Access To The TabernacleSample

THE FENCING OF THE TABERNACLE

The fencing speaks of Jesus as the Mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:6). No one can go directly to God, except through Jesus the Mediator (John 14:6). 

The white linen speaks of Christ in his absolute purity and righteousness (Heb. 7:26). 

The linen made from flax grown in the earth, speaks of Christ's sinless humanity and earthly ministry - the one who became man so that He could bring us to God (Heb. 2:14, 15). In the same manner, the Church will one day also be clothed with white linen (Rev. 19:8).

The pillars of acacia wood portray the perfect humanity of Christ. The pillars stood in brass sockets (bases). Brass represents judgement. When the Son of God died on a tree, it was to bring the judgement of sin upon him. After his resurrection, the apostle John saw him on the Isle Patmos: His feet are like fine brass (Rev. 1:15). The brass speaks of the righteous judgement of God over sin. He cannot tolerate sin and must trample it under his feet (brass) (Rom. 8:1, 3).

The silver tops of the pillars were cast from half a shekel of silver which every man that was 20 years and older had to pay to the Lord (Exod. 30:12-16). It was known as atonement money (Exod. 30:16); it was also known as ransom (Exod. 30:12), and also as silver from those who were numbered (Exod. 38:25). The message of the silver is therefore very clear: atonement or redemption. The Lord refers to His redeemed as silver (Mal. 3:3). The pillars thus portray salvation (silver) from judgement (brass) through Jesus Christ's death on the cross (wood). 

The fence was anchored with pegs and cords. What God has promised is the hope of the believer, and we have it as an anchor for the soul, both sure and steadfast, that enters into the interior of the veil where Jesus as our forerunner has entered (Heb. 6:18-20). Christ's complete redemptive work ensures the steadfastness of his purpose (pegs), and his infinite love (cords) for us (Hosea 11:4).

The entrance was located on the eastern side of the fence (sunrise), and the entry point was located between the four pillars. In like manner, Christ is our only way of access (Eph. 2:18; 3:12) to a true relationship with God (John 14:6). The hangings of the entrance were different from those of the fencing; they were made of blue, purple and scarlet material, which portrays Christ. The colours of the hangings remind us of the heaven (the glory) of Christ, His painful death and His majesty.

When we look at the fence of the tabernacle, we are once again reminded of the fact that with a holy jealousy for His Name, God surrounds that which is holy to Him with a fence of truth and holiness. Undeniably, there is a barrier between a holy God and a sinful man. Just as the tabernacle was the dwelling place of God and the camp of Israel was the designated place of the people, so the fencing was in a distinct position between the two dwelling places.

Christ is our Mediator (1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 8:6) of the New Covenant (Heb. 12:24). He stands between God and man, and as a Mediator is responsible to satisfy both of them and to effect reconciliation. Jesus Christ did this perfectly.

To reach the Holy of Holies in the tabernacle one had to go through three places of access: firstly, the gate on the east side in the fence of the court; secondly, the entrance or door on the east side of the tabernacle, which led to the Holy Place; thirdly, the veil which hung on the east side of the Holy of Holies. The veil separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.