Introduction
The same as in the past, these days, one needs to study the Bible thoroughly to understand it better. One of the aspects of the Bible that should be paid more attention to is the tabernacle, which plays a significant role in the Old Testament. People need to analyze the study about the tabernacle and its symbolism to gather more insight into the Word of God.
The Tabernacle
First, to understand the study about the tabernacle, one should look at its meaning. The tabernacle was intended for God to be able to live among people (Arnold & Bryant, 2015). His followers were supposed to make “a sanctuary” for God to “dwell,” and the word “tabernacle” can be translated as “dwelling place” (Holy Bible, 1975, Exod. 25:8; Arnold & Bryant, 2015, p. 81). The tabernacle’s description is provided in chapters 25-31 of Exodus with details on its construction, including the colors that were meant to be used, such as blue, purple, and scarlet (Holy Bible, 1975; Arnold & Bryant, 2015). Chapters 35-39 of Exodus exhibit people’s obedience in following God’s instructions and creating the tabernacle with all the details, including “its tent” and “hooks” (Holy Bible, 1975, Exod. 35:11; Arnold & Bryant, 2015, p. 82). Finally, chapter 40 describes the rise of the tabernacle, which was filled with “the glory of the Lord,” meaning that people created a movable place of God (Holy Bible, 1975, Exod. 40:35; Arnold & Bryant, 2015). The tabernacle represents a transportable tent constructed for God to dwell among people.
The Symbolism of the Tabernacle
Next, the study about the tabernacle can be explained through its symbolism. The tabernacle was meant for God to be amidst the people of Israel on their journey across the desert, so they would be able to worship the Lord (Arnold & Bryant, 2015). With that being said, the earthly tabernacle symbolizes a miniature copy of the heavenly tabernacle where God originally dwells (Caneday, 2020). Before, God communicated with people in the form of “pillars of fire and smoke,” but with the tabernacle, He was able to join them in the desert (Arnold & Bryant, 2015, p. 81). While it did not encompass God’s true presence on earth, the tabernacle served as a manifestation of his appearance (Caneday, 2020). Moreover, as the insides of the tabernacle were divided, it can be seen to indicate people’s restricted access to God even on earth (Caneday, 2020). Furthermore, the tabernacle symbolizes a place for the Messiah to arrive from heaven and end sacrifices (Caneday, 2020). The symbolism of the tabernacle can be seen as a rather simple representation of God’s dwelling place in heaven and as an expectation of good things to come.
Conclusion
To summarize, the study about the tabernacle explains its significance for the people of Israel in their journey across the desert. The tabernacle was created to indicate that God was among people who acquired a place of worshiping the Lord. The symbolism of the tabernacle signifies God’s presence in a tent that reflects His original sanctuary in heaven and represents an expectation of something good and holy. In Exodus, God gave people detailed instructions on the construction of the tabernacle, so He could dwell in a setting appropriate for Him, and people obeyed, so they could feel His presence. As the tabernacle made God closer to people, it also provided them with a sense of protection and comfort.
References
Arnold, B. R. & Bryant E. B. (2015). Encountering the Old Testament: A christian survey. Baker Academic.
Caneday, A. B. (2020). God’s parabolic design for Israel’s tabernacle: A cluster of earthly shadows of heavenly realities. The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology, 24(1), 103-124.
Holy Bible: New King James Version. (1975). Thomas Nelson Publishers. Web.