Chapter Four
The Furnishings of the Tent of Meeting
Table of Shewbread
The Command:
Ex 25:23 Make a table of acacia wood-- two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high.
Ex 25:24 Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it.
Ex 25:25 Also make around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim.
Ex 25:26 Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where the four legs are.
Ex 25:27 The rings are to be close to the rim to hold the poles used in carrying the table.
Ex 25:28 Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them.
Ex 25:29 And make its plates and dishes of pure gold, as well as its pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings.
Ex 25:30 Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times. NIV (italics mine).
Materials of the Table of Shewbread:
Make a table of acacia wood-- two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. Exodus 25:23-24 NIV (bold & italics mine).
Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them. Exodus 25:28 NIV (bold & italics mine).
This table and the staves or poles to carry it were to be made of acacia (shittim in KJV) wood and covered with pure gold. All the dishes and utensils were to be made of gold. The acacia wood of course speaking to us of Christ’s incorruptible humanity and the gold, pointing to His kingship, deity and glory.
Source of Materials
Ex 25:1 The LORD said to Moses,
Ex 25:2 Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.
Ex 25:3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; NIV (bold & italics mine).
Ex 25:5 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; NIV (bold & italics mine).
Ex 25:9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you. NIV (italics mine).
Ex 26:35 Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side. NIV (bold & italics mine.)
This table also was made of materials collected from the Israelites in the freewill offering. These were gifts made to the Lord by His chosen people, given freely from their hearts.
This was the place where God would dwell among His chosen people. If they did not care enough to be willing to freely provide a place for Him, He would not demand that they do so. God wants us to want His presence in our lives. If we don’t want to make room for God, He will not force His way in.
The Size of the Table of Shewbread
Thou shalt also make a table of shittim wood: two cubits shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof. Exodus 25:23 KJV (bold & italics mine).
The table was two cubits (3 feet) long, one cubit (18 inches) wide and one and one half cubits (27 inches) high. Clearly this was not a large table -- just large enough to hold the twelve loaves of shewbread (bread of presence) and perform the ministries assigned to it. Size does not denote importance. Though not large the Table of Shewbread was very important.
The Design of the Table of Shewbread
The table was made with two rings on each side and two poles for carrying it as they journeyed through the desert. It also had a crown or rim around the table-top to secure the loaves of bread, which remained on it, during transport. Here again we see the acacia wood overlaid with pure gold representing sinless humanity covered with deity and glory. This was the table used to hold the twelve loaves of bread representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
These loaves were holy to the Lord and it was important that they not be allowed to fall to the ground and become contaminated. The table with its crown held the bread securely, the way God holds the believer.
While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None was lost except the one doomed to destruction so that the scripture would be fulfilled. John 17:12 NIV (italics mine).
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28 NIV (italics mine).
Dishes and Utensils for the Table
There were dishes, bowls, covers and spoons made of pure gold for use with the Table of Shewbread. Some of these were used for the frankincense that was put upon the bread. Some were used for the serving of the bread, meat and drink to the priests.
Purpose and Message of the Table of Shewbread
The table served the purpose of receiving and keeping the twelve loaves, representing the twelve tribes, before the Lord. The table, representing Jesus Christ, had a crown or molding around it that held the loaves, representing His chosen people, securely in place.
But this, though important, was only a part of the significant service of the table. This was not just another place to make an offering before the Lord. This was the table of our Divine King holding the loaves, symbolizing the Bread of Life, sprinkled with frankincense, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and prayer. The Table of Shewbread was, and is, a symbol of God’s desire to have communion with and provide for His elect.
Moses said to Aaron and his remaining sons, Eleazar and Ithamar, " Take the grain offering left over from the offerings made to the Lord by fire and eat it prepared without yeast beside the altar, for it is most holy. Eat it in a holy place, because it is your share and your sons share of the offerings made to the Lord by fire; for so I have been commanded." Leviticus 10:12-13 NIV (bold & italics mine).
Each week, the priests would place twelve new loaves of shewbread on the table. At the same time, they were to remove the loaves that were there and these were to be consumed by the priests as their portion. Yet we are told of an instance when David and the men with him ate from the priests portion:
David replied, "Indeed women have been kept from us, as usual whenever I set out. The men’s things are holy even on missions that are not holy. How much more so today!" So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the Lord and replaced by hot bread on the day it was taken away. 1Samuel 21:5-6 NIV (bold & italics mine).
He (Jesus) answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for the priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." Mark 2:25 NIV (bold & italics mine).
We see clearly in the above passages that under the Law anyone other than a priest was forbidden to eat the consecrated bread. Yet we see that the consecrated bread was given to David and he shared it with his men yet God did not bring judgment upon them. The bread was a symbol of God’s desire to provide for, and have communion with, His own.
David was not perfect but he was chosen and deeply loved by God and David had clearly and publicly demonstrated his love for God. David and his men were hungry and so God provided for them. He has a deep desire to provide what you and I need as well.
"I tell you the truth, he who believes has everlasting life. Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert, yet they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which a man may eat and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." John 6:47-51 NIV (bold & italics mine).
Scripture tells us that at the Lord’s Supper.
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take it; this is my body ." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, and they all drank from it. "This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for man," he said to them. Mark 14:22-24 NIV (bold & italics mine).
We see here from Jesus own words that the bread symbolized the bread of life, Jesus. Through the shedding of His blood and His death, Jesus was establishing a new covenant between God and mankind.
"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, " declares the Lord. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. " Jeremiah 31:33 NIV (bold & italics mine).
In the New Testament the writer of the book of Hebrews put it this way:
7 But only the high priest entered the inner room, and that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.
8 The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.
9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.
10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings — external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
11 When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation.
12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.
13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean.
14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance — now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. Heb 9:7-15; NIV (italics mine).
The Holy Spirit also testifies about this. First he says:
" This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds." Hebrews 10:15-16 NIV (bold & italics mine).
It was from the pattern, set by Jesus, that the communion service of the New Testament Church was established in remembrance of Jesus until His return.
"This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19 NIV (bold mine).
According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, the words communion and communicate are both derived from the same root word, cummunis which refers to:
Having or sharing something in common; or sharing, or participating in a common interest.
We see in John 1:1 that Jesus is clearly identified as God’s Word. He was, and is, God’s message of love and hope to mankind. True communion with God is to have open communication between God and the believer. God communicates His love to mankind through His word anointed by the Holy Spirit. The believer communicates his love for God through obedience.
"If you love me, you will obey what I command." John 14:15 NIV (italics mine).
"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love." John 15:9-10 NIV (bold & italics mine).
It was mentioned that the bread also symbolizes God’s provision. The loaves placed upon this table were not an offering for sin as the sacrifices of birds and animals upon the brazen alter were. These loaves were a message of love and fellowship between God and man as mentioned above. It must be remembered that God has need of nothing but He desires our loving obedience. While God has no need of our gifts and sacrifices, many of His children and potential converts are impoverished and have great need.
For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:17-19 NIV (bold & italics mine).
Under the Law the Israelites were required to cancel any unpaid debts owed by their fellow Israelites every seven years.
"At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how it is to be done. Every creditor shall cancel the loan he has made to his fellow Israelite. He shall not require payment from his fellow Israelite or brother because the Lord’s time for canceling debts has been proclaimed." Deuteronomy 15:1-2 NIV (bold & italics mine).
They were also to be generous to the poor;
If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tight fisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely give him whatever he needs. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NIV (bold & italics mine).
It was God’s desire and intention that there be no poor among His chosen people.
" However there should be no poor among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, if only you fully obey the Lord your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you. " Deuteronomy 15:4-6 NIV (bold & italics mine).
It was their disobedience and disregard for God and His holy law that brought poverty and other disasters upon them. We have the same problem today. People still refuse to listen to God.
God doesn’t punish people for their disobedience in order to maintain His dignity and pride. Jesus humble nature is proof of that. God disciplines when we disobey because He knows what is best for us and it is necessary to prevent even worse things from befalling us. If God left us completely free to exercise our own will, we would ultimately destroy each other and ourselves.
The Table of Shewbread was a small table and there were twelve loaves placed upon it. They had to be very close to each other -- probably stacked . God wants and expects His children to be in close fellowship, concerned about each other’s problems, encouraging and helping one another.
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 NIV (italics mine).
I heard a story recently of a little boy who had been asked to donate blood to his little sister, who was quite ill. He agreed to do so. When they started to draw his blood he asked with trembling lips, "Will I die right away?"
It seems he had misunderstood and thought they were going to take all of his blood. Nevertheless, he was willing to make the sacrifice for his sister. What good parent would not be touched by their child’s willingness to make a sacrifice to help another? Is it reasonable to think that God, the perfect Father, would feel differently? When we obey in these things and are willing to sacrifice, God can pour His blessings upon us as He wants to do.
The Gold Lampstand
The Command
Ex 25:31 Make a lampstand of pure gold and hammer it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms shall be of one piece with it.
Ex 25:32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand -- three on one side and three on the other.
Ex 25:33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand.
Ex 25:34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms.
Ex 25:35 One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair-- six branches in all.
Ex 25:36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.
Ex 25:37 Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it.
Ex 25:38 Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold.
Ex 25:39 A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories.
Ex 25:40 See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. NIV (italics mine).
Ex 26:35 Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side. NIV (italics mine).
The Size, Design and Materials of the Lamp
Although we are not given specific measurement in cubits, we are given the exact amount of gold, one talent, from which the lamp, its wick trimmers and trays were made. This lamp was made of pure gold and together with the wick trimmers and trays weighed about seventy five pounds.
An interesting fact about the instructions for the lamp was that it was to be made with seven shafts, with flowers and knops on each, but it was to be beaten from gold, all in one piece, as a single unit. It had one central shaft with six branches, three on each side. Each of the six branches had three cups, shaped like almond flowers, and the central shaft had four. The purest and best olive oil the Israelites could produce was used in this lamp.
Source of the Materials
Ex 25:1 The LORD said to Moses,
Ex 25:2 Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give.
Ex 25:3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; NIV (bold & italics mine).
Ex 25:6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; NIV (bold & italics mine).
Ex 25:9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you. NIV (italics mine).
This Lampstand also was to be provided through the freewill offering. It was to be the product of a spontaneous gift of love, from the Lord’s elect to their God.
This Lampstand, to light the house of God for the priests to perform their service of ministering for the people before the Lord, had to be from the hearts of the people to be pleasing to God. The Lord loves obedience and is well pleased to find it in His own, but the individuals choice to have God in his or her life, must be made freely without coercion to be fruitful.
I
The Purpose and Message of the Lamp
The seven lamps on this Lampstand provided the only light for the interior of the Tent of Meeting and were, of course, very important in the ministries the priests performed there. Seven is symbolic of completeness and perfection. This Lamp was to be kept burning, by the priests, from evening till morning (Exodus 27:21). However, like the other articles mentioned previously, the Lamp had a message. The middle shaft had four cups shaped like almond flowers designed into it. Four is the number of the earth (world). Jesus frequently referred to Himself as the Son of Man, linking himself to humanity.
He also said,
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them" Matthew 18:20 NIV (italics mine).
The central shaft symbolized Jesus (the vine) and the six branches the true believers.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5 NIV (italics mine).
I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, and among the lampstands was someone "like a son of man,--." Revelation 1:12 -13 NIV (italics mine).
The olive oil symbolized the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The Hebrew word most frequently translated oil is shemen. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines it as follows:
shemen, sheh’-men; from shaman; grease, esp. liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); fig. richness: -- anointing
shaman, shaw-man’; a prim. root; to shine, i.e. (by anal.) be (caus. make) oily or gross: --become (make, wax) fat.
The light produced by the flames of the lamp symbolized the illumination of the mind and spirit of man by the light of God’s truth.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation -- whom shall I fear." Psalms 27:1.0 NIV (italics mine).
"Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord." Isaiah 2:5 NIV (italics mine).
"Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light." Micah 7:8 NIV (italics mine).
Jesus, however, did not take exclusive credit for the light. In His typical gracious manner He referred to His followers as light givers as well.
"You are the light of the world. -- In the same way let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14, 16 NIV (italics mine).
It is significant that the six branches each had three cups (symbolic of deity),shaped like almond flowers. The almond being the first fruit tree to show signs of life after winter has passed, the almond flowers speak of Jesus, the fulfillment of God's promise, being the first-fruit (first to be resurrected) of the believers. This candlestick was not made of separate parts attached together, but rather all of one piece of beaten gold.
hammer it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms shall be of one piece with it. Exodus 25:31 NIV (italics mine).
It was not cast from a mold -- it was beaten into the desired shape. This hammering, beating a shapeless lump of gold into a beautiful Lampstand to produce light to illuminate the Tent of Meeting symbolized the shaping and fitting of Jesus and His followers for service through trials and tribulation.
Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. Hebrews 5:8-10 NIV (italics mine).
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 1 Peter 4:12-13 NIV (italics mine).
It is a generally accepted fact among believers and non-believers alike, that the most accepted counsel is that which comes from someone who has been through trials similar to our own. If the person trying to comfort and guide us has never experienced what we are going through we often tend to discount their words with an attitude of, "They mean well but they just don't understand." Jesus suffered and He does understand our suffering. When we suffer we merely participate in His suffering and our joy will be all the greater because of it.
The lamp was a single unit, inseparable. Such is our unity with Christ Jesus and each other to be. This is the desire of God: oneness with Him and each other. This is the reason for the sanctity God has placed upon marriage and why God hates divorce. Marriage is the symbol given on earth for the spiritual relationship He desires with us and the wedding that is to come -- the uniting of Christ with the Redeemed (Revelation 19:7).
Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast". Matthew 9:15 NIV (italics mine).
They came to John (the Baptist) and said to him, "Rabbi, that man (Jesus)who was with you on the other side of the Jordan - the one you testified about -- well he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."
To this John replied, "A man can only receive what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. John 3:26-29 NIV (italics mine).
Shortly before His arrest, Jesus prayed, "I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name -- the name you gave me -- so that they may be one as we are one." John 17:11 NIV (italics mine).
Gold Altar of Incense
The Command:
Ex 30:1 Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense.
Ex 30:2 It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high-- its horns of one piece with it.
Ex 30:3 Overlay the top and all the sides and the horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it.
Ex 30:4 Make two gold rings for the altar below the molding-- two on opposite sides—to hold the poles used to carry it.
Ex 30:5 Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold.
Ex 30:6 Put the altar in front of the curtain that is before the ark of the Testimony-- before the atonement cover that is over the Testimony--where I will meet with you.
Ex 30:7 Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps.
Ex 30:8 He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so
incense will burn regularly before the LORD for the generations to come
Ex 30:9 Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour a drink offering on it.
Ex 30:10 Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns. This annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come. It is most holy to the LORD. NIV (italics mine).
Note: This was the last command for the furnishings of the Tabernacle. The commands for the other furnishings of the Tent of Meeting are given in Exodus 25 leaving a separation of four chapters between those commands and the command for this altar (see the commands for the Table of Shewbread, Lampstand and Ark of the Covenant). The significance of this is discussed later in the Purpose and Message of the Altar of Incense.
The Size of the Altar of Incense
It is to be square, one cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high-- its horns of one piece with it. Ex 30:2 NIV (bole & italics mine).
The Altar of Incense was one cubit (18 inches) wide, by one cubit (18 inches) long, by two cubits (36 inches) tall. This article was the tallest article of furniture in the tent for which we are given dimensions. The Table of Shewbread, only one and one half cubits (27 inches) tall, was much shorter.
The Design and Materials of the Altar
This table is described in scripture as four square, because the top was perfectly square. It was also of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, symbolic of Jesus humanity, deity and glory. It had a crown of gold around the top with horns of gold at the corners. It also had rings of gold with staves of acacia wood covered with gold to carry it.
Source of the Materials
The materials used for the construction of this alter were part of the offering given freely to God as each man's heart prompted him. Unlike the silver for the foundation which was a requirement, "a ransom", this was obtained through an act of sacrificial offering.
25:1 The LORD said to Moses, 2 "Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from each man whose heart prompts him to give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece. Ex 25:1-7; NIV (italics mine).
Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you. Exodus 25:9 NIV (italics mine).
Positioning of the Altar of Incense
The Command:
Ex 40:5 Place the gold altar of incense in front of the ark of the Testimony and put the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle. NIV (italics mine).
The altar of incense was placed in the Holy Place an equal distance from the north and south walls just in front of the veil. This made it the last article the priest would pass on his way into the Most Holy Place.
Purpose and Message of the Gold Altar
To the ancient Jewish priests this Golden Altar was simply a place to burn incense to the Lord. However, this altar and the incense burned upon it also carried a symbolic message. This was a place representing the worship, prayer and praise of God's elect. The priests were to keep incense burning upon this table regularly. We should take our cue from this symbol and keep prayers ascending to the Lord on a regular and continual basis. Notice the passage below from Revelation:
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty -four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints Revelation 5:8 NIV (bold & italics mine).
The High Priest was required to take incense from this table with him along with the blood of the sacrifice as he made his annual entry into the Most Holy Place to make intercession for the sins of the people. Failure to do so would mean his certain death. He dare not go through the veil without the incense lest he die.
He is to put the incense on the fire before the Lord, and the smoke of the incense will conceal the atonement cover above the tablets of the covenant law, so that he will not die. Lev 16:13 NIV (italics mine)
The High Priest was also required to make atonement on the horns of the altar each year using the blood of the sin offering.
"--.Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns. This annual atonement must be made with the blood of the atoning sin offering for the generations to come. It is most holy to the Lord." Exodus 30:10 NIV (italics mine).
It is the atoning blood of Jesus that makes it possible for our prayers to reach the ears and heart of God. Without the atoning blood of the sin sacrifice upon the horns not even the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place to carry the incense behind the veil into the presence of God. Clearly God placed great emphasis on this altar. It is important to notice that no sacrifice was to be made upon this altar. In fact, nothing was to be placed or burned upon this altar except the very special incense prepared for it and the blood of the atonement.
When the temple at Jerusalem was destroyed by the Roman soldiers in 70 AD, all blood sacrifices ceased. This was due to the fact that the Jews could not offer sacrifices anywhere except at the brazen altar of God. The Lord knew long ago that the day would come when He would provide Jesus as the perfect sacrifice thus completely satisfying the requirements of the Law and eliminating the need for additional blood sacrifice.
Although Christians have recognized for centuries that blood sacrifices are no longer required, since Jesus was the promised Lamb of God, many devout Jews have not yet recognized this fact and are anxious to rebuild the temple and re-institute sacrifices. However, while the legal requirement for the blood sacrifice was satisfied, the need for the ministry of prayer continues.
The fact of God’s unusual order in the placement of the instructions for this table puts special emphasis on it (see notes on the Command above). It seems clear that God was pointing out the need for the priest to comprehend:
-
the deity and holiness of God (the Ark of the Covenant),
-
the light of the message of God (the Lamp),
-
Gods provision and desire for fellowship (the Table of Shewbread),
-
Gods saving and protecting power (the Tent of Meeting) and
-
God’s sacrifice (the Altar of Burnt Offering),
-
sanctification through God's Word by the Holy Spirit.
Before the priest is ready to serve in intercessory prayer and praise at the Altar of Incense he must have:
-
recognized the sacrifice Jesus made upon the cross
-
experienced redemption and fellowship with God
-
be walking in the Light of God, and know that, "The LORD our God, the LORD is one." (Deut 6:4).
God wants us to be ready to minister just as He wanted the priests of old to be ready to minister to the Hebrews tribes. Preparation was essential for them and it is essential for us. We can only share with others what we have. If we don't have it, we can't share it!
The priest who has taken the steps outlined above will by this time; know that, "The Lord our God, the Lord is one." (Deut. 6:4 italics mine). Of course, the priests of old probably had little, if any, insight into these symbols brought to light more recently by the Holy Spirit as God opens men’s minds in these latter days. It is important, however, for us to understand, since they give much light on how God’s house should be revered and kept in order.
Above in the note under "The Command:" heading for this altar I mentioned that the Lord had given the instructions for three of the four articles to be placed in the Tent of Meeting but left a four chapter separation between those three and this fourth article, the Altar of Incense, that was also to go into the Holy Place. Why?
Since God is a God of design, not a God of accidents, it is very significant that in Exodus 25:10-37 He chose to give the details for only the one item of furniture for the Most Holy Place (the Ark of the Covenant), and only two, of the three items, of furniture for the Holy Place - the Table of Shewbread and the Lamp. Why not place the instructions for the Altar of Incense there?
Then Exodus 26:1-36 describes the plan for the Tent of Meeting. In Exodus 27:1-20 we see the description for the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Courtyard and oil for the Lamp. All of Exodus 28 speaks about the garments for the priests and Exodus 29 instructions for their ordination and consecration.
It is not until we reach Exodus 30:1 that the third article of the Holy Place, the Altar of Incense, is finally described. Of the six main articles of ministry for the Tabernacle, only the Laver is mentioned after this altar.
I believe a key to a reason beyond those outlined above exists in the number of chapters (four) separating this instruction from those of the other article for the Tent. Some would be quick to point out the the original scrolls did not have the chapter structure. I certainly agree, but I would also point out that this message was not for their time and the Lord, who knows the end from the beginning, undoubtedly knew how our present day Bibles would be structured.
Four, as we have seen is the number symbolizing the world and the number of Gospels that would bring the light of Truth to that world and overcome the working of evil through the intercessory prayers of God's elect, the church.
Consider what these subtle symbols are and what they might represent (Exodus 25:10-37), the Ark with its Mercy Seat was where God met with man, the Table of Shewbread was the place of the Lord's communion with man and the Lamp was the light the Lord provided to enable the priests to do their service. Between the instruction for the Lamp, the last article mentioned in Ex.25 and the instruction for the Altar of Incense we saw there were four chapters. These chapters were;
-
the instructions for the construction of the Tent of Meeting - symbolic of the church and its proper functions in the world;
-
the Courtyard and oil for the Lamp - symbolic of the path leading from our separation from God outside the camp into grace through Christ (the Gate) into redemption by faith through repentance, which is the work of the cross (the Altar of Burnt Offering), drawing us nearer to the Lord through sanctification by the word of God (washing at the Laver);
-
finally in Ex. 28 we see the instructions for the priests garments - symbolic of their purity, holiness and separation from sin, and
-
Ex. 29 refers to the ordination and consecration of the priests - which relates to the infilling with the Spirit of God and ordination and preparation for ministry by the Spirit of all of the elect of the Lord for the tasks He sets before us.
We who have been called in out of darkness, entered through the gate, repented and accepted God's blood sacrifice made on the altar (cross), washed (sanctified) in the word (water of Laver) and now walk in the light of the Holy Spirit (burning oil of the Lamp) and fellowship with the Lord (Table and bread), are responsible to carry that light to the world and offer up Incense (intercessory prayers) to battle the influence of evil in the world.
It is time for the redeemed of God to realize that we are also the priests of God.
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light 1 Peter 2:9 NIV (bold & italics mine).
We must learn to treat God’s holy things, as holy, rather than common and teach others to do the same. One of the chief duties of the priests was to teach the people not to treat God’s holy things as though they were common.
Then the Lord said to Aaron, " You and your sons are not to drink wine or other fermented drink whenever you go into the Tent of Meeting, or you will die. This is a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the clean and the unclean, and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses." Leviticus 10:10-11 NIV (bold & italics mine).
For additional comments regarding the separation of the holy from the common (see: Appendix 4 -- Separation of the Holy From the Common).
The Incense
The Command:
Ex 30:34 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Take fragrant spices-- gum resin, onycha and galbanum-- and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts,
Ex 30:35 and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred.
Ex 30:36 Grind some of it to powder and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.
Ex 30:37 Do not make any incense with this formula for yourselves; consider it holy to the LORD.
Ex 30:38 Whoever makes any like it to enjoy its fragrance must be cut off from his people." NIV (italics mine).
The Mixture
Then the LORD said to Moses, "Take fragrant spices-- gum resin , onycha and galbanum-- and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred. " Exodus 30:34-35 NIV (italics mine).
This was to be a unique mixture unlike any other,
"Do not offer on this altar any other incense or any burnt offering or grain offering, and do not pour any drink offering on it" Exodus 30:9 NIV (italics mine).
If anyone were to misuse it or mix any like it they would have been cut off from Israel and doomed to death. This incense was to be used in the ministry of the priests before the Lord and most holy. The Lord would not permit anyone to treat this incense or anything connected with it as something common by disobeying His commands concerning it (see: Leviticus 10:1-3).
When we go before the Lord in prayer we need to remember that our prayers are not to be something ordinary or common. They are to be unique. I am not saying that the words are to be unique or eloquent. It is our attitude that is to be something special. We are not to pray as the heathen would. We are to pray in reverence and love. Our prayer should in fact be a heart to heart talk with our very best friend.
God loves us far more than we can even imagine. The thing He wants most is for us to return His love. He is willing, even anxious, to communicate with us - but we must be willing.
Keep in mind, however, that a heart to heart talk with a friend involves more than just talking. Very often with very close friends it involves unspoken communication and it always involves listening. A heart to heart talk with a good friend involves really being there with our whole being. God knows things we have never even imagined and He wants to share wisdom with us if we will,
"Be still and know that (He is) God". Psalms 46:10 NIV (insert & italics mine).
The Purpose and Message of the Incense
We have already noted that the Altar of Incense was symbolically the place of prayer and praise. This incense was the symbol of the prayer and praise.
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty -four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Revelation 5:8 NIV (italics mine).
This represented symbolically the intercessory prayers of Jesus for His followers and the prayers of the saints of the Lord. This explains why the Lord commanded that it was not to be duplicated or used in a common manner. Scripture indicates that these prayers are always before God and the instructions for the burning of this special mixture support this:
"Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for generations to come." Exodus 30:7-8 NIV (italics mine).
Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Rev 5:6-9; NIV (bold and italics mine).
This unique incense was made of gum resin (stacte in KJV), onycha (from an aromatic crab) and galbanum another gum resin with an unpleasant odor. The Hebrew words were: gum resin - nataph; onycha - shecheleth; galbanum - chelbenah. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance defines these Hebrew words as follows:
nataph, naw-taawf’; from nataph naw-taf’; a drop; spec., and aromatic gum (prob. stacte): -- drop, stacte.
nataph, naw-taf’; a prime root; to ooze, i.e. distil gradually; by impl. to fall in drops; fig. to speak by inspiration: --drop(-ping), prophesy (-et).
shecheleth, shekh-ay’-leth; appar. from the same as shachal through some obscure idea, perh. that of peeling off by concussion of sound; a scale or shell, i.e. the aromatic mussel:--onycha.
shachal, shakh’-al; from an unused root prob. mean. to roar; a lion (from his characteristic roar): --(fierce) lion.
chelbenah, khel-ben-aw’; from cheleb; galbanum, and odorous gum (as if fatty): -- galbanum.
cheleb, kheh’leb or khay’leb; from an unused root mean. to be fat; fat whether lit. or fig.; hence the richest or choice part: -- best, fat(-ness), finest, grease, marrow.The New Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1990. (Underline mine).
Note: The definition of nataph makes reference to distilling. Webster’s New World Dictionary, Second College Edition defines distill as follows:
distill, dis-til (dis-til’) vi. -tilled’, -tilling to trickle down, to drop 1. to fall in drops; trickle; drip 2. to undergo distillation 3. to be produced as the essence of something --vt. 2. to subject to, or purify or refine by distillation 3. to remove, extract or produce by distillation [to distill whiskey] 4. to purify, refine or concentrate as if by distillation [to distill ones style] 5. to draw out or obtain the part that is essential or pure, etc. (Underline mine).
Our prayers should be inspired, distilled (purified, produced from the essence of our love and faith); containing the fattest, choicest, richest of our praise; roaring before God, not necessarily in volume, but in powerful effect. A pleasing aroma before the Lord and a stench in the nostrils of Satan.
This powerful effect of sincere prayer, prayed in faith and pleasing to God, is symbolized by the gold horns of the altar. The prayers of a child of God should contain such power as to peel away our enemy’s offensive and defensive capabilities as we glorify God and stir up the awesome power of His love. Jesus tells us, "-- I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not overcome it." Matt. 16:18 NIV (italics mine).
Gates are defensive not offensive. We should be on the offensive and the gates of Hell on the defensive. Far too many Christians today seem to be living in a defensive mode. The Lord was telling us that we should be the aggressors attacking Satan's stronghold and that the gates of Hell will not stand against our prayers any more effectively than the gates of Gaza stood against the strength of Samson when the Spirit of God came upon him (Judges 16:3).
People often struggle with the issue of prayer. Some approach God with timidity as if in fear that He is waiting to find fault with them. Others act as if their prayers are a bribe. Still others make prayer a ritual as if they are performing a painful duty. Most of us neglect it shamefully.
We must not forget that Jesus said that God is our Heavenly Father. We should view Him a good father, indeed the best of fathers. He loves us and wants only the best for us. He wants our time and attention just as any good father would so that He can give us His best.
Parents, even the best of parents, often tune out their children when they are asking for things they don’t really need or shouldn’t have -- especially when their attitude shows they don’t really want it very much. However, if that child is in pain, serious distress, or frightened the good parent will drop everything and immediately respond. They also respond to sincere affection. God is the best of all parents. If we approach Him with the love and faith of a child, He will always respond when we really need Him.
Category: Tabernacle
Copyright © 2011 ---.All Rights Reserved.