A) DOORS AND CORNER BOARDS.

B) THE FOUNDATION.

C) THE SANCTUARY PROPER (INNER) WALLS.

D) THE CEILING, OR ROOF.

E) THE DOOR OF THE TABERNACLE.

 

 

A) DOORS AND CORNER BOARDS

 

 

The “corner boards,” on either side of the “Door of the Tabernacle,” are always mentioned as a side issue (Exo. 26:22-23), thus indicating that the “corner boards” were different from the others.  I mention this because the “corner boards” correspond to the “Corner Stone” of the permanent Temple built later.  If we as a people will continue to place Christ, “Who laid the corner stone thereof,” Job 38:16, in His proper position in the Church, becoming “the Head of the corner,” Matthew 21:42 (see also Psa. 118:22; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17), and make Him “the Chief corner stone,” Ephesians 2:20, then we as His Church will be “(21) fitly framed together [and will] growth unto an holy temple in the Lord: (22) In Whom ye also are builded together [notice, when we work together, then God can bless us] for an habitation [in you] of God through the Spirit,” Ephesians 2:21-22.

 

At the Tabernacle (Sanctuary Proper) entrance were two “curtains” made of “goats’ hair,” Exodus 26:7 & 36:14, and were 6 feet wide by 45 feet long (Exo. 26:8).  These curtains covered the walls (Exo. 26:7-13), extending to the ground on the one side (say the south side), over the top and to the other side (the north).  Think of them as a tent that covered the entire Sanctuary Proper going from one side to the other (north to south, but not East to West) and you can better frame it in the visions of your mind.  According to ED:36, they were interspersed with gold thread and reflected light in rainbow colors.  They were inwrought with cherubim, indicating the presence of the multitude of angels that are present in the Heavenly Sanctuary.  This also represents the angels as being “ministering spirits,” Hebrews 1:14, in their work to save man, or else they would not be present in the Sanctuary.

 

However, the lacing of gold cherubim was on the inside of the Sanctuary Proper.  On the outside, being made from “goats’ hair,” there would be nothing special to catch the eye for beauty.  “For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground:  He hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.”  Isaiah 53:2.  By contrast, should you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, the glories within are unexplainable.

 

Remember, the two frames acting as “corner posts,” Exodus 26:22-24, mentioned above?  I was talking to a cattle rancher and I asked him, “How do you build a fence?”  He answered, “I start at the corner of the property and put in the corner posts, because they are what I will tighten the rest of the line to, and they are what I will always refer to any time I want to make sure I’m staying straight.  I will drive them into the ground more than any of the others, as if I were putting them into concrete.  For these are they, which all the rest of the line I will adjust to, or slack from.”

 

Reader, can you not see the spiritual application?  Shall we not always build from our Corner Post, Jesus Christ?  Should we not always look to Him to ensure we are remaining in line (which includes with our fellow believers)?  And is He not our solid foundation from which we need not fall from (2Pe. 1:10) if we are to remain connected?  And we all hope, “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace,” Psalm 144:12.  Isn’t it interesting that the “daughters” are mentioned as “corner stones?”  Does this not show the value that God places on the future teachers of our children?

 

The special purpose of the corner boards was to “couple together” all the boards into one Tabernacle, Exodus 26:24, just as it is Christ’s work and prayer to the Father, “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us.”  John 17:21.  Thus, the Scriptures admonish both fathers and mothers to bind the family together into one complete unit; like a wall.  And it is in this aspect that Christ promises to form a hedge about us.  Job 1:10:  “Thou made an hedge about him [us], and about his [our] house[s], and about all that he [we] hath on every side?  Thou hast blessed the work of his [our] hands, and his [our] substance is increased in the land.”  But never forget:  “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ,” First Corinthians 3:11.

 

Why have I spent so much time discussing the walls?  Because God did.  And He wants us to know the length to which He will go to put an hedge of protection around us if we will put forth the effort to be explicit in obeying His every Command in detail -- as He was in giving Them.

 

 

B) THE FOUNDATION

 

 

The foundation for the entire Sanctuary Proper structure consisted of 100 pedestals that had sockets to receive tenons that were on the bottom of the 48 panel frames (two pedestals to a panel frame; four pedestals served for the four pillars dividing the Holy and Most Holy).  These pedestals were all of silver (Exo. 26:19-25 & 32), each pedestal weighing a talent (about 34 kg.; 92 lbs.; Exo. 38:27).

 

In connection with the panel frames, the Bible mentions “rings,” Exodus 25:12-15 & 26-27 & 29.  These rings were no doubt fastened to the frames to accommodate the bars.  Evidently the top and bottom rows consisted of two bars each, with only the bar at the center described as running through “from end to end,” Exodus 26:28.

 

These Bars were made of “shittim wood,” overlaid with pure gold (Exo. 26:26-29).  The entire linen framework of the structure, embroidered with colorful figures of cherubs, was in two large sections of five cloths each, the sections being joined by loops of blue thread that fastened over gold hooks.  Each cloth was 28 cubits (42 feet) long, and 4 cubits (6 feet) wide, which would be at least one cubit (about 18 inches) short of reaching the ground on each side of the structure (Exo. 26:1-6).

 

Although the ground was holy, this distance (less than a foot if you add in the panel frames) would serve to keep the curtains clean and the curious observer frustrated.  It would also shine like a beacon in a lighthouse, with the exception that it would shine in all directions at once when the light from the glory of God was present.

 

So then, in an overview, there were forty-eight “boards” in the forming of the wall of the Sanctuary Proper:  twenty on each side, eight on the West End, with the East End comprised by the “Door of the Tabernacle.”  The building itself was 18 feet wide by 45 feet long (again on the basis of an 18-inch cubit; see explanation below), with the wall being over twice as high as the wall of the court.  Divided into two sections, the first compartment, or Holy Place, was 15 feet wide by 30 feet long.  While the second section, or the Most Holy Place, was 15 feet square.

 

 

C) THE SANCTUARY PROPER (INNER) WALLS

 

 

The walls of the Sanctuary Proper were made of “shittim wood,” overlaid with pure gold, evidently in the form of panel frames (similar to window frames), instead of solid boards (Exo. 26:15-18).  I take this view, along with some other Bible commentators, because of our understanding of the word “tenons,” mentioned in reference to these boards, and our understanding of what a “tenon” is (Hebrew, “yad” meaning, “armhole, axletree,” and many other meanings).

 

Speaking of “tenons,” the statement is made, “thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the Tabernacle,” Exodus 26:17.  This view seems to be logical to me because solid boards covered with gold, of the size described (see below), would be unnecessarily heavy.  Thus, although the Hebrew word “qe’resh” is rendered “board,” it can also be rendered “frame,” as it could be here, “panel frame,” Exodus 26:15-29.  Thus, they were just “frames” for the “goats’ hair” curtains mentioned above.

 

If you agree with me, than we can establish Biblically that there were 20 panel frames on the North side, and 20 panel frames on the South side (double check me in Exo. 26:18 & 20).  Each frame was 10 cubits (about 15 feet) high, and one and one half cubits (27 inches) wide, and were of an unspecified depth (Exo. 26:15-16).  On the rear, or West end, there were six panel frames, and at the back corners were two frames acting as “corner posts,” Exodus 26:22-24.

 

Since each frame was 27 inches wide and there were 8 of them, therefore we can conclude that the Sanctuary Properwas approximately 18 feet wide, if we consider the roof in that measurement, meaning 15 feet wide for the compartment itself.  And with 20 panel frames on the sides, each side would be about 45 feet in length.

 

 

D) THE CEILING, OR ROOF

 

 

The “Ceiling” was made of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, inlaid with golden cherubim.  It is a fitting picture of angels being everywhere.  Here is PP:347.1:  “The Tabernacle was so constructed that it could be taken apart and borne with the Israelites in all their journeyings.  It was therefore small, being not more than fifty-five [“45”] feet in length, and eighteen in breadth and height.  Yet it was a magnificent structure.  The wood employed for the building and its furniture was that of the acacia tree, which was less subject to decay than any other to be obtained at Sinai.  The walls consisted of upright boards, set in silver sockets, and held firm by pillars and connecting bars; and all were overlaid with gold, giving to the building the appearance of solid gold.  The roof was formed of four sets of curtains, the innermost of ‘fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubim of cunning work;’ the other three respectively were of goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and sealskins, so arranged as to afford complete protection.”

 

Four coverings formed the roof of the Sanctuary.  The First, or inner covering, was “of fine-twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet; with cherubims of cunning work,” Exodus 36:8 (on the inside only).  Over this, the Secondcovering, was a white covering of woven “goat’s hair,” Exodus 36:14-17.

 

Next, the Third covering, was a covering of “rams’ skins dyed red.”  Exodus 25:5; 26:14; 35:7. 36:19; 39:34.  “Rams’ skins dyed red” fittingly illustrates the sacrifice of Christ in that He, “became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”  Philippians 2:8.  And “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow,” Isaiah 1:18, bringing us back to the Second covering of white “goats hair;” for it was only by the righteous life of Christ and His sacrifice that we become partakers of His glory.  Which brings us also back to the inner covering “of fine-twined linen,” Exodus 36:8, which “wisehearted women did spin,” Exodus 35:25.

 

We are not told how many ministering angels they spun, but doubtless it was an “innumerable,” Hebrews 12:22, company that Christ wants to be surrounded with.  And all of these willing and eager subjects are at the ready for Christ’s call.  Are we?  The significance of the colors (Blue = Obedience; Purple = Royalty; Scarlet = Blood Sacrifice) are also not missed (discussed earlier in my section in the Introduction under, “Colors”).

 

In a side note, another reason for the four coverings was to ensure that no one would see the glory of God.  For “there shall no man see Me, and live,” Exodus 33:20 (Jud. 6:22 & 13:22).

 

Outside of all was the Fourth covering of “badger’s skins,” Exodus 35:23 & 36:8-19.  Some may question as to what this material really was, since it would be an unclean animal that would be used in the Holy Sanctuary.  But is this not a wonderful representation of our Lord, Who became willing to inherit our sins?  Yet it made fine clothing in Ezekiel 16:10; which is not a representation of sin, but a lasting, durable, and practical clothing.

 

Regarding Christ, “badger’s skins” well represent His willingness to Come down to this earth, taking upon Himself the garb of humanity, Whose “comeliness. . . when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.”  Isaiah 53:2.

 

In PP:347, we find that these “badger’s skins” would “afford complete protection.”  Not from rain or storm, for “the cloud by day,” Exodus 13:22, afforded that.  By contrast, by being inconspicuous in color, it thus became hidden from the evil eye of Arab marauders who might look upon Israel’s camp and think the Sanctuary Proper as something to exploit.  This affords an immediate illustration to the safe covering that is given us by Christ in our wanderings through this life’s desert.  As this covering had no outward beauty, so of Christ it is written as mentioned above (Isa. 53:2).

 

Although Christ’s righteousness was not immediately detected outwardly, so only His and our righteousness is not found until looking into “the inner man,” Ephesians 3:16.  Just as is represented by these four layers, so is the process to the sanctified (Sanctuary) life.  Acknowledge, repent, overcome, worship.

 

First, we/Christ must remove the disagreeable things (“badgers’ skins”) of our character;

Second, we must submit to die (“Rams’ skins dyed red”) to self;

Third, we will then be clothed (white “goat’s hair”) with the righteousness of Christ;

and Fourth, we will become fit (“colorful linen”) to dwell with the angels.

 

 

E) THE DOOR OF THE TABERNACLE

 

 

From 1SP:348 we read:  “The glory of God hallowed the Sanctuary; and for this reason the priests never entered the place sanctified by God’s presence with shoes upon their feet.  Particles of dust might cleave to their shoes, which would desecrate the Sanctuary; therefore the priests were required to leave their shoes in the court, before entering the Sanctuary.”

 

Approaching the Holy Place (the Sanctuary Proper) we come to the Door of the Tabernacle.  The Door hanging was suspended on five pillars (as opposed to the gate of the entire Sanctuary, which had four), all made of “shittim wood,” completely covered with pure “gold,” Exodus 26:36-37.  The curtain was suspended from five golden “hooks,” which were attached to five bronze sockets.  What is interesting to note about these “five” pillars, is that the curtain would then be hanging from the “five” hooks at the top of these pillars.  Why is it significant that there were “five” of them?  Because it is the number of piercings that our Lord’s body received upon the cross:  one for each hand, one for each foot, and one for His side.

 

The Vail that covered this entrance was colored “blue, and purple, and scarlet, and [made from] fine twined linen, wrought with needlework,” Exodus 26:36.  And according to Exodus 26:31:  “And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work:  with cherubims shall it be made.

 

In John 10:7 Jesus says:  “I Am the door of the sheep.”  We all should know who the “sheep” are.  And in John 10:11Jesus says:  “He that entereth not in by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”

 

Additionally, there were five copper pedestals for the pillars at the entrance (Exo. 26:37).  Considering the weight of silver, these pedestals evidently would not be very thick, but would be more in the nature of heavy plates.  They all provided for a very firm “foundation.”  And therefore, we can be assured that as Christ entered into the second phase of His ministry (the Sanctuary phase; the Heavenly duties), that He will be successful in redeeming His people.  “Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a Stone, a Tried Stone, a precious Corner Stone, a sure foundation.”  Isaiah 28:16.

 

From the pen of inspiration, we back up the above:  “The building was divided into two apartments by a rich and beautiful curtain, or veil, suspended from gold-plated pillars; and a similar veil closed the entrance of the first apartment.  These, like the inner covering, which formed the ceiling, were of the most gorgeous colors, blue, purple, and scarlet, beautifully arranged, while inwrought with threads of gold and silver were cherubim to represent the angelic host who are connected with the work of the Heavenly Sanctuary and who are ministering spirits to the people of God on earth.”  PP:347.

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