How does the tabernacle's structure reflect God's holiness and our approach to Him? Setting the Scene Exodus 38:11: “and for the north side of the courtyard, the curtains were 100 cubits long, with twenty pillars and twenty bases; the hooks and bands of the pillars were silver.” Curtained Boundaries – Holiness Displayed • 100 cubits of fine linen curtains formed a clear, shining wall. • Fine linen (Revelation 19:8) pictures purity; God’s dwelling must be ringed with righteousness. • The set length shows precision: holiness is not vague; it is measured and defined by God alone. • A boundary says, “Only on God’s terms may you come.” • Leviticus 10:3 reminds that God “must be regarded as holy by those who draw near.” • Numbers 1:51 shows that unauthorized approach brought judgment. • Yet a boundary also invites: the fence keeps what is inside secure so we can come safely through the one appointed gate (Exodus 27:16). Twenty Pillars, Twenty Bases – Strength for Access • Bronze bases stay in constant contact with desert soil—bronze often speaks of judgment (Numbers 21:8–9; John 3:14). • Judgment bears the weight so worshipers can stand. • Pillars lift linen high, declaring holiness above human head height. • Isaiah 55:9—His ways higher than ours. • Number twenty repeatedly signals expectancy and waiting (Judges 4:3; 1 Samuel 7:2). • God patiently holds the doorway open, yet expects a response. Silver Hooks and Bands – Redemption at Every Connection • Silver in Exodus is linked to atonement money (Exodus 30:15–16). • Where linen (holiness) meets pillar (judgment), silver (redemption) joins them. • Titus 2:14—Christ “redeemed us… to be His own.” • Each hook silently proclaims, “A price has been paid so the curtain may hang securely.” North Side Focus – Facing the Unknown • Israel’s camp opened eastward; the north lay opposite daily sunrise, symbolizing what is hidden or yet unseen. • Psalm 48:2 calls Mount Zion “on the sides of the north… the city of the great King.” • God’s holiness covers even what we cannot see; His standard stands the same on every side. • Approaching from any direction, worshipers met identical measurements—no shortcuts around holiness. Approach by Design 1. Outer fence: declares separation. 2. Gate (east side, Exodus 27:16): single entrance. 3. Altar of burnt offering: first stop—blood sacrifice. 4. Bronze basin: cleansing with water. 5. Tabernacle tent: holy place then Most Holy Place. • The journey moves from common ground to concentrated glory, teaching that forgiveness and cleansing precede deeper fellowship. Christ in the Courtyard • He is the Gate (John 10:9), the only entry. • He is the Altar and the Offering (Hebrews 10:10). • He washes us with water by the word (Ephesians 5:26). • He tore the veil so we may “draw near with a sincere heart” (Hebrews 10:19–22). Living the Pattern Today • Take holiness seriously—set moral boundaries that reflect God’s. • Stand on the bronze foundations: acknowledge Christ endured judgment for you. • Fasten every relationship with “silver hooks”—let redemption shape speech, actions, motives. • Enter by God’s provided way, never inventing substitutes. • Keep moving inward: from salvation to daily cleansing, from service to intimate worship, confident yet reverent (Hebrews 12:28–29). |
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