Why Did God Command the Tabernacle?
After Adam and Eve were driven from the Garden, mankind no longer enjoyed the close fellowship with God that had existed in Eden. Sin had separated people from their Creator.
Yet God had not abandoned His purpose.
After bringing Israel out of Egypt, He gave Moses an unusual command:
"Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, and I will dwell among them." (Exodus 25:8)
That statement explains the purpose of the tabernacle.
God wanted to dwell among His people.
The tabernacle was not built because God needed a house. Solomon would later remind Israel,
"The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You." (1 Kings 8:27)
The tabernacle was built for Israel's benefit. It constantly reminded them that the holy God had chosen to live among His covenant people.
Every part of the tabernacle taught an important lesson.
The altar reminded Israel that sin required sacrifice.
The laver reminded them of the need for cleansing.
The Holy Place spoke of fellowship, light, and prayer.
Beyond the veil stood the Most Holy Place, where God's presence was symbolically revealed above the ark of the covenant.
Yet there was also a clear message.
Not everyone could enter.
The veil reminded Israel that sin still separated mankind from God's presence. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once each year with sacrificial blood (Leviticus 16).
The tabernacle therefore taught two truths at the same time.
God desired to dwell with His people.
But sin still stood in the way.
The writer of Hebrews explains that the tabernacle was never intended to be God's final answer.
It was
"a copy and shadow of the heavenly things." (Hebrews 8:5)
Its sacrifices pointed forward to Christ.
Its priesthood pointed forward to Christ.
Its Holy Place pointed forward to a greater access to God.
Everything about the tabernacle prepared God's people for something better.
When Christ came, the shadows gave way to reality.
Through His death, the veil was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that access to God was now open through the perfect sacrifice of Jesus.
The tabernacle had accomplished its purpose.
It had pointed God's people to Christ.
Continue Your Study
Why Was Solomon's Temple Built?
Why did Israel move from a portable tabernacle to a permanent temple?
What did that magnificent building represent?
And why did God later allow it to be destroyed?
Related Bible Studies
Was Eden the First Temple?
Why Did God Give Israel the Law?
How Did Jesus Fulfill God's Plan?
Why Is the Church the Temple of the Holy Spirit?
Companion Video
Why Did God Command the Tabernacle?
Read First. Conclude Later.