The Tabernacle

Biblical Symbolism

The court marked out the space where the people could bring sacrifices and showed that there is a set way to God: entering, sacrifice, cleansing and then service.

References: Exodus 27:9-19

Christian Symbolism

The court reflects the believer’s call to enter by the way God has set, not by our own invention, but through the access Christ has opened.

References: John 14:6; Hebrews 10:19-22

Prophetic

The single gate and the order of the court foretell a salvation found in one Mediator and in one plan for coming near to God’s presence.

References: Acts 4:12

The Linen Hangings

The court was surrounded by hangings of fine twined linen (byssus), a white, pure, high-quality material. At 5 cubits (about 2.25 m) high, they were tall enough to keep people outside from seeing in, but not so tall as to suggest that God could not be reached. The white linen pictures righteousness and purity.

References: Exodus 27:9; Exodus 38:9; Revelation 19:8

The Bronze Pillars

60 bronze pillars held up the hangings of the court: 20 on each long side (north and south) and 10 on each short side (east and west). Each pillar stood in a bronze socket (base), with a silver hook and a silver band for the hanging. The bronze foundation pictures judgment; the silver, redemption.

References: Exodus 27:10-11; Exodus 38:10-12

The Gate of the Court

The entrance to the court on the east was an embroidered screen 20 cubits wide, made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and twined linen: the only entrance all around the court. It pictures that there is only one way to come to God. Jesus said, “I am the door” (John 10:9).

References: Exodus 27:16; John 10:9; John 14:6

Biblical Symbolism

The altar was the first object you met after entering the court, showing that coming near to God begins with sacrifice and with the shedding of blood for atonement.

References: Exodus 27:1-8; Leviticus 17:11

Christian Symbolism

The bronze altar points ahead to the cross of Christ, the place where God’s righteous judgment fell on the perfect Sacrifice in the sinner’s place.

References: Hebrews 9:22; 1 Peter 2:24

Prophetic

The altar’s order announces the gospel pattern: without sacrifice there is no access into God’s presence. It foreshadows the final work of the Lamb of God.

The Acacia Wood

The inner frame of the altar was built of acacia wood (KJV: shittim wood), a very hard wood that resists rot and insects and grows in the Sinai desert. Theologically, the wood pictures the human nature of Christ, the One who, as a man, came under God’s judgment in our place.

References: Exodus 27:1; Isaiah 53:2

The Bronze Covering

The whole altar, with its wood, its horns and all its tools, was covered with bronze (KJV: brass). In Scripture, bronze pictures divine judgment and the strength to stand the fire. The bronze altar was the place where God’s judgment against sin fell on the sacrifice that was offered.

References: Exodus 27:2; Numbers 21:9; John 3:14

The Horns of the Altar

The four horns at the corners of the altar were made of one piece with it. The sacrifice was bound to them (Psalm 118:27), and the blood of the sacrifice was put on them. Someone who took hold of the horns of the altar was asking for God’s protection (1 Kings 1:50). They stood for the power and authority of the sacrifice.

References: Exodus 27:2; Psalm 118:27; 1 Kings 1:50

The Bronze Grate

A bronze grate made like a net, set inside the altar halfway up, with a bronze ring at each corner for carrying. The sacrifices burned on this grate. Under it the ashes gathered, and they had to be taken outside the camp every day.

References: Exodus 27:4-5; Leviticus 6:12-13

The Tools of the Altar

All the tools of the altar (the pans for the ashes, the shovels, the basins for the blood, the fleshhooks and the firepans) were made of bronze. Each one had a clear purpose in the daily morning and evening sacrifices, so that the worship went on without stopping.

References: Exodus 27:3; Exodus 38:3

Biblical Symbolism

The laver stood between the altar and the tent, showing that serving God calls for continual cleansing after the sacrifice. The priest went no further without washing.

References: Exodus 30:17-21

Christian Symbolism

In a believer’s life, the laver brings to mind the daily washing by the Word and the practical cleansing needed for a holy walk before God.

References: Ephesians 5:26; John 13:8-10

Prophetic

The laver shows that the work of redemption does not end the need to be made holy. God’s redeemed people are called to serve in purity until the final fulfillment.

References: Titus 3:5; Hebrews 10:22

The Basin

The large bronze basin that held the water. It was always full of clean water, which the priests used for washing. Its exact size isn’t given in Scripture, unlike all the other objects of the Tabernacle, for which God gave precise measurements. This may suggest that God’s grace cannot be measured.

References: Exodus 30:18; Titus 3:5

The Base (Stand)

The stand (base) of the laver was also bronze and gave the basin a steady footing. Together, the basin and the stand made a complete system of ritual cleansing for the priests before they entered the Tabernacle or came near the altar of sacrifice.

References: Exodus 30:18; Exodus 38:8

The Women’s Mirrors

The laver was cast from the mirrors (polished bronze) given by the women who served at the door of the Tabernacle. Mirrors, things for outward beauty, were turned into the vessel for cleansing. A picture of giving yourself to serve God.

References: Exodus 38:8; 1 Samuel 2:22

Biblical Symbolism

The Holy Place was the center of the priests’ daily service: light, bread and incense. It was the space of continual fellowship and regular service before the LORD.

References: Exodus 26:33-37; Hebrews 9:2

Christian Symbolism

For the believer, the Holy Place speaks of a life of fellowship and service: given light by the Spirit, fed by Christ and expressed in prayer.

References: John 6:35; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Prophetic

The order inside the Holy Place looks ahead to the mature, continual service of God’s people, fully fulfilled in the new creation.

References: Revelation 1:6; Revelation 22:3

The Coverings of the Tabernacle

The tent itself had 4 layers, one on top of another: (1) the inner layer, 10 curtains of twined linen embroidered with cherubim; (2) goats’ hair; (3) rams’ skins dyed red; (4) the skins of sea cows (tahash; KJV: badgers’ skins). Each layer carries a message: the inner beauty of righteousness, sin (the goat), atonement (the red) and a plain outward look.

References: Exodus 26:1-14; Isaiah 53:2

The Wooden Boards (Frames)

48 frames of acacia wood covered with gold made the side and back walls of the Tabernacle. Each frame stood in two silver sockets, cast from the half shekel of silver for redemption collected from every man in Israel. A foundation of silver: every believer gave the same.

References: Exodus 26:15-25; Exodus 30:11-16; 1 Peter 1:18-19

The Entrance Curtain

The screen at the entrance to the Holy Place was embroidered with blue, purple and scarlet yarn and white linen, the same colors as the Gate of the court, but with a different pattern (no cherubim). The 4 colors have messianic meanings: blue, heavenly origin; purple, kingship; scarlet, sacrifice; white, righteousness.

References: Exodus 26:36-37; Hebrews 10:20

Biblical Symbolism

The menorah was the only source of light in the Holy Place and had to be kept burning continually with pure oil, showing that serving God depends on the light God gives.

References: Exodus 25:31-40; Exodus 27:20-21

Christian Symbolism

The lampstand points to Christ, the Light of the world, and to the work of the Holy Spirit, who gives the Church light for worship, witness and understanding.

References: John 8:12; Revelation 1:12-20

Prophetic

The light that never stopped tells of a service that never goes out and looks ahead to the last day, when God Himself gives light to His people.

References: Zechariah 4:1-6; Revelation 22:5

The Central Shaft

The central shaft of the menorah was the backbone of the whole piece, with three pairs of branches coming out of it. It was decorated with almond flowers: buds, blossoms and petals. The central shaft stood for the source and support of all the light, a picture of Christ, the Light of the world (John 8:12).

References: Exodus 25:31; John 8:12; Zechariah 4:2

The 6 Side Branches

Three branches came out of each side of the central shaft: six side branches plus the shaft make 7 lamps. Every branch was decorated the same way with almond flowers. The number 7 stood for completeness and perfection. The 7 churches in Revelation are shown as 7 candlesticks (Revelation 1:20).

References: Exodus 25:32-33; Revelation 1:12-13; Revelation 1:20

The Lamps

The seven golden lamps were filled with pure beaten olive oil, lit by Aaron every evening and tended every morning. The flame had to burn without stopping (tamid). The oil pictured the Holy Spirit; the light, God’s presence and revelation.

References: Exodus 25:37; Exodus 27:20-21; Zechariah 4:6

The Decorations (Almonds)

Each branch was decorated with three almond-shaped cups, each with a bud, an open flower and petals. The almond tree (Hebrew: shaked, the one that keeps watch) was a symbol of God watching over His word and acting quickly. Aaron’s rod, which blossomed with almonds, confirmed the priesthood God had chosen.

References: Exodus 25:33-36; Numbers 17:8; Jeremiah 1:11-12

Biblical Symbolism

The twelve loaves stood before the LORD all the time as a sign of fellowship, of God’s care and of the twelve tribes being represented in His presence.

References: Exodus 25:23-30; Leviticus 24:5-9

Christian Symbolism

The table points to Christ as the Bread of life and to the fellowship of God’s people, fed continually by His presence, grace and faithfulness.

References: John 6:35; 1 Corinthians 10:16-17

Prophetic

The showbread looks ahead to the table of the new covenant and the final feast of the kingdom, where the redeemed people will stand before the LORD forever.

References: Isaiah 25:6; Revelation 19:9

The Table of Wood and Gold

The table was made of acacia wood covered with pure gold, the same materials as the Ark. Its size: 2 cubits long × 1 cubit wide × 1½ cubits high (about 90 × 45 × 68 cm). A gold border around it held things in place. As with the altar, the wood pictured humanity and the gold, divinity.

References: Exodus 25:23-24; Exodus 37:10-11

The 12 Loaves (Lechem Panim)

Twelve unleavened loaves (lechem panim, the bread of the face or presence) were set on the table in two rows of six, with incense on them. The priests changed them every Sabbath, and only the priests could eat them. The 12 loaves stood for the 12 tribes of Israel before the face of God.

References: Leviticus 24:5-9; Matthew 12:4; John 6:48

The Table’s Vessels

The dishes, the spoons (for incense), the cups and the bowls, all of pure gold, completed the table. The cups were probably for the drink offering poured out when the loaves were changed. Every piece of the table’s service was gold, showing the holiness of God’s presence.

References: Exodus 25:29; Exodus 37:16; Numbers 4:7

Biblical Symbolism

The altar of incense marked the place of continual prayer before God and stood right in front of the veil, on the border between the daily service and the holy presence.

References: Exodus 30:1-10

Christian Symbolism

The incense pictures the prayers of the saints and the work of Christ, who intercedes for us and brings His people’s worship before the Father.

References: Psalm 141:2; Hebrews 7:25

Prophetic

The smoke of the incense looks ahead to the worship of heaven and to the unceasing service of intercession that reaches its fulfillment at the throne of God.

References: Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3-4

The Structure: Wood and Gold

Like the table and the Ark, the altar of incense was made of acacia wood covered with pure gold, including its horns and the gold border around it. Size: a base of 1 cubit × 1 cubit, 2 cubits high (about 45 × 45 × 90 cm). It was the smallest altar, but the holiest because of where it stood and because it was gold.

References: Exodus 30:1-3; Exodus 37:25-26

The Horns of the Altar

The four golden horns at the corners of the altar of incense received the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, when the High Priest entered the Holy Place. This was the only time blood was brought to the altar of incense, joining prayer with atonement.

References: Exodus 30:10; Exodus 30:3; Revelation 8:3

The Holy Incense

The recipe for the incense was holy and reserved for God: stacte, onycha, galbanum and pure frankincense, in equal parts, plus salt. Anyone who made it for personal use was to be cut off. It burned morning and evening without stopping. It pictures the prayers of the saints rising up before God.

References: Exodus 30:34-38; Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3-4

Biblical Symbolism

The veil was the visible sign that sin separates people from God’s direct presence and that free access was not yet open.

References: Exodus 26:31-33; Hebrews 9:8

Christian Symbolism

The tearing of the veil when Christ died shows that His broken body opened a new and living way to the Father for all who believe.

References: Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-20

Prophetic

The veil shows the move from distance to access, from symbol to fulfillment, and announces a kingdom where God’s presence will no longer be hidden.

References: Revelation 21:3

The Material and the Colors

The veil was woven from blue yarn (tekhelet, heavenly blue), purple (argaman, royal), scarlet (tola’at shani, the red of sacrifice) and white twined linen (righteousness). The embroidered cherubim pictured heaven guarding God’s presence. The veil was very thick; tradition says that not even horses could tear it.

References: Exodus 26:31; Hebrews 9:3

The Tearing of the Veil

At the hour Jesus died, at the ninth hour (about 3 p.m.), the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom: from God toward people, not the other way around. So the way into the Most Holy Place was opened to all who believe. Christ Himself is our Way into the Father’s presence, through His holy body broken for us.

References: Matthew 27:50-51; Hebrews 10:19-20; Hebrews 6:19-20

Biblical Symbolism

The Ark was the center of the covenant, the place of God’s special presence and the point where the Law, atonement and mercy met under the mercy seat.

References: Exodus 25:10-22; Leviticus 16:14-15

Christian Symbolism

The Ark points to Christ, in whom the Law is fulfilled, God’s presence dwells fully and the atoning blood opens the way to mercy.

References: Romans 3:25; Colossians 2:9

Prophetic

The presence between the cherubim looks ahead to the final union of God with His people, when the tabernacle of God will be with men forever.

References: Revelation 11:19; Revelation 21:3

The Chest of the Ark

The Ark itself was a chest of acacia wood covered with pure gold inside and out. Size: 2½ × 1½ × 1½ cubits (about 112 × 68 × 68 cm). It was carried on two golden poles on the shoulders of the Levites, and it must not be touched by hand. It stood for God’s presence and His untouchable holiness.

References: Exodus 25:10-11; Numbers 4:5-6; 2 Samuel 6:6-7

The Tablets of the Law

The two tablets of stone on which God Himself wrote the Ten Commandments with His finger. The first pair, broken by Moses when he saw the idolatry with the golden calf, was replaced by a second pair. The tablets were kept inside the Ark, under the mercy seat: the Law covered by grace.

References: Exodus 25:16; Exodus 31:18; Deuteronomy 10:1-5; Hebrews 9:4

The Golden Pot of Manna

A golden pot holding the manna with which God miraculously fed the people of Israel in the wilderness for 40 years. It was laid up before the Ark as a witness to future generations of God’s care. Jesus spoke of the manna when He said that He is the living Bread that came down from heaven.

References: Exodus 16:33-34; Hebrews 9:4; John 6:49-51

Aaron’s Rod

The rod of the tribe of Levi, which was laid before the Ark and overnight budded, blossomed and bore ripe almonds, confirming Aaron’s priesthood against those who challenged it. It was a lasting sign that God had chosen Aaron’s family as priests and that He has the authority to appoint His servants.

References: Numbers 17:1-11; Hebrews 9:4

The Mercy Seat (the Lid of Atonement)

The lid of pure gold on the Ark, exactly the same size as the chest (2½ × 1½ cubits). This was the place of God’s special presence, where the Shekinah came down between the cherubim. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the High Priest sprinkled blood on it 7 times.

References: Exodus 25:17; Leviticus 16:14-15; Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:5

The Golden Cherubim

Two cherubim of beaten gold, made of one piece with the mercy seat, facing each other and looking down at the lid, with their wings spread out above it, covering it. God’s Shekinah glory came down between them. The cherubim picture holy guarding and heavenly presence at the place where God met with His people.

References: Exodus 25:18-20; 1 Kings 8:6-7; Psalm 80:1; Isaiah 37:16