and guide my steps as a pilgrim and sojourner in this world – that I might be a testimony of Your strength and steadfast love. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tabernacle Typology Part 5: Fine Linen

Tabernacle Typology Part 5: Fine Linen

by | Aug 15, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

Ex. 25:1-9: (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

According 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.”

Linen, according to modern research, has been used for thousands of years and appears to be one of the oldest textiles known to man. Derived from the ancient Greek word ‘linón’ it referred to fabric woven from the fibres of the Flax plant

The Ancient Egyptians reserved linen for use by the social elite. They made everything from clothing, furnishings, decorations and sails for ships – they even used it as currency in some instances. Most famously it was used to dress their mummies for burial.

It had such a high place in the Egyptian mind that it was often referred to as ‘woven moonlight’.

It would later, in other parts of the world, become a symbol of status and refinement – often being included in the dowry of Mediaeval brides.

‘Linen’ appears more than a hundred times in the English Scriptures and was a sought-after commodity in Bible times. 

We read about the Angels appearing in robes of fine linen – Revelation 15 and 19, Ezekiel Chapters 9 and 10; Daniel Chapters 10 and 12 – representing their service, righteousness and purity.

Jeremiah (in Jeremiah 13) is instructed to purchase a linen belt, and after wearing it for a while to bury it. Many days later the Lord instructs him to dig it up. By this time it is dirty and useless. Here the belt represents the bond between Judah and God – and how that bond had been tarnished by their disobedience and wickedness. The belt of linen represented God’s bond with His people – a bond of Holiness. The linen belt represented the consecrated garb of the priests, and therefore also the priesthood of His people – the girdle of Jehovah – chosen as His Holy People.

In the book of Revelation the Bride – the saints – are clothed in fine linen as well (Revelation 15 and 19). Here it represents a separation from the world and its wickedness – the clothes kept clean and pure. 

Rabbinical tradition holds that whenever a priest’s garment had a stain that could not be removed, or if their garments had reached a point of disrepair, it would be cut into strips and recycled as candle wicks – “for there can be no display of poverty in a place of wealth.” (Klei Hamikdash, chapter 8).

Linen in the Tabernacle was used in the construction of the fence, and the ceremonial garments of the priesthood.

The pure, undecorated white fence around the Tent of Gathering made a separation between what happened within fro the world outside.

To step into the courtyard was to leave the world outside.

The fence was meant to protect and conceal what was happening inside.

Earlier we mentioned the fact that linen was used to wrap the Egyptian mummies – but it was also used in other burial ceremonies in other cultures. Jesus was also buried in fine linen.

There is a definite connection between death and linen – or rather in this case mortality and linen. As a portrait of Jesus the linen represents the humble and mortal flesh that God put on to die upon the cross for us – unblemished and pure, sinless and without blame.

It is through this mortality of Jesus, offered as a sacrifice, that we get to enter in to the courtyard of His presence – stepping out of the world as we know it and into His resurrection – ever closer to the Heart of the Father. All of the promises of the Tabernacle – the forgiveness and remission of sin – was contained within these walls of linen, just like the promise of redemption and reconciliation was hidden in the pure and unblemished linen of His Body broken for us.

For the Christian believer the linen fence represents the boundary between this world of sin and shame and the New Life in Christ.

Stepping out of the world and into His Holiness – separating ourselves from the world and drawing closer to Him. 

Reflect:

  1. In meditating on the above and the construction of the Tabernacle, in what other ways can the use of linen in the Tabernacle represent not only Christ and His Coming (as the Spotless Lamb of God – the Holy and Anointed One), but also the New Life of the believer?
  2. What is your understanding of Holiness? Is it imparted by the Holy Spirit? Is it something you work for or towards? Or is it both a gift of God, the work of the Holy Spirit – as well as a process that we are actively involved in? How would you explain this using the Tabernacle as a sort of metaphor?

Prayer: Lord, let my robes be unblemished and spotless before You. Help me, Jesus, through Your Holy Spirit to keep my garments clean. If there is any wickedness within me, remove it! I thank You Lord for Your mercy and grace! Even though my sins were as scarlet You have washed me white as snow. Show me Lord, if there is anything I have yet to surrender to Your careful, loving Hand – and give me the courage and the wisdom to act. Help me, Lord, to live a life worthy of the One You gave upon the Cross. In Jesus Name. Amen.

 

Tabernacle Typology 4: Red, Blue and Purple

Tabernacle Typology 4: Red, Blue and Purple

by | Aug 8, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

Tabernacle Typology 4: Red, Blue and Purple

Ex. 25:1-9: (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

According 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.”

Colors have always had a sort of inherent symbolism to them. Man has always associated colors with more abstract concepts.

Some modern examples, in the English language, might include:

“Feeling blue…” to indicate sadness or melancholy, to ‘be green’ is to be inexperienced or new to something, and to be the ‘golden boy’ is to be the family favorite – like some shiny idol on a pedestal.

These are but a few modern expressions, but as we go back in time we see that throughout human history color has always been used to convey subtle and hidden concepts, feelings and ideas to a target audience.

Red, for example, has for many centuries had many negative connotations – such as lust, anger and war.

We see this kind of use of color in many prophetic readings throughout the Bible. For example – Isaiah talks about our sins being as scarlet but being washed whiter than wool. (Isaiah 1:18). White is used again and again as an indication of purity and holiness – red in this case is indicative of our ‘violence’ against God – our transgressions and the consequence thereof.

We see this kind of prophetic symbolism in the book of Revelation – the pale horse, a kind of sickly green, reminiscent of decay and decomposition for death – the red for war, black for famine (as also in Lamentations 4:4, 8-9), and white for peace (the false peace that the antichrist brings).

It is then no leap of the imagination to think that the dye used in the construction of the Tabernacle do not abide by the same principle – that they might serve to color the portrait of Christ and His coming in some way or form.

God asks the people to bring, as an offering, blue, purple and red dye.

It is no coincidence that the words ‘dye’ and ‘die’ sound the same, for each of these materials would cost the life of some living creature – just as the consecration of our lives and the infilling of our bodies as the Tabernacle of the Holy Spirit would require sacrifice – first the sacrifice of the Spotless Lamb, our Messiah Jesus – and then our own dying to self as we surrender our lives to the Will and purpose of God – yielding to the careful Hand of our Father that He may color our lives with peace, hope, joy and newness of life.

We will now explore each color on its own:

Blue: Threads dyed a very dark blue, perhaps violet. According to Rabbinical tradition, it was derived from the blood of a shell-fish found in the Mediterranean Sea (most likely the Hexaplex Trunculus – a type of sea snail). After the 8th Century the source and means of production seems to have disappeared as Rabbinical sources laments the loss of the ‘thekelet’ from this point on.

It was used almost exclusively by the elite and was very rare and therefore costly. The root of the Hebrew name (Tekhelet) is significant, as it hints towards perfection, blue also reminds us of the Heavens, and is typical of the Heavenly Perfection of Jesus Christ, the Perfect Man, Son of God.

Purple: It was a reddish purple, a dye likewise obtained from a species of shell-fish – also most likely a type of sea snail (possibly the predatory snail mentioned above). Apparently the production of this dye was a very tedious, labor intensive process involving tens of thousands of these small sea creatures – and therefore it was also considered of high value and quite a commodity. (It would take the poisonous mucous of around 12 thousand Murex snails to procure around 1.4 g of pure dye).

Theopompus, an 4th century Greek Historian, described it as being worth its weight in silver. By this time it had become such a symbol of wealth and power that only the Emperor was allowed to wear it.

Purple being a combination of Scarlet and Blue, it typifies Christ in both His heavenly perfection as well as His earthly dignity, His glory on the Cross and His Melchisedec priesthood, Jesus sitting as Priest upon His throne. (Heb 8:1)

Scarlet: The literal translation of the phrase from Hebrew references a ‘worm of shining’, the meaning is probably derived from its brilliant hue. The worm referred to is the cochineal insect. The Arabs called it ‘kirmiz’, from which the English word ‘crimson’ is most likely derived.

This same scarlet color was also used to decorate the Bridal Chamber at Jewish Weddings.

The Scarlet yarn depicts Jesus as our Savior, the lover of our souls. It reminds us of His atoning blood and loving sacrifice on Golgotha.

The use of these dye’s throughout the construction of a Tabernacle provides a splash of color to the prophetic interpretation of the whole – especially in the composition of the Veil.

Reflect:

1. Using a concordance, do a quick topical search for colors in the Bible. Thinking about the common symbolism of various colors is there anywhere else in Scripture that you might apply what you have learned here – how do these colors convey a deeper meaning or more compelling vision of Christ and His Kingdom?

2.In thinking about the common symbolism of colors is there any way a Christian artist might employ these colors creatively as a teaching tool?

Prayer: Lord, I come to You today with a bended heart – a heart bowed down before You! As I think about these things and as I explore the Old Testament, I pray that I will see and understand the hidden things of Your Word. Help me see deeper and colour my understanding. As I go deeper, and look at those things I have often glossed over, let the wonder of Your Word unfold in my mind and in my heart. Help me see You in everything – even in the smallest things. In Jesus name. Amen.

Tabernacle Typology 3: Precious Metals

Tabernacle Typology 3: Precious Metals

by | Jul 11, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

Ex. 25:1-9: (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

According 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.”

As we have explored in previous reflections, every aspect of the Tabernacle points to Jesus in some way or form.

As St. Augustine said: “In the Old Testament the New is concealed, in the New the Old is revealed.”

All the nuances and finer points in God’s divine scheme are displayed in the Tabernacle, from the materials used to the staves, hooks and rods, and even the large, durable coverings – everything has a purpose.

In the four versions of the Gospel the hidden importance of such seemingly mundane things are exposed, and we can see Christ portrayed in the Tabernacle as the Son of Man, the Last Adam, The Son of God, the Spotless Lamb slain for our iniquities and transgressions!

The first of these finer points we will look at concerns the precious metals – gold, silver and bronze – used in the construction of the Tabernacle.

Metals like gold and silver have long been considered valuable by people groups across time and space – history and geography – and have often been used as a store of value, a sign of wealth and even power.

Another consideration is the fact that these metals were all taken from the ground, from within the Earth – and so, just as we need to mine the Earth to procure the wealth in it we will need to mine the text of the Bible to gain the wealth of knowledge, wisdom and revelation attached to these precious metals – the true spiritual value of these materials hidden in the incarnation of Jesus, just like its physical counterparts are hidden in the Earth.

Gold was used in the construction of the ark, the Cherubim, the table of showbread, the candlestick and the altar of incense.

It is generally used in the Tabernacle as an emblem of divinity, the revelation of God in the Lord Jesus, Immanuel, God with us. It also speaks of our faith in the Word of God, which is Holy and Perfect.

Silver was the only material not obtained by a voluntary contribution, but by a levy of a half-shekel on each adult Israelite. (Ex. 38:25-26). The silver was used for the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil, also for overlaying, filleting and the making of hooks and sockets.

Silver was the only material not obtained by a voluntary contribution, but by a levy of a half-shekel on each adult Israelite. (Ex. 38:25-26). This tax was ordained, collected as a ransom for the soul, the price of atonement. (2 Sam 24:15, Ex. 30:11-16). The Silver also reminds us of Christ, and His suffering on the cross – the price of our atonement. The sacrifice He made for us, laying down His life. Silver was also exchanged for our salvation, our atonement. (Matt 27:1-10).

Finally Brass was used for the Altar of Burnt-Offerings and the Laver, amongst other things. The Hebrew word means ‘copper’ or ‘bronze’ as is evident from Deut. 8:9: where the metal is said to be hewn from the mountains. It is also what their weapons were made of.

Polished brass was often used as mirrors – and it is in the mirror of Christ’s righteousness and strength that we do introspection. It is typical of judgment and suffering (Leviticus 26:18-20, Judges 16:18-22, Jeremiah 52:8-11), but also stability and enduring strength, just as iron is the emblem of overcoming strength (Deut 33:25).5 Thus it reminds us of God’s judgment over sin, the suffering of Christ for our atonement and the Holy Spirit, enduring and forever. (Zech 4:6, Eph 3:16)

As we continue our study of the Tabernacle and its typology this basic understanding of the precious metals will help convey a deeper and more compelling portrait of Jesus and His Great Work here in our midst.

Reflect:

1. Thinking about the precious metals in this meditation, what other qualities can possibly point to Christ and His Kingdom Come? Can you think of any other uses of these metals in scriptures – whether symbolic or literal – and how it speaks about Christ, His Kingdom or the New Life of the Believer?

2. Write a short Gospel presentation based on one of these precious metals using it to convey a message about the life and sacrifice of Jesus, the working of the Holy Spirit or the life of the believer.The presentation should not be longer than 3 to 5 minutes and should be easy to share.

Prayer: Lord, let my faith be refined through the Fire of Your Spirit into something more precious than silver and gold – burn away the impurities of my own understanding and show me what it is I need to learn so that I might be more like You. As I study and as I go deeper into Your Word – let it be like a mirror of polished brass through which I can do the necessary introspection and discern ever more Your plan and purpose for my life. Refine me like gold and silver so that those in my life might see Your beauty in my life. Strengthen my faith, like copper and brass, that I might stand strong against the opinions of the world and see You in all things. From You are all things and to You are all things. You deserve the glory. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Tabernacle Typology 2: Let Them Bring An Offering

Tabernacle Typology 2: Let Them Bring An Offering

by | Jul 11, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

Ex. 25:1-9: (KJV)

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.And this is the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair,And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood, Oil for the light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod, and in the breastplate. And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.

According 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.”

God is the creator of all things, the creative genius, weaving together the seams of reality, painting the skies, and letting His song flow through all of creation.

In the Old Testament type of the Tabernacle we find a skillfully composed portrait of Jesus and His coming Kingdom. Each material used in its construction had a specific divine purpose in the design, God’s design for the salvation that was to come (Heb 8:1-5, and see Ex. 25:8-9).

The Tabernacle is seen by many commentators as a sign, an emblem; a symbol of God’s habitation among men – the coming incarnation of Jesus and the subsequent indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

It is interesting to note that according to Maimonides, the main purpose of the Sanctuary was to wean the Israelites from idolatrous worship and turn them towards God. If we examine, for example, the account of the Golden Calf (Ex. 32), we see that the Israelites, like most people, are easily discouraged and seek physical evidence to support their faith, usually in the wrong places. To them, at that time, God had been revealed through Moses, and now that he was gone they needed a new deity, a new revelation of the divine. The sanctuary was there to remind them of God’s presence in their midst, to reassure His chosen people. Just as His Holy Spirit brings revelations of God to us today, so they also needed a revelation, reassurance and affirmation.

The Tabernacle, in many ways, re-enforced the laws which Moses had been commanded to set before the children of Israel. It also symbolised the fact that, when God wanted to abandon them, rather than destroy them, He forgave them, and He went on with them (Ex. 33).

God gave very specific instructions concerning the construction of the Tabernacle, as well as the materials that were to be used. In Exodus 25:2: the Lord says: “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.”

This offering was a freewill offering, not a mandatory one. He also says that the offerings that are to be received are gold, silver, brass, blue, purple and scarlet yarns, fine linen, Goat’s hair, ram’s skins dyed red, badger skins, acacia wood, oil for the lamps, spices for anointing oil and for sweet incense, Onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and breastplate.

A lot of this was plunder brought out of Egypt (Ex. 3:21-22), goods given by God, being given back for the glory of God. The beauty of this is in the concept of self-sacrifice. A spontaneous movement in oneself to do something, out of one’s free-will, not forced participation, but a decision to act not just on behalf of your own good, but for the good of your community according to the Will of God. Thus the Tabernacle is also a symbol, the embodiment, of love, gratitude and surrender to God’s will – for no other reason than the love of neighbor and above all the love of God.

The Tabernacle, for us as modern believers, is an invitation to participate in His presence.

We give what God has given us – our breath, our time, our lives – so that He might dwell in our midst and be glorified. We give what God has given us – with all our love and all our strength – so that God might inhabit our lives and that His Kingdom might come in us and through us, reaching, restoring and transforming the world around us.

Reflect:

1. In thinking about the materials listed in Exodus 25, what are some of the things these components might represent in regards to the coming of Jesus and His Kingdom?

2. In Exodus 25 God commands Moses to take up an offering to build the Tabernacle. What resources do you have available and how can you better use them to expand God’s Kingdom and Habitation amongst His people?

Prayer:

Lord, receive the offering I bring today. As I lay it at your feet – my breath, my time, my life – give me more of You. As I pour out myself before you, come and pour Yourself into me. Come tabernacle in me. Come and live, come alive, in me so that I might be a beacon of Your presence in a hurting world – Your hands and feet. Come and have Your way in me. In Jesus Name. Amen.