One of the least understood parts of the Old Testament begins in the 25th chapter of Exodus and continues through the entire book of Leviticus. It is called the Hebrew Sanctuary Service. It is not easily understood because its symbolism is for the most part left unexplained.

It is said that God gave Moses the Law on Mount Sinai and demonstrated the Gospel in the desert below---through the sanctuary service. In Exodus 25:8,9, Moses is told, "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it."

God instructed them to build a tent with wooden walls and a roof of animal hides and linen. The building was about 15 x 45 feet. It was placed within a fence called the court, which was about 75 feet wide and 50 feet long.

The tabernacle was made to be taken apart and moved. The furniture was built with handles so that it would be easily transported from place to place as the Israelites journeyed in the wilderness. It seems that the tabernacle was intended to serve only until such time as Israel should settle in the Promised Land and a more permanent building could be erected.

The building, or tent, was divided into two parts by a curtain. The front two-thirds is referred to as the Holy Place and the back one-third as the Most Holy Place. There were no windows in the building. In the first apartment was a seven-branched candlestick, and altar for burning incense, and a small table. In the second apartment, the most holy, there was only one piece of furniture---the ark. This was a wooden chest, about 45 inches long and 27 inches wide that contained the Ten Commandments.

Outside in the court, immediately in front of the door of the tabernacle, was a large basin containing water. The priests were to bathe their hands and feet before entering the tabernacle or beginning the service. In the court was also the altar of burnt offering. This altar was 5 feet high and 7-1/2 feet square, hollow inside and overlaid with brass. Twice a day, every morning and evening a lamb was offered on this altar for the nation.

The Sanctuary was an object lesson for a nation of former slaves, most of whom could neither read or write. The lessons were taught through a series of sacrifices, both animal and vegetable. All of the rituals were done by priests, a layman could not directly approach God or enter the Sanctuary, the priest was always the go-between or mediator.

One of the lessons taught was that forgiveness of sin can be obtained only through confession and ministration of blood. It costs something to forgive, and the cost is a life. This was taught in many ways, but the most impressive must have been when a man brought his own animal, confessed his sins over its head and personally cut its throat. The priest ministered the blood, but the man killed the animal with his own hand.

Next week, how the Gospel can be easily seen in the rituals of the Sanctuary. Also we'll look at the New Testament ties to this ancient Jewish service.

Blessings in your study of God's Word!

Marvin Hunt

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Blessings!
Marvin Hunt

Http://www.biblehistory.com

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