Recently in a Sunday school class, someone referred to the tabernacle as “just an old tent.” As much as I tried to change that thinking through biblical explanation, the person wouldn’t budge!
Why would Almighty God specify every detail of this sanctuary and its furnishings if there wasn’t any significance? He was the Architect of all creation, of our beautiful world as well as the Designer of this portable dwelling in the midst of his chosen people. Would he dwell in “just an old tent”? Every aspect of this sanctuary points to his own sacrificial provision for sin through Jesus, and demonstrates his character in holiness, mercy and judgment; his Sovereign plan throughout time is revealed in the tabernacle.
Here are only a few of the wonderful symbols on the inside of the tabernacle that I’ve seen throughout this construction. Jesus, God the Son, took on humanity (of the earth). A tree in the garden brought life; another tree brought death through disobedience. A tree on Calvary did that too (but in reverse). Here in the tabernacle, the framework and furnishings are made from a tree … acacia wood known for its incorruptible characteristics. That’s Jesus in his humanity. However, nothing in this structure was natural … all was overlaid with gold — a symbol of his deity. The veils were linen made of scarlet (the color of the new covenant in Jesus’ blood), blue (the heavenly color), purple (that royal shade) as well as the gold used for the Holy of Holies
The furnishings similarly represent our God — Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Light of the World ignited by the oil, the Bread of Life, the fragrant incense, and ultimately the Ark with the mercy seat of one piece of gold speaking of three in One, demonstrating God’s attributes of holiness, righteousness, mercy and justice. All these were consecrated by the blood of the animal sacrificed outside the Holy Place.
Lord, may the veil covering our hearts be torn so that we may truly be your sanctuary, feasting on your bread, worshiping as a fragrant offering and shining your light all because of the mercy extended by the shed blood of the Lamb.
Sherry VanHuisen
