Lesson # 15 The Tabernacle

The Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat

The ark was a wooden box overlaid with gold. The seat of mercy was a lid for the box, also wooden overlaid with gold. On the lid were two cherubim facing each other with wings outspread touching across the middle. In the ark was placed the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, a golden pot of manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded. God did not dwell in the box but hovered over the mercy seat between the cherubim. It was fit with rings and poles for carrying.

Because of its importance, the ark was surrounded by mystery and still is today. If you google the Ark of the Covenant, 1,310,000 entries will come up. So, where is it? No one knows for sure, but many scholars feel that Nebuchadnezzar had it taken to Babylon and destroyed. We know from Daniel that the treasure from the temple was taken when Babylon sacked Jerusalem. When the Israelites returned from Babylon and rebuilt the temple the Ark of the Covenant was missing. Variant traditions have it concealed under the Temple Mount, removed to Ethiopia with Queen Sheba, taken to a Jewish temple in Egypt and removed by divine intervention. Other scholars purpose that under Jeremiah’s instructions the important pieces of the temple were removed seven years before Babylon destroyed Jerusalem because of the growing threat of Babylon. The list of these treasures was inscribed on a copper tablet. In 1952 the copper scroll was found among the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran and also listed was the location of the hidden treasures. Nothing has been found. Another theory is that the ark was smuggled into Egypt by way of the Well of Souls. The Well of Souls is actually a cave under the Dome of the Rock. No one has the ark near Tannis, which is located in the lower Nile area.

The ark was always to proceed Israel when they traveled. It was to be carried by the poles and covered in skins and then a blue cloth. The ark was not to be seen other than by the high priest on the Day of Atonement. The final Day of Atonement was met in the ultimate high priest, Jesus Christ being offered up on the cross. Throughout Israel’s history, the ark was associated with miraculous events. Some of these include crossing the Jordan River, battle of Jericho and a story out of 2 Sam.6.

The contents of the ark were placed there by God’s command. The stone tablets of the law represented God’s character, what is required by a Holy and Righteous God. A requirement that Jesus would have to fulfill on our behalf. The manna represented God’s provision of bread in the wilderness. Once again, God would have to provide the Bread of Life. Aaron’s rod that budded was the result of serious rebellion among the people, known as Korah’s rebellion in Numbers 16-17. This was a reminder of God’s authority and sovereignty.

The ark and the seat of mercy represented the perfection of law and grace. Located in the Holy of Holies it was where the Presence of God dwelled among his people. It is where we have access today because of Jesus, our intercessor. But we still enter the same way as did all Jews.

The Tabernacle

The tabernacle had only one entrance. Immediately on entering was the brazen altar. No one could advance without a sacrifice. Jesus clearly states in John 14:6 that he is the only way to the Father. It is Jesus, the perfect sacrifice that allows access to God. Just before the Holy of Holies is the altar of incense. There was to be a special recipe for the incense and it was to be used exclusively for the altar. Incense has always represented the prayers of the people. In Rev. 5:8-golden bowls full of incense which are the prayers of the saints. So it is through Jesus and prayer that we can boldly approach the throne of grace. Hebrews 4:16. In fact Hebrews 4:14-5:10 explains Jesus as the great high priest.

The textiles of the tabernacle were also to be made very specifically. The colors of blue, purple and scarlet were to be used extensively. They are mentioned in this order about 28 times in the book of Exodus. Cherubim were to be embroidered into the curtains. The beauty of this with all the gold furniture must have been staggering. The colors have significance as the blue represents heaven, purple royalty-sovereignty of Christ as King of Kings and scarlet for the blood sacrifice made on our behalf.

One of the most exciting aspects of the building of the tabernacle is the divine appointment of the craftsmen involved. The beauty of the place must have been staggering. How precious that beauty is God’s character as much as holiness and mercy. David was able to live worship to its fullest and longed to dwell with God. Ps. 27:4-5.