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 1: God Wants To Dwell In Our Midst

Tabernacle Typology 1: God Wants To Dwell In Our Midst

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Tabernacle Typology, Typology

In Genesis 3:15 we see that, shortly after Man’s disobedience, God makes a promise, the promise of salvation. God has a plan, for each and every one of us individually, and more often than not you can find the type (or the foreshadowing) in the Old Testament, and the final, full-fledged result, the fulfillment, in the New Testament.

After their Exodus from Egypt, the people of Israel found themselves safe at Mount Sinai. Here Moses had given them the laws and regulations of God, but that would not be the end of their journey with God.

An interesting aside is that God threatened to leave them, to abandon them – instructing Moses to lead the people, but saying “ Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” (Ex. 33), Moses acted as intercessor, just as Jesus was an intercessor for our sins, and reminded God of His promise. This would not be the last time Moses would intercede for the unbelief and obstinate of his people (Numbers 14).

Shortly after this the construction of the Tabernacle started.

God knew the plan He had for the Israelites, He knew what lay ahead (Jer 29:11). He also knew that their hearts would be hard and unrepentant, and that they would remain a stiff-necked people throughout. He knew what the consequences of their stubbornness would be…

Because of this unique knowledge, knowledge that only our God possesses, He designed the Sanctuary so that it could be a portable temple; a portable structure that could travel with them on their wanderings, so that they could have a physical emblem of God’s presence on their journey. It is important to note that when He instructs them to make for Him a sanctuary, the emphasis is not so much on God dwelling in it, but rather that He may dwell in their midst, among His people.

Even in the desert God would be with them. Even in their stubbornness. Even in their stiff-neckedness. Even in their sin. Even in their deafness.

God loves His people, loves His creation and wants to see it glorifying Him, He wants to see His children prosper and live in abundance and so, after the fall of Man, he made a new and living way for us, so that we could break the shackles of sin, and lay all our burdens down and truly be free through Him. Therefore, as you go through the Old Testament, you find people and events that foreshadow the coming of a Savior, the coming of Salvation.

It has been stated in various books and studies that the Tabernacle can be looked at as a portrait of the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus also paints a beautiful picture of God’s love for us, as well as some of the characteristics He expects believers to adopt. God wants to dwell, or tabernacle, in the midst of His children, and just as He revealed Himself to the Israelites,

He revealed Himself to man through Jesus, coming in the flesh through the indwelling of His Spirit, the same Spirit that lives in our hearts, seeing as we’ve accepted Christ as Lord and Savior and have, through Jesus, received all the promises of the Father, that is to say, the Holy Spirit which guides, teaches and edifies, building up the body of Christ into which we were baptized. (Eph 2:22).

His plan, displayed to us a single scarlet thread throughout the Old Testament, was fulfilled in Christ Jesus, and because of the fulfillment the old should be traded for the new. We should cling to Jesus, and not the type, but rather the fulfillment of it, for He now dwells in our hearts, God tabernacles among us, in Spirit.

In the Old Testament God lived in the Tabernacle, he dwelt among His people through the Tabernacle, but today, in this day and age, He revealed Himself to us in Jesus, and now reveals Himself through the Holy Spirit (The Spirit of His Son), in us.


Where once God dwelt in a temple, He now truly lives among His people, He now truly tabernacles amongst His people, He now lives within us. Just as through the Tabernacle the priests had access to God, so to, through faith in Jesus we have boldness and access to God, through Christ we are a royal priesthood! (1 Pet 2:9)


He made a way for us, a new and living way, and we are free…

Reflect:

1. What are some ways in which we can see Jesus typified in the life of Moses and the event of the Exodus?

2. Reflecting on the purpose of the Tabernacle, what does it typify in terms of the modern day believer? What does the word ‘tabernacle’ mean to you?

3. The Tabernacle was in a lot of ways the ‘portable Presence’ of God in the desert. What does this imply in terms of our Christian walk?

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You for the depth of Your Word. That there is always more under the surface. As I continue to think along these lines, broaden my understanding. Come tabernacle in me Lord. Let me be full of You. Full of Your Presence and Power – a portable temple of sorts in the desert of this current culture. Help me carry Christ to dead and dry places, and let me see revival and restoration break out wherever I go. In Jesus name. Amen.

What is Typology? (An Introduction)

What is Typology? (An Introduction)

by | Jun 27, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details, Typology

Typology is the study of the New Testament in light of the Old. One of the biggest Biblical studies in typology is the book of Hebrews in which the author constantly points out how important figures, concepts and events point towards Jesus as the Messiah.

Looking at the Old Testament we can think of a few obvious ones, for example, the Brazen Serpent, symbolic of Jesus coming in the likeness of sin and hanging on the cross so that all who look unto Him could be saved, and the Rod of Aaron, typical of Christ’s priesthood and resurrection.

Essentially, ‘Types’ are a kind of prophetic foreshadowing. The idea is that all that was points towards what is and what will be – that God has hidden these prophetic lines in the tapestry of creation and history, like a secret scarlet thread for us to find, understand and marvel at.

God has been writing His love letter to mankind from before it all began.

And these ‘Types’ are like breadcrumbs leading us towards a more compelling, fuller view of the will and heart of God.

Beyond being food for thought, as we meditate on and enjoy the deeper things of God’s Word, there is also the potential of using it in conversation to explain who Christ is and what He did for us.

There is therefore the potential of employing it, like the author of Hebrews, for Jewish evangelism specifically as well – at the very least, the study of these types present the opportunity of using the Old Testament, the Hebrew scriptures, to open the door for conversation about Jesus.

The names and concepts from the Old Testament will be familiar to a Jewish audience, and with a little bit of cultural awareness the knowledge of the Old can be used to point our brothers and sisters towards the New and Living Way.

Nonetheless, whatever our reasons for pursuing a study of the Old Testament and its types – whether for personal growth and understanding, purely academic or intellectual reasons, or more practical pursuits – it is a fascinating subject worthy of our attention and careful, diligent study.

Here are a few places to start:

  • Numbers 21 – the Brazen Serpent (See John 3)
  • Exodus 11-13 – The Paschal Lamb (See 1 Corinthians 5:7)
  • Genesis 22-24 – Isaac as a ‘type’ of Jesus (See Hebrews 11)
  • The Book of Joshua – Joshua as a ‘type’ of Jesus (See Hebrews 4)

The prophets often saw in simile and metaphor, Jesus spoke in parables – and through the Holy Spirit we can gain a deeper understanding of the recurring themes, ideas and concepts in the Bible towards a more satisfying view of history.

As you look at these examples, ask God to show you that hidden scarlet thread – the scarlet thread of His mercy, grace, love and faithfulness – the scarlet thread that is Jesus.

Reflect:

1. Prayerfully look at one of the examples above, all typifying Jesus. How do these people, places and events point to Jesus?

2. Can you think of any other examples in the Old Testament that might be a kind of prophetic foreshadowing of the coming Kingdom?

Prayer:

Lord, all knowledge and wisdom is in Your hand. I ask today that as I read, as I study – as I approach Your Word with reverence and awe – that You will open up the Scriptures and grant me understanding. Help me see Jesus in the Old Testament. Enlarge the joy of my salvation as I consider the things of Old – knowing that from the foundation of creation You had me in mind. Since before time began You loved me. From the very beginning of it all, Your plan for me was Jesus. Amen.

Christ and the Angels: Lower than the Angels

Christ and the Angels: Lower than the Angels

by | Jun 14, 2024 | Bible Studies, Christological Reflections, God in the Details

David asks: What is man that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. (Psalm 8:4-5, KJV).

It’s a question I’ve often asked, and I’m sure it must’ve crossed your mind in the past as well – who am I that God is mindful of me? Who am I that He cares for me? Who am I that He sees me, and hears me, and loves me unconditionally?

Now – it is important for us to acknowledge that man is made up of various components – that the flesh can be separated from the spirit and from the soul. They are three distinct parts.

In the beginning God created the universe – He created man – and told man to reign over all the Earth, to have authority!

God made us, a little lower than the angels, but crowned us with glory and honor.

When we talk about Jesus being lower than the angels it is of utmost importance that we separate the various components which makes us human. Jesus isn’t lower than the angels in spirit and soul – but only in body! He is lower than the angels because of the perishable flesh He took on. We must remember that Christ is still God!

The Bible teaches that sin came into the world through one man – Adam, but also that our redemption comes from one man – as promised in Genesis 3:15 and fulfilled in Christ – the anointed Messiah in whom we have redemption, the remission of our sins and eternal life.

Hebrews 2:14: (KJV) reads as follows:

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;”

Tying in with the previous passage, as found in Hebrews 2:9-10:

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

God stepped down from His throne into the darkness of the world, into our midst, so that He could restore us, rescue us and take us home – return us, in right standing, to His Kingdom.

God stepped down from His throne, inclined to man, and it became Him to become a little lower than the angels so that He could suffer for our infirmities, be broken for our transgressions, and pierced for our iniquity. It became Him to step down from Glory, so that He could be glorified by His love for us – so that we could glory in His embrace.

He came to Earth a little lower than the angels to restore us, to take all our burdens upon Him, to taste death for man, so that we could eat the bread of life eternal.

In this we see this Christological concept – that Jesus is the Word that took on flesh to become the Spotless Lamb of God, the Sacrifice for the remission of our sins and our reconciliation with Himself. The perishable flesh that would serve as the metaphorical ‘veil’ behind which the fullness of God lives – torn so that we may realize that God is not in that box, but among us, dwelling, moving, and working in our midst.

The Word, infinite and eternal, taking on corruptible, frail and fragile flesh is the epitome of God bowing the heavens to tabernacle in our midst. The immortal becoming perishable the ultimate sacrifice.

Reflect:

1. In the second chapter of Hebrews the author draws a comparison between Jesus and the angels to explain the significance of His incarnation. What are some ways that you can describe the incarnation of Jesus in your personal mission field?

2. In the first two chapters of Hebrews the author draws comparisons between Christ and the angels to explore His majesty, power and glory – but also the frailty of the flesh He came to inhabit. Why is it important to understand both sides of the Incarnation to have a full view of His finished work on the Cross?

3. Considering the above, what can we as believers take out of the text to influence the way we live our lives and our outreach to our neighbours?

Prayer:

Lord, in all things – persecution, famine, nakedness and sword – help me be a faithful witness of Your Kingdom. You endured great discomfort, pain and even death to prove Your love for us. My flesh might fail, but Your Spirit does not. Empower me through the indwelling of Your presence to see Your Kingdom come in our midst as I pray for, work for and strive for revival in my life and the lives of those around me. Give me a renewed understanding of the frailty You chose on my behalf and the sacrifice – Your Body and Your Blood – for me. Let me live a life worthy of the One You gave – with gratitude and thanksgiving. In Jesus Name. Amen.