Why Study the Tabernacle (or Temple)?
• Elohim commanded his people to study it. In Ezekiel 43:10-11, YHWH tells Ezekiel to explain to his people the layout of the temple “that they may be ashamed of their iniquities [Torahlessness]” and presumably repent or return to a spiritual relationship with him.
• Elohim commanded his people to build the tabernacle (and latter the temples, see Exod 25:8; 29:43; 1Chron 17:11-15); therefore, it must be important, and we should study it to understand its significance. After all, one-half of the Torah and one -third of the 613 Torah commandments deal with the temple, so it behooves us to understand it’s spiritual significance.
• Elohim’s name resided in the tabernacle (and temple, Deut 12:5-6), and it’s where his place of abiding on the earth (Exod 25:8).
• Both the tabernacle and first and second temples in Jerusalem were the spiritual centers for the nation of Israel. Elohim’s manifest presence was found within these physical structures, and this phenomenon powerfully unified the 12 tribes of Israel making them feel as though they were one nation under YHVH’s divine protection and guidance (Exod 40:34-38). The temple became the focal point for all worship for the entire nation (Ps 5:7). For example, it was the place where YHVH chose to place his name and where all Israelites were to gather three times each year at YHVH’s appointed times (Deut 12:5, 11, 21; 14:23, 24; 16:2,6,11; 26:2).
• The tabernacle (temple) was a monument to Elohim’s sovereignty. It was the place where he dwelt and where men come to commune with the Sovereign King and Creator (Exod 25:8; Pss 26:8; 27:4; 65:4; 92:13-15).
• It was a place to renew Israel’s covenant with Elohim. When the Israelites came to the temple to give their offerings, to make sacrifices and to commune with YHVH during his appointed times, they were doing so out of obedience to his covenants he had made with them. In so doing, they were renewing that covenantal relationship with him.
• The tabernacle and temples were the place where atonement for sin was made through the sacrifices that were offered there.
• The prophet Isaiah predicted that the coming Messiah would be like a sanctuary or like the Tabernacle of Moses, and Yeshua declared that he was that sanctuary or temple (Isa 8:14 cp. John 2:21-22). This can be taken to mean that Yeshua in himself completely fulfilled the tabernacle’s role — that it all pointed to him and was fulfilled in his life, death, burial, resurrection and his role as our Great High Priest in heaven. This is perhaps the most important reason to study about the tabernacle.
The Benefits of Studying About the Tabernacle?
• It teaches us how to properly approach a holy Elohim through turning from or repenting of sin (Ezek 14:6).
• It reveals YHVH’s plan of redemption.
• It teaches us about the priesthood of Messiah (Heb 7:26-28).
• It helps us to understand the kingdom of Elohim, which is an essential element of the gospel message (Mark 1:15-15). Yeshua will rule the earth during the Millennium from his temple in Jerusalem (Zech 14:4, 8-9, 11; Rev 20:6; Matt 6:9-10; Ezek 44:23 cp. 2 Cor 6:17).
• The tabernacle teaches us how to order our lives. Even as the morning and evening sacrifices were conducted in an orderly manner following certain protocols, this teaches us how to order our daily lives around our devotions to Elohim. The biblical feasts (the weekly and annual sabbaths) also revolved around the tabernacle, even as our lives should revolve around these feasts that help lead us into the presence of and relationship with Elohim as represented by the tabernacle.
• It helps us to recognize and avoid idolatry and all manner of abominable and worldly practices because it teaches us the importance of holiness when approaching a holy Elohim.
• It teaches us to be conscious about dwelling (living our lives as if we were) in the very presence or courtyard or throne room of Elohim.
• Everything in the tabernacle (and temple) pointed to Yeshua’s atoning death on the cross for our sins, and his work as our Great Heavenly High Priest Advocate who is presently at the right hand of the Father in heaven. It reveals to us the gospel message in an active and pictorial way. All these things are for our learning and admonition (1 Cor 10:11; Rom 15:4).