Michelle Smit1 Short Essay The Tabernacle
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Concordia University Texas *
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Course
1311
Subject
Religion
Date
Apr 3, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
2
Uploaded by MegaCrow15939
Michelle Smith
REL 1311
02/20/24
Short Essay on the Tabernacle
1.
What is the function and symbolism of the various pieces of furniture and sacred objects in the Tabernacle? (The various charts and graphics on these topics in your FSB and HQBA will be helpful) Especially talk about the Ark of the Covenant, The Golden Lampstand, the Altar of Incense, the Altar of Burnt Offering, and the Table of the Showbread.
The Tabernacle served as God's sacred dwelling place. It served as the abode where He resided and where
the Israelites paid reverence to Him. Inside the Tabernacle, specific furniture was present. The Altar of Burnt Offerings, constructed as a wooden box covered in bronze, was specifically crafted to contain offerings and served as the primary altar for sacrificial rituals. The object included four protrusions that closely resembled the horns of a bull. In specific purifying and atonement ceremonies, sacrificial blood was applied to the horns. The Golden Lampstand included seven branches and was designed in the likeness of almond flowers, complete with buds and blossoms. It represented the tree of life from the Garden of Eden. Positioned on the southern side of the tabernacle, the light was meant to be maintained in
a perpetual state of illumination. The metal Basin, also known as the Laver, was meticulously crafted from pure metal. It was utilized for ritual ablutions prior to entering the Holy Place. Laundry was associated with cleanliness. The Altar of Incense was positioned in front of the tabernacle curtains and was routinely utilized to burn incense in the presence of Yahweh. The incense was pristine and revered, serving as a symbol of the supplications made by the faithful. The Table of the Showbread was constructed from acacia wood, coated in gold, and transported using four rings and two poles. The table accommodated 12 loaves of bread, representing the 12 tribes of Israel. The bread of the Presence is consistently placed on it. The Ark of the Covenant held the utmost significance in Israelite religious practices. The container stored the covenant tablets, a golden jar of manna, and Aaron's staff. Its main purpose was to contain the tablets of the covenant law. It had resemblance in design to the thrones typically linked with divinities and monarchs. The chest, adorned with gold, was transported by poles inserted through rings affixed to its sides. It signified the presence of God among the people of Israel. The
concept of Atonement the Cover, also known as the Mercy Seat, served as the lid for the Ark of the Covenant. This is the location where the blood of the sacrificial offering was sprinkled during the Day of Atonement.
2.
Why do you think there were different sections of the Tabernacle with differing degrees of approach to God's presence? What is the message?
The Tabernacle is structured into three primary sections: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies, also known as the Most Holy Place. One explanation I've come across on the various
sections of the Tabernacle suggests that it represents three key aspects of human nature and their respective roles. The Outer Court is emblematic of the body, the Holy Place signifies the soul, and the
Holy of Holies represents the spirit. It appears that the outcome was largely influenced by the extent of our faith. The Outer Court represents the division between God and the sinner, highlighting the inherent challenge for us to approach God in our typical condition. For instance, while any Israelite had access to the courts, only members of the priestly tribe were permitted to visit the Tabernacle. The Holy Priest possessed the exclusive privilege of entering the Holy of Holies once year during the Day of Atonement. Hence, as our holiness increases, our proximity to God also intensifies. The message likely pertains to themes of redemption and imparting a lesson about God.
3.
What is the symbolism of the 12 tribes of Israel encamping all around the Tabernacle?
The 12 tribes strategically positioned themselves around the tabernacle to maintain proximity to the tent of meeting and provide protection in the event of an assault. The Levites were selected to be in proximity to God, so they encamped on both sides of the tabernacle. Hence, the tabernacle occupied a
central position, with the Levites encircling it, and the 12 tribes encircling the Levites. The tribes were organized into triads, each under the leadership of Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, and Dan. The arrangement of the encampment mirrors the sequence of birth of Jacob's sons. It is also suggested that
each group symbolized a cardinal point as they were organized in a manner resembling a compass.
4.
How do any of the objects in the Tabernacle worship or the way things are structured or the sacrificial system point forward to Christ and His work?
The seven furnishings within the tabernacle exhibit a discernible link to Jesus Christ. The Altar of Burnt Offerings symbolizes the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross. It symbolizes the cessation of
sinful behavior. The Laver symbolizes the cleansing act of removing sin, akin to a baptism. The Table
of Showbread symbolizes the act of partaking in the body of Christ, as it housed the bread which served as a representation of Jesus Christ's physical form. The Lampstand symbolizes the baptism with the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. It depicts Christ as the embodiment of illumination. The Altar of Incense symbolizes the act of presenting our soul as an offering and dedicating ourselves to God. It symbolizes the supplications of the faithful and the ongoing intercession of Christ on behalf of believers. The Ark of the Covenant, along with the mercy seat, symbolizes the embodiment of Jesus Christ.
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