Topical Bible: Symbols and Similitudes: Tabernacle

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The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, holds profound symbolic significance within the biblical narrative, serving as a central place of worship and a tangible representation of God's presence among His people, Israel. It is first introduced in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for its construction (Exodus 25-31). The Tabernacle's design, materials, and furnishings are rich with symbolic meaning, reflecting various aspects of divine truth and the relationship between God and His covenant people.

Divine Presence and Holiness

The Tabernacle symbolizes God's dwelling among His people. In Exodus 25:8, God commands, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them." This dwelling is not merely physical but represents God's desire for a close, covenantal relationship with Israel. The Tabernacle's structure, with its three distinct areas—the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place—illustrates the concept of holiness and the progressive approach to God's presence. The Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept, signifies the ultimate presence of God, accessible only to the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16).

Sacrifice and Atonement

Central to the Tabernacle's function were the sacrifices and offerings, which symbolized atonement and reconciliation with God. The altar of burnt offering, located in the Outer Court, was the site where sacrifices were made, pointing to the necessity of atonement for sin. Hebrews 9:22 states, "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." These sacrifices prefigure the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 9:11-14).

Mediation and Intercession

The role of the priests in the Tabernacle underscores the concept of mediation between God and humanity. The high priest, in particular, serves as a type of Christ, our ultimate High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf (Hebrews 4:14-16). The priestly garments, the incense altar, and the rituals performed within the Tabernacle all highlight the necessity of a mediator to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.

Covenant and Law

The Tabernacle also symbolizes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The Ark of the Covenant, housed within the Most Holy Place, contained the tablets of the Law, representing God's covenantal promises and requirements. The presence of the Law within the Ark signifies the centrality of God's Word and commandments in guiding the life and worship of His people.

Typology and Fulfillment in Christ

The Tabernacle serves as a typological foreshadowing of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The Greek term for "dwelling" (σκηνόω, skēnoō) is related to the word for "tabernacle," indicating that Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Tabernacle's symbolism. He is the true meeting place between God and humanity, the embodiment of God's presence, and the perfect sacrifice for sin.

Heavenly Reality

Finally, the Tabernacle is a shadow of the heavenly reality. Hebrews 8:5 describes it as "a copy and shadow of what is in heaven." The earthly Tabernacle points to the greater, eternal sanctuary where Christ ministers as our High Priest. This heavenly perspective encourages believers to look beyond the physical and temporal, focusing on the eternal and spiritual truths embodied in the Tabernacle's symbolism.

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Psalm 15:1
Lord, who shall abide in your tabernacle? who shall dwell in your holy hill?
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Ezekiel 37:27
My tabernacle also shall be with them: yes, I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
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Hebrews 8:2,5
A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
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Hebrews 9:1-12,23,24
Then truly the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
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Library

Clement of Alexandria.
... Similitudes in instruction, use of, 281. ... Symbols, Pythagorean, in philosophic proverbs,
450. ... Tabernacle and its furniture, symbolic meaning of, 452. ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/clement of alexandria.htm

Of the Sacraments.
... These similitudes are applicable to the secondary reason ... when mention is made of
the sacred symbols which were ... that heavenly pattern of the tabernacle and legal ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

The Talking Book
... 22nd, 1871 at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, by ... of His approaching advent
in the symbols of the ... conceived of as though such similitudes were literal ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the talking book.htm

The Talking Book
... At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. ... footsteps of His approaching advent in
the symbols of the ... to be conceived of as though such similitudes were literal ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the talking book.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... receive the patena with the host, as symbols of the ... a great part of the ancient
tabernacle, and of the ... All the parables and similitudes in Scripture will be so ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

Dialogue i. --The Immutable.
... Himself a vine, dignified the visible symbols by the ... the ogdoads and tetrads and
similitudes are proved ... and indestructibility of His Tabernacle signified its ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue i the immutable.htm