What is a "tabernacle"? It is a temporary dwelling place. God told Moses and the children of Israel to build the Tabernacle that He might dwell among His people. God said, "Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." (Exodus 25:8)

The Tabernacle was always in the midst of the camp. The 12 tribes were arranged around it, three tribes on each side. The Tabernacle always faced east, toward the sunrise.

The Tabernacle was designed to picture or illustrate how sinful man could approach a holy God and be accepted by Him. There were six main vessels of furniture.

The Brazen Altar.

This is where the animals were sacrificed. This points to Christ's death on the cross.

The Laver.

This is where the priests washed before entering the Tabernacle. This speaks of daily cleansing from sins, which we need if we are to have fellowship with a holy God.

The Table of Showbread.

This reminds us of Christ who is "the Bread of life." We must feed on Him daily.

The Golden Candlestick.

This speaks of Christ as "the Light of the world."

The Golden Altar.

This points to Christ as the One by whom we have access to God in prayer.

The Ark.

This speaks of Christ's Person and His work. The lid of "Mercy Seat" of the ark was where the blood of the sin offering was sprinkled. God said, "There will I meet with you, and I will commune with you from above the mercy seat…" (Exodus 25:22)

Now look at the diagram. We see that the position of the furniture in the courtyard and in the Tabernacle formed a cross. Was this just chance? No! God told Moses exactly where every piece of furniture should be.

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