THE TABERNACLE

A History of Gods Dwelling Place with Man

Exodus: God Delivers

Gods people are caught in slavery to the Egyptians. They cry out to God for deliverance; He remembers His promise to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob- and sends Moses to deliver them. This erupts in a battle of the kings as Pharaoh is commanded to let the Hebrews be freed of serving Him to go and serve almighty God. After 10 plagues (which inherently attack the Egyptians deities), Pharaoh relents to the Hebrews leaving.

PASSOVER: Introduction
Definition:
The people of God were told that the firstborn of every Egyptian would be killed due to Egypt s disobedience. To avoid this judgment, His people were instruct ed to take a lamb without blemish and place its blood on the door frames of their houses. When the angel of death enacted judgment up on Egypt, he would pass over the people of God, being covered by the blood of the lamb.

PASSOVER: Elements
This event was so significant to the Jews, that it changed their calendar system. Henceforth, all of Israel began the new year in the month of this ceremonial celebration. In what did it consist?

How were these demonstrated? How were they remembered?

Gods mercy and Gods wrath

God mercifully delivered His people from wrath while judging the Egyptians due to Pharaohs disobedience. This was celebrated annually, on the first month of the year with a meal, causing them to always remember Gods deliverance from Egypt and his wrath.

Passover: Significance
Greatest Redemptive Act in OT History Greatest Redemptive Act {in NT History} EVER

Judgment of God enacted against those in Egypt, due to the disobedience of Pharaoh.
Lamb without blemish is selected whose blood will cover Gods people from his wrath.

Judgment of God enacted against all who disobey Him. (Equaling ALL men)
Lamb without blemish (Christ) is given by God who will cover Gods people from his wrath, forever.

A yearly meal is celebrated to remember the deliverance granted by God to His people.

A meal is frequently celebrated symbolizing the body and the blood of the lamb whose blood delivered His people from Gods wrath, forever.

A Question of Holiness
How can a Holy God dwell with unholy man?
This is the most important question for man, as they were created to dwell with God and enjoy Him forever! The old covenant was instated, providing a law for people to abide by showing them their need for God. However, that law was inefficient on mans depraved heart. Therefore, God sent His son as a sacrificial atonement, appeasing His own wrath against sin and ransoming us from the snare sins power and death. Through Christ, the greatest High Priest, King, and Savior- there is hope for mankind; hope for an eternity to dwell with God.

God as Law-Giver
The Israelites stopped at Mount Sinai to enter covenant relationship with God. This includes reception of the Decalogue. The purpose of the law:
To show the heart of God

To show the grace of God to his people.

To provide practical needs
Show how to live holy lives. Providing a means to take care of sin.

His values of holiness and righteousness

To point out need for a Messiah

Men could not make themselves holy or wholly obedient to the law.

Types of Law
TWO Types of Law Apodictic: law given in personal address Casuistic: Case law The Ten commandments (decalogue) are apodictic law, written by God to be the holiness code of Israel. This had two parts
1st: the first part focused on worship of God (no other gods, no graven images, blasphemy, sabbath. 2nd: the second part focused on mans duty to each other (honoring parents, murder, adultery, theft, covetousness).

Introduction to the Tabernacle

Before the tabernacle was built, there ha d never been a centrally established san ctuary for Gods people.
Gods tent was set up in the center of the ca mp with the tribes of Israel around it. The central location of the kings tent was c ommonplace among nomadic people in the A.N.E. In Israel, God was their King.

The Construction of the Tabernacle

God instructed His people to build His dwelling place. He began with specifications with the Ark of the Covenant in the Most Holy Place, moving out toward the outer courts.
God did not first begin with the sinner but with the place of His abode where forgiveness and mercy could be obtained (Epps 11).

A progression of materials reflected the holiness of the inner sanctuary of God. The closer to the Holy place, the more valuable the metals.
The Court: brass and silver The Holy Place: silver and gold Holiest Place: pure gold alone.

SECTION TWO: Tabernacle Parts

The Tabernacle
Courtyard
Bronze Altar Bronze Laver
Golden Lampstand Altar of Incense Table of the Bread of the Presence

Holy Place

Most Holy Place

Veil Ark of the Covenant

Mercy Seat

Aarons Rod Ten Commandments Jar of Manna

The Tabernacle
Courtyard: provided the most basic access to the tabernacle; the general public were welcome here. Included the bronze altar and bronze laver. Holy Place: only Priests could enter. Included the golden lamp, the table of the bread of the presence, and the altar of incense. Most Holy Place: only the High Priest could enter once a year (Day of Atonement). Included the ark of the covenant.

Courtyard

The courtyard allowed people to bring sacrifices before God, with the assistance of Priests. There were sacrifices on the Bronze Altar on a daily basis. This was the common area, right outside of the actual tabernacle; the place where reconciliation began for the people of Israel.

Courtyard- Index
Bronze Altar
Ex. 27:1-4

Bronze Laver
Ex. 30:17-20

Bronze Altar

A hollow altar made of acacia wood and overlaid bronze. The altar included rings and poles to assist the Levites in carrying it. On each of the four corners there were horns, symbolic of Gods power over life and death. Many tools were required for the daily tasks at the altar:

Shovels to remove ash Pitchforks to move sacrifices Censers to carry hot coals to the altar of incense Spinkling bowls to hold blood sprinkled on the altar, incense altar, or the ark.

Bronze Altar- Purpose

Three offerings were frequently completed on this altar:
Burnt Offering Peace Offering Meal Offering

Bronze Altar- Symbolism

The purpose of the altar was to bring sacrifices, without which sin could not be atoned for. (Lev. 17:11, Heb. 9:22). Altar means high place. The sacrifice had to be elevated (Lev. 9:22).
This connects to Christ, the greatest sacrifice, being lifted up to atone for our sin. And, as Moses lifted up the serpent in the

wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up John 3:14

Bronze Altar- Sacrifice

Sacrifice is the most direct symbolism noted by the Bronze Altar. Its position places it before the tabernacle; illustrating the need for sacrifice before entering Gods presence. For sinful man to be in Gods presence, sacrifice is absolutely required. This manifests in two ways: The sacrifice given on our behalf, and the sacrifice required of us.

Bronze Altar- Sacrifice

Gods sacrifice: The blood of Christ was offered on our behalf, granting us a restored relationship with God. This sacrifice speaks of justification: men are declared righteous; restored to right relationship with God through his blood. (Levy) Rom. 4:24-25, Heb. 9:12-15; 1 Tim. 2:5; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:25 Our Sacrifice: In response to Gods sacrifice that we might be reconciled, part of being reconciled involves submission to his Lordship; complete consecration to God. We are to be a living sacrifice. Rom. 1:1; Gal. 2:20

Bronze Laver

A large basin made of brass mirrors donated by women. It was exclusively used for priests; they would wash their hands and feet before entering the Holy Place. The laver had two basic parts: the circular bowl and the brass foot.(Levy) Some believe the mirror surface would remind priests to wash thoroughly, as well as reminding them of their sinful state before God.

Bronze Laver- Symbolism

In order for the Priests to enter the Holy Place, they had to be entirely clean: both spiritually and physically. (Lev. 11:44) Sanctification is represented by the bronze laver. This means to be set apart. God requires his people to be set apart FROM sin, and set apart FOR God. 2 Chron. 29:5, 15-18; 1 Th. 4:3; 1 Cor. 1:2, 6:11

Bronze Laver- Sanctification

Levy lists three forms of sanctification Positional sanctification: once the atonement of Christ is accepted/applied to an individual, they are separated from sin toward salvation. Heb.10:10; 13:12 Progressive sanctification: it is a process where we are constantly walking in obedience with God; as the Holy Spirit purifies us through the Word. 2 Tim. 2:19-21; 2. Pet 3:18 Perfected sanctification: completed when we receive our resurrected bodies. Eph. 5:29; Rom. 8:29; 1 Jn. 3:2

Holy Place
Once entering the tabernacle tent, the priests would find themselves in the Holy Place, adjacent to the Most Holy Place. Its closeness to the Presence of God made it very sacred. Certain tasks only to be seen by God were designated to this area. Only priests could perform these tasks. The common people could not enter this area from the courtyard.

Holy Place- Index

Golden Lampstand
Ex. 25:31-40; 26:35

Altar of Incense
Ex. 30:1-10

Table of the Bread of the Presence

Ex. 25:23-30

Golden Lampstand
A solid piece of gold weighing one talent (75 pounds). It had six branches, each branch holding a cup. It was fueled with oil, not wax. Light from the lamp illuminated the Holy Place for the Priests while they worked. Priests had to fill the lamp with oil on a daily basis, as well as trim the wicks.

Golden Lampstand- Symbolism

The lampstand illuminated the Holy Place, allowing for the Priests to complete their work. Without this light, they would be blind. Likewise, without Christ (and by extension of him, His Church) the world would be blind to the glorious light of the gospel of truth.

Christ:
The lampstand is the light in the Holy Place. It illuminates the way, allows for fellowship between a people and their God. Isaiah 9:2; John 8:12; Isaiah 60:19; Rev. 21:23

The light is also symbolic of the holiness of Christ; as it is the absence of darkness.
Jn 3:19; 1 Jn 1:5

Golden Lampstand- Symbolism

The Church: As the lamp illuminates the way, Christians are called to be the light for the world, that they might come to know Christ. They are told to be like a city on a hill, with a brightness that can be seen for miles. They are also called to be set-apart; Be holy as I am holy. As Christ is the light and truth that the world needs, the Church is called to bear witness to that truth.
Matthew 5:14-16

Table of the Bread of the Presence

This table held 12 cakes of bread, one from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. It was replaced on a weekly basis; one from each of the 12 tribes of Israel. The Priests would take the bread from the table and eat it; representing Israel in the remembrance of the covenant. This also served a practical purpose: sustenance for the priests. The fresh bread placed on the table would be topped with frankincense, giving it a very sweet aroma.(Rose) Showbread comes from a Hebrew word defined as bread of the face This bread was significant as it was set before the presence of God as a meal offering. Lev. 24:8

Table of the Bread of the Presence- Purpose

A visual reminder of the covenant between God and his people. God had promised to be Israels God and King; Israel had promised faithfulness to God. Covenants were often finalized with a meal celebrating the communion of both parties. Likewise, the table of showbread was to represent that covenant communion between God and His people.

Table of Showbread- Symbolism

The bread on this table was a foreshadowing of Christ. He brought with him a new covenant, which calls for a new meal of communion.

Furthermore, this new covenant offers the chance for a nourishment beyond what physical bread could grant. He promised life. God had always provided for His people; manna in the wilderness, bread on the table. Christ was the ultimate culmination of this provision.
He is the ultimate source of life, both life in general and eternal life.RGT
Mt. 6:28; Jn 6:35, 27-29; Deut 8:5

Jer. 31:31-34; 1 Cor. 11:25

Altar of Incense
This altar was much smaller than the Bronze Altar, and stood before the curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. It was the closest Priests could come to Gods presence with the exception of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement.

Altar of Incense- Purpose

Incense was burned at the altar twice a day; in the morning and the evening. This incense was made with specific perfume; either stacte, onycha, or galbanum mixed with Frankincense. Two requirements were dictated regarding the altar of incense:

See Day of Atonement for more information on the usage of this sacred object.

No foreign incense could be used; nor could the incense used be made for any common or personal use. No fire except for that which came from the Bronze Altar could be used on the altar of incense.

Altar of Incense- Symbolism

The altar of incense is the place of intercession It served as a visual marker of prayer with God. The prayers of Gods people ascend as a sweet aroma to God, as do the vapors of incense.

Christ is the ultimate place of intercession for it is only through Him that fellowship with God can be had. He was called a sweet-smelling aroma to God; surely he offered the superlative of aromas. It is only through his obedience and sacrifice that men are able to pray to God effectively. Christ promised the Holy Spirit to believers in John 17. One of the Spirits duties is to aid believers in prayer. When they are uncertain what to pray the Spirit intercedes on their behalf before God. (Rom 8:26-27).

Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8; 8:4

Most Holy Place

The Most Holy Place was the last room in the tabernacle, separated from the Holy Place by a veil. This room was dedicated to be Gods particular dwelling place. It only contained the ark of the covenant, and could only be accessed by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement. God was the King of Israel, and this room was his royal throne room. This room (and the tabernacle) stood in the center of the Israelites camp, showing his leadership and guidance as their God and King.

Most Holy Place- Index

Veil Ark of the Covenant
Aarons Rod Ten Commandments Jar of Manna

Mercy Seat

Veil
The word veil in the Hebrew (paroketh) means to separate. That, indeed, was the ministry of the veil. There were three veils associated with the tabernacle: the veil on the gate of the outer court separating people from the tabernacle, the veil separating the courtyard from the Holy Place inside the tabernacle, and the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place inside of the tabernacle. The veil was made out of fine twisted linen dyed with blue, scarlet and purple. Its design included cherubim. It hung from four pillars and was about 4 inches thick.

Veil-Symbolism
The veil was a physical reminder of the separation between God and man because of sin. Man could not dwell in the immediate presence of God because of their sin. Only a High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year, and even then precautions were taken to prevent him from being fully exposed to the glory of God. When Christ died upon the cross, taking the wrath of God upon him and making an atonement for all sins, the veil in the temple separating people from the Most Holy Place tore in two from top to bottom. This supernatural act gave a physical example of just what was finished. Through his death, Jesus inaugurated a way for men to have direct access to God.
Matthew 27:51; Heb. 6:19; 9:3-15; 10:19

Ark of the Covenant

The ark of the covenant was known by many names in scripture: Ark of the testimony (Ex. 25:22) Ark of the Covenant (Num. 10:33) Ark of God (1 Sam. 3:3) Ark of the LORD God (1 Kin 2:26) Holy ark (2 Chron. 35:3) Ark of your strength (Ps. 132:8) It was considered to be the most sacred object in the tabernacle, symbolic of Gods presence, and resting in the Most Holy Place. The contents included: Aarons Rod, Ten Commandments, and a Jar of Manna

Aarons Rod
Numbers 16 and 17 records an event that took place between a number of leaders from the 12 tribes against Moses and Aaron. They questioned their leadership. 250 leaders selected by Korah and Dathan to challenge Moses were swallowed up by the ground or destroyed by fire.

Aarons RodPurpose

The Israelites were still questioning their leadership, specifically Aarons right to be High Priest. Moses told them to select one person from each tribe to bring a rod and place it in the tabernacle. Whichever rod budded would be the one whom God selected. Aarons rod budded and produced almonds, proving that his was the line God had chosen to serve in the tabernacle.

Stone Tablets with Ten Commandments

This tablet contained the ten commandments that God had given Moses for His people. Moses had broken the first set upon viewing Israels despondency and idolatry. However, a second set had been made. These were placed in the tabernacle as a reminder of Gods holiness, and his command that his people be Holy.

Ten Commandments- Symbolism

When Christ came he noted that He was the fulfillment of the law, as represented by these tablets. Matthew 5:17-18:
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Jar of Manna
Manna literally means what is it, and it referred to the bread God sent from heaven to nourish Israel during their 40 years of wandering. It was also called bread from heaven(Ex. 16:4) angels food (Ps. 78:25) light bread (Num. 21:5). The manna would appear every morning with the dew, and the Israelites were commanded to gather one omer per person every morning. Aaron was commanded to gather an omer of the manna to place in the ark.

Manna- Symbolism
This showed Gods provision for Israels nourishment, both physically and spiritually. In Deuteronomy 8:5 God explains his purpose in this miracle:
And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Years later Jesus Christ reiterates this concept, calling himself the bread, making clear that nourishment, contentment, and fellowship with God was ONLY possible through him. John 6:32-33:
Jesus said to them, Truly, truly I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.

Mercy Seat

The mercy seat was the throne of God made with cherubim facing one another with overspread wings. God constantly dwelled there, it was his place of presence with His people. Mercy seat means that which makes expiation or propitiation. This was the place that the High Priest made propitiation for all the people, once a year. See Day of Atonement for more information.

Mercy Seat- Symbolism

As the mercy seat represented the presence of God, it was here that atonement had to be made in order for unholy people to dwell with a Holy God. When Christ came he was called the propitiation for sinful people. It is through Him that atonement is made in order for unholy people to dwell with a Holy God. His is a propitiation far better than the one made at the mercy seat once a year.
For if the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Hebrews 9:1314

What are Cherubim?

Cherubim are angelic beings, second to seraphim. Their purpose is to protect and proclaim Gods Majesty. They were pictured in the tabernacle and the temple on the curtains, as well as on the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant.

Cherubim Description
Cherubim were described with 4 different faces: man, lion, ox, and eagle. Man: mind, reasons, affections Lion: strong, fierce, majestic
Prov. 30:30; Prov 20:2

Ox: patient labor, bearing burdens

Prov 14:4; Ps. 144:14; Is 1:3

Eagle: never weary, swift

Prov 30:18-19; Is 40:31; Hos 8:1

Cherubim in Scripture
When Cherubim are mentioned in Scripture it is always associated with the glorious presence and holiness of God. When Adam and Eve sinned they were cast out of the Garden of Eden. God placed Cherubim at the entrances, keeping them from Gods presence in the Garden. Gen. 3:22-24 Ezekiel mentioned seeing Cherubim in his vision. John also mentioned Cherubim in Revelation when he sees a vision of the throne of God. They were constantly calling out Holy, Holy, Holy! Rev. 4:6-8

Ezekiel 1:4-14

SECTION TWO
Priests
Priesthood Explained Garments of Priests Functions of Priests Ceremony of Consecration Rites of Priests High Priests

Priesthood Explained
Priests in the Hebrew form refers to a person who officiates. They were not self-appointed, but appointed by God. This call to serve was given to the Levites- through the tribe of Aaron. This group of Priests acted as intercessors for the people of Israel, who were cut off from God by their sin. The mediating Priests allowed the unholy people to have relationship with the Holy God.

Symbolism: Priests
Israel was chosen to be a kingdom of priests, but forfeited this right due to their disobedience to God. Therefore, God chose Aaron's family to serve as priests. In the New Testament, God calls the church his kingdom of priests (Revelation 1:6). Although Israel did not fully maintain their calling as priests, a renewed calling has been bestowed upon all believers in this age.

Garments of Priests
As the mediator before God and men, the Priest wore very specific attire which highlighted the glory of their office. These garments included:
The The The The The Miter Ephod Breastplate Urim and Thummim Undergarments

The Miter
The Miter was a crown of gold which wrapped around his head like a turban. It contained the message Holy to the Lord
Its purpose was two-fold: To show that the priest bore the iniquities of the people and carry them away through atonement. Second, it was always on his forehead; it's continual presence allowed the people to be acceptable to the Lord; Exodus 28:38.

The Ephod
The Ephod was a sleeveless garment ending just before the knees. It had two onyx stones on each shoulder with the names of the twelve sons of Jacob, organized by their birth; Exodus 28:10. It was made with various colors including blue, scarlet, and purple. Bells were sewn into the garment; their ringing allowed people to follow his movements as he ministered.

The Breastplate
The Breastplate was made of gold, square-shaped, and included a pouch in the center. It included twelve stones inlaid in four rows. These stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel organized according to the order of the camp. Translators differ over what the names of the precious stones were, but this is the common belief:
Zebulun: Beryl Gad: Diamond Benjamin: Amethyst Naphtali: Jasper Issachar: Topaz Simeon: Sapphire Manasseh: Agate Asher: Onyx Judah: Ruby Reuben: Emerald Ephraim: Jacinth Dan: Beryl

Breast plate cont

The tribes of Israel represented on this garment were Close to the heart of the priest, as he conducted his ministry. Likewise, Chris bears us Close to his own heart as he ministers before the Lord on our behalf; Rom. 8:33-34. The breastplate was also known as The breastplate of judgment because it had Urim and Thummim on it, often used to discern God's will for His people.

Urim and Thummim

Urim and Thummim were used to help God's people know his will for them. Urim means light and Thummim means perfections. It is unknown exactly how these were used to determine the Lord's will, but they were referred to multiple times in the Old Testament. In the New Testament they are absent, as Christ is both the light and perfection which guides us into God's will.

The Undergarments
Priests wore linden to cover the priest that he might carry out his ministry with absolute modesty. Pagan nations often wore very sensual garments, a reflection of their heathen worship. To separate them from any association with that manner of cult, Israel was required to be setapart, even in their dress. Note: The garments thus described were worn by a High Priest. The regular priests wore a white woven coat with a girdle of twisted linens of blue, purple, and scarlet.

Functions of Priests
The priests were anointed by God to serve Him and His people through the tabernacle ministry. Their function included three main duties:
Represent the People to God Represent God to the People Guard the Tabernacle

Represent the People to God

The priests purpose was to represent the people to God, making intercession for them to allow relationship between God and His people. They were responsible for the many sacrifices required by the covenant at Mt. Sinai which God made with Israel. The five main sacrifices they were in charge of included:

The burnt offering The sin offering The guilt offering The peace offering The gift/grain offering. The High Priest was also responsible for the Day of Atonement, the once-a-year day of sacrifice offered to pardon all forgotten or ignorant sins for the past year for all the people.

These will be discussed with more detail in the Purity/Law section of this presentation.

Represent God to the People

The Priest was also to carry out a ministry as teacher/guide to the people of Israel. They were the voice of God for His people. Their teachings included guidance about the covenant, and using Urim and Thummim to discern God's will. Since they did not receive land they lived scattered throughout the various tribes of Israel. This enabled them to minister easily with the numerous tribes and bless them in teaching ministry.

Guard the Tabernacle

The priests were responsible for maintaining the tabernacle, keeping it clean and pure. They also ensured the incense and golden lamp stand were constantly burning, and that bread was on the table of the presence. The fence around the tabernacle camp aided them in protecting the sanctuary from defilement by unclean people. Numbers 2:17.

Priests- Ceremony of Consecration

This ceremony was repeated for seven days until the priest was considered completely consecrated, and qualified to serve the Israelites in the tabernacle, before God. It included:
Washing Anointing Consecration Sacrifices

 In order for Priests to serve in the tabernacle, they were required to undergo certain rituals for consecration into priesthood. First, he would wash at the bronze laver to cleanse himself physically for service. Purity and cleanness was of utmost importance. This was the only time the priests washed themselves entirely. During his priesthood he would wash himself regularly, preceding every entry into the tabernacle, but only their hands and feet.

Washing

Significance of Water
The priests were just washed completely once during the consecration ceremony. From that point on, each entry into the Holy Place required washing, but only of hands and feet. Likewise, believers are to be completely washed once (regeneration) and then they continue to wash their hands and feet through the sanctification of the Spirit.
Jesus said to him, He who is bathed needs only to

wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you. John 13:10

Water and Blood

Next the consecration ceremony included a group of sacrifices and offerings. A.J. Polluck noted the significance of the water and the blood being significant in this ceremony. Both are cleansing agencies with different purposes and outcomes (79).

Righteousness (blood) has won the place for us; holiness (water) is the necessary condition for the enjoyment of that place (90).
BLOOD
Judicial cleansing Cleanses from penalty of sin

WATER
Moral cleansing Cleanses from defilement of sin

Connected with righteousness and our standing before God.

Connected with Christs atoning death alone.

Connected with holiness and state

Connected with the Holy Spirits operation.

Anointing Oil
After the Priest was thoroughly washed at the door of the tabernacle, he was anointed with oil. Moses let this ceremony with Aaron and his sons, pouring it over Aaron's head and sprinkling it upon his sons. The anointing oil was a very specific formula involving pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia, and olive oil. Lev. 21:12

The fragrance of the oil was very pleasing, granting the Priest a sweet aroma before the Lord. Anointing Oil was produced specifically for the rites of the Priest. It could NOT be used in other purposes. It was also forbidden to perfume anyone other than the priests. When it was poured, it was on the head, not elsewhere.

Significance of Anointing Oil

The anointing oil emitted a sweet fragrance from the one over whom it was poured, likewise the Holy Spirit presents those it permeated as very specific aroma to the world. This aroma is either pleasant, or deathly. (2 Corinthians 2) This aroma is only granted by the Lord, not gained by man and not used for man's purposes. Simon the sorcerer wished to purchase the Holy Spirit's anointing power but was severely reprimanded. It could only be given by God, not purchased for selfish gain. (Acts 8:9-21) Levy compares the anointing oil to the gifts of the Spirit; given only by God, to be used for God through ministry. Neither are Christians to use the gifts of the Spirit for their own use or secular advantage.

Consecration Sacrifices
Consecration Sacrifices include:
Sin offering of Consecration Burnt Offering of Consecration Ram of Consecration Wave offering of Consecration

Sin Offering of Consecration

A bull was slaughtered, its fat being burned on the altar and the rest being burned outside the camp. ONLY sweet savoring offerings could be burned on the bronze altar, inside the camp. All other offerings were taken outside the camp, the place of reproach. The bull was killed, its blood placed on the horns of the altar and poured on the base of the altar. As the Priests were covered by the sin offering, they were able to minister in the tabernacle. Apart from the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sin. (Hebrews 9:22)

Burnt Offering of Consecration

A ram was brought to the bronze altar. Again, the priest placed his hands on the animal, to signify its representation of the priest. The animal was killed, its blood sprinkled both on and around the altar. Finally, the ram was cut into pieces and burned on the altar as a complete and total offering to God (burnt offering). This sweet offering showed the complete surrender of the priest and his ministry to God.

Ram of Consecration
A second ram was brought to the altar. For a third time, the priest placed his hands on the animal, identifying it as his representation. The animal was killed, its blood placed on the right ears, thumbs, and large toes of the priests. The blood was placed on the right ears to signify their need to heed God's voice, which would lead them in ministry. The blood was placed on the right thumb to signify power and skill. Right hands were seen as strength; all of the priests strength was to be in the Lord, through his ministry. The blood was placed on the large toes to signify their walk. They were to walk with the Lord, ever seeking Him as they served His people.

Wave Offering of Consecration

The last sacrifice involved the previous ram. The ram's fat of the rump, viscera, and liver, its kidneys and the right shoulder were taken to be sacrificed. Also, an unleavened cake, a cake of oiled bread, and a thin cake with oil were offered alongside it. These were set upon the bronze altar to be a sweet offering to God. The breast of the ram was taken and waved before the Lord as a wave offering. The consecrated priest took the remaining flesh and ate it with the remaining unleavened bread.

Rites of Priests
Priests were required to keep a high standard of conduct to continue in office. While all of Israel was to be set-apart with strict rules of holiness; priests had even higher standards to uphold. If they failed to maintain these rules, the result would be disqualification from service.
Social Requirements Physical Requirements Ministry Requirements

Social Requirements
Standards for the wife of a priest were higher than the rest of Israel. She could not be a prostitute, profane, a divorcee, or a widow. She had to be a virgin. If a priest did not obey these rules, they could be disqualified from service.

His family had to be in order as well; children could shame the family through behavior in and outside of the ministry. In 1 Samuel, Eli's family was disgraced by his sons Hophni and Phineas' adultery at the Tabernacle. This ultimately caused his family to lose their privileges in service.

Physical Requirements
A priest had to maintain specific physical characteristics to continue in service. He could not have any deformities or blemishes, blindness, a flat nose, deformed limbs, a broken foot, hunchback, dwarfism, eczema, or scabs. He had to be physically fit and healthy. Leviticus 22:17-20

Ministry Requirements
A priest had to observe rites involving cleanness to qualify for tabernacle ministry. He could not touch the dead or anything ceremonially unclean They could not take place in funeral rites; but they could attend funerals of mother, father, sons, unmarried daughters, and wives. A priest had to observe all of the ritual washings before resuming duty after facing defilement. If he was defiled and did not properly cleanse, he could die. He also had to heed all the necessary rituals involved in tabernacle service involving the Holy Place and its sacred objects. Leviticus 22:9

SECTION THREE: LAW/OFFERING

Levitical Law Purity and Impurity Pure/Impure Ritual States Sacrifices Day of Atonement

Levitical Law
The Law is provided by God to teach Israel how to live in a relationship with God. God had rescued his people from Egypt, and established a covenant with them. Leviticus, comprised mostly of ritual law, taught the people how they could live a life of worship for God; a due response for all He had done for them. It is important to note that obedience to the law did not earn God's love. It was a response to God's love. The Levitical ordinances served two main purposes: 1. Take care of sin through sacrifice : though it could not remove sin, it covered the sins of the people through continuous sacrifices offered through ministry of the priests. 2. Show the people how to live holy lives : showed the people how to live in a right relationship with God. The laws reveal the heart of God for his people; and often serve very practical needs and purposes.

Purity and Impurity

Something was considered impure if it was more associated with death than life. There was a very specific standard to uphold regarding ritual purity. These rules were not meant to make people internally holy, but serve as an external sign of inward holiness. External consecration intended to show the internal consecration of a heart seeking God. These rituals states showed two things: 1. God is a Holy God 2. His people are set apart for holiness

Pure/Impure Ritual States

Common: referred to the natural state of something. It is the opposite of Holy Holy : referred to a sacred set-apart state. To make something holy, sanctification was required. This was carried out through purification rituals.

Profanation: causing a holy thing to be unholy by using it for common purposes.

Pure: a standard manifested through ritual or moral purity. Ritual purity made something ceremonially clean. Moral purity involved the heart; obedience.

Impure: a state which makes a thing unfit; ritually impure. Physical contact with something impure, or specific actions could designate someone or something impure.

Pure/Impure Cont
Moral Impurity: linked with human sin and disobedience Causes were sexual transgressions and/or idolatry. It was not contagious, but the effects would reach the person, land, and the Tabernacle. It was a temporary, long-lasting. Remedies included sacrificial atonement, or exile, possibly death. Ritual Impurity: linked with parts of life considered unclean. It was contagious, and included contact with unclean things, illness, bodily fluids, death. It was temporary and short term; banned people from public worship. The remedy required ritual bathing, offering/sacrifice, or waiting for a certain period of time.

Sacrifices
Sacrifice was an act of atonement. If man wanted to have relationship with God, it was very costly (H). Due to their sin, great sacrifice was required; God's holiness requires blood sacrifice. Two sacrifices in the Old Testament represented sin. These were shameful offerings, due to the sin of the offeror. Other offerings were given to express thankfulness to God. These were pleasant offerings; a sweet aroma to the Lord. These are represented by two words in Hebrew. Gatar means a sweet smelling odor rising UP to God. Saraph means to consume with intense heat, signified wrath coming DOWN. Shameful Offerings (SARAPH) Sweet Offerings (GATAR)
Burnt Offering Grain Offering Peace Offering Sin Offering Guilt Offering

Sin Offering
The sin offering offered expiation for sins. It was the foundation for all other offerings; without it one could not be in relationship with God. Its purpose was to cover sins of ignorance and/or those committed unintentionally. Leviticus 6:28. It dealt with the guilt brought upon a person due to his sin. The atonement offered by the sacrifice relieved the offeror from his guilt before God. The blood was sprinkled in the holy place, on the horns of the altar of incense, and the bottom of the brazen altar. Fat and kidneys were burned on the altar, the rest was burned outside the camp.

Guilt Offering
The trespass/guilt offering offered expiation for sins against both God and other men. While the sin offering dealt with the guilt of the sinner, the trespass offering emphasized reparation from the sin committed. Its goal was reconciliation. These sins included: those against self, against God, and against mankind.

 Against Self: concealing the truth contamination careless talk Against God: using things dedicated to God for personal gain ignorant sins committed against God's law

distrustful; lying to a neighbor dishonesty between partners despoiling (taking by violence) denial of property This sacrifice emphasized that a right relationship wi th God also requires a right relationship with neighb ors. A person's character is shown through how he tr eats others.

Against mankind:

Burnt Offering
The burnt offering was a sweet aroma to the Lord, involving total consecrated sacrifice of an animal (based on what the offeror can afford). The animal had to be male and without blemish.
Steps of the sacrifice: - Bring the animal to the entrance of the tabernacle. - Offeror lays a hand on the head of the animal~ transferring the benefits of the subsequent offering to the offeror. - Animal is killed and placed upon the altar. - The animal is burned in its entirety, offered as a complete and to tal offering to God.

Symbolism- Burnt Offering

Atonement requires a substitute The sacrifice to God by Christ was a COMPLETE and total sacrifice. Christian worship includes the need for a complete and total consecration of the self to God.

Grain Offering
The grain offering was a sweet smelling sacrifice which involved the offeror giving cooked or uncooked bread. The offering HAD to include:
fine flour Frankincense Oil salt

It could be offered as an uncooked/unbaked offering or a baked one. Baked offerings were prepared in an oven, on a griddle, or in a pan.

Steps of the Grain Offering

Offeror prepares the grain and brings it to the priest. The priest takes handful off the grain and burns it on the altar (a memorial portion). The remainder of the offering goes to feed the priests and their families.

Symbolism- Grain Offering

It was an act of worship where the offeror acknowledged need for Gods grace and favor for basic needs. Showed the costliness of sacrifice: flour, oil, and frankincense were very expensive. Emphasized the covenant relationship with the Lord: God takes care of His people. Met a practical needs: the priests who didnt have land were taken care of through this (and other) sacrifices.

Peace Offering
The peace offering was a celebration of peace ALREADY made with God (Polluck, 105). It was a sweet smelling sacrifice where the offeror gave an animal as a sacrifice. The animal could be chosen by the offeror, because it was to be shared in a covenant meal with the Lord. Contrary to the burnt offering, only the fat and kidneys were offered to the Lord were sacrificed in this offering. The remainder of the animal was eaten between the priests and offerors.

Symbolism- Peace Offering

This offering expresses and celebrates the peace between the Israelites and God. They have peace with God, peace from God and peace of God. This sacrifice served primarily as a communion supper between God and His people, celebrating the covenant he had made making reconciliation possible.

Day of Atonement
This Holy Day came once a year. On this day, the High Priest would venture into the Most Holy Place, and offer a sacrifice on behalf of all of Israel.
This was the only day anyone was allowed in the Most Holy place.

This was a solemn day, unlike other festivals and holidays. It was characterized by mourning, fasting, and repentance.

Garments
The High Priest had to set aside his normal High Priest garments, and replace them with very simple garments. Instead of his splendid clothing arrayed in beauty and honor worn the rest of the year, the priest wore simple white linen garments.
in the presence of God even the high priest is stripped of all honor; he becomes simply the servant of the King of kings whose true status is portrayed in the simplicity of his dress (Deffinbaugh).

Ceremonies
First: The High priest sacrificed a bull for his own sin; he had to make an offering on his own behalf, before offering on behalf of the Israelites. Second: the altar of incense was lit, creating a cloud of smoke in the Most Holy Place. This veiled the fullness of Gods glory from the priest, lest he die. Third: The High Priest sprinkled some of the bulls blood on the mercy seat seven times.

Ceremonies Cont
Fourth: Two goats were brought forward; lots were cast to determine which goat would be sacrificed and which would be cast from the camp. Fifth: The sacrificial goat (offered for the peoples sin) was offered on the Bronze altar, its blood

Sixth: The second goat symbolically took the nations sins upon itself, and was driven out of the community never to return.

Symbolism
The Day of Atonement cleaned both the people and the place (tabernacle).
That for which atonement is made is that with which God came in contact, that which had become defiled over the past year, due to the sins of the people(Deffinbaugh).

The Day of Atonement offers sacrifice for two kinds of sin: that which was inherited through Adam, and personal sin.

Old Covenant: Defined

Two-fold purpose of the Old Covenant Institutions Failure of the Old Covenant 4 Inefficiencies of the Old Covenant

Two-fold Purpose of the Old Covenant

The Old Covenant provided a temporal answer to an eternal ques tion, while simultaneously pointing to the eternal answer (namely, Christ). THE QUESTI|ON:

How can man achieve reconciliation with God?

What does reconciliation require? Answer: Holiness.

How can holiness be granted to a sinful, unholy people? Answer: A sacrifice which brings
1. DEPTH of atonement 2. with ETERNAL consequences.

How is old covenant efficient?

Offers a MEASURE of atonement in a TEMPORAL context which resulted in God to residing with his people in the tabernacle.

Failure of the Old Covenant

Before highlighting negative features of the Old Covenant, one thing ought to be mentioned: The Old Covenant was a Issues were not evolved from Gods creation of this covenant inherent. Issues came due to the inefficiency of the Old Covenant, due to sin of fallen people. The Old Covenant was a picture of God dwelling with his people illustrating His relationship, truth, justice, and goodness.

good thing.

The fault of the old covenant lay, not in its essence, which, as we have said, presented Gods standard of righteousness and was propounded as an instrument of life to those who should keep it, but in its inability to justify and renew those who failed to keep it, namely, the totality of fallen mankind (P.E. Hughes).

4 Inefficiencies of the Old Covenant

1: The OC was inefficient because the heart, mind, will, and emotions of men are defective.
Jeremiah 17:9: The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?

2: The OC was inefficient because the heart is inherently unmoved.

Men do not naturally seek God, rather they seek their own ways and pleasures.

 3: The OC is inefficient because the heart is drawn to legalism, misconstruing the purpose of the law.
The law is intended to direct men toward God, instruct them of their need for him. However, men use the law for self-justification and selfglorification. Seeking to earn righteousness.

4: The OC is inefficient because men misuse redemptive measures to appease their guilty conscience.
What God intended as a vehicle for His mercy, man distorts as a palliative for a guilty conscience.

Conclusion
The law reveals sin, but it does not impart righteousness.

The law teaches men how to dwell with a Holy God, but only insofar as they wish to serve the Holy God. If mens hearts are evil, seeking their own way, the law will not effectively draw them into righteousness with God. Instead, they will misconstrue it to their own advantages.

New Covenant: Contrasted

New Covenant: Defined Spurgeon: Gods Law on Mans Heart Greatness of the New Covenant Thomas Watson: Christ, High Priest

New Covenant
A forthright description of the upcoming New Covenant lies in Jeremiah 31:
Behold, days are coming, declared the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant which I made with their fathers in the day I took the my the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, although I was a husband to them, declared the Lord. But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declared the Lord, I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God and they shall be My people. They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, Know the Lord, for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. declared the Lord, for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.

New Covenant Defined

What is the new covenant? According to these verses, it includes the following
Ownership
God has established a relationship between Himself and His people. They are His people, He is their God.

Intimacy
His people will KNOW him. The presence of Jesus Christ gave people a chance to KNOW the father; beyond sheer knowledge, in a deep manner. If you had known Me, you would have known My

Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him. (Hebrews 1:1-3).

 Forgiveness
The sins of Gods people will be forgiven, never to be remembered again. Jesus sacrifice in the New Covenant is far greater than the sacrifice in the Old Covenant . All that took place in the tabernacle was a shadow of what was to come.
And when Christ came, the shadows began to fall away, because Christ himself is the Reality. He is our temple, and tabernacle, our focus and place of worship. He is our High Priest and Mediator and Intercessor. He is our atoning sacrifice(Piper).

Law written on hearts

Rather than merely writing his law on tablets of stone, God attests that He will write His law on the hearts of His people. By this, the law is fulfilled in us through Christ; His righteousness is ours.

Spurgeon ~Law on Mans Hearts

In a sermon delivered in 1897, Spurgeon explains this verse by three principles: meaning, manner, mercy. Meaning: What does this blessing mean?
God makes His people KNOW His law. He causes His people to REMEMBER the law. He makes His people APPROVE the law He causes His people to APPROPRIATE the law He compels His people DELIGHT in the law (M)

 Manner: How is this blessing disseminated?

God write this law through gratitude
Jesus gave His life for them and conquered death so they might love the Lord with all their heart.

Through repentance and hatred of sin Through regeneration

To the new nature, it is as natural to obey as to the old nature it is natural to disobey.

Through increasing knowledge

We learn more of God, draw nearer to Him, delight in what we know, desire to learn more, learn more of God, draw nearer to Him, etc.

 Mercy: What is the grace involved in this blessing?

God does what man could not do. God does this without destroying man. God preserves man through this grace.
This is the only way of salvation that I know of for any of you. First, you must be washed in the fountain filled with blood; and next, you must have the law of God written in your inward parts. Then shall you be safe beyond fear of ruin. (Spurgeon)

Greatness of the New Covenant

As the New Covenant is the reality, and the Old Covenant was a shadow pointing forward; there are many elements which are far greater concerning the New Covenant.
Higher Intimacy Better Promises Unfading Glory More Power Increased Diversity Eternal High Priest

Higher Intimacy
There is greater intimacy under the New Covenant with approaching God.
Under the Old Covenant all had to approach God through Priests. Even the priests could not approach God in his presence, except once a year on the Day of Atonement. Through Christ, the veil was torn and His people can have access to the very presence of God. Through Christ, the mediator of the new covenant, we can have bold access to the throne of grace (Bahnsen).

Better Promises
The new covenant is enacted on better promises (Heb 8:6). The mediator of this new covenant is Christ, and the promises on His name are greater, as he is greater than all his predecessors.
But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry by as much as

Therefore, Gods promises made in Jeremiah are fulfilled through Him, and that promise is firm, as Christ is the guarantee.

He is also the Mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises. Hebrews 8:6

Thus, being made a priest by an oath, Jesus is the surety (guarantee)

that God will keep the promises He made to believers in the New Covenant, which he inaugurated through His shed blood (Levy). Thus God determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two things in which it is impossible for God to lie we might have strong consolation who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. And this hope we have as an anchor of the soul both steadfast and sure, which enters the presence behind the veil where the forerunner has entered for us, even Christ, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:1720).

Unfading Glory
While the glory in the old covenant was great, it was temporal. While the glory in the old covenant was great, a greater glory came in the New Covenant.

For if the ministry of condemnation had glory,

the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. For if what is passing away was glorious what remains is much more glorious. 2 Corinthians 3:9-11

More Power
New Covenant has greater power, as it compels us to obey the law. When the New Testament exhorts believers to obedience, it is often accompanied with reminder of what God has done for them through the new covenant. The Spirit then enables them to obey, making them perfect in every good work to do Gods will. (Heb 13:20-21).

Increased Diversity
The Old Covenant was centered around a specific place and a particular people. It was a come-see religion(L); impossible to disseminate to other cultures without bringing them into the same physical location. By contrast, the New Covenant is a go-tell religion. While it remains for a particular people, it is not confined to a specific place.

It is meant for all peoples, tribes, tongues, and nations(Piper).

Eternal High Priest

Christ is the greatest High Priest, and the everlasting High Priest of His people. He is preeminent, perfect, and pure. While other priests were always delayed by death and restricted by their own sin, Christ lives forever and sinless.
Also there were many priests, because they were

prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

References USED
A: Levy, David M. The tabernacle: shadows of the Messiah : its sacrifices, services, and priesthood. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2003. Print. B: Rose guide to the Tabernacle. Torrence, California: Rose Pub., 2008. Print. C: "Cherabim." Bible History Online Images and Resources for Biblical History. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.bible-history.com>. F: "Mercy Seat." Bible Questions Answered. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2010. <http://www.gotquestions.org>. G: Bob, Deffinbaugh. "The Day of Atonement." Monergism.com :: Classic Articles and Resources of the Historic Christian Faith. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2010. <http://www.monergism.com>. H: Sklar, Jay. "Leviticus." Studies in Leviticus. Covenant Theological Seminary. Seminary, St. Louis. Sept. 2005. Class lecture. I: Dowley, Tim. The Kregel Pictorial Guide to the Tabernacle. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2002. Print. J: Curtis, Donald E.. "Jeremiah: The New Covenant." Sermon. Cobb Vineyard Christian Fellowship. Kennesaw. 7 Oct. 2001. Lecture. K: Bahnsen, Th.M., Ph.D., Greg L.. "Old and New Testament Views of God's Law Part IV."Monergism.com :: Classic Articles and Resources of the Historic Christian Faith. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2010. <http://www.monergism.com>. L: Piper, John. "Jesus: Mediator of a Better Covenant." Sermon. Bethlehem Baptist Church. Minneapolis. 15 Dec. 1996. Lecture. M: Watson, Thomas. "How Does Christ Execute the Office of a Priest?." The select works of

the Rev. Thomas Watson: comprising his celebrated Body of divinity, in a series of lectures on the shorter catechism, and various sermons and treatises.. Austin: R. Carter, 1856. 1-3.

Print. N: Spurgeon, Charles. "God's Law in Man's Heart." Sermon. Metropolitan Tabernacle. Church, Newington. 28 June 1885. Lecture.

ADDITONAL REFERENCES

Spurgeon, Charles. "Allegories of Sarah and Hagar." Sermon. New Park Street Chapel. Church, Southwark. 2 Mar. 1858. Lecture. Gill, John. "Of the Abrogation of the Old Covenant." A Body of Doctrinal Divinity. Arkansas: Baptist Standard Bearer Inc, 2001. 155. Print. Hamilton, James. "Were Old Covenant Believers Indwelt by the Holy Spirit?." ThemeliosSummer 2005: 12-18.www.gospelcoalition.org/publications. Web. 26 Sept. 2010. Piper, John. "He Sat Down at the Right Hand of Majesty." Sermon. Bethlehem Baptist Church. Church, Minneapolis. 7 Apr. 1996. Lecture. Piper, John. "In These Last Days, God has Spoken by a Son." Sermon. Bethlehem Baptist Church. Church, Minneapolis. 31 Mar. 1996. Lecture. Pink, A.W.. "Abraham and Melchizedek." Gleanings in Genesis. Chicago: Moody, 1922. 155. Print. Webster, Bill. "Comparing Old Covenant and New Covenant Hebrews 8:613."Monergism.com :: Classic Articles and Resources of the Historic Christian Faith. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2011. <http://www.monergism.com>. "What was the role of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament?."Bible Questions Answered. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2010. <http://www.gotquestions.org>. "What's New about the New Covenant." Free NET Bible and Thousands of Bible Studies | Bible.org - Worlds Largest Bible Study Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 2010. <http://www.bible.org>.

RECOMMENDED FOR FURTHER READING

Calvin, Jean, and John Owen.Commentaries on the Epistle of Paul the ap ostle to the Hebrews. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1948. Print. Jukes, Andrew. The law of the offerings. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publicat ions, 1966. Print. MacArthur, John. Hebrews ; Christ--Perfect Sacrifice, Perfect Priest. Housto n: Word Pub., 2001. Print. Piper, John. "Hebrews." Home - Desiring God. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Sept. 20 11. <http://www.desiringgod.org>