Chapter 2-The Tabernacle

The tabernacle as pitched in the wilderness was a beautiful structure. Around it was a court enclosed with linen curtains, which were suspended by silver hooks from pillars of brass trimmed with silver. Viewed from any side, the tabernacle was beautiful. The north, south, and west sides were formed of upright boards, ten cubits high, covered gold within and without, and kept in position by silver sockets underneath, and by bars overlaid with gold, which passed through golden rings, and extended around the building. ^{1Exodus 26:15-30} The front, or east end, was enclosed by a curtain of “blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer.” ^{2Exodus 36:37, margin} It was hung upon five pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold, and added much to the beauty of the entrance. The rich rainbow tints of the curtain, inwrought with cherubim, which formed the door of the building where God promised to dwell, was a beautiful “shadow” of the entrance to the heavenly sanctuary. Here, with a rainbow of glory encircling His throne, the Father sits, while ten thousand times ten thousand angels pass to and fro at His command. ^{3Revelation 4:2-4; 5:11}CIS 28.1

The roof, or covering, of the tabernacle consisted of four curtains of cloth and skins. The inside curtain, like that at the entrance of the tabernacle, was of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, with golden cherubim wrought in it by a cunning embroiderer. ^{4Exodus 26:1, margin} This formed the ceiling, which was a faint representation of the canopy of glory above the throne of God, with the myriads of angels ready to fulfil His commands. ^{5Ezekiel 1:28} Over this was a curtain of goats’ hair, above that a covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and over all a covering of badgers’ skins, all forming a perfect protection from the weather. ^{6Exodus 26:1-14} The different colors in the coverings, blending with the golden wall and the gorgeous entrance curtain, or veil, as it was called, combined to make a structure of surpassing glory.CIS 29.1

Over the tabernacle rested the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, which guided the Israelites in all their wanderings. ^{7Exodus 40:38} In the midst of the desert heat there was a cool, refreshing shelter beneath the shade of the cloudy pillar for those who served in the tabernacle or worshiped in its court, while without was the scorching heat of the desert. ^{8Isaiah 32:2} What a beautiful type of the covering God spreads over His people in the midst of this wicked world, so that it is possible to dwell in the secret place of the Most High and abide under the shadow of the Almighty One ^{9Psalm 91:1} while in the midst of the turmoil and strife of this wicked world.CIS 29.2

At night, when the intense heat abated and darkness covered the desert, then above the holy tabernacle hung the cloud, now a great pillar of fire, “in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” ^{10Exodus 40:38} God’s immediate, visible presence lighted up the entire encampment, so that all could walk safely through the darkness. What an expressive type was thus given of the Christian’s walk! There may be no visible light, but when the light of God’s presence surrounds him, his pathway is light. David knew this when he wrote, “Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance.” ^{11Psalm 89:15} The weakest trusting child of God can have the blessed privilege of being guided by the light of God’s countenance, safe from the pitfalls of Satan, if he will surrender his heart to God.CIS 29.3

Within the golden walls of the tabernacle, priests of divine appointment performed a work representing in types and symbols the plan of redemption.CIS 30.1

The work of Christ has two distinct phases, one performed in the first apartment of the heavenly sanctuary, the other in the second apartment. He offers salvation free to every one. Many accept and start out on the Christian pathway. Christ reaches down His infinite arm to encircle and support every one who calls upon His name, and no power of earth or Satan can force a child of God out of His protecting care. ^{12John 10:28, 29} The only way any can be lost is by letting go their hold upon that infinite hand. Like Peter, if they take their gaze from Christ and fix it upon the sea of life, they sink, unless, like him, they cry out, “Lord, save me,” and are rescued by the Saviour. ^{13Matthew 14:28-31}CIS 30.2

The work of Christ is illustrated by the parable of the marriage of the king’s son. All the guests, both bad and good are gathered at the marriage; but when the king comes in to examine the guests, all are ejected except those who are clothed with the wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness. “Many are called, but few are chosen.” ^{14Matthew 22:1-14}CIS 31.1

There were two apartments in the sanctuary, or tabernacle. In the first apartment a service was performed daily throughout the year which typified the work of inviting the guests and gathering them to His marriage. On one day at the end of the year a service was performed in the second apartment which typified the work of choosing out from among the many that have accepted the call, those who are worthy of eternal life, as illustrated in the parable by the king examining the guests.CIS 31.2

Type Antitype Hebrews 8:1-5. The earthly sanctuary was a shadow of the heavenly sanctuary. Revelation 11:19. There is a temple in heaven. Hebrews 9:1-3. The worldly sanctuary had two apartments. Hebrews 9:24. The heavenly sanctuary also has two apartments.