Topical Bible: Atonement for Tabernacle and Furniture

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The concept of atonement for the Tabernacle and its furnishings is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly within the Pentateuch, where God provides specific instructions to Moses regarding the sanctification and purification of the sacred space and its elements. This process underscores the holiness required for the dwelling place of God among His people and the seriousness of sin, which necessitates atonement.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the atonement of the Tabernacle and its furniture is found in the book of Exodus and Leviticus. In Exodus 30:10, the Berean Standard Bible states, "Once a year Aaron is to make atonement on its horns. Throughout your generations, this will be a most holy to the LORD." This verse refers to the altar of incense, indicating that even the objects used in worship required purification.

Leviticus 16 provides a more comprehensive account of the Day of Atonement, a solemn annual event where the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sanctuary, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar. Leviticus 16:16 explains, "In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites, whatever their sins may have been. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting, which is among them in the midst of their impurities."

Theological Significance

The atonement for the Tabernacle and its furnishings highlights the pervasive nature of sin and its impact on all aspects of life, including the sacred. The Tabernacle, as the dwelling place of God, required a level of purity that could only be achieved through divinely instituted rituals. The blood of sacrificial animals was used to cleanse and consecrate the space, symbolizing the need for a substitutionary atonement to cover sin.

This ritual purification underscores the holiness of God and the separation between the divine and the profane. It serves as a reminder of the Israelites' need for continual cleansing and the provision of God's grace in maintaining a relationship with His people. The atonement rituals foreshadow the ultimate atonement provided through Jesus Christ, who, as the perfect High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12).

Practical Implications

For the Israelites, the atonement for the Tabernacle and its furnishings was a tangible expression of God's holiness and their need for purification. It reinforced the understanding that sin affects not only individuals but also the community and its relationship with God. The meticulous care in maintaining the sanctity of the Tabernacle served as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

In contemporary Christian thought, these Old Testament practices are seen as typological, pointing to the greater reality fulfilled in Christ. The emphasis on holiness, purity, and the need for atonement remains relevant, encouraging believers to live lives that reflect the sanctifying work of Christ and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

Nave's Topical Index

Leviticus 16:15-20,33
Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... enumeration of the furniture of the Tabernacle starts from ... the form, dimensions,
materials, and furniture of which ... priest on the day of atonement, dwelt the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

The New Covenant.
... The tabernacle consisted of two chambers: the foremost and ... sanctuary "held a
position."[158] Its furniture was for ... only enter on the annual day of atonement. ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

Exodus
... concerning the tabernacle with all its furniture, the ark ... altar, the court round
about the tabernacle, the oil ... priests, the priestly dues, the atonement for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/exodus.htm

Scriptural Types.
... on of his hands, he presented it to God as his offering to make atonement for his ...
We have seen the typical import of the furniture of the tabernacle (Nos.8 ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... The Tabernacle of the Most High. A Sermon (No.267). ... The Ceremony of Laying the First
Stone of the New Tabernacle. FOR THE CONGREGATION OF THE REV. CH SPURGEON. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

The Pentateuch.
... having been reared up and its furniture arranged, the ... an account of the anointing
of the tabernacle, and the ... sanctuary on the great day of atonement, and also ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xix the pentateuch.htm

Exegetic.
... A psalm is welder of friendship, atonement of adversaries ... who shall sojourn in Thy
tabernacle?' Then there ... clothes, beast of burden, all kinds of furniture? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/ii exegetic.htm

The Ark of his Covenant
... rooms, the style of the furniture, everything was ... sprinkled with blood both the
tabernacle, and all ... cannot endure the doctrine of a substitutionary atonement. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 41 1895/the ark of his covenant.htm

Index of Subjects.
... its general idea, 585; structure, divisions, and furniture, 586, seq ... connected with
the great day of atonement, 603; with ... V. Vail of the tabernacle, 586, seq. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barrows/companion to the bible/index of subjects.htm

The Lively Stones. Rev. W. Morley Punshon.
... our perfect example, his death is our perfect atonement. ... patriarchal dispensation
had no elaborate furniture nor gorgeous ... for ever, and the tabernacle of God ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the lively stones rev w.htm