The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a sacred structure established by God for the Israelites during their wilderness journey after the Exodus from Egypt. It served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Tabernacle was meticulously constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as detailed in the book of Exodus.

One of the significant aspects of the Tabernacle was the restriction placed on who could enter its sacred precincts. The Tabernacle was divided into distinct areas: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). Each area had specific regulations regarding who could enter and for what purpose.

Restrictions on Foreigners:

The Bible explicitly states that foreigners, or non-Israelites, were forbidden from entering the sacred areas of the Tabernacle. This restriction underscored the holiness of the Tabernacle and the unique covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel. The Israelites were chosen as God's special possession, and the Tabernacle was a tangible representation of His presence among them.

In Numbers 1:51 , it is written: "Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall do it. Any outsider who approaches it must be put to death." This verse highlights the severe consequences for any unauthorized person, including foreigners, who attempted to approach the Tabernacle.

The Levites, a specific tribe set apart for priestly duties, were entrusted with the care and service of the Tabernacle. They acted as mediators between God and the people, and only they, along with the priests, were permitted to perform the sacred rituals within the Tabernacle.

Theological Significance:

The prohibition against foreigners entering the Tabernacle can be understood in light of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. The Tabernacle was a symbol of God's holiness and His desire for a pure and consecrated people. By restricting access, God emphasized the need for holiness and obedience among His chosen people.

Furthermore, this restriction foreshadowed the coming of Christ, who would break down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles. In Ephesians 2:14 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility." Through Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, access to God was made available to all people, regardless of nationality or ethnicity.

Conclusion:

The restriction against foreigners entering the Tabernacle serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the special relationship He established with Israel. It also points to the greater fulfillment in Christ, who opened the way for all believers to enter into the presence of God. The Tabernacle, with its regulations and rituals, ultimately finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the true and eternal dwelling place of God among His people.Numbers 1:51
And when the tabernacle sets forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that comes near shall be put to death.
Nave's Topical Index

V. ...
... Strangers are such as we call foreigners. ... the believing Jews, and he calls them elect
strangers, who certainly ... When Moses had built the tabernacle, he took the ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

Period ii. The Post-Apostolic Age: AD 100-AD 140
... every land of their birth as a land of strangers. ... are assailed by the Jews as foreigners
and are ... The immortal soul dwells in a mortal tabernacle; so Christians ...
/.../a source book for ancient church history/period ii the post-apostolic age .htm

Book ii.
... for when he erected the first tabernacle to God ... of dainties; and pretends that strangers
could go ... For what things foreigners, when they solemnize such festivals ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/against apion/book ii.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... is a fear and a fear, a fear forbidden, and a fear commended; a fear forbidden,
because it ... Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... And by unlawful is meant what is forbidden by the law in which the order of ... he himself
should be killed, and his wife fall into the hands of strangers and evil ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

part ii
... is the kingdom of heaven." [682] "Except your righteousness shall exceed the
righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

What was the significance of the bronze laver? | GotQuestions.org

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Tabernacle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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