THE TABERNACLE Sermon (30)

•THE PURPOSE OF IT

The Tabernacle was a movable sanctuary built by the Israelites under Moses' direction. It symbolized God’s presence among His people and served as a place for worship and sacrifices.

•HIS DESIRE TO DWELL WITH US

•Exodus 25:8 (NASB95) 8 “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.

•THE STRUCTURE OF IT

•Exodus 25:8–9 (NASB95) 8 “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. 9 “According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.

•THE TABERNACLE

•OUTTER COURT

Who Could Enter: All Israelites (men and women) were allowed into the Outer Court.

Purpose: This area was for the offering of sacrifices, including burnt offerings on the Bronze Altar, and for rituals of cleansing at the Bronze Laver.•THE HOLY PLACE

•THE HOLY PLACE

Who Could Enter: Only priests from the tribe of Levi, specifically descendants of Aaron, could enter the Holy Place.

Purpose: The priests carried out daily duties here, including tending to the Lampstand, placing fresh bread on the Table of Showbread, and burning incense on the Altar of Incense.•THE FURNISHINGS OF IT

THE HOLY OF HOLIES

Who Could Enter: Only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).

Purpose: The Holy of Holies housed the Ark of the Covenant, and it was where the presence of God dwelled. On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest entered to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people, sprinkling blood on the Mercy Seat as a symbol of atonement.

THE FURNISHINGS

1. The Golden Lampstand (Menorah)

Description: The Golden Lampstand, also called the Menorah, was crafted from a single piece of pure gold with a central stem and six branches, making seven lamps in total. It was placed on the south side of the Holy Place.

Purpose: The Lampstand provided light within the Holy Place, as there were no windows. The priests tended to it daily, ensuring the lamps burned continually.

2. The Table of Showbread (Table of the Bread of Presence)

Description: The Table of Showbread was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. It was positioned on the north side of the Holy Place. On this table were placed twelve loaves of bread (one for each tribe of Israel), arranged in two rows.

Purpose: The priests placed fresh bread on the table each Sabbath as an offering to the Lord, and the previous week’s bread was eaten by the priests. This practice was a symbol of God’s provision and the covenant relationship between God and the twelve tribes of Israel.

3. The Altar of Incense

Description: The Altar of Incense was a small, square altar made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, placed directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.

Purpose: Incense was burned on this altar every morning and evening by the priests, creating a sweet-smelling aroma that filled the Holy Place. The incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God.