Christ in the Tabernacle

“Speak unto the children of Israel . . . And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:2, 25:8). 

When the inspired apostle explained the spiritual significance of this, God's dwelling place among His people, Israel, He said to the Hebrew Christians: 

“We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man” (Hebrews 8:1-2). 

These words from the New Testament not only give us the Holy Spirit's commentary on the meaning of the tabernacle in the wilderness; but they are the key that unlocks a vast treasure of spiritual truth regarding the “earthly sanctuary” which Moses built, in order that God might dwell among His people. 

If we would understand the New Testament teaching concerning this Jewish tabernacle, which was “a shadow of good things to come” (Hebrews 10:1), we should compare the Exodus record with the Epistle to the Hebrews, especially chapters eight and nine, which deal with the tabernacle in particular, though primarily with the ministry of Christ, our Great High Priest, in “the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” 

This comparison of the Old Testament with the New will unfold to us “The Glories of Christ As Foreshadowed in the Jewish Tabernacle.” Yea, it will reveal to us the wonders of the prophetic Scriptures, wherein the Holy Spirit “testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow” (1Peter 1:11). 

In connection with the typical significance of the Jewish tabernacle, we have one of the many clear proofs that the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed; whereas the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. 

Jehovah of the Old Testament is Jesus of the New. And the Triune God gave to Israel the tabernacle, the priesthood, and the offerings, in order that sinful man might recognize the promised Saviour, and understand the significance of His mission and death.