Conclusion to the Tabernacle

We are struck with the beauty of the Tabernacle; outside it did not look like much, but inside it was glorious.  Its beauty and design were inspired by the vision of its heavenly counterpart revealed to Moses.  This makes this sanctuary more than a historic artifact of an antiquated culture, but foundational for worship of … Read more

The Ministry of the High Priest

This is the rite you shall perform in consecrating [Aaron and his sons] as my priests.  Exodus 29:1 Up to this point in ancient Israel, we surmise that the firstborn, the primogenitor, functioned as the priest of the family unit in its original semi-nomadic setting (so Hahn).  We have no reason to doubt this would … Read more

Priestly Garments and the ′ûrîm & Tummîm  

                                            For the glorious adornment of your brother Aaron you shall have sacred vestments made.  Therefore, tell the various artisans whom I have endowed with skill to make vestments for Aaron to consecrate him as my priest.  These are the vestments they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a brocade tunic, a turban, … Read more

The Altar and the Laver

You shall make an altar of acacia wood, on a square, five cubits long and five cubits wide; it shall be three cubits high.  Exodus 27:1 For ablutions you shall make a bronze basin with a bronze stand. Place it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Exodus 30:17 In … Read more

The Tapestries and Framework

The tabernacle itself you shall make out of ten sheets woven of fine linen twined and of violet, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim embroidered on them. Exodus 26:1 The foundational “furniture,” or articles, of the tabernacle described, Moses’ vision takes us to the walls, interior tapestries, and exterior coverings of this tent sanctuary.  The description … Read more

The Lampstand

And you shall make a lampstand of pure gold.  Exodus 25:31 As one enters the Holy Place from the outside and looks to the left along the south wall, one sees the Lampstand (Hebrew menȏrâ), directly opposite of the Table of the Bread of Presence.   It was made of one solid piece of gold, weighing … Read more