7 Pieces Of Furniture In The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary described in the Hebrew Bible that was used by the Israelites during their wandering in the wilderness. It was a place where God dwelled among His people and where the Israelites could offer sacrifices and worship Him. The Tabernacle was constructed according to specific instructions given by God to Moses and included several pieces of furniture that had symbolic meanings. In this article, we will take a closer look at the 7 pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle and their significance.
The Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant was the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. It was a gold-covered chest that contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron’s rod. The Ark was placed in the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle, and was covered by the mercy seat, which was made of pure gold and had two cherubim on top. The Ark symbolized God’s presence among His people and His covenant with them.
The Table of Showbread
The Table of Showbread was a table made of acacia wood that was covered with pure gold. It had a border around it and four gold rings at the corners for carrying it. The table held twelve loaves of bread, which represented the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was replaced every Sabbath day, and the old bread was eaten by the priests. The Table of Showbread symbolized God’s provision for His people.
The Golden Lampstand
The Golden Lampstand was a lampstand made of pure gold that had seven branches with lamps on each branch. The lamps were filled with olive oil and provided light in the Tabernacle. The Golden Lampstand symbolized the light of God’s presence and wisdom.
The Altar of Incense
The Altar of Incense was a small altar made of acacia wood that was covered with gold. It had four horns at the corners, and a golden censer was used to burn incense on it. The incense symbolized the prayers of the Israelites and their worship of God. The Altar of Incense was placed in the Holy Place, just in front of the veil that separated the Holy of Holies.
The Bronze Altar
The Bronze Altar was a large altar made of acacia wood that was covered with bronze. It had four horns at the corners and a bronze grating for the fire. The Bronze Altar was used for burnt offerings and sacrifices. It symbolized the atonement of sins and the need for repentance.
The Bronze Laver
The Bronze Laver was a large basin made of bronze that was used for the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle. It symbolized the need for purity and holiness before approaching God.
The Veil
The Veil was a curtain made of fine linen that separated the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. It was embroidered with cherubim and had four pillars that held it up. The Veil symbolized the separation between God and man and the need for a mediator.
In conclusion, the 7 pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle were not just functional objects but had deep symbolic meanings. They represented God’s presence, provision, wisdom, atonement, purity, and holiness. The Tabernacle was a reminder of God’s covenant with His people and a foreshadowing of the coming of Christ, who would be the ultimate mediator between God and man.