The tabernacle of Moses was the epicenter of Yahweh-worship on earth. Throughout the last 15 chapters of Exodus, the Lord gave very specific instructions concerning every aspect of this unique place, culminating with its actual launch in Exodus 40. Moses made everything exactly as God commanded, replicating all of the details he’d been shown on God’s sacred mountain. If you wanted a relationship with the God of Israel, this was the only authorized place to worship Him.
There was a curtained courtyard surrounding the tabernacle. As you entered the courtyard, you would see the altar of burnt offering, then a large bronze basin or laver in front of the tabernacle entrance. The altar of burnt offering was the place of sacrifice. The laver was filled with water for the ceremonial cleansing of the priests for their sacred duties.
The tabernacle was divided into a holy place and a smaller most holy place, separated by a veil. As you entered the holy place, you would find key articles of furniture. The seven-branch menorah would be on your left; a golden table with 12 loaves of bread was positioned on your right; and a gold covered altar of incense was in the back, before the veil of the most holy place. The menorah provided light for the tent’s activities. The golden table featured 12 loaves representing the tribes of Israel, positioned in God’s care. The altar of incense provided aromatic smoke that sanctified and partially clouded the interior. Beyond the veil was the most holy place containing the ark of God’s covenant. The ark was covered with the mercy seat, and it housed the tablets of the Ten Commandments.
The tabernacle and its furniture speak prophetically about our relationship with Jesus. The altar of burnt offering represents the cross as the place of His sacrifice. We must all come to the cross, receiving the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ. Beyond the altar of burnt offering is the laver, which represents the person and work of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit cleanses and equips the priesthood of believers to become the bride of Christ.
Within the tabernacle we approach the menorah, which represents the Word of God and His revelatory realm. There is a deep place of revelation reserved for us when we meditate on Jesus, the Word made flesh. The golden table covered with bread represents the Lord’s table and Holy Communion available for His people. The altar of incense represents our sanctified prayers offered in agreement with His will.
Finally, the most holy place and the mercy seat-covered ark represent deep intimacy with Jesus. Since He died for us, this sacred place has been open for all Christians. God is waiting for you to press beyond the veil into His abiding presence. This is where we will find mercy and regular fellowship with Jesus. Many of the Lord’s prophetic treasures are awaiting your discovery within the tabernacle of Moses.
To learn more about how you can apply the whole Word of God to your life today, listen to The Whole Word Podcast with Pitts Evans on Charisma Podcast Network. {eoa}
Pitts and Mary Evans met at the University of South Carolina and have been married since 1981. They have three adult children, a daughter in-law, a son in-law and eight grandchildren. Pitts first attended Whole Word Fellowship with his parents in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was later called to full-time ministry and currently serves as the senior pastor of WWF and the Northern Virginia House of Prayer. He is the voice of our weekday The Whole Word Podcast. Pastor Pitts also directs our international ministry, overseeing humanitarian efforts, combating human trafficking, ministering in pastor’s conferences, Bible schools and seminaries in other nations. His primary calling is for recruiting and equipping the bride of Christ through Bible teaching and preaching. His new book, The Wife of God, is available from Amazon.
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