7 Pieces Of Furniture In The Tabernacle Meaning
When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to build a portable sanctuary called the Tabernacle. This was to be a place where God could dwell among His people. The Tabernacle was made up of various pieces of furniture that had specific meanings and purposes. In this article, we will explore the seven pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle and their symbolic significance.
The Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant was the most important piece of furniture in the Tabernacle. It was a chest made of acacia wood and covered in gold. The top of the Ark was called the Mercy Seat and was where God would meet with Moses. Inside the Ark were the tablets of the Ten Commandments, a pot of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded. The Ark represented God's presence among His people and His covenant with them.
The Table of Showbread
The Table of Showbread was made of acacia wood and covered in gold. It had twelve loaves of bread on it, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The bread was replaced every Sabbath and was to be eaten only by the priests. The Table of Showbread represented God's provision for His people and their fellowship with Him.
The Golden Lampstand
The Golden Lampstand was made of pure gold and had seven branches with lamps on each of them. It was to be lit every evening and kept burning throughout the night. The Golden Lampstand represented God's light and guidance for His people.
The Altar of Incense
The Altar of Incense was made of acacia wood and covered in gold. It had a bowl on top of it where incense was burned. The incense represented the prayers of the people going up to God. The Altar of Incense represented the people's worship and adoration of God.
The Bronze Basin
The Bronze Basin was a large basin made of bronze that was filled with water. It was used by the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle. The Bronze Basin represented the priests' need for cleansing before serving God.
The Altar of Burnt Offering
The Altar of Burnt Offering was made of acacia wood and covered in bronze. It was used to offer sacrifices to God. The animals that were sacrificed on the altar represented the people's sins being atoned for. The Altar of Burnt Offering represented the people's need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
The Curtains and Pillars
The Tabernacle was surrounded by curtains and pillars made of fine linen and bronze. The curtains represented the separation between God and man, and only the priests were allowed to enter the Tabernacle. The pillars represented the strength and stability of God's presence among His people.
Conclusion
The pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle had great symbolic significance for the Israelites. They represented God's presence, provision, guidance, forgiveness, and the need for cleansing and reconciliation. The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God dwelling among His people, and it foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, who would be the ultimate sacrifice for our sins and make a way for us to have fellowship with God.