Published on Sunday, 17 April 2011 15:12 | Written by Administrator | | | Hits: 9417
Symbols and Types
The word of God is filled with symbols and types which carry a meaning beyond the obvious or apparent. To grasp the deeper truths and meanings of the Tabernacle, and indeed much of scripture, it is essential to understand this truth and have some understanding of these symbols and types.
A symbol is an object or thing presented to stand for or represent something else; especially something abstract, such as: ashes representing destruction. Symbols are present throughout scripture.
A type is a representation (person, place, event or thing) prefiguring another, e.g. Joseph was a type of Jesus. Certain events of Joseph's life and some of his character traits prefigured (predicted, anticipated, heralded or foreshadowed) events and character traits of Jesus.
Biblical types and symbols are often prophetic in nature. Here we will discuss some of the symbols and types presented. The following background reading is suggested to prepare the reader to better grasp and understand the material that follows: Heb. 1;1-4; 2:1-4; 9:1-28; 10:1-14; 1 Co. 10:1-11; Zc. 3:8.
As you examine the symbols and types in appendix #2 and #3 you may find that some are very clear and easily understood while others may be vague. This should not be surprising since in all study of God's truth some things stand out immediately upon reading one or two scriptures while understanding others require much prayer, study and time. Keep in mind also, that it was not practical to list every scripture that might aid in understanding each symbol or type listed.
Although some differences will be found between the message (interpretation) and scripture references below and those for a given symbol found in Pastor Conners book, "Interpreting the Symbols and Types", Kevin J. Conner contributed much to my understanding of the symbolism in scripture and the content of Appendix #2 and Appendix #3 relates closely to the interpretations in Pastor Conner's book. Anyone seeking a more thorough treatment of the symbols and types in scripture would benefit by reading his book.
Type/Symbol Message Scripture Reference(s)
Aaron High Priest, intercessor Ex 28:1-2; He 5:1-4
Aaron's rod / staff Guidance, comfort, discipline, Nu 17:8; Ps 23; Pr 13:24; 22:15; 29:15;
deliverance / punishment Ex 7:10; 8:5,16; 10:13; Is 11:4
acacia See: wood (acacia/ shittim) below
almond (almond Fruitfulness/ Nu 17:8; Je 1:11; Ec 12:5; buds/flowers) fulfillment of God's word Ex 37:19-20
altar Place of prayer, sacrifice, atonement, Ex 27:1-2; 30:1-2; Rev 6:9; 8:3-5;
intercession / judgment of sin
ark Place of safety from judgment Ge 6:13-18; 1 Ki 1:51; 2:28
Ark of the Covenant God with us,God is present, place of Ex 25:10-11; 21-22; Jos 13:10-11; meeting God and receiving mercy ! Sa 14:18-22; Ps 63:2; 1Ki 8:6-11; /judgment 2 Ch 5:9-14
artisans Faithful servants, anointed, gifted, Is 29:16; 45:9; 64:8; Je 18:6
ministers / Jesus
badger skins See: skins (below)
blood (sacrifice) The only atonement for sin (symbolized by Jn. 3:16; Heb.9:22; Ex. 12:13;
the 1/2 sheckle ransom, the blood sacrifice Ro.5:9; Lk.22:20 of animals and the bronze serpent on the pole. The price paid by Jesus for our redemption.
blue Color of Heaven dwelling place of God 1 Co 15:47-48;
bread Fellowship, communion, nourishment Jn. 6:35; Ge. 14:18; 1 Ki. 19:8
bronze / brass Judgment of sin Dt 28:13-23; Rev 1:15; 2:18-19 Lv 26:19
branch Jesus Christ / Messiah Is 4:2; Je 23:5; 33:15; Zc 3:8; 6:12
bronze altar Place of sacrifice, submission, He 2:9-11; 5:7-10; 9:11-21; Lv 7:1-7;
blood atonement, the cross Nu 21:9; Rev 1:15; 2:18;Ex 27:1-2
bronze basin (laver) Cleansing, sanctification, the Word Ex 30:20; Ro 10:17; 2 Th 2:13; of God, preparation for service Jn 17:17;1 Ki 7:25
bull Sin offering, strength for service, 1Ki 7:25; Pr 14:4; Ex 29:10-14;
servanthood / strong opposition Ps 22:12, 144:13-14;
cakes, unleavened Acceptable offering, purity of believers Ex 12:15, Ro 12:1; Mt 16:6; 1 Co 5:6-8
cherubim Heavenly beings that seem to be Ge 3:24; Ez 10:1-22; Heb 9:5;
the guardians of God's holiness 1 Chr 28:18; 2 Sa 22:11
crimson See: scarlet, red or crimson (below)
crown Honor/ royalty / victory 2 Ki 11:12; Est 8:15; 1 Co 9:25
door Acceptable place of entry Jn 10:9; Jn 14:6; Mt 7:7; Ps 24:7
ear Servitude, attention, hearing, Dt 15:17; 2Ki 19:16; Job 12:11; Pr 28:9; discernment, spiritual understanding Isa 50:4; Rv 2:7
eagle Protection or judgment from (God) above Ps. 91:1-4; Dt. 28:49; Ex. 19:4 ; Isa 40:31
east Sunrise, coming of light to dispel darkness, Eze 43:1-2; Mt 24:27; Lk 1:78-79 Lord's coming in glory
feet Spiritual walk, service, conquest, etc. Ex. 30:18; Lev. 8:24; Dt. 1:36; 8:4; Jos. 3:15; 10:24
fire God's presence, judgment, trials, cleansing Ex. 24:17; Ex. 14:24; Dt. 4:20; Ex. 32:20
gate Jesus - the only way to God Jn 10:1-9; 14:6
gemstones See: stones, prescious (below)
goat(s) Sin offering, substitute offering, Lv 16:9-15; Mt 25:32-33; Nu 7:16; Ez 34:17 the unredeemed
goat(s) hair Glorious covering for sin, Jesus/ See: goats & hair
gold Glory, divine nature, royalty \ relating to God's word Ps 19:10; 119:127; Rev 21:21-22
hand, right Control, strength, support, loyalty oath, Ge 14:20,22; 16:12; 21:18; 24:2; 48:17-20;
purpose, assistance, guidance, blessing Ex 7:4; 9:15; 13:16; Lv 1:4
hair Covering, protection, natural glory Pr 20:29; 16:31; 1Co 11:14-15
high priest Jesus our mediator with God He 2:17-18; 5:7-10; 6:19-20; 7:11-28
horn(s) Control, power, authority (esp. political) 1Ki 1:50-51; Da 7:8, 20-25; La 2:3
incense Prayer, intercession intercession of Ps 141:1-2; Lk 1:8-10; Rev 5:8; 8:3-4
Jesus and believers
lamb Sacrifice, Christ Jesus Jn 1:29; Is 53:7;
lion Power and authority to rule, ie. king Rev:5:5; Gen 49:8-10; 1 Pet 5:8
laver See: bronze basin (above)
Law, stone God's will for mankind, law of love Ps 40:8; He 10:1-16
tablets of written in our hearts by the Spirit
linen (white) Spiritual purity Mt 28:3; Rev 4:4; 15:5-6; 19:8-9
loaves of Bread of life, God's provision, the Ex 25:23-30; Jn 6:32-35; Lv 24:5-9
shewbread twelve tribes, believers, Jesus, fellowship 1 Co 10:16-17; 11:23-24;
loaves, wave Jesus and the church (believers) Ex 23:18-19; Lv 23:15-21: Rev 14:4;
man, face of "Son of man" identified w/humanity, Mt. 12:28; 8:20; 9:6; 12:8; 13:41
qualified as Kinsman Redeemer
Mercy Seat Forgiveness, propitiation, grace Lv 16:15-16; Ro 3:25-26; He 2:14-17
Moses Prophet, priest, lawgiver, deliverer Dt 18:15; Jn 1:17;Ac 7:35;
type of Christ Ex 24:2-3; 32:30; 33:17
manna Provision, bread of life, Jesus Ex 16:32; Jn 6:48-54
oil, olive Richness of life, Holy Spirit, fuel for light, Ge 8:11; Ex 30:25; Dt 11:14; He 1:9 healing ointment, anointing, Ps 104:15; Mt 25:4; Lk 10:34;
ox Strong, valuable, able to bear the burden, Pr. 14:4; Ex. 22:1; Nu. 7:17
sacrifice, suffer
pillar of fire Revealing, purifying, passion, God' Nu 12:5; 1 Co 3:13; Ac 2:3; Mal 3:2 1 Th 5:19;
(cloud of glory) presence / destruction He 12:29; Rev 20:14 Ex 3:2; 40:34-35
purple Royalty, also blend of blue (heaven) Pr 31:22; Jn 19:2; Mk 15:17-18 and scarlet (sacrifice)
ram Political leadership, sacrificial substitute Da 8:3,20; Ge 22:13; Ez 34:15-17; Jn 1:29
ram's skin Political leader/sacrificial substitute/ protective Ge 22:7-13; Ex 39:1-2; Lev 8:18-19
covering/ Jesus See: ram & skin Ez 34:15-17; Jn 1:29
scarlet, red Blood (bloodshed), sacrifice, war, Ex 15:4; 25:4; Is 63:1; 2Ki 3:22-24;
or crimson penalty for sin Jos 2:15-20; 6:22-23; He 9:19-22; Rev 6:3-4; 12:3-4
silver* Atonement price - Jesus blood Ex 30:11-16; 38:25; Mt 27:3-10; Zc 11:12-13
skins Protection, covering Ge 3:21; Eze 16:10; Is 53:2; Lk 5:37
spices (crushed) Sweet aroma of a life submitted Is 53:5-12; Eph 5:2; Ro 12:1;Ex 30:34-38
to trials and testing for God
stones, precious Beauty, glory and value of Jesus and Ex 28:15-21; Mt 13:43-46:Rev 4:3; 21:18-20
his followers
Tabernacle Where God came down to abide with his Ex 40:34-35; He 8:1-2; 9:11-28; Rev 15:5
people; patterned after the Heavenly Tabernacle;
symbolic of Jesus and the church; it carried the
promise of Jesus and redemption.
table (gold) of Table of God; provision, fellowship / Ex 25:23-30; Lv 24:5-9; Ps 23:5; communion shewbread Mt 26:26-28; 1Co 11:23-24; Ac 2:42
toe, big Possession (ie: claim to), path (moral Pr 4:14; Job 31;5; Jos 1:3; Mt 18:8
or spiritual direction), stability Ps 38:16; 94:18; Dt 11:24, 28:65;
trees Men (believers / unbelievers) Ps 1:3; Da 4:10-15, 20-22; Is 53:2; Zc 4:12-14; / curse Rev 2:7; 11:3-4; Ge 2:17; Dt 21:23; Pr 11:30
trumpet Call to: attention or gathering signal of: Rev 8:6-8,10,12 9:1,13; 2Sa 15:10; 1Co 15:52; Jesus return warning of: judgment Nu 10:1-10; Jos 6:20; Is 18:3
veil (curtain) Divider separating man from God's He 6:19-20; 10:19-20; Mt 27:51; presence; Jesus Mk 15:37-38; Ex 26:33
white Purity, righteousness, holiness Ps 51:7; Is 1:18; Da 7:9; Rev 3:4-5; 7:9; 19:8; 7:14-15
wine Abundance, joy, blood Ge 27:28, 37; 49:11; Lev 23:13: Nu 6:20; 18:20; Ju 19:19
wood (acacia Humanity, incorruptible (no decay,spoilage Is 4:2;11:1-5; 53:2; Je 23:5; Zc 6:12;
/ shittim) or corruption); of the earth / cross, Jesus Je 23:5; Ex 15:23-25; Lv 14:49-52
yeast (leaven) Sin Ex 12:15; 13:7; 34:18, 25; Lev 2:11; 10:12; 23:6
*Silver has unique qualities that should be recognized to appreciate more fully why God may have chosen it to represent the atonement. Silver to be used in making an article must be raised to extreme heat to melt and shape it. Then it is beaten to achieve the desired design. Finally, it must be filed to take down rough edges, buffed and polished to bring out its shine. Even after it is finished, it must be polished frequently to maintain its beauty or else it will become tarnished.
Category: Tabernacle
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