Journey Through The O.t. #2: The Tabernacle Series

JOURNEY THROUGH THE OLD TESTAMENT #2: THE TABERNACLE

OPENING TEXT:

“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

• I love the Bible! It is God’s love letter to us and reveals His heart.

• My goal in this series is to help you to better understand the whole Old Testament.

THE 5 BOOKS OF LAW: (Also called the Torah or the Pentateuch = written by Moses).

GENESIS: Beginnings (Creation, the fall, flood, nations & the Patriarchs).

EXODUS: Exodus or Deliverance (God calls Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt).

LEVITICUS: Levites and Priests, Offerings and Feasts.

NUMBERS: Wanderings (in the wilderness, from Sinai to Moab).

DEUTERONOMY: Second Law (farewell addresses by Moses as he is about to die).

KEY VERSE: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Exodus 20:2).

AN OVERVIEW OF EXODUS:

Genesis ends with Joseph – a shepherd who becomes a prince – and becomes a deliverer.

Exodus opens with Moses – a prince – who becomes a shepherd – and becomes a deliverer.

• Ch. 1 - the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt

• Ch. 2 - Moses is born, raised as a Prince of Egypt, and flees to Midian

• Ch. 3-4 - God calls Moses at the burning bush

- “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10).

- Moses is a type of Jesus: Moses-Pharaoh-Egypt / Jesus-Satan-World.

• Ch. 5-11 - Moses goes to Egypt to tell Pharaoh “Let my people go!” (10 plagues)

• Ch. 12 - The Passover

- The Passover Lamb is a type of Jesus: “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

• Ch. 13-15 - Deliverance at the Red Sea

• Ch. 16-19 - God’s provision (Manna and Water from a Rock = Jesus)

• Ch. 20-24 - At Mount Sinai: The Law & the 10 Commandments

- Went through these last June – first 4 = loving God; last 6 = loving people

• Ch. 25-27 - The Tabernacle

- “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so you shall make it.” (Ex. 25:8-9). God wants to dwell in the midst of His people – US!

- The tabernacle was a simple tent in the middle of the Israelite camp.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE: SEVEN STEPS TO APPROACH GOD:

“The pieces of furniture were thoughtfully placed in the structure. The priests daily approached each piece showing to all of Israel and us, how God is to be approached.” (Barry Buzza).

1. THE ENTRANCE GATE:

“The curtain that covered the entrance to the courtyard was made of fine linen cloth and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It was 30 feet long and 7 1/2 feet high, just like the curtains of the courtyard walls.” (Exodus 38:18, NLT). [see 38:9-20]

• The colors are significant: blue (Heaven), purple (royalty) and red (blood of Jesus).

• Jesus is the gate: “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. Wherever they go, they will find green pastures.” (John 10:9, NLT).

• If we want to approach God and have a relationship with Him, we come through Jesus.

2. THE BRONZE (BRAZEN) ALTAR (OF BURNT OFFERING):

“Using acacia wood, make a square altar 7 1/2 feet wide, 7 1/2 feet long, and 4 1/2 feet high.” (Exodus 27:1, NLT). [see 27:1-8]

• Every morning and evening, animals were sacrificed on the altar…

• Sheep or oxen were sacrificed in our place which provided entry to God’s presence.

• Symbol = points towards Jesus who would die on the Cross 1400 years in the future:

• “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

3. THE BRONZE BASIN (OR LAVER):

“Make a large bronze washbasin with a bronze pedestal. Put it between the Tabernacle and the altar, and fill it with water.” (Ex. 30:18, NLT). [see 30:17-21]

• Here the priests would wash their hands and feet before entering the Holy Place.