 |  |
The present creation is described in Gen. 1: & 2:, and the record of that mighty work
comprises 34 verses. The tabernacle is described in Exod. 25:-31: & 35:-40:, and
the record comprises 457 verses. This disproportion can be explained only in the light of
their relative importance, the understanding of the way into the presence of God being far
more important than the understanding of the way in which He created heaven and earth.
The new creation is so much greater than the present, as the finished temple the
scaffolding erected for its building.
The shadow of heavenly things.
In Exod. 25: 9, 10, 26: 30, 27: 8, and Numb. 8: 4 Moses is commanded to
see that all things in the tabernacle are made after the pattern that was shown him in the
mount, and this is repeated in Heb. 8: 5. In the latter passage the reason for this
exactness is given:--
"The example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God
when he was about to make the tabernacle, for, See, saith He, that thou make all things
according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount."
Again, in Heb. 9: 23 the tabernacle is spoken of as "The pattern of things in the
heavens". The holiest of all in the tabernacle was evidently a symbol of heaven, for we
read:--
"We have an high priest . . . . . in the heavens, a minister of . . . . . the true tabernacle,
which the Lord pitched, and not man" (Heb. 8: 1, 2).
It is called "a greater and more perfect tabernacle" in 9: 11, and the holy places
made with hands are called "figures of the true", and the true is further defined as
"heaven itself" in 9: 24. It is therefore a matter beyond controversy that the tabernacle
and its offerings, its priests and its furniture, are intensely typical, and speak of heaven
itself where Christ as the great high priest has for us entered.
"Of Thine own have we given Thee."
The whole of the material necessary for the construction of the tabernacle and its
furniture was given willingly by the people of Israel:--
"Every man that giveth it willingly with his heart" (Exod. 25: 2).
"And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whose spirit
made him willing" (Exod. 35: 21, 29)
The same element of wholehearted willingness entered into the preparation for the
temple in David's day:--
"Who then is willing to consecrate his service?"
"Then the people rejoiced, for that day they offered willingly, because with perfect
heart they offered willingly to the Lord" (I Chron. 29: 5, 9).