In light  of eternity

Unveiling the Cosmic Symbolism of the Tabernacle

Introduction:

In his groundbreaking work, The Temple and the Church’s Mission, G.K. Beale proposes that the Old Testament tabernacle was not merely a portable tent for worship, but a meticulously designed microcosm of the cosmos. Each element, from the colors of the curtains to the layout of the furniture, was laden with symbolism, pointing to a deeper spiritual reality. This post will delve into Beale’s fascinating thesis, exploring how the tabernacle’s tripartite structure, furnishings, and decorations reflected the very heavens themselves. We’ll uncover how this seemingly simple tent served as a tangible representation of God’s dwelling, foreshadowing a future where His presence would fill the entire earth.

Beale asserts, “…the Old Testament tabernacle and temples were symbolically designed to point to the cosmic eschatological reality…” In essence, the tabernacle was a divinely inspired blueprint, a model of the universe and God’s dwelling within it.

The Tabernacle’s Design: A Blueprint from Heaven

The very creation of the tabernacle was a divine act, as God commanded Moses in Exodus 25:8-9, “Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.” The significance of these divine instructions cannot be overstated. They reveal that the tabernacle’s design was not arbitrary but a reflection of heavenly realities.

The Tripartite Structure: Earth, Visible Heavens, and Invisible Heavens

The tabernacle’s structure was divided into three distinct areas:

• Outer Court (Earth): The outer court, with its bronze altar of sacrifice, represented the earthly realm. It was here that the Israelites brought their offerings, acknowledging their sinfulness and need for atonement.
• Holy Place (Visible Heavens): Entering the holy place was akin to ascending into the visible heavens. The golden lampstand, with its seven lamps, symbolized the celestial bodies that illuminate the sky. The table of showbread, with its twelve loaves, represented the twelve tribes of Israel, nourished by God’s provision.
• Holy of Holies (Invisible Heavens): The Holy of Holies was the most sacred space, representing the invisible heavens, the very dwelling place of God. It housed the Ark of the Covenant, a golden chest containing the stone tablets of the law. Above the Ark, two golden cherubim spread their wings, forming a throne for God’s invisible presence. This imagery mirrored the heavenly throne room described in Scripture.

Symbolism in Furnishings and Decorations

Every furnishing and decoration within the tabernacle was imbued with meaning:

• The bronze altar served as a place of sacrifice and atonement, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
• The bronze laver, positioned between the altar and holy place, symbolized both purification and redemption. Priests washed here, signifying cleansing from sin before approaching God. This foreshadowed Christ’s ultimate cleansing. Additionally, the laver mirrored the Red Sea’s role in the Exodus, where water brought judgment and liberation. This dual symbolism highlighted the ongoing need for purification from sin in the journey towards God’s presence. The laver was not just for washing; it was a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive work.
• The veil, embroidered with cherubim, served as a majestic partition between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. These winged creatures, often associated with God’s throne in the heavenly realm, guarded the entrance to the most sacred space, as well as the forbidden Eden, emphasizing the holiness and inaccessibility of God’s presence. The veil’s vibrant colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—represented the cosmic dimensions of God’s dwelling, signifying the vastness and otherworldly nature of the divine realm. This separation highlighted the need for mediation and atonement before entering into God’s presence, a role fulfilled by the high priest.

Conclusion

The Old Testament tabernacle was far more than a portable tent; it was a microcosm of the cosmos, a tangible representation of God’s dwelling among His people. Its tripartite structure, furnishings, and decorations were laden with symbolism, pointing to heavenly realities. As Beale suggests, the tabernacle foreshadowed a future where God’s presence would not be confined to a tent or a temple but would fill the entire earth.

In the next post, we will explore how the tabernacle served as a foreshadowing of the more permanent temple structure, further illuminating the connection between earthly worship and heavenly realities.

Scriptures:

• Exodus 25:8-9: This is the core verse establishing the tabernacle as a divinely ordained structure. It emphasizes that the tabernacle’s design is not human invention but a reflection of a heavenly pattern shown to Moses. This supports the idea that the tabernacle is a microcosm of the cosmos and God’s dwelling.
• Exodus 26:31: This verse describes the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. This veil is not only a physical divider but also symbolizes the separation between the earthly and heavenly realms, reinforcing the idea of the tabernacle as a bridge between these two realms.
• Hebrews 8:5: The author of Hebrews explicitly states that the tabernacle and its priests served as a “copy and shadow of the heavenly things.” This verse directly supports the main thesis of the blog post, namely that the tabernacle was a representation of heavenly realities.

WCF References:

• Chapter 21, Sections 1 & 5: These sections deal with religious worship and the Sabbath. They emphasize the importance of dedicating specific times and places for worshiping God. The tabernacle, as a designated space for worship, aligns with this principle.
• Chapter 27, Section 1: This section discusses the sacraments, which are physical signs and seals of God’s covenant with his people. The tabernacle, with its various rituals and sacrifices, was the central place where these sacraments were administered in the Old Testament. This connection highlights the tabernacle’s role in mediating God’s presence and grace to his people.

Questions to Ponder:

1. How does the tripartite structure of the tabernacle (Outer Court, Holy Place, Holy of Holies) reflect the three-tiered structure of the cosmos (Earth, Visible Heavens, Invisible Heavens)?
2. What are the specific symbolic meanings of the bronze altar, golden lampstand, table of showbread, and the Ark of the Covenant within the tabernacle? How do these elements point to Christ and His redemptive work?
3. In what ways does the tabernacle, as a “glimpse of heaven on earth,” provide a tangible expression of God’s desire to dwell among humanity? How does this understanding impact our worship and relationship with God?

Answers to Edify:

1. The tabernacle’s structure mirrors the cosmos: the Outer Court (earthly realm), the Holy Place (visible heavens), and the Holy of Holies (God’s dwelling place in the invisible heavens). This structure reflects the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical realms.
2. The bronze altar represents sacrifice and atonement, prefiguring Christ’s sacrifice. The golden lampstand symbolizes God’s light and guidance, the table of showbread signifies provision, and the Ark of the Covenant represents God’s presence and His covenant with His people.
3. The tabernacle shows God’s desire for intimacy with His people. It invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, recognizing His holiness while offering a glimpse of the heavenly reality we are called to participate in. This should inspire reverence, awe, and a longing for deeper communion with God in our worship.

Take me to Beale’s Book