Albany Missionary Baptist Church (Albany, Oregon)

Tabernacle

Alter of Incense-Tabernacle Lesson 13

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Alter of Incense Tabernacle lesson 13

Text:  Exodus 30:1-10;  37:25-29

The altar and it’s carrying poles were made of acacia wood overlaid with gold.  The altar was 1.5 feet square and 3 feet high.  It had a crown similar to the table of Shewbread.  It had sides (not legs).  It had a “horn” at each corner. Incense was burned on this altar every morning and evening.

This piece of furniture is called both the Golden Altar and the Altar of Incense.

Exodus 40:26-27; 30:6  The altar of incense was “before the vail” (in front of the vail).

It was in a straight line with the brazen altar and Laver in the court, and before the Ark of the Covenant.  Showing, in type, that you cannot get to God without going through all of these:

  • Altar of sacrifice (salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice, repentance after salvation)
  • Laver (baptism and afterwards, as a child of God, cleansing by repentance and confession of sins)
  • Altar of Incense (prayer)

Alter of Incense-Tabernacle Lesson 13

Altar of Incense is a type of the prayers of the saints

There are conditions to be met before prayer is heard.

Exodus 30:9  strange incense or misuse of a sacrifice meant incense (prayers) not reaching God

Hebrews 10:31 willful sin hurts prayers

Psalm 141:1-2   Prayer set before God as incense

Revelation 8:3-4  In heaven, the altar of incense (golden altar) is before the throne. The angel had a golden censer with much incense, to offer up the prayers of all saints to God upon His Throne.

Luke 1:5-13  John the Baptist father Zacharias was in the temple, incense burning on the altar, when angel appeared to answer his prayers. V.6 Elisabeth and Zacharias were in fellowship with God so prayers were answered (righteous before God and walked in His commandments).

Before prayer is heard, there must be salvation at the brazen altar, baptism and daily cleansing at the laver, and there must be anointing

2 Corinthians 5:14-21 Prayers after salvation should be heard, new creature, love is constraining us to live for God, keeping us unspotted from world, like ambassadors.

2 Corinthians 6:14 – 7:1 Being separate means our prayers are received. When we cleanse ourselves and “perfect” holiness.

1 John 2:20-27  Anointing which we have received

We are anointed and have the Holy Spirit as Comforter, Convicter, and Guide as a result of Church membership.

  • Exodus 29:7  Psalm 133  As the high priest was anointed for service, our anointing sets us up for a life of service also (when we joined ourselves to His Church).
  • Acts 10:38; 1:8 The same power God the Father gave Jesus (anointing from the Spirit) while he was here is available for use today in His Church (through the Spirit as Comforter) to carry out His work.
  • Psalm 145:18-19  God is near and answering prayers through His Spirit…when in truth and them that fear Him (reverence, respect, in fellowship).

Sin is the cause for unheard and unanswered prayer

  • Psalm 66:18  Iniquity = sin, as saved children of God, when we allow sin in our hearts, God will not answer our prayers.
  • Isaiah 59:2  sin separates us from God, prayers not heard.  God cannot look upon sin (Jesus was forsaken by God the Father on the cross when He took our sin upon Himself).  Romans 8:3 God condemns sin.
  • Isaiah 64:7
  • Micah 3:4 Hide His face.
  • Proverbs 15:29; 28:13  God far from us, we won’t prosper, no mercy.
  • Isaiah 55:6-7 God won’t hear, won’t pardon and give mercy.
  • 1 Peter 3:12 Righteous are heard.
  • Acts 2:41-42 Continued in prayer (heard/answered) because they were following God.
  • Isaiah 1:15  hands full of blood = evil deeds, prayers not heard.
  • John 9:31  God hears prayers of those that worship Him and do His will.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:14  Turning (repenting) of our sin, praying in humility to God will be a prayer that God hears. Answered prayer begins with the prayer of salvation. Until we are saved we are not in a position to be looked upon by God, He does not see Jesus blood covering if we are lost and cannot look upon sin.
  • 1 John 1:8-10 Acknowledgment of our sins and confession is required in order to once again be in a position for our prayers to be heard.

The fire from the altar of incense was lit by the fire from the brazen altar (which came from God)

  • Leviticus 9:24  Fire came from God
  • Leviticus 6:12 – 13  Was to never go out.
  • Leviticus 10:1-2, 10   When Nadab and Abihu offered fire that was not from the brazen altar they were killed.  God demands a difference between holy and unholy.

Christ is our Altar, or Mediator between us and God

  • 1 Timothy 2:5  There is one mediator between us and God, Jesus.
  • Romans 8:34  Jesus at the right hand of God, interceding for us.
  • Hebrews 4:14-16  Better than Aaron, our high priest is sinless, we can come boldly to God’s throne because of Jesus.
  • Hebrews 7:25  Jesus our high priest will forever be able to intercede for us.
  • John 16:23  Prayer needs to be through Jesus to reach God the Father.

Any preacher, church member, or church will not learn much or have any power without a strong prayer life

  • James 5:13-18  Prayer works when we are righteous, have faith, and are fervent.
  • Acts 4:24, 31  Power of prayer when done together can be mighty. 

Incense represents the prayers of the saints

Revelation 5:8  Odors is incense, vials full of incense.

Incense is sweet and precious to God

  • Exodus 30:34-35 Incense was reserved just for God’s use
  • Selfish, foolish prayers are abominations to God
  • Ecclesiastes 10:1 Prayers mixed with selfish or misguided motives cause the whole prayer to stink before God.
  • James 4:2-3  When our desires don’t match up with God’s will, our prayers are “amiss”. We ask and receive not.
  • Proverbs 28:9  When we ignore God’s Word, don’t read it, don’t listen to it, don’t heed what it says, our prayers are meaningless.  God’s Word is God speaking to us, if we shut Him out, He will shut us out.

Abomination = hateful and despised Psalm 66:18 iniquity

The incense was to be burned when the lamps were trimmed

Exodus 30:7

  1. God does not appreciate one way communication. If Aaron had just trimmed the lamps (picture of God’s Word, God speaking to us) and not burned the incense (picture of prayers going to God), it would have been a one way communication.
  2. Bible study and prayer (two way communication) go hand in hand.

The Candlestick and altar of incense went hand in hand.

Aaron needed the candlestick burning before he could burn the incense, showing we need God’s Word and the Spirit (oil in candlestick represents Sprit) to know the proper way to approach God in prayer.

  • Luke 11:1 As Jesus taught how to pray, God’s Word does that for us.
  • John 15:7  God’s Word in us helps our prayers.
  • 1 Timothy 4:12-16 When God’s Word and Prayer are together, V.16 God’s work can be accomplished.

God’s Word tells us to pray

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17  without ceasing   Acts 6:4 Continually.

 

The lamps were trimmed in the morning and evening (when incense was to be burned)

Shows that prayer and God’s Word are to be considered frequently.

  •  Psalm 55:17 Prayer is to be often.
  • Daniel 6:10  Even when it was hazardous to his health Daniel prayed 3 times a day, towards the temple (where God’s house was).

Altar of Incense on the Day of Atonement

Exodus 30:10; Lev 16:11-19, 33 

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, for Priest, Tabernacle, and People (V.33).

Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the priest took coals from the altar of incense and put them in a censer; after entering the Most Holy Place, he put the two handfuls of incense on the burning coals, and the cloud of the incense covered the mercy seat.  Than the blood of the sacrifice offerings (bull and goat) were sprinkled on the mercy seat.  V.18 Afterward he put blood of the bull and of the goat on the horns of the altar of incense.

  1. The blood on the horns of the altar of incense came from the sacrifice at the brazen altar. Showing that a sacrifice was needed when it came to prayers.

For us today, Jesus blood (sacrifice) enables us to approach God’s throne, and for our prayers to be heard and answered because of that blood.

  • Hebrews 10:10 We are sanctified or made acceptable by Jesus offering of Himself.
  • Hebrews 4:16  We can come boldly to God’s throne because of our High Priest Jesus.
  • John 20:17 Jesus blood was required at the throne of God in order to fulfill the price for our sins, for our prayers to be heard by God, just as the blood on the horns of the altar of incense
  • 1 John 5:14 Prayers that are within God’s will are going to be heard.

The four horns on the altar of Incense show us Christ’s prayer went out to the four corners of the world (went to all people). His blood was shed for all (blood on the horns went to four corners).

  • 1 Timothy 2:1-4  It is our job today to reach out (pray for) to all people.
  • Galatians 6:10 Especially those in our Church and in the work.
  • Ephesians 5:25-30 Jesus loved the Church and died for it.
  • Acts 20:28  Church is special, purchased with Jesus blood.
  • Malachi 1:11 Jesus name is great and prayers (incense) should be proclaiming this throughout the world.

 

Conditions to answered prayer

  • Romans 8:26  We need the Spirits help with our prayers.  We need the Sprits conviction also to remind us of those unconfessed sins that hinder prayer.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:15  We need the Spirit and we need to know what we are praying for, understanding God’s will, praying outside of God’s will means prayer not answered.
  • Matthew 6:5-15  Model prayer, example from Jesus on how to pray, not to recite.

Are we always repeating the same thing in prayer, v.7 vain repetitions, just to have something to say.  In congregation prayer, when we are praying, we are talking to God, not to each other, we should not have mindset that we are impressing anyone with our prayer.

John 15:17  Having issues with our Brethren will cause prayers to be not heard.

1 John 3:22  Disobedience (not keeping His commandments) means not receiving what we ask.

Abiding in Christ (in His body) affects prayers

Luke 19:46  The Church (God’s house) is the House of Prayer.

Fellowship and obedience affects prayers

Isaiah 56:6-7  Those that are obedient (saved, faithful member of His Church) are in a position to come to Church which is the House of prayer and have our prayers heard by God.

2 Chronicles 6:5-6; 7:15-16  The tabernacle was the place where God was to hear their prayers (altar of incense).  Then the Temple.  Today, the Church.  V.15 “God’s eyes and ears will be attentive to prayers made in this place”.  V.16 That is where God meets with us, where we worship which includes prayer.

The Table of Shewbread-Tabernacle Lesson 12

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Tabernacle table of shewbread

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Text:  Exodus 25:23-30;  37:10-16; Leviticus 24:5-9; Hebrews 9:2

  • Shewbread means: Strongs #6440(the face or presence, that turns) and #3899(food or bread)  The table of the bread of the Presence.
  • The table, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, was 3 feet long, 1.5 feet wide, and 2.25 feet high.  The twelve loaves of the bread of the Presence (Lev 24:5-9) were made of fine flour.
  • There were two rows of six loaves.
  • Incense was placed along each row.
  • Every seven days (Sabbath, Lev 24:8) the loaves were to be replaced with fresh loaves.  The old bread was eaten by the priests.
  • 1 Cor 15:20-23 Jesus first to be resurrected, first fruits in everything.
  • Exodus 29:32-33 Only Priests ate – closed communion.
  • The table of Shewbread is a type of Christ and of the Lord’s Supper.  It points to Christ as our substance of fellowship with God that we have through His broken body and shed blood.

It is made of shittim wood overlaid with gold

  1. Represents the Deity and humanity of Christ Gal 4:4 Hebrews 2:9  Matt 28:18
  2. A crown of gold bordered the table, just as Christ is crowned with glory
  3. When travelling, was covered like the candlestick and ark, with blue cloth and badger skins over that. Carried by the staves which were made of shittim wood overlaid with gold.

Numbers 4:7-8  V.7 Appears the bread was on the table even while traveling.

table-shewbread-tab-16

There were twelve loaves

A memorial for the twelve tribes of Israel

Lev 24:8 A loaf for each tribe.

The showbread couldn’t slip off the table by reason of the crown or rim of the table.

Ex. 37:11-12

Our salvation can’t be lost by reason of Christ’s power

John 10:28-30; 6:37-40,44

The showbread was replaced every week on the Sabbath

  • Leviticus 24:8-9
  • 1 Chronicles 9:32 Sons of Kohathites baked the bread for every Sabbath.
  • 1 Samuel 21:6 the priests ate the old (hallowed for the priests) bread when the freshly baked replaced it. This is what David ate while on the run from Saul.

 

The shewbread is typical of Christ (bread of God)

John 6:30-35 Jesus is the bread of life, like that shewbread that was ever present, to give life and nourishment to all.

The bread was continually renewed, as we are by God’s blessings

  • Leviticus 26:1-4, 9-10 God’s continual supplying of their needs meant they would never have want, if they were obedient to Him.
  • Matthew 13:52 Even the old bread gave nourishment to the Priests as it was replaced by the new. The old testament today still gives us pictures and types into the New Testament as it replaces the old Testament.

The bread was fine flour, ground  Lev 24:5

So was Christ ground in the mill of judgment

John 12:24-33

In Jesus we find daily nourishment

  • John 6:51-56 The “real” everlasting food is that “bread of life”, Jesus, who gives eternal life.
  • Psalm 9:10 Never forsakes us.
  • 2 Peter 3:18 Grow daily from the nourishment from God.

 

It was to be eaten in the holy place, as is the Lord’s Supper today.

The table of Shewbread was placed in the Tabernacle where the priests could commune in the presence of God, in fellowship.

Lord’s Supper was given to the Church,

To be observed inside the Church

  • 1 Corinthians 11:18-20 Supper was only in the Church, could only be taken if they were right with each other and God (in fellowship).
  • 2 Corinthians 6:17-7:1 Separation from world is required before observing Supper.
  • 2 Corinthians 7:1; Galatians 4:9  If allowed, our flesh will put us in a position unworthy to partake of the Supper, out of fellowship with God.
  • Ephesians 3:21 It is in the Church, physically, where God gets glory, meaning we physically gather as a local visible body to observe the Supper, not over the radio or TV. Just as the priests had to physical enter the tabernacle where the table of shewbread was.
  • Lev 24:8-9 Not every Levite could partake of the shewbread, only Aaron and his sons. As not every saved person can partake of the Lord’s Supper or even every church member, but those in good standing and in fellowship with God.
  • Romans 16:17-18 Those disciplined church members cannot partake in the Supper.

There needs to be a total cleansing before eating

Leviticus 22:1-7  Priests had to be clean before eating

The table demands total separation from the world

  • 1 Corinthians 10:21 Cannot be in both.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:27-31 Only in church capacity, after self-examination (v.28). Taking unworthily caused God’s judgment on some (v.30). Exodus 30:19-21

A description of those inside the church

  • Psalm 15:1-5 Those abiding in the Church should be those walking uprightly in this world based on God’s truth.
  • Matthew 16:19 Church has responsibility to keep itself unspotted from the world and its actions (using those keys) can determine rewards and bridal relationship.
  • Ephesians 5:27 unspotted Church is the bride.
  • Revelation 19:7 Bride should be preparing herself for upcoming wedding.
  • Matt 25:1-13 Those ready were in the wedding, oil in lamps or full of spirit, living for God.

 

The Candlestick-Tabernacle Lesson 11

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The Candlestick-Tabernacle Lesson 11

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Text:  Exodus 25:31-40;  37:17-24

No measurement was given for the candlestick, for who can measure the fullness of Christ?

  • Psalm 36:6 God’s righteousness like great mountains, deep waters…how can we measure?
  • Psalm 92:5  God is greater than we can imagine in our sinful minds.
  • Romans 11:33  unsearchable, ways past finding out.
  • Colossians 2:9  Jesus contains the fullness of God, endless.

 

Candlestick was placed within the tabernacle on the south wall, opposite the table of showbread.

  • The gold represents the deity of God, the oil represents the Holy Spirit, and the light represents God and the Word of God (Psalm 119:105)
  • The total of the bowls, knops, and flowers is 66 (66 books of the Bible).
  • 22 Knops = swelling beneath each flower
  • 22 flowers with 5 petals
  • 22 bowls (like almonds)
  • Each of the 6 branches had 9 knops, flowers, and bowls (54)
  • The stem had 4 knops, flowers, and bowls (12 = government. The candlestick was to govern or light the Tabernacle, and today the Church).

Exodus 25:39 Candlestick and the tools were made of a talent of gold.  This is over 100 pounds (millions of dollars).

Exodus 27:20 Pure olive oil was used to burn in the 7 lamps. The oil represents the Holy Spirit.

 

Made of pure beaten gold

A type of Christ’s sufferings

  • Isaiah 50:6; 52:14; 53:2-12
  • Matthew 26:67; 27:26-35
  • Acts 26:23

 

It was constructed with three branches on one side and three branches on the other, with a shaft in the center.

The stand is a type of the church with Jesus at it’s center.

Christ in the midst of His Churches

  • Matthew 18:20; 28:20  Jesus is with an assembled Church.
  • John 15:5  Churches (branches) cannot exist without the Vine (Jesus).
  • Revelation 1:10-13, 20 God was with the Churches (7 candlesticks), in their midst.

There were six branches reaching out, reaching for man

  • 2 Corinthians 4:6 The light we have is from God
  • Matt 5:14-16 We are to let that light shine by sharing the gospel, living and acting like Jesus in this dark world.
  • Isaiah 11:1 Jesus called the Branch
  • Isaiah 53:2 Jesus called a tender plant, a root out of a dry ground (life coming into a dried dead place, this world, reaching for man).
  • John 15:1-8 Jesus is the vine, we are the branches or shoots off of the vine that need the vine or trunk to give us life so we can produce fruit.
  • Jeremiah 1:11-12 Each bowl, knop, and flower were opened almond blossoms with 5 petals each – showing new life.
  • 2 Timothy 1:10 Jesus abolishes death, brings new life.
  • Numbers 17:1-11 Aaron’s rod was an almond rod and bloomed, life brought from a dead branch (like we are until salvation).

The candlestick had vessels (tools)

  1. Tongs, or tweezers, to trim the wicks
  • Numbers 4:9  Tools used
  • Exodus 27:20-21 evening and morning
  • Exodus 30:7-8 Aaron trimmed wicks morning and evening.
  1. We are vessels in the Church
  • Matthew 5:14-16
  • 2 Timothy 2:20-21
  • We need to trim our wicks

The candlestick was to be placed in the sanctuary

Exodus 40:4, 24

The Word was placed in the Church

  • Isaiah 8:16
  • Matthew 13:11
  • John 17:8, 14
  • 1 Timothy 3:15
  • Jude 3

The candlestick was for the light in the sanctuary

Exodus 35:14

  1. Natural light was excluded, only God’s light was present
  • 1 John 1:5-7 Priests were to only walk in God’s light, not the light from the world.
  • John 8:12 fellowship with God requires we walk in His light.
  • Psalm 36:9 Light of God is how we see.
  1. If there was no Biblical light, by what standard would we live and serve?
  • Matthew 6:23 If we are not fully following God we are in darkness
  • John 11:8-10 We have no goodness or light within ourselves (no light in him) except what comes from God, He is that light.
  1. Only God’s light in heaven
  • Revelation 7:15-17
  • Revelation 21:22-25 V.25 No night, God’s light will always be on.  V.23 no sun, God will lighten it, the Lamb is the light.
  • Revelation 22:5 God gives the light

 

The seven lamps

Were placed upon the seven prongs of the candlestick (lamp stand)

  1. The Bible is our all sufficient rule of faith and practice
  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The lamps were to burn continually

  • Exodus 27:20-21
  • Lev 24:1-4
  • Numbers 8:2-4  At consecration of Levites, part of Tabernacle start-up, they were lit and to never go out.
  1. When the lamps go out, the glory is departed
  • Revelation 2:5

 

The oil in the seven lamps represent the seven spirits of God

  • Isaiah 11:2 (Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord)
  • Revelation 4:5; 1:4
  • Jesus Christ had all seven of these
  • Psalm 119:105 The Word is the light on our path (John 1:1-5, 14) The Light shining in darkness (this world).
  • John 8:12 The light of the world

 

When on the march, the candlestick was covered with blue (Heaven) and badger skin (plain, despised, and rejected)

  • Numbers 4:9-10
  • Isaiah 53:2-3 Badger skin pictures how Jesus was seen by the world, looked upon.
  • The world sees not the Holy Spirit or Christ
  • John 14:17
  1. Christ is hidden from the world
  • 2 Corinthians 4:4
  1. The light was enjoyed only by the priestly family
  • The outside world had no clue about that beautiful light within the Tabernacle just as the world does not see the beauty of God and Comforter within His Church.

 

The lighted lamps revealed the beautiful workmanship of the lamp stand

Exodus 25:37

This tells us of the principle design of the Spirit’s ministry to the Churches

John 16:14

Without the Holy Spirit we cannot praise or pray as we should

Romans 8:26-27  

 

The High Priests Garments-Tabernacle Lesson 10

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Priests Garments-Tabernacle Lesson 10

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Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 28:1-43;  39:1-31

There was special clothing and ornaments that made up the official high priests garment.

The high priest garments represented his function as mediator between God and the people.

The garments were necessary to do service for God in the Tabernacle.

 

Garment construction

All aspects of the garments were not left to Moses imagination

See Exodus 39, how many times the verses end with “as the Lord commanded Moses”. This fits how the tabernacle was constructed also, Exodus 25:9, 40 “according to the pattern showed thee in the mount”.

  1. Exodus 28:2 they were considered holy garments, for glory and beauty.
  2. Exodus 28:41 Priests had to be anointed and consecrated with the garments on.
  3. Exodus 29:5-6; 39:1 Garments worn as part of the Priests service
  4. Exodus 29:29 Garments were passed on to each high priest
  5. Exodus 28:3; 31:10 Garments were made by men filled with God given talent.
  6. Exodus 28:2-3 The details of the high priests garment speak of the Lord Jesus in His glory.
  7. Hebrews 3:1-3 Jesus is worthy of more glory than man could ever give, the glorious garments were a picture of the glory Jesus deserves and is worthy of.
  8. Hebrews 8:1-6 Jesus is our High Priest now, forever, the Tabernacle and high priests being a shadow of heavenly things (v.5).
  9. Exodus 28:43 If the priests did not have the proper garments on (and cleansed at the altar) they would be killed as they entered in.
  10. Exodus 35:20-29 Material for the garments came from the people, things they had spoiled from the Egyptians, because God had laid it on the Egyptians heart to do so.

Ex 36:4-7 They had more than enough, the people were told to stop giving.

 

The Ephod   Exodus 28:6-14; 39:2

  1. Like an apron, with two shoulder pieces of multi colored (gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen) that came down to the knees, front and back. Ex 28:7; 39:4
  2. The gold in the fabric was real gold, made into wires and woven into the fabric.

Ex 39:2-3

Had a girdle (belt around the waist) made of the same multi colors as the ephod. Ex 28:8

  1. Girdle (belt) of the ephod Exodus 28:8; 39:5

Called the “curious” girdle of the ephod, it was multi colored just as the ephod (gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen).

  1. Onyx stones Exodus 28:9-14; 39:6-7
  2. Two stones, each had 6 names of the tribe of Israel engraved on them, one on each shoulder (names also on the breastplate over the heart). The names were in order of their birth.
  3. The stones along with the names were a memorial or in remembrance.

Ex 28:12

  1. Ex 28:23-27 The two stones were set in gold “ouches” (settings) with braided gold chains at the ends of the settings to attach to the top of the breastplate (breastplate had a gold ring at each top) and to the side of the ephod above the waist (Ex 28:27 gold rings there also towards the front, forepart = front).

So the onyx stones in their settings were positioned and attached to the top of the shoulders.

 

The Breastplate  Exodus 28:15-29

  1. Breastplate was on the ephod, above the girdle, made up of the same multi colors as the ephod (gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and linen). Called the breastplate of judgment.

Ex 28:15, 29.

  1. Breastplate was a “span” (about 9 inches) squared in size. It was made up of “doubled” fabric, open at the top to form a pocket.   Ex 28:16; 39:9
  2. Stones were set on it, 4 rows of 3 stones, all set in gold. Each stone had a name of a tribe of Israel engraved on it.
  3. First row was a sardius (ruby), topaz, and a carbuncle.
  4. Second row was an emerald, sapphire, and a diamond.
  5. Third row was a ligure (jacinth or opal), agate, and an amethyst.
  6. Fourth row was a beryl, onyx, and a jasper.
  7. Like the onyx stones on each shoulder, the names of the 12 tribes were worn on the heart. Ex 28:29   As a memorial before god.

Shows God will never forget his people or those that are His.

Isaiah 44:21; 49:15; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5

  1. Breastplate was fastened to the ephod. Ex 28:28 “Breastplate not loosed from the ephod” meaning it was attached firmly so the priest could work and not be hindered by the breastplate.

The top and bottom of the breastplate had golden rings.  Ex 28:23, 26

The ephod had gold rings above the waist, below the arm pits. Ex 28:27; 39:20

  1. The top two rings of the breastplate had the gold braided chains attached and went up to the two onyx stones (which were fastened down the back to the gold rings that were on the ephod under the arm pits). Ex 28:24-25
  2. The bottom two rings were fastened to the ephod gold rings by blue lace. Ex28:28; 39:21

D.      The Urim and Thummim   Ex 28:30; Leviticus 8:8

Two objects made of metal or precious stones and inscribed with symbols. Used possibly to determine God’s response to a question by “yes” or “no”, like “casting lots”.  (see 1 Sam 23:9-12, 28:6).

a. Was considered the medium or way God communicated to His people.

Urim definition is: lights, revelation.

Thummim definition is: perfection, truth.

Numbers 27:21

Deuteronomy 33:8

Ezra 2:63

Nehemiah 7:65

b.  Breastplate was made so it had a pocket where the Urim and Thummim were placed.  Exodus 28:30; Leviticus 8:8

 

The blue Robe of the Ephod  Exodus 28:31-34; 39:22-26

Was a blue robe worn over the white coat.  It had a hole in it with sewn edges so not to fray, for the priest head. Ex 28:32; 39:23

  1. Blue represents heavenly origin, to show the character and ministry of Jesus. He came from heaven and resides in heaven.

Hebrews 12:2  Jesus is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Sam 2:28 Priest was a picture of Christ, ministering to the people and God, so the ephod represented the priest heavenly authority given by God.

Hosea 3:4-5  Israel at this time has no priest with the ephod, so no mediator as before with the high priest. They have the promise of being restored.

  1. Bells of gold and pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet

Hem of robe alternated between a bell and a pomegranate

Gold bells showing deity and the sound from bells ringing out as the high priest served, showed heavenly sound.

Psalm 150:1-6 Each ring of the bells praised God.

Pomegranates pictured richness, fruitfulness, and the different colors showed the different aspects of Jesus, blue = heavenly, purple = royalty, scarlet = sacrifice.

Philippians 1:11  the fruits of righteousness, like the fruits of the spirit, is where one’s life portrays Jesus, everything about Him.

Galatians 5:22-23  Spirit led person will show these things in their life.

 

The Holy Mitre

Mitre is a headdress or turban.

  1. Holy Mitre was an engraved plate of gold (diadem) on blue lace, fastened on the front of the linen mitre (fastened on front or forehead). Ex 28:36-38; 39:30-31
  2. Engraved with “Holiness to the Lord”. Ex 28:36; 39:30
    1. Rev 4:8-11 As this will forever be on the lips of those before the throne.
  3. Purpose: “That Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things…that they may be accepted before the Lord”. Ex 28:38   the people had been called to serve and bring God glory.

John 4:23-24 We are also to worship Him.

1 Peter 2:5  We are the priests today, to offer sacrifices to God.

  1. Bonnet (head piece) Ex 28:40; 39:28

 

The Priests Coat   Exodus 28:39-43;

  1. The white linen coat 28:39; 39:27
  2. Coat was made of fine linen and was embroidered. It was spotless and of the finest quality.

Hebrews 4:15; 7:26 Jesus was sinless (spotless), above reproach (finest quality), undefiled, higher than the heavens.

  1. Aaron sons also wore these coats along with the girdles, bonnets, and breeches. Only the high priest wore the ephod and blue robe, the breastplate along with Urim and Thummim, and the Holy Mitre. Exodus 28:40-43
  2. The breeches (pants) Ex 28:42; 39:28

To cover their nakedness. Went down to tops of knees (unto the thighs).

Lev 6:10 Breeches were always part of the garments.

Lev 16:4 Washed before putting on the garments including the breeches.

  1. Ezekiel 44: 10-23 The priests were to:
  1. be separate
  2. maintain the purity of the tabernacle and everything in it.
  • make sure no one entered the courtyard unless their sacrifice was acceptable.
  1. make sure they wore the right garments (no wool to cause them to sweat).
  2. teach the people between holy and profane.

Just as we are today  1 Peter 2:5

 

Censor of high Priest

Lev 16:12-13

Priest took coals from the off the altar of sacrifice fire, put in censor, and went within the veil to the  mercy seat, and put the incense on the coals.  The cloud of the burning incense was to cover the mercy seat.

This was a picture of bringing acceptable sweet smelling worship to God.

This was done before the priest offered the blood on the mercy seat as an atonement for his own sins. Sprinkled seven times.

Then the sacrifice for the people was made and that blood brought within the veil.

Ex 30:34 – 38 Incense was reserved just for use just for God.

Lev 10:1 – 2  Done out of order resulted in death.

Numbers 16:17 – 18  Many had censors.  Verse 38 – 40 were flattened and attached to altar as a memorial that no one unless priests could bring incense before God.

Rev 8:3 – 5 Used in heaven. Picture of prayers accompanying the cloud of incense to make prayers acceptable.

Tabernacle Boards-Tabernacle Lesson 9

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tab-14-veils-2

Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 26:15-30; 36:20-34

The Tabernacle proper (structure within the courtyard) was 45 feet long, 15 feet wide, and 15 feet high.

It was divided into two rooms. The first room was 30 feet long by 15 feet wide by 15 feet high, and the second, The Holy of Holies, was 15 feet long by 15 feet wide by 15 feet high.

tab-13-veils

There were 48 boards, each ten cubits long and a cubit and a half broad; twenty boards

for the south side, twenty for the north side, and six boards and two corner boards for the west side. Each board was set in two sockets of silver.  The boards stood upright, side by side.  Over the top were four coverings.

The Tabernacle faced east.

 

Coverings (Linen, Goats hair, Rams skin, Badger skin)

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Ten curtains of Linen  Exodus 26:1-6

Innermost covering was a linen material, of white, blue, purple, and scarlet with cherubim figures.  The four colors are the same as in the gate and door openings.

Purple represents royalty.

Scarlet the sacrificial suffering of Christ.

White His purity.

Blue Heavenly origin.

Eleven curtains of Goats Hair Exodus 26:7-13

This reminds us of the garments of the prophets (Elijah (2 Kings 1:8) and John the Baptist (John 1:21,25))

Exodus 35:26 Was spun by God fearing women.

John 1:14 Represents Christ taking on a fleshly body to be the sacrifice. The he-goat being a sin offering.

Rams skin dyed red Exodus 26:14

The ram leads the flock.  This covering shows the sacrifice of our shepherd.

The ram was the sacrifice for the consecration of the priests (Exodus 29:1,31).

Was the substitute sacrifice for Isaac (Genesis 22:13).

Badger skin Exodus 26:14

Badger skin was unattractive.   As Jesus appearance in the flesh was (Isaiah 53:2).

Philippians 2:7 Jesus came as a servant so there was nothing extraordinary He wanted to be viewed as in the flesh.

The beauty of Jesus was within, spiritual. Just as the Tabernacle, its beauty was within.

Psalm 96:6 Just as the Church, its beauty is within, the members that live a life pleasing to God.

Ephesians 3:21 Glory is in the Church, not outside.

Revelation 21:24 For eternity, the place of glory and honor is within God’s house (city), not outside.

The 48 boards stand for refuge…the boards are a type of the Church

  1. Exodus 26:22 The 6 boards on the west side, than the other 42 boards, stand for refuge. Numbers 35:6-7,13 6 cities of refuge, another 42 for the tribe of Levi.

Joshua 20:6-9 6 cities of refuge named.

Joshua 21:41  48 cities were given to tribe of Levi.

  1. The Church is the place of refuge for God’s children

Matthew 5:15-16 Our light as church members need to be put on the candlestick (Church) so the world may truly see it.

Luke 8:16 We as church members are outside our refuge when our light is outside the church.

The dimensions of the boards were 1.5 cubits wide

(27 inches or 2.25 feet)  and 10 cubits high (15 feet)

The length or height of each board (10 cubits) is full of holy truth

  1. The boards are twice as high as the court fence, which was five cubits high
    1. Ephesians 3:21; 5:25-27 The Church is twice as high as the kingdom in God’s sight
    2. Every child of God is born into the kingdom, but He receives glory in the Church.
  2. Ten speaks of new order in perfection.
  3. From Adam, Noah is the tenth, hence a new beginning, 1 Chronicles 1:1-4
  • The church was a new beginning from Judaism
  1. From Shem, Abraham is the tenth, 1 Chronicles 1:24-27
  • Then a new nation.
  • The Church is a holy nation, 1 Peter 2:9
  1. Israel tempted God ten times, thus a new order of wrath, Numbers 14:22
  • Wrath was first in Egypt, now Israel (ten plagues).

The boards were made of acacia wood

  1. They were growing wild in the wilderness
  2. So were we, Jeremiah 17:9; Ephesians 2:12
  3. The boards had to be cut down and removed from their natural standing, then prepared before they could occupy a place in God’s tabernacle
  4. So the sinner must be cut down by conviction, be removed from his standing as a man in the flesh, and prepared before the Lord will add him to His church,

Matthew 3:10; Acts 2:27-28, 41

  • All false hopes and glories must be cut of, 1 Tim 6:6-12
  • Paul was cut down, Acts 9:14
  1. The boards had to be covered with gold
  2. We must be covered with the blood and righteousness of Christ, Psalm 32:1; Romans 13:14; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:22-24

Each board had two tenons, or two feet, to allow it to stand solidly on its foundation, which was two sockets of silver, so that they stood independent of the sand of the desert.

Exodus 38:25-27 Each board rested on two sockets, each socket was a talent of silver, a talent of silver weighs around 100 pounds so each board had a base weighing 200 pounds.

  1. They stood upright in the desert, and not of the desert
  2. Once they, as trees, were well rooted in the desert (world), Ephesians 2:2-3
  3. We are to be in the world, and yet separate from it,

Gal 5:16-17, 24-25; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

  1. We stand upright on a solid and unmovable foundation,

Psalm 40:1-2; Isaiah 28:16; 1 Corinthians 3:11

Matthew 7:24-27 We are to build our lives on this foundation (the Rock).

  1. Many have one foot in Christ and the other in the world 1 John 2:15; Matt 6:24;

1 Corinthians 6:15

  1. We are to stand fast on the Lord, Ephesians 6:13-14; Philippians 4:1
  2. We no longer stand in the flesh, but God and His Holy Spirit hold us in Christ,

Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:5

The boards stood so “fitly framed together” as to become one building

So do we, Ephesians 2:19-22; 4:16; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

They were equal in height, width, and thickness

We are equal, Matthew 20:25-27; 2 Corinthians 8:14

Their construction

  1. They were bound and held together at the base by the two sockets, made of the silver atonement money, Exodus 30:11-16

The precious blood of Christ is the basis of our communion with God and one another,

1 John 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 20:28

  1. They were bound together by fifteen bars made of shittim wood covered over with gold, four visible on each side and one invisible (5 bars on 3 sides)
  2. Five equals grace (unmerited favor)
  3. The invisible bar is a type of the Holy Spirit dwelling in the hearts of His people and binding their hearts to each other, Romans 8:16; 1 Peter 1:8
  4. The four visible bars we find in Ephesians 4:1-3
  • Lowliness, having a humble opinion of one’s self
  • Meekness, gentleness, Philippians 4:5
  • Longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs
  • Forbearance, to hold one’s self erect and firm against any person or thing
  1. Ephesians 4:1-4 If the boards and bars (members of the body) are maintained, the unity of the Spirit will be kept in the bond of peace, and there will be unity of the body.

Unrighteous characteristics within the Lord’s house is an abomination, Ezekiel 6:11

Tabernacle Door-Tabernacle Lesson 8

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Tabernacle Veil-Tabernacle Lesson 8

Lesson by Brother Walt Durgeloh

Text:  Exodus 26:30-37; 36:35-38

See pictures 13 and 14.

The Tabernacle had a door (outer veil) through which the Priests entered into the first room, called the Holy Place, to minister before the Lord at the table of showbread, the Candlestick, and the Altar of Incense.  As Priests entered the door of the Tabernacle, they passed into another dimension of fellowship with God.

To be in the court outside the Tabernacle or Kingdom was one thing, but it was a special treat enjoyed only by those God had picked to enter the Tabernacle (to be in His Church).

Numbers 8:14-26  Levites were chosen (picked) by God for His service.

Duet 10:8  God separated the tribe of Levi (set apart for service).

1 Peter 2:9 Church members are “a chosen generation”.

1 Cor 12:18; Acts 2:47 God adds to His Church just as He chose Levites and Aaron and his Sons.

Eph 4:4, 16  God has one body, that we are called (chosen) to be a part of, that body joined together.

1 John 2:19 Sometimes when God is not the one adding to the Church, they do not continue with us.

 

At the Tabernacle we see three groups of Israel:

  1. The Levites in the Tabernacle, the church (Acts 7:38 church in the wilderness).
  2. Those in the court, a type of the kingdom Jesus told Nicodemus he could enter by new birth (John 3:1-3).
  3. Those outside the court, the world (Eph 2:11-12).

Coming into the court is like being saved (Col 1:1-13).

Coming into the Tabernacle is like becoming a church member (Acts 9:26-29; Romans 14:1; Acts 2:41-47).

Limited access

Priests only

Those who entered the Tabernacle were seen as a unique group.  The priests were the only ones allowed, and just because you were a son of Aaron (high priest) did not qualify you.

Lev 21:16-21  – not allowed into priesthood if not “clean” or if you had a blemish.

The lesson here is to show not all the saved are in the Church.  Only those that practice daily cleansing in their lives, as represented at the Laver, are able to fellowship with Christ in his churches (Exodus 30:17-21).

2 Cor 7:1  No one is in the Church just because they are saved (washed in the blood of Christ at the Brazen Altar), it takes cleansing at the altar and being a priest.  Even if we are members of the Church, we may have our names on the roll, but are we able to enter and fellowship with God?  You are there physically but spiritually you are not recognized by God.

2 Tim 2:19-26  Vessels of honor are those that are cleansed daily.

 

Door of the Priests

The door of the Tabernacle was only used by the Priest.

Heb 5:1  The Priest of the Tabernacle was taken from men, and ordained by men.

Rev 1:4-6  V.6  Christ has made Church members kings and priests unto God.

Rev 5:10 Kings and priests that will reign during millennial reign.

1 Peter 2:5, 9  As Church members, God makes us priests, that are to sacrifice to Him. God makes us priests, not other men.

Heb 4:14-16  Under God’s leadership we have direct access to Him, to enter that door into the Tabernacle.

 

Christ is the Door

John 14:6  Jesus is the only door.  He alone is the Way, the Entrance and Door into the presence of God.  For the saint to have communion and worship with God.

Acts 4:12 This is true for the sinner in salvation, Jesus is the only way to be saved.

  1. The door of the Tabernacle speaks of communion and worship, in that it was the way into the presence of the lamp stand, the table of showbread, and the golden altar.
    1. This holy place was the place of communion and worship for the priests, a type of the coming believer priests in the New Testament.
    2. As this was limited and exclusive, it did not allow mixed gatherings, combined worship of saint and sinner, and demands separation.
    3. In type, only priests entered the sphere of light, incense, and food in the holy place, the place of communion and light.
    4. Those not meeting priestly requirements of Israel were barred.
    5. The place of communion and worship is one to which lost sinners have no access until born again and a church member.

 

The five Pillars

  1. John 10:7-9 Five stands for grace. God gives us life more abundantly even though we do not deserve it (grace = unmerited favor).
  2. Isaiah 9:6 Jesus was given five great names (Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace).
  3. The pillars were constructed of:
  4. Acacia wood – perfect humanity, as Jesus was perfect. The wood tells us that this Tabernacle was an earthly Tabernacle, not heaven itself (Heb9:1).
  5. Gold overlay – John 1:14  The gold that overlaid the Tabernacle shows the divinity, that God was present.  Jesus as God took on flesh (twofold nature of God) and His glory was shown to the world.
  6. A gold crown – royalty, Exodus 36:38
  7. A brass foundation – sockets of brass – the judgment He met for our ransom. The Tabernacle foundation was 100 sockets of silver, the five pillars at the door were set in brass sockets.  This was to show that to enter the Tabernacle, another judgment was needed.

1 Peter 4:17-19 When the priest entered the Tabernacle they were judged, they had stipulations that had to be met to be allowed to enter (and live).  For us today, to enter and worship within the Church we also are to be in good standing with God.

Acts 20:28 The privilege of Church membership came at a price. Every time the priest entered the door, something had to be done first.  For us, the shed blood of Jesus allows us to enter the presence of God, we pass the judgment.

Romans 14:7-12 We will all have to knell before Jesus for judgment, especially as Church members.

The Inner Vail

Exodus 26:31-34 

Four pillars held the vail inside the Tabernacle, separated the ”Most Holy place”, where God resided.  High Priest entered here to offer sacrifice to God for the people.

Exodus 28:31-35 High Priest represented mediator between God and the people.  He wore bells on bottom of their garments so if they were killed, they would know by no bell sounds.

Hebrews 10:20  The vail represents Jesus, whom we have access to God.

Matt 27:51 Vail was rent (torn) when Jesus was resurrected, showing the barrier between us and God was removed, we now had access to God.  Also showed Jesus was sacrificed.

Vail was foursquare, showing the four gospels, as separate and complete within themselves, yet they perfectly harmonize in presenting and even fuller display of Jesus, His grace and love, His divinity and His humanity, when complimenting each other in the presentation of Jesus’ life and ministry.