Though containing seemingly unrelated instructions, in reality Leviticus chapter 24 is one complete thought starting with the details on caring for the tabernacle’s menorah, instructions on making the showbread and then concluding with the stoning of the rebellious and blasphemous son. This is yet another example of the Torah teaching us important spiritual lessons using every day examples of life by juxta posing them with specific instructions without overtly connecting all the parts and pieces. The connective implication of these disparate subjects are astounding with regard to how parents should raise their children as we are about to discover.
Our western mentality has been conditioned in our educational system to the teaching method where principles are explicitly connected chronologically like a mathematical equation. An example of this mathematical step-logic is that two plus two plus five minus one times two equals 16. This pedagogic or teaching style is referred to as syllogistic or step logic, where one idea is laid atop another in a linear or a progressive manner. By contrast, Western thinking is unaccustomed to the Hebraic teaching method called block logic where various ideas and concepts are laid out side-by-side like pieces of a puzzle on a table leaving the reader to assemble the random pieces. Thus, through this process a holistic picture begins to emerge. It is about learning through engagement and discovery. Leviticus chapter 24 is an example of Hebraic block logic. In reality, the whole is like a giant puzzle containing numerous puzzle pieces that must be assembled little-by-little one piece at a time. Isaiah explained it this way, “But the word of YHVH was to them, “Precept upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little…” (Isa 28:13).
Thus, Leviticus chapter 24 is one continuous thought that is separated from the chapters that come before and after. This is clear because each chapter begins with the phrase, “And YHVH spoke to Moses….” What this means is that upon closer analysis while Leviticus chapter 24 that contains instructions about caring for the tabernacle’s menorah, baking the 12 loaves of showbread, and ends with discussing the rebellious blaspheming son these are not three separate and unrelated subjects, but are a continuum of the same thought. In fact, this chapter is not only teachings us about child rearing but is also a remez or hint about the current state of the modern, mainstream church and how it raises its young converts. Let’s now explore the this chapter to discover these insights that are examples that were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come (1 Cor 10:11).
Leviticus 24 is divided into three subsections, which include caring for the menorah, baking and placing the show bread, and punishing a young blaspheming son. Each new section begins with the Hebrew grammatical connective conjunction vav meaning “and,” which expresses a new thought. At the same time, each though is also a continuation of the previous thought. So what do these three sections have to do with each other?
First, the menorah is a symbolic picture of Yeshua and the redeemed believer. It is also a prophetic picture of Yeshua who is the tree of life to which each redeemed Israelite is attached and draws his spiritual sustenance through the Spirit of Elohim. The menorah was literally a series of hollow tubes filled with olive oil not unlike the vascular system of a tree which translocates sustenance from its trunk to its branches. When John tells us that Yeshua is the vine and the saints are his branches (John 15:1), this can be likened to the menorah—a picture of Yeshua, who is the saint’s tree of life from which we derive our spiritual sustenance and power. Moreover, the gold in the menorah symbolizes pure, godly character or the righteousness of the saints. Moreover, a menorah produces heat and light through its flame. Light represents the fruit of the Spirit of Elohim (Gal 5:22–25), and heat of the flame symbolizes the power or the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor 12). Therefore, the flame is a spiritual picture of how the saints are to evangelizes the world by being like a light on a hill (Matt 5:14) in the spiritual darkness around them to those around him who are lost in spiritual darkness. The menorah also represents the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot, when YHVH gave the children of Israel his Torah-instructions in righteousness, and then later wrote his Torah on their hearts by his Spirit as recorded in the book of Acts chapter two on the day of Pentecost (Act 2:37).
Next, the showbread of Leviticus chapter 24 symbolizes the saints or redeemed Israel (i.e., the twelve tribes of Israel) uniting to bring the bread of life, the Word of Elohim, to the world. The bread was covered in frankincense symbolizing the prayers of the saints not only praising YHVH, but interceding for those who are spiritually lost (see Rev 5:8; 8:3). Yeshua is the bread of life on which the saints are to feed in order to grow up in spiritual maturity and unity.
Finally, the death of the young blasphemer in Leviticus 24 is what happens when parents do not raise their children correctly by teaching them the truth of YHVH’s Torah when they are young. If parents fail to lay the right spiritual foundation under their children by being a spiritual light to them, when they grow up they will likely turn away from Elohim in rebellion, and sometimes even end up blaspheming him via their words and actions. The end result? If they fail to repent and return to YHVH, what will happen? The Bible tells that the wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). Eventually eternal death is the end result of rebellion against YHVH.
It is most likely that the Israelite woman in the story married an Egyptian man who was not a believer in Elohim and the Torah, and thus she was unequally yoked with a heathen unbeliever. Or perhaps they were both followers of Elohim, but they raised their child incorrectly by not being a spiritual light to him (as represented by the menorah) by teaching their son to love, fear and obey Elohim by giving him the spiritual bread of life (represented by the table of show bread). Likely the former situation was the case. That is, the Israelite woman married an unbelieving Egyptian man. How can we deduce this? Verse 22 of the same chapter that tells us there is to be one law for both the Israelite and the alien who chooses to live among the Israelites. This is an implied indication that the Egyptian man had not accepted YHVH’s Torah-law and that the Israelite woman was unequally yoked in marriage to an unbeliever. That being the case, the rebellious son did not receive the proper upbringing since his parents were not united in the faith. Perhaps the woman did her best to teach her son YHVH’s ways, but without the support of her heathen husband, her efforts would have largely been in vain.
Our modern prisons are filled with children from Christian families who were not taught about YHVH, and who grew up and became criminals. Similarly, our universities are filled with agnostic and atheist professors who mock and even blaspheme Elohim and the Bible because their parents failed to teach them the love and fear of YHVH Elohim.
Whether the Israelite woman was unequally yoked in marriage or failed to raise her son properly either way this illustratively points to a problem in the modern Christian church. As the parents of the blasphemer failed to properly disciple their son, so the Christian church is failing to disciple its spiritual children in the word of Elohim. Does a serious disciple of our Messiah really think that an hour or two on Sunday morning with a dab of Sunday school tossed into the mix plus a week’s worth of vacation Bible school each summer is sufficient to counter the onslaught of the secularistic spirit of antichrist that continuously inundates our children 24/7 via the satanic educational system, entertainment, the media, popular culture, the influence of their peers? Add to this the electronic devices that are continuously feeding our children a study diet of ungodly filth, and what chance do they really have of growing up to be God-loving and fearing people? Yes, the church has largely failed to be a spiritual light to those Yeshua instructed them to disciple (as represented by the menorah and the showbread), and thus the church has lost many of her children to the influences of the world, the flesh and the devil because of it. How many saints (along with church leaders) spiritually abort their children because they failed to properly disciple or raise them in the Torah-Word of Elohim? Too many churches to their shame are more focused on making coverts, filling parking lots, pews and offering plates than on making true disciples of Yeshua.
To be sure, the church is spiritually aborting its own children because of its failure to assiduously follow Yeshua’s great commission instructions to “make disciples.” Because of this, is it any wonder that the infanticidal abortion rates in America and the rest of the West are so high? We have failed to inculcate our children with the fear of YHVH, the love of his Word—the Bible, and the high, sacred value that our Creator places on life. The natural result of this is high abortion rates, and the spiritual seeds of this horrific genocidal holocaust against our children started in the Christian church who regularly spiritually aborts its young converts for the love of money and power!
As we can see, the example of the menorah, the showbread and the rebellious son of Leviticus chapter 24 is a graphic allegorical and prophetic picture of the modern Christian church that fails to disciple its people. Again, a couple of hours a week in Sunday church is a woefully inadequate amount of time to disciple and to inoculate a Christian with the means to resist the strong, downward pulls of the world, the flesh and devil that they will face all week long after they exit the church’s doors on Sunday morning. If we fail to learn the lessons from the mistakes of those who have gone before us, then it is likely we will repeat the same mistakes and suffer the same sad consequences as the young Israelite blasphemer did in Leviticus chapter 24.
Leviticus chapter 24 describes caring for theTabernacle of Moses menorah, plus the baking of the showbread, then jumps to the blaspheming son and the death by stoning that was imposed on him. As curious and counterintuitive as it may seem, all three issues are connected.When the puzzle pieces are assembled, an amazing picture emerges. What is the lesson from this for all time? If you don’t raise your children by discipling them, they will become spiritual casualties. Scrolling forward to our day, the modern Christian church has been more focused on making converts (because of the love of money and power!) than on making disciples, and, as a result, has been inadvertantly aborting its young spiritual converts. So what is the societal outcome of this misguided focus? In this video, we connect the dots. Make no mistake, as goes the church, so goes the nation!
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This is a quick overview of the amazing Tabernacle of Moses that reads like a gospel tract and chronicles the steps a person must take from initial salvation be becoming a glorified child of Elohim. Where are you in the process?
This and other videos by Nathan are available as podcasts on Spotify and Apple podcast under “Hoshana Rabbah.”
If this message has been a blessing to you, please consider showing your appreciation by making a donation to Hoshana Rabbah at https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=Y…. Thank you!
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exodus 25:8)
Thy way, O Elohim, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a El as our Elohim? (Psalm 77:13)
It is the heart of Elohim—to dwell with his people that he has made in his image. He wanted to dwell with Adam and Eve in the garden until their sin cut them off from fellowship with him. The tabernacle contain the means by which sinful humans could have their sins atoned and come back into a right relationship with their holy Creator, so that he might again dwell with them. Of course, everything in the Tabernacle of Moses pointed forward to Yeshua the Messiah through whose atoning death repentant and believing humans could come into relationship with Elohim that he might once again dwell with them. Those who have made this spiritual transaction are now the spiritual temple or dwelling place of Elohim as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 3:16 and 2 Corinthians 6:16.
When teaching our little children and the things of life, do we hand them the multi-volumed set of Encyclopedia Britannicas? Of course not. They wouldn’t get past page one. We give simple story books with big print and a plethora of pictures that help them to understand what we are trying teach them. YHVH Elohim, our Father in heaven, did the same thing when teaching his children of Israel—and us too—about his plan of salvation. Instead of a storybook, he had them build the Tabernacle of Moses, which reads like simple gospel tract.
Here is another way to look at the Infinite (Elohim) trying to communicate with the finite (humans): If you were the Creator of the universe, what means would you use to communicate with those that you had created through love in your likeness and image? In a remote way, it’s like a human standing over an anthill trying to communicate with the ants. How do you do it? Similarly, how does an all powerful, Spirit Being, loving Father in heaven relate to his mortal children who are but mere specks of dust without vaporizing them with his raw power? The difficulty is compounded when fearful humans don’t want to hear the voice of Elohim, which is what happened when YHVH Elohim’s voice thundered from Mount Sinai. The children of Israel begged him not to talk to them, lest they die. They asked the Almighty One to speak to them instead through Moses (Exod 20:19).
When man sinned at the tree of knowledge, he was cut off from a spiritual relationship with their holy and sinless Creator. The Garden of Eden pictured of this halcyon state between YHVH and man. This relationship ruined, YHVH expelled the first humans from Eden, and direct communications between man and his Maker were hampered if not largely cut off. However, Elohim had a plan to restore the loving relationship he had with man before the rebellion. But if men refuse to hear you when you speak, what are you do?
For certain, the Almighty doesn’t lack for ways to communicate with men. Man is without excuse when it comes to hearing Elohim, for even the heaven’s declare the glory of the Creator and the plans he has for mankind. The visible things of this creation shout loudly about the spiritual mysteries heaven desires to reveal to its earthly subjects. Furthermore, from time to time over the millennia, Elohim has chosen to speak directly to some select servants through dreams, visions, signs, wonders, angels, and even once through a donkey! But how does he speak to a whole nation, if that nation is plugging its ears and refusing to hear its Master’s voice?
Enter into the picture the Tabernacle of Moses or mishkan was constructed circa 1450 b.c. at the foot of Mount Sinai. It took about a year to build. It was the first job assignment that YHVH gave to the children of Israel after their Exodus from Egypt. The tabernacle was literally a three-dimensional gospel message tract. It is the visual demonstration of the whole salvation message of the Bible in a building—the blueprint of the plan of redemption of wayward, sinful man. It was a functioning masterpiece of artwork demonstrating the Father’s love for his people, and of his desire to commune and to communicate with Israel—his treasured possession, those he had hand picked and called out from the 70 nations of the world. Not only did the tabernacle involve the sense of sight, but the other four senses as well: sound, smell, touch, and taste. It also engaged and even challenged the heart, emotions, mind and spirit of man to focus on his need to be spiritually reconciled to his Creator. The Tabernacle of Moses was a vehicle for the Creator of the universe to communicate with man using a panoply of communication devices all of which pointed to the coming Messiah, the Redeemer of mankind who would die for the sins of the world to restore man into a loving relationship with his ever-loving, gracious, and longsuffering Father in heaven.
This is the story of the tabernacle, which, in every way, resembles a theatrical play, even a pageant, containing costumed actors each performing his carefully choreographed role on cue. Even a child can comprehend the message of this play, yet it contains mysteries and truths so deep that only in eternity itself will they be revealed to those who have been initiated into higher spiritual levels through the tabernacle’s spiritual paradigms of which its rites and ceremonies were mere prophetic shadows of things to come. To understand it, is to understand the message of the whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation.
Let’s now enter into the world of the Tabernacle of Moses. Welcome! (Please note, over the next several parshiot, we will be discussing the tabernacle in great detail. Later, when we get into Leviticus, we will explore the sacrificial system as well as the other tabernacle rites and ceremonies, and we will learn how they all pointed to Yeshua and how it relates to us.)
Why Study the Tabernacle (or Temple)?
Elohim commanded his people to study it. In Ezekiel 43:10–11, YHVH tells Ezekiel to explain to his people the layout of the temple “that they may be ashamed of their iniquities [Torahlessness]” and presumably repent or return to a spiritual relationship with him.
Elohim commanded his people to build the tabernacle (and latter the temples, see Exod 25:8; 29:43; 1 Chron 17:11–15); therefore, it must be important, and we should study it to understand its significance. After all, one-half of the Torah and one-third of the 613 Torah commandments deal with the temple, so it behooves us to understand it’s spiritual significance.
Elohim’s presence and name resided in the tabernacle (as well as in Solomon’s later temple, Deut 12:5–6), and it’s where he chose to abide with man on the earth (Exod 25:8). YHVH now lives in the temple of the human heart and spirit through his Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:21–22). The tabernacle can teach us much about ourselves and how we can be a temple in which YHVH wants to dwell. This because the tabernacle is a picture of the saint in relationship to Yeshua.
Both the tabernacle and first and second temples in Jerusalem were the spiritual centers for the nation of Israel. Elohim’s manifest presence was found within the Tabernacle of Moses and Solomon’s Temple, and this phenomenon powerfully unified the 12 tribes of Israel making them feel as though they were one nation under YHVH’s divine protection and guidance (Exod 40:34–38). The tabernacle and later the temple became the focal point for all worship for the entire nation (Ps 5:7). For example, it was the place where YHVH chose to place his name and where all Israelites were to gather three times each year at YHVH’s appointed times or feasts (Deut 12:5, 11, 21; 14:23, 24; 16:2, 6,11; 26:2). Today, YHVH’s faithful saints still gather during his feasts where he has chosen to place his name to renew their commitments to him through worship, praise, fellowship and learning about YHVH’s ways.
The tabernacle (and the temple) was a monument to Elohim’s sovereignty. It was the place where he dwelt and where men come to commune with the Sovereign King and Creator (Exod 25:8; Pss 26:8; 27:4; 65:4; 92:13–15). When we study this pattern, it can help us in our own spiritual relationship with YHVH.
The tabernacle was the place where atonement for sin was made through the sacrifices that were offered there. The tabernacle shows us the outline or blueprint of YHVH’s plan of salvation (Ps 77:13) and the steps that each us must take not only to enter into a relationship with our Creator but even to go higher in our spiritual walk with him.
The Benefits of Studying About the Tabernacle?
Studying the tabernacle teaches us how to properly approach a holy Elohim through turning from or repenting of sin (Ezek 14:6).
It reveals YHVH’s plan of redemption (Ps 77:13; Heb 9:1–26).
It teaches us about the priesthood of Messiah (Heb 7:26–28).
It helps us to understand the kingdom of Elohim, which is an essential element of the gospel message (Mark 1:15). Yeshua will rule the earth during the Millennium from his temple in Jerusalem (Zech 14:4, 8–9, 11; Rev 20:6; Matt 6:9–10; Ezek 44:23 cp. 2 Cor 6:17).
The tabernacle teaches us how to order our lives. Even as the morning and evening sacrifices were conducted in an orderly manner following certain protocols, this teaches us how to order our daily lives around our devotions to Elohim. The biblical feasts (the weekly and annual sabbaths) also revolved around the tabernacle, even as our lives should revolve around these feasts that help lead us into the presence of and relationship with Elohim as represented by the tabernacle.
It helps us to recognize and avoid idolatry and all manner of abominable and worldly practices because it teaches us the importance of holiness when approaching a holy Elohim.
It teaches us to be conscious about dwelling (living our lives as if we were) in the very presence or courtyard or throne room of Elohim.
Everything in the tabernacle pointed to Yeshua’s atoning death on the cross for our sins, and his work as our Great Heavenly High Priest Advocate, who is presently at the right hand of the Father in heaven acting on our behalf. The tabernacle reveals to us the gospel message in an active and pictorial way. All these things are for our learning and admonition (1 Cor 10:11; Rom 15:4).
Major Themes of the Tabernacle of Moses
The tabernacle reveals the process of going from the profane or polluted to the kadosh or set-apart, from darkness to light, and from disobedience to obedience.
It shows man the need for his progressive separation from the world and spiritual refinement leading to purity and perfection.
It reveals the process of growing in progressive intimacy and fellowship with our Father in heaven.
It demonstrates the steps of the biblical wedding ceremony; the marriage of YHVH to his people.
It presents the seven steps of spiritual growth and reconciliation to the Father as epitomized by the seven annual appointed times or festivals (moedim).
The tabernacle pictures two spiritual processes going on simultaneously inside the heart man. One process is from the viewpoint of a man, from the outside of the tabernacle looking in. The other process is from the viewpoint of Elohim inside of the holy of holies looking out. From the outside of the tabernacle looking in, from man’s perspective, as he enters the tabernacle, it’s about going from a physical and outward state of cleanliness and holiness to an inward and spiritual of cleanliness and holiness as one approaches the holy of holies representing the Presence of YHVH Elohim. From Elohim’s perspective from the inside of the tabernacle looking outward, it’s about cleansing the man from the inside out starting with the spirit of man moving to his physical body. Indeed, when one becomes spiritually regenerated, it’s the inside of the man, or his spirit, that is first regenerated and activated. After that, the soul (the mind, will and emotions) of a man is progressively regenerated throughout his lifetime. Finally, at the resurrection of the dead, a man’s body is regenerated and glorified receiving immortality.
The Hebrew Names For the Tabernacle of Moses
The several names the Bible uses for the Tabernacle of Moses reveal something about Elohim’s purpose and mission for the tabernacle.
Mishkan means “tabernacle, dwelling or habitation.” mishkan is from the root word shakan means “to dwell, abide, settle down, reside, tabernacle.”The word shechinah derives from shakan and refers to the manifest light or presence of YHVH among his people (Exod 25:8–9).
Ohel (as in tent of the congregation/meeting) is means “a nomad’s tent, dwelling, home, habitation” (Exod 29:42).
Miqdash means “sacred place, sanctuary, holy place”and is from the primitive root qadash meaning “to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed or set apart, be separate or holy” (Exod 25:8).
Kodeshor sanctuary because it was set-apart for a set-apart (kadosh) Elohim (Exod 30:13).
Ohel haeduth or the tabernacle/tent of the testimony or witness since it contained the ark of the covenant housing the Torah-law given to Moses, which was an abiding witness of Israel’s covenant with YHVH (Num 9:15).
Mishkan haEduth or Tabernacle of the Testimony (Num 10:11).
Examples of YHVH Tabernacling With His People
From the beginning, in the Garden of Eden, Elohim has wanted to “hang out” with man. Elohim’s desire to dwell or tabernacle with man is a theme that runs from Genesis to Revelation. We see this idea repeated in the Testimony of Yeshua (the New Testament).
The children of Israel have just left Egypt and are now trekking through the wilderness. Within a couple of months, he gives them their first assignment. In Exodus 25, YHVH tells them to build a tabernacle. Why? He says to Moses, “And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” (Exod 25:8).
John 1:14, “And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” The word dwelt (skenoo, Strong’s G4637) means “tent or tabernacle.”
Luke 2:7, The baby Yeshua was laid in a “manger.” This was probably a sukkah or tabernacle.
Revelation 21:1–3, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from Elohim, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of Elohim is with men, and He will tabernacle with them, and they shall be His people. Elohim Himself will be with them and be their Elohim.’” The word tabernacle in verse three is skenoo in the Greek, the same word used in John 1:14.
The talithe/talit or prayer shawl worn by Jewish men is a physical emblem of YHVH’s people tabernacling with him. The word tal-ithe means “little tent.” Each Hebrew man has his own little tabernacle, tent or prayer closet (Matt 6:6) to pull over his head whenever he wants to tabernacle or commune with his Elohim. Moreover when a talit is spread out with one’s arms it resembles a bird with wings. This represents YHVH’s “wings” forming a protective shield or brooding over his people. Such a place becomes a place of refuge (Ps 91:1,4). The Spirit of Elohim brooded over the waters of the earth at creation (Gen 1:2). Yeshua spoke of his desire for Jerusalem as a mother hen spreads out its wings and gathers together its young (Matt 23:37). In ancient Mideast culture, a man would cast his outer garment over his wife-to-be as an act of claiming her for marriage. In Ezekiel 16:8, YHVH spread is “wings” (Heb. kanaph meaning “edge, extremity, wings, bird’s feathered wings,”) over his bride, Israel, to cover her nakedness. The Jewish wedding canopy or chuppah is also a picture of this.
The Steps of Redemption Within the Tabernacle
Contained in Tabernacle of Moses are seven (the biblical number signifying perfection of completion) and eight (the biblical number signifying new beginnings) progressive steps that reveal the Creator’s plan of redemption or salvation for mankind from the first step of initial salvation to becoming a glorified resurrected, immortal and forever child of Elohim.
First Step of Eight: Each of us is born in a state of separation from his Creator because all humans were cut off from Elohim due to man’s original sin. Before being reconciled to YHVH, each of us is lost and wandering about in our own personal wilderness of sin. Along the way, we suddenly come upon a beautiful site. We see the good news or gospel message, the light of truth, the message of the cross, which is symbolized by the multi-colored door and the luminescent walls of the Tabernacle of Moses in the bleak, desolate and monochromatic desert wilderness. As one takes his first steps to become separated or set-apart from the confusion, darkness, chaos, emptiness, lostness and death of the surrounding wilderness of this world, one first encounters the altar of the red heifer located outside the tabernacle (in later years on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Mishnah Parah 1:1ff). There the red heifer was slaughtered and burned and its ashes were used as a sin offering to bring about purification for uncleanness (Num 19:1ff). Yeshua was likewise crucified outside of the camp of Israel and the gates of Jerusalem (Heb 13:10–13). This altar represents the work of Yeshua at the cross. One cannot enter the tabernacle until one has been redeemed and purified by the blood of Yeshua. Even the Israelites killed the Passover lamb outside their homes on the afternoon of the fourteenth of the month of Abib The blood was then smeared on the doors of their homes. Once they entered the blood-smeared doors and were inside their homes they were safe from the death angel who simply passed over them. Likewise, when we enter through the gates of the tabernacle (which are crimson in color, as well as blue, white and purple—colors which point to the four Gospels and the four aspects of Yeshua’s mission as Redeemer) we do so saved and purified. This is the Passover (Pesach), which is the first of YHVH’s seven annual appointed times (moedim).
Second Step of Eight/First Step of Seven: Upon entering the tabernacle one immediately comes to the altar of sacrifice. After the lamb was sacrificed on the afternoon of Passover, that evening (the beginning of the fifteenth day of the first month, which was also the first day and a high Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread/Chag HaMatzot) the Israelites ate the Passover lamb. At the altar of sacrifice the Levites would eat those animals sacrificed there. This pictures the fact that the saved believer must continue to “eat the flesh” and “drink the blood” of Yeshua to stay in communion with him (John 6:35–58), and that when one sins after one is saved they must continue in a state of repentance and overcoming through the blood of the Lamb (1 John 1:7–9). On that evening, one not only ate lamb, but unleavened bread after having put all leavened bread out of one’s home. This pictures the believer walking forward spiritually putting sin out of one’s life. To the degree one eliminates sin from one’s life is the degree one has communion with our Father in heaven. Therefore, the altar of sacrifice in the tabernacle is a picture of the Passover meal and the first high Sabbath of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
Third Step of Eight/Second Step of Seven: At the bronze laver one ritually washed in preparation for entering into service in the sanctuary. This represents being baptized for the remission of sins, being washed in the water of the Word of Elohim and receiving the Set-Apart Spirit of Elohim. This corresponds with the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea and being baptized unto Moses who was a type of Yeshua (1 Cor 10:2). This occurred during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and most likely on the last high Sabbath of that week-long festival.
Fourth Step of Eight/Third Step of Seven: The next step takes one to the menorah where the light of the Spirit of Elohim shines in the hearts and minds of men. Here man becomes fruitful ground (the fruit of the Spirit) and becomes empowered to reach a lost world (by the gifts of the Spirit). Once separated, redeemed, washed and transformed by the Word and Spirit one is to become an earthly light (in heavenly realms) shining into the dark world. Humans are the lesser light (moon) reflecting the greater light of the Yeshua, the Sun of Righteousness (Mal 4:2). This occurred for the first-century believers on the Feast of Pentecost (Shavuot)
Fifth Step of Eight/Fourth Step of Seven: Yeshua’s people prepare themselves to meet him at his second coming. At this time occurs the awakening and reunion/regathering of the twelve tribes of Israel around Yeshua, the Bread of Life. This end time event is represented in the tabernacle by the table of show bread with the twelve loaves of unleavened bread. This is all pictured prophetically by the Day of Trumpets (or Awakening Blast).
Sixth Step of Eight/Fifth Step of Seven: At this step the focus is on intimacy and intercession, purity of heart, oneness and relationship with the Father through prayer, praise and worship. This speaks of thefinal redemption (jubilee) where YHVH’s people will be regathered to worship him in total freedom without the distractions of the world, flesh and the devil (who have been judged). The altar of incense and Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) are pictures of this.
Seventh Step of Eight/Sixth Step of Seven: This step speaks of total peace (shalom) and Sabbath rest during the Millennium between YHVH and his beloved saints, the bride of Yeshua. It is a time of feasting and rejoicing; a time of Torah, spiritual bread and fruitfulness. The ark of the covenant and the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) picture this step.
Eighth Step of Eight (Eternity Begins)/Seventh Step of Seven (Perfection or Completion Arrived At): This step pictures being totally set-apart to YHVH for eternity. At this point the saints experience the ultimate deliverance from darkness and being bathed in the divine and eternal light of New Jerusalem: the Sun of Righteousness who is the Lamb of YHVH in whom there is total light and no shadows. The shekinah glory above the ark of the covenant speaks to this glorious time of which the seventh feast, The Eighth Day (Shemini Atzeret) is a prophetic shadow-picture. Seven appointed times and seven steps in the mishkan, but eight steps in all picturing perfection and completion and new beginning in the New Heaven, New Earth and New Jerusalem.
This section of the Torah (Parashah Terumah or Exodus 25:1–27:19) contains YHVH’s instructions to Israel to build a tabernacle or sanctuary so, in his own words, “I may dwell among them” (Exod 25:8). Is this some quaint, archaic and irrelevant historical event that occurred millennia ago, or is there a larger prophetic picture here that points to something much grander that relates to you and me? The answer to the latter question is a most definite and emphatic, “Yes!”
For historical context, YHVH created man in his image for the purpose of raising up a family of glorified sons and daughters to become like him and to live with him forever in a glorified and elevated state of existence. To that end, he placed the first humans in an idyllic garden where he could walk and commune with them in the cool of the day—symbolic of a state of restful or comfortable and relaxed communion. Sadly, this one-on-one relationship did not last long, and man was thrust out of the garden (symbolic of YHVH’s dwelling place on earth) because of sin and the lack of man’s holiness without which no man can come into the presence of Elohim.
Some 3,500 years later in the time of Moses, we find YHVH instructing the Israelites to build a another dwelling place for him that he might abide with his people once more. Instead of a garden, it is a house. In the Tabernacle of Moses, the holy of holies was the one spot where YHVH desired to dwell on earth again with his human children.
But there is one caveat. One cannot merely go tramping casually or cavalierly into the holy presence of YHVH in a state of sinful impurity or unholiness. There is a process of spiritual cleansing that must first occur and the tabernacle (along with the seven biblical feasts) reveals that seven step process, which is YHVH’s plan of redemption or salvation for man.
The tabernacle is a symbolic and metaphorical picture of this process as well as a picture of Yeshua who is the way. Amazingly, the tabernacle is also a picture of each of us, who must follow Yeshua step-by-step if we are to come into the presence of our holy (pure and sinless) Heavenly Father.
To be sure, YHVH desires a personal relationship not only with corporate Israel, but with each of us individually well. The nation of Israel is comprised of individual entities each with his and her own relationship with the Creator. Coming into the inner sanctum of the holy of holies in the tabernacle (representative of YHVH’s heavenly throne room) should be the ultimate goal of each person. YHVH’s desires and plan is to lead us into his presence by way of Yeshua his Son, who is the way, the truth and the life and the only way to the Father.
This process of spiritual cleansing begins to occur when we come to faith in Yeshua, repent of our sin and then allow the Holy Spirit to begin a work on the inside of each of us. The tabernacle is the gospel tract that outlines the progressive steps in this cleansing process. Moreover, the tabernacle outlines the steps required for the indwelling presence of YHVH’s Spirit which activates our personal spirit thus drawing us upward to himself. As such, we become a living Tabernacle of Moses or, as Paul characterizes it, a temple of the Holy Spirit.
To the degree that we allow YHVH to work in us, to cleanse and refine us, is to the degree that we advance along the progressive steps upward toward our Father in heaven as outlined in the Tabernacle of Moses.
If we will be honest with ourselves, most of us are not as far along in this process as we esteem ourselves to be. There for YHVH’s grace go all of us! But at least we have the road map of the tabernacle to show us the way onward and upward. There are no shortcut to Elohim, and this journey will take a lifetime, and even then, we will still need the grace of Elohim as well as the imputed righteousness of Yeshua to make up the lack of how far we fall short of “the mark for the prize of the high calling of Elohim in Messiah Yeshua” (Phil 3:14). This is because the righteous are scarcely saved (1 Pet 4:18), and all of our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isa 64:6). When we finally come to this realization and humble ourselves before YHVH Almighty and allow him to begin cleaning us spiritually (a process called “sanctification”) from the inside out, it is then that he can begin his work in us and lift or raise us up (Jas 4:10) to seat us in heavenly places with Yeshua (Eph 2:6). It is then that we will be fully born again as new, glorified and immortalized children of Elohim and adopted into his eternal family.
This is the ultimate message of the entire Bible of which the Tabernacle of Moses is an illustrative, symbolic and prophetic depiction that even a child can visualize. Sadly, it is also a truth and message that churchianity has largely overlooked!
Now let’s take this whole discussion one step further and to yet a higher level…
Exodus 40:2–7,Set up the tabernacle. YHVH’s instructions to Moses to set up the furnishings in the tabernacle followed a particular order. In fact, if one traces Moses’s footsteps in doing so, it forms an interesting geometric pattern that is highly significant spiritually. Let’s explore this.
In placing the furnishings in the tabernacle, Moses first started in the holy of holies where he set up the ark of the covenant. After this, he went into the holy place and over to the right west side where he set up the table of show bread. He then moved across to the left or east side of the holy place and set up the menorah. Next, he moved to the center of the holy place in front of the curtain or veil separating the holy place from the holy of holies where he set up the altar of incense. After this, Moses made a straight line and exited out of the tabernacle itself into the outer courtyard where he set up the altar of sacrifice. Having done this, Moses then set up the bronze laver, also in the outer courtyard just in front of the door leading into the tabernacle. If you trace Moses’ steps and make a line in the dirt, what is the outline?
The outline of Moses’ movements makes a triangle on a cross with the base of the triangle forming the arm of a cross. The base of cross corresponds to the altar of sacrifice, while apex of the triangle corresponds to the altar of incense and the top of the cross, which extends past the apex of the triangle is where the testimony in the holy of holies is. Why did YHVH instruct Moses to set up the tabernacle’s furnishings in this order, and not another order? What is the spiritual significance of this particular pattern? How does it relate to you and me? Let’s unpack this.
The base of this arrow is at the altar of sacrifice representing Yeshua’s death on the cross atoning for our sins. Next, the arrow points us to the bronze laver picturing a believer’s next step in his spiritual walk which is baptism for the remission of sins and legally identifying with Yeshua’s death, burial and resurrection, as well as receipt of Elohim’s Set-Apart Spirit and the washing of our lives by the water of the Word of Elohim. Next we come to the menorah picturing the Spirit of life in Yeshua the Messiah as the new believer begins to manifest evidence of the redeemed life, which is the fruit and gifts of the Spirit, which shine like a light into the dark world around us. Next we come to the table of the showbread picturing the regathering and unification of the tribes of Israel around the table of Yeshua’s body in sweet fellowship and covenantal relationship. Through the Messiah of Israel, the scattered tribes, along with those Gentiles who have been grafted into the tribes of Israel, will be regathered. After this regathering, the tribes will move together and in one accord to the place in the tabernacle of pray and worship which is the altar of incense as they prepare to enter into the eternal kingdom of YHVH Elohim’s presence as pictured by the holy of holies under the glory cloud of YHVH himself.
The way to Elohim through Yeshua the Messiah is laid out in the Tabernacle of Moses making the outline of a cross and an arrow that points heavenward. By starting in holy of holies and going outward toward the altar of sacrifice, this is a clear message that heaven is reaching downward toward sinful man and inviting him to come up to meet his Father in heaven by way of the cross of Yeshua the Messiah.
Conversely, when the tabernacle is viewed from the outside looking in, it is showing man the way upward to the Father through Yeshua the Messiah. So as there are humans who are seeking the way upward, at the same time, our Father in heaven is reaching downward beckoning his wayward children back to him.
This demonstrates to us that the tabernacle is, in reality, a giant gospel tract that shows sinful man the way of salvation leading to his glorification as immortal sons and daughters of YHVH Elohim, our Father in heaven. As we read in Psalms,
Your way, O Elohim, is in the sanctuary; who is so great a El as our Elohim? (Psalm 77:13)
