We may ask, why study the Old Testament and things like the tabernacle? We could argue that we belong to the New Covenant, let's just study the new testament. An honest answer would be that as early as the fall of man, the founder of the New Covenant, Jesus, is pictured and prophesied about in the Old Testament. To get to know Jesus we should become thoroughly familiar with the portraits found in the Old Testament. Dr. Luke in Chapter 24 and verse 27, tells us that Jesus, after his resurrection, on the road to Emmaus, taught two disciples: "Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself." [NASB] If Jesus thought that knowing about Him was important for those early disciples, wouldn't it hold that we should know also. While we don't know specifically what Scriptures' Jesus talked to them about, the Old Testament is replete with pictures, portraits and symbols of Him.
Compilers note: These are some of the objects that have symbolic meaning throughout Scripture, many are introduced in the construct of the tabernacle; below is a partial list.
Compilers note: Righteousness is innocense maintained in the heat of temptation
1 Cor. 15:49 And just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. [NASB]
Compilers note: The silversmith must sit and watch the process of refining very carefully. If too much heat is applied, the silver will be damaged. The silver is refined to perfection when the smelter can see his image in the now purified metal. You and I are being cleansed by the Holy Spirit and will continue the process of purification until the Image of Jesus can be seen in us.
The Tabernacle was a model of the Tabernacle in heaven: Heb 8:5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain." [NASB]
Heb 9:23-24 It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. [24] For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. [NASB]
Compilers note: Things done and used in the earthly Tabernacle were cleansed by the blood of animals. This principle was first practiced at the "fall of man" in the garden of Eden, when God made them a covering of animal skins and is profoundly stated in Romans 6:23a. For the wages of sin is death, and Hebrews 9:22 . . . according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. [NASB]
Since the Tabernacle of the Covenant of Law is a copy of the Heavenly Sanctuary, let us examine it closely to see what truths can be revealed. It is of some significance to realize that Scripture begins its instruction for the construction of the Tabernacle from the inside out. God works on us that way. He begins with the Heart of man, giving us a new spirit, one that is alive. The Spirit of God, within us begins to renew our minds, and together they begin to control our corrupt flesh. [For more on this see the Bible Study on "Toward a Renewed Mind."] The Enemy of our soul begins in just the opposite fashion. He begins on the outside and worms his way in. [See the Bible Study on Genesis Chapter Three]
Exodus 25:10-13 "Have them make a chest of acacia wood--two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. [11] Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. [12] Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. [13] Then make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold." [NASB]
Compilers note: The ark [a picture of Christ] was to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites. Just as the Covenant of Law was external, the New covenant is internal. Christians are to carry the Christ on the inside.
Compilers note: Blood, from an animal sacrifice, for the sin of the Nation, was carried into the Holy of Holies once a year by the high priest and sprinkled upon the mercy seat; truly looking forward to the blood that Jesus would present in the heavenly sanctuary, as a covering for the sins of all who would accept Him. [for more on this see the Bible Study called Final Exams]
Isaiah 53:5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. [NASB]
The mercy seat: speaks of the work of Christ: 1 Peter 1:18-19 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, [19] but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. [NASB]
Exodus 25:17-22 "Make an atonement cover of pure gold--two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. [A cubit is about 18"] [18] And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. [19] Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. [20] The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.[NASB] [For more on Angels see "the real extraterrestrials" bible study].
Matthew 26:67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, [NASB]
Matthew 27:30 And they spat on Him, and took the reed and began to beat Him on the head. [NASB]
Mark 15:15 And wishing to satisfy the multitude, Pilate released Barabbas for them, and after having Jesus scourged, he delivered Him to be crucified. [NASB]
Exodus 25:20 "And the cherubim shall have their wings spread upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings and facing one another; the faces of the cherubim are to be turned toward the mercy seat. [NASB]
In Genesis chapter three we see that the Lord has put the first couple-now fallen, out of the garden and placed two Cherub's guarding the way to the tree of life, least man should eat of it and live forever, knowing "evil." The angels were keeping the way open that mankind, that after redemption through the work of Jesus, we could again partake of the goodness of God and live eternally under His wing of protection.
Gen. 3:24 After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. [NASB]
Compilers note: Why are they looking down at the mercy seat? 1 Peter 1:12 tells us "It was revealed to them [the prophets] that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven-- things into which angels long to look." [NASB] Even the angels of heaven struggle to grasp the great love of the father that He would go to such extremes to save mankind.
Exodus 25:21-22 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. [22] There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites. [NASB]
Col. 1:21-22 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. [22] But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you Holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-- [NASB]
Exodus 25:21-22 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the Testimony, which I will give you.
What is the testimony of God? To understand the testimony of the Ark we need to examine its contents. There were three objects in the ark. All three are again, but portraits of Jesus, and they clearly present Christ as prophet, priest and king. In John 1:14, we read: "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. [NASB]
The objects found in the ark of the covenant are detailed in Hebrews 9:4 . . . the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant.
Compilers note: So what is the testimony of God? John profoundly states it for
us in John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal
life."
The second object of our investigation is the Golden pot of manna: Manna was the food that God sent from heaven each day to feed His nomadic people during the forty-year exodus. Exodus 16:31 And the house of Israel named it manna, and it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey. Exodus 16:35 And the sons of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate the manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan. Exodus 16:33 So Moses said to Aaron, "Take a jar and put an omer of manna in it. Then place it before the LORD to be kept for the generations to come." [NASB]
Hebrews 9:4 having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant. [NASB]
John 6:32-33 Jesus therefore said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. [33] "For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world."
John 6:35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst." [NASB]
The tablets of the Law of course are those that God prepared on Mount Sinai. They bore the ten Commandments. While we have been released from the penalty of the Law, the principle of the Law still stands. Our God is a Holy God and wants a Holy People. The focus of the Law is on God and His sovereignty, and He is legitimate authority. Because His authority with which He entrusted mankind, was usurped by the enemy, Lucifer. The mercy seat became God's earthly throne, until God could make a way for mankind to regain authority upon the earth, be both restored and renewed and once again be indwelt by his creator. The high priest, before he could sprinkle the blood on the mercy seat, would have to enter the Holy of Holies, carrying a censor, putting off a cloud of incense, in order that he would not come directly in contact with the Glory of God,
Compilers note: Remember the passage about Moses on the mountain, when he asked to speak face to face with Jehovah? Exodus 33:20-22 But He said, "You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!" [21] Then the Lord said, "Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; [22] and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. [NASB]
Psalms 99:1 The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. [NASB]
Before we leave this section of our study, perhaps it would be helpful to review this portion of scripture found in Hebrews 9:1-12
Now even the first covenant had
regulations of divine worship and the earthly sanctuary. [2] For there was a
tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table
and the sacred bread; this is called the Holy place. [3] And behind the second
veil, there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, [4] having a
golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with
gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which
budded, and the tables of the covenant. [5] And above it were the cherubim of
glory overshadowing the mercy seat; but of these things we cannot now speak in
detail. [6] Now when these things have been thus prepared, the priests are
continually entering the outer tabernacle, performing the divine worship, [7]
but into the second [The Holy of
Holies] only the high priest enters, once a year, not without taking blood,
which he offers for himself and for the sins of the people committed in
ignorance. [8] The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the Holy
place has not yet been disclosed, while the outer tabernacle is still standing,
[9] which is a symbol for the present time. Accordingly both gifts and
sacrifices are offered which cannot make the worshiper perfect in conscience,
[10] since they relate only to food and drink and various washings, regulations
for the body imposed until a time of reformation. [11] But when Christ appeared
as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and
more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this
creation; [12] and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His
own blood, He entered the Holy place once for all, having obtained eternal
redemption. [NASB]
We will see that this asserts Jesus as the Bread of Life.
. Exodus 25:23-26 "Make a table of acacia wood--two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. [24] Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. [25] Also make around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. [26] Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where the four legs are." [NASB]
Compilers note: there may be significance between the similarities of the Holy place and the ark, including its dimensions, but you must draw your own conclusions.
It is interesting that there were 12 tribes
of Israel, 12 apostles, 12 months of the year and 12 fruits on the trees in the
New Jerusalem. The bread was changed each Saturday, the old, eaten by priest
with wine. John 6:32 Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, it is
not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who
gives you the true bread from heaven. John 6:35 Then Jesus declared,
"I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he
who believes in me will never be thirsty. [NASB]
Exodus 25:31-33 "Make a lampstand of pure gold and hammer it out, base and shaft; its flower-like cups, buds and blossoms shall be of one piece with it. [32] Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand--three on one side and three on the other. [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. [NASB]
The lampstand again pictures Jesus; some of the facsimiles we have already covered in our discussion of the other pieces of furniture.
Why just six branches? Why not eleven or nine? Rev. 13:18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; and his [the beast] number is six hundred and sixty-six. [NASB]
The number of ______ is six, and that of the beast is ________ hundred and ______ ______.
Compilers note: The number six in relation to man is a fascinating study but quite beyond our scope here. Suffice it to say that we are God's workmanship and for six days God worked to make the heavens and the earth. The six branches articulate the humanity of Christ, the God-Man.
There were six branches, three on each side, with the seventh light at the very top on the main stem. Two thoughts come to mind here.
John 8:12 . . . Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life." [NASB]
1 Cor. 11:3 Now I want you to realize that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. [NASB]
One more passage comes to mind which would be equally applicable: John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing." [NASB]
Another interesting thing about the lampstand is that no measurements are given for it, while all of the rest of the furniture is rather exact in size and scope. Could it speak of our Lord-immeasurable? Rev. 22:13 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." [NASB]
John 1:9 The true light that gives light
to every man was coming into the world [NASB]
Exodus 30:1-6 Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense. [2] It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high--its horns of one piece with it. [3] Overlay the top and all the sides and the horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it. [4] Make two gold rings for the altar below the molding--two on opposite sides--to hold the poles used to carry it. [5] Make the poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. [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.
The construction of the altar of Incense, was similar to the table of showbread, and the Ark. It was also to be carried on the shoulders of the priest. This may be a good place to take a little side journey to the time of King David, when he was trying to move the Ark up to the tent that He had prepared for it, after it had been misused and forgotten. David had neglected to review the regulations concerning the movement of the Ark and had it placed on an ox cart. Notice what happens to poor Uzzah.2 Samuel 6:6-7 But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. [7] And the anger of the Lord burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God.
Exodus 30:6 "And you shall put this altar in front of the veil that is near the ark of the testimony, in front of the mercy seat that is over the ark of the testimony, where I will meet with you."
In Exodus 30: 7-9 The Lord gives some instruction concerning the use of this altar. It is symbolic of the heavenly one and presents a vivid picture. "Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. [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. [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. [NASB] Remember that this altar is a copy of the original altar in the heavenly tabernacle. This altar speaks of the prayers of the Saints, and a sacrifice would be inappropriate here; there is nothing that we humans can add to this solemn event. Let's gaze at the original tabernacle in heaven for a moment.
Rev 8:3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. [NASB]
Compilers note: That our prayers and partitions are pleasing to our Lord can be seen in the story of the Exodus. The only times that the Lord really got angry with the children of Israel, were when they questioned His willingness, to be their protector and provider. In other words they questioned His ability to "Father."
Exodus 26:31-33 "And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen; it shall be made with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman. [32] "And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, their hooks also being of gold, on four sockets of silver. [33] "And you shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring in the ark of the testimony there within the veil; and the veil shall serve for you as a partition between the Holy place and the Holy of holies. [NASB]
Exodus 26:31 "And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen; it shall be made with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman."
Compilers note: It is of significance that the curtain was to be hung on pillars of acacia wood, overlaid with gold from sockets of silver, the metal of redemption. More on this when we look at the outer courtyard.
Exodus 26:33 "And you shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring in the ark of the testimony there within the veil; and the veil shall serve for you as a partition between the Holy place and the Holy of holies."
Exodus 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.
John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me."
Notice what happened at the death of Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 27:51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split,
Look again at Exodus 30:6 and compare it to Hebrews 9:2-4. [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.
Because Christ opened the way through the veil, by way of the Cross, notice where the writer to Hebrews 9:2-4 places the altar of incense. For there was a tabernacle prepared, the outer one, in which were the lampstand and the table and the sacred bread; this is called the Holy place. [3] And behind the second veil, there was a tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies, [4] having a golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron's rod which budded, and the tables of the covenant. [NASB]
Now look at the Heavenly Tabernacle found in Rev. 8:3 And another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.
The walls and roof of the tabernacle consisted of four curtains or coverings. We will examine them one at a time.
Exodus 26:1-2 "Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen and blue and purple and scarlet material; you shall make them with cherubim, the work of a skillful workman. [2] "The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains shall have the same measurements." [NASB]
Exodus 26:4 "And you shall make loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set, and likewise you shall make them on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second set."
Exodus 26:6 "And you shall make fifty clasps of gold, and join the curtains to one another with the clasps, that the tabernacle may be a unit." [NASB]
Exodus 26:7 "Then you shall make curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; you shall make eleven curtains in all." [NASB]
Leviticus 16:7-10 "And he shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the doorway of the tent of meeting. [8] "And Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats, one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. [9] "Then Aaron shall offer the goat on which the lot for the Lord fell, and make it a sin offering. [10] "But the goat on which the lot for the scapegoat fell, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, to send it into the wilderness as the scapegoat. [NASB]
This passage is from the instructions for the day of atonement, a very special day in the life of the Israelite. The message is deep and we shall barely touch upon it. The two goats were one offering.
The second goat, with some of the blood from the first, that was shed for the sins of the nation, dipped on it, was released into the wilderness, never to be heard from again, which brings to mind several passages concerning the work of our Lord. Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Compilers note: If ten is the number of completion, why are there eleven curtains made of goats hair? Perhaps it is because the sacrifice of Christ completely paid for our sin debt, but there is one more: the Holy Spirit, indwelling the believer makes it possible for us to continue to live a pure and Holy life
Just as the inner covering pictured the deity of Christ, and the second covering pictured the work of Christ, we come now to the third covering which is made from rams' skin dyed red. Exodus 26:14a Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red. [NASB]
Hebrews 9:11-12 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation; [12] and not through the blood of goats and calves, but through His own blood, He entered the Holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. [NASB]
human _________, He did so not with the blood of animal sacrifices "but through His own ___________."
One of the primary laws of God, that even God has subjected Himself too, is that "without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness." God offered Himself, in Christ, that you and I may know forgiveness.
1 Peter 1:18-19 knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, [19] but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. [NASB]
The fourth covering is an interesting one. It was functional, in as much as it was waterproof, yet it also is a picture of Jesus. The inner liner spoke of the majesty and deity of Christ. The second, spoke of His humanity and that it would take a perfect man to die for the sins of the unrighteous. The third told of the blood that He shed for your sins and mine, and the fourth represents the view of rebellious man as he looks upon Christ.
Exodus 26:14b and over that a covering of hides of sea cows. [NASB]
1 Cor. 2:14 But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised [NASB]
Exodus 26:15-16 "Then you shall make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing upright. [16] "Ten cubits shall be the length of each board, and one and a half cubits the width of each board. [NASB]
Exodus 26:18-21 "And you shall make the boards for the tabernacle: twenty boards for the south side." [19] "And you shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards, two sockets under one board for its two tenons and two sockets under another board for its two tenons; [20] and for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty boards, [21] and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board and two sockets under another board." [NASB]
Exodus 13:13 "But every first offspring of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, but if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and every first-born of man among your sons you shall redeem." [NASB]
Compilers note: I muse how much the true church is symbolized by the lowly donkey, gentle but steadfast, certainly not weak and wimpish. 1. The donkey is to be redeemed by the Lamb. 2. The believers are to willingly carry their Lord in their hearts, for all the world to see His kingship. Think of the donkey that carried our Lord into Jerusalem on the so called “triumphant entry.” 3. Undisciplined the donkey is known for its stubbornness. Un-discipled, we are as Israel, a rebellious and stiff-necked people.
Numbers 18:15-16 "Every first issue of the womb of all flesh, whether man or animal, which they offer to the Lord, shall be yours [the priest]; nevertheless the first-born of man you shall surely redeem, and the first-born of unclean animals you shall redeem. [16] "And as to their redemption price, from a month old you shall redeem them, by your valuation, five shekels in silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs. [NASB]
Exodus 21:32 "If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall give his or her master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned." [NASB]
The ox is a companion animal to man, a symbiotic relationship exists between them, the ox labors for man and the man provides for the ox. If the ox turns on his master, as Judas did to our Lord, the price extracted was to be thirty pieces of silver. Matthew 26:15-16 and [Judas] said, "What are you willing to give me to deliver Him up to you?" And they weighed out to him thirty pieces of silver. (16) And from then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Him. [NASB]
Exodus 26:36-37 "And you shall make a screen for the doorway of the tent of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of a weaver. [37] "And you shall make five pillars of acacia for the screen, and overlay them with gold, their hooks also being of gold; and you shall cast five sockets of bronze for them. [NASB]
Compilers Notes: Bronze is the
metal that represents Judgement.
Our sin’s have been judged and the price has been paid by the judge
Himself-Jesus.
The Articles of Furniture in the Outer Court.
Israel traveled when the pillar of cloud
[glory of God] started moving. The ark on the shoulders of the priest led the
procession. When the cloud rested, Israel set up camp. The ark was put down of
the desert sand and the tabernacle was set up around it. The sides of the
gold-covered boards were put in place around it, and the bars were slipped
through the rings of the board and that bound the tabernacle together. Then
over the boards were placed the four coverings, the linen, the woven goat hair,
ram skins dyed red, and the sealskins. The outer court was enclosed by a linen
fence. This is where the sin question would be settled. The sinner would come
to the gate and stand there as a penitent (one who owes a debt). The priest
would lead him into the outer court. The sinner would put his right hand upon
the head of the animal he had brought -- whether it were lamb, goat or ox. Then
the animal was slain and the priest would offer it on the altar. Once this
altar was constructed, no other altar could be made, for this altar spoke of
the work of Christ and He is the only way, any other altar would be alluding to
another way and this is idolatry. Only on this brazen altar could the victim be
offered and sin judged.
The first article that we will examine to seek a portrait of Jesus is the altar of sacrifices.
Exodus 27:1-2 "And you shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits wide; the altar shall be square, and its height shall be three cubits. [2] "And you shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it, and you shall overlay it with bronze. [NASB]
The four horns represent the Word of God throughout Scripture; the implication is always the Word but the application is sometimes different.
The Horn was a symbol of a persons' faith, to speak and then to act upon the word of the Lord is faith, as in 1 Samuel 2:1. Then Hannah prayed and said, "My heart exults in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord, My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Thy salvation." [NASB]
As we shall see later, oil is a picture of the Holy Spirit. 1 Samuel 16:1 Now the Lord said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have selected a king for Myself among his sons." 1 Samuel 16:13a Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward. [NASB]
2 Samuel 22:3 [also Psalm 18:2] My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge; My savior, Thou dost save me from violence. John 5:24 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes [faith] Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life." [NASB]
Ezekiel 29:21 "On that day I shall make a horn sprout for the house of Israel, and I shall open your mouth in their midst. Then they will know that I am the Lord."
Luke 1:69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David His servant. [NASB]
The Altar itself is a picture of the Cross-where the blood for our salvation was shed. For the Israelites it was where they could find cleansing from sin. The Word [Horn] combined with the propitiation-willing sacrifice of Jesus, is what makes you and I the Christian clean. Paul's words confirm this view in Ephesians 5:26 when, speaking of the Church [believers], he says "that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word." [NASB]
The horn is also a euphemism for the power of God, as in Numbers 23:22 "God brings them out of Egypt, He is for them like the horns of the wild ox. And again in Psalm 92:10; But Thou hast exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil. [NASB]
Exodus 27:3 "And you shall make its pails for removing its ashes, and its shovels and its basins and its forks and its firepans; you shall make all its utensils of bronze. [4] "And you shall make for it a grating of network of bronze, and on the net you shall make four bronze rings at its four corners. [5] "And you shall put it beneath, under the ledge of the altar, that the net may reach halfway up the altar. [6] "And you shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with bronze. [7] "And its poles shall be inserted into the rings, so that the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar when it is carried. [8] "You shall make it hollow with planks; as it was shown to you in the mountain, so they shall make it. [NASB]
Exodus 38:1-7 They built the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood, three cubits high; it was square, five cubits long and five cubits wide. [2] They made a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar were of one piece, and they overlaid the altar with bronze. [3] They made all its utensils of bronze--its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans. [4] They made a grating for the altar, a bronze network, to be under its ledge, halfway up the altar. [5] They cast bronze rings to hold the poles for the four corners of the bronze grating. [6] They made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze. [7] They inserted the poles into the rings so they would be on the sides of the altar for carrying it. They made it hollow, out of boards. The brazen altar of bronze covered acacia wood with horns . . . [NASB]
To be certain that we haven't missed anything, let us review also.
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Compilers note: Just in case you have forgotten; acacia wood doesn't deteriorate as do other woods-a picture of the resurrected Christ. Bronze would symbolize Christ, the God-man and the judgment of sin. The horns of the altar represent Christ as the living word.
We will address the burning of the sacrifices
later, suffice it to say here, the fire speaks of purification, our sin's need to
be cleansed and purified before we can enter the Holy Place. Remember John the
Baptizer's words in John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him, and
said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! And
again in Matthew 3:11 "As for me, I baptize you with water for
repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit
to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. [NASB]
Exodus 30:18-22 "You shall also make a laver of bronze, with its base of bronze, for washing; and you shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it. [19] "And Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet from it; [20] when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, that they may not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the Lord. [21] "So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they may not die; and it shall be a perpetual statute for them, for Aaron and his descendants throughout their generations." [NASB]
Think again about the words of John the baptizer when he said in Matthew 3:11 "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." [NASB]
Notice what it is made from according to Exodus 38:8 Moreover, he made the laver of bronze with its base of bronze, from the mirrors of the serving women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting. [NASB]
Genesis 1:27 And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. [NASB]
2 Cor. 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.
Col. 3:10 And have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him. [NASB]
Compilers note: Remember that the Covenant of Law was external. -- The priest saw the image that represented the holiness of God, but in the New Covenant we are renewed into that image.
We come now to the outer courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle. The construction materials and their symbolic references are, by now, familiar.
Exodus 27:9-19 "And you shall make the court of the tabernacle. On the south side there shall be hangings for the court of fine twisted linen one hundred cubits long for one side; [10] and its pillars shall be twenty, with their twenty sockets of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their bands shall be of silver. [11] "And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long, and its twenty pillars with their twenty sockets of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their bands shall be of silver. [12] "And for the width of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits with their ten pillars and their ten sockets. [13] "And the width of the court on the east side shall be fifty cubits. [14] "The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits with their three pillars and their three sockets. [15] "And for the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits with their three pillars and their three sockets. [16] "And for the gate of the court there shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of a weaver, with their four pillars and their four sockets. [17] "All the pillars around the court shall be furnished with silver bands with their hooks of silver and their sockets of bronze. [18] "The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, and the width fifty throughout, and the height five cubits of fine twisted linen, and their sockets of bronze. [19] "All the utensils of the tabernacle used in all its service, and all its pegs, and all the pegs of the court, shall be of bronze. [NASB]
Compilers note: Perhaps the tabernacle, together, would picture Christ the living word. Even in our day, a person who is casually passing by, not spiritually alive, would not recognize the divinity or sacredness of the Bible, as the living word of God. The pillars that held up the curtains would of course symbolize the "saved" man. Not covered, because he is not God-man. The pillars are set in sockets of bronze because his sin has been judged. The silver hooks picture the judged, redeemed man, holding up Christ for the entire world to see.
Notice that the cherubim embroidered in the linen used inside the tabernacle are missing. They guard the way to the tree of life. Before you can gain access into the presence of the Lord, you must be born again. For the born again person, the way to the tree of life, has been opened. John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, [NASB]
Exodus 27:19 "All the utensils of the tabernacle used in all its service, and all its pegs, and all the pegs of the court, shall be of bronze. [NASB]
You may wonder why the Holy Spirit chose to insert the instruction for the oil used in the lamp stand in the Holy Place, at this juncture, as did I. For the sake of continuity, we went out of sequence in our study of the altar of incense and the bronze laver, perhaps this was not apparent. However since the Holy Spirit did choose to insert the making of the oil, after the courtyard and before the instructions for the priestly garment, we shall take another side road to see if we can gain understanding.
Exodus 27: 20-21 "And you shall charge the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually. [21] "In the tent of meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall keep it in order from evening to morning before the Lord; it shall be a perpetual statute throughout their generations for the sons of Israel. [NASB]
The oil would power the seven lights of the ornate and pure gold, lamp stand. The lamps were to burn perpetually. The light would reveal the beauty of the lamp and the lamp stand, that beauty as we have already discussed, is a portrait of Jesus. Jesus told us that the Holy Spirit would not speak of Himself, but would revel the things of Christ to us, just as the light reveals the lamp stand. John 14:26 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." [NASB]
Jesus reminds us that we are lamp stands to the people of this earth, we are His ambassadors, we represent Him, and we are in His image. Rev. 1:20 "As for the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lamp stands are the seven churches. [NASB]
Jesus said to us in Matthew 5:14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." [NASB] And sometimes we are not a very bright light. Rev. 2:5 'Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you, and will remove your lamp stand out of its place-- unless you repent." [NASB]
Exodus 28:1 "Then bring near to yourself Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the sons of Israel, to minister as priest to Me-- Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's [NASB]
Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. [NASB]
The passage is particular to the office of High Priest but would be applicable to all areas of ministry. Hebrews 5:4 And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. [NASB]
The office of High Priest was not one to be gained by ego and effort. Rather, it is only by God's _______ing__.
Jesus is our High Priest of the New Covenant, ministering in the real tabernacle in heaven: Because the earthly tabernacle is a copy, or like a shadow of the original, we are at least able to review the office and attire of the Old Covenant High Priest, searching for portraits of Jesus.
Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [NASB]
Hebrews 4:14-15 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [15] For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. [NASB]
Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; [NASB]
Hebrews 7:26 For it was fitting that we
should have such a high priest, Holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from
sinners and exalted above the heavens; [NASB]
The man who is the head of the family is also the priest of the family, this is not something new, rather it is discernable from the earliest records. Noah was spiritual head in his family, Abraham, the spiritual leader in his home, and Jacob the spiritual priest of his house.
1 Peter 2:5 you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a Holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [NASB]
Compilers notes: First off we should know that as Christians, a priesthood of believers, we are to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, we are to bare His image just as the priest of old wore His portrait in their garments. Jesus trust us with His reputation. The New Covenant changes a person from the inside out, while the Covenant of Law was only external.
Exodus 28:2 "And you shall make Holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty." [NASB]
There were Six Garments in all, and we shall examine all of them, for each is an illustration of Christ. First we should understand that as God's priesthood, all born from above persons have been given Holy Garments. Ephes. 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; [26] that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, [27] that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be Holy and blameless. [NASB]
Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [NASB]
Rev. 3:5 "He who overcomes shall then be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels." [NASB]
Exodus 28:3 "And you shall speak to all the skillful persons whom I have endowed with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister as priest to Me." [NASB]
Isaiah 64:6a , For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment. [NASB]
Exodus 28:4-5 "And these are the garments which they shall make: a breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash, and they shall make Holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister as priest to Me. [5] "And they shall take the gold and the blue and the purple and the scarlet material and the fine linen. [NASB]
The ephod is difficult to describe. It was worn over the linen garment. Two long pieces of cloth were brought together and fastened by a stone on one shoulder and a stone on the other. The material was gathered in the middle with a girdle. Symbolically it could picture Israel and the Church, two separate, yet joined. The ephod was a girdle about the waist, perhaps a picture of the Word of God that embraces and girdles both the church and Israel, the "belt of truth." It covered the heart and could speak of the heart of the people, their commitment of obedience to the Lord. It was worn by the high priest as he presented them before the mercy seat.
Exodus 28:6 "They shall also make the ephod of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen, the work of the skillful workman. [NASB]
Exodus 28:7-14 "It shall have two shoulder pieces joined to its two ends, that it may be joined. [8] "And the skillfully woven band, which is on it, shall be like its workmanship, of the same material: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. [9] "And you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, [10] six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, according to their birth. [11] "As a jeweler engraves a signet, you shall engrave the two stones according to the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them in filigree settings of gold. [12] "And you shall put the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of memorial for the sons of Israel, and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial. [13] "And you shall make filigree settings of gold, [14] and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them of twisted cordage work, and you shall put the corded chains on the filigree settings. [NASB]
WE also have a High Priest who stands before the Father representing you and I. Hebrews 7:25.
Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. [NASB]
Luke 15:1-7 Now all the tax-gatherers and the sinners were coming near Him to listen to Him. [2] And both the Pharisees and the scribes began to grumble, saying, "This man receives sinners and eats with them." [3] And He told them this parable, saying, [4] "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? [5] "And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. [6] "And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' [7] "I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. [NASB]
Exodus 28:15-21 "And you shall make a breastpiece of judgment, the work of a skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it: of gold, of blue and purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen you shall make it. [16] "It shall be square and folded double, a span in length and a span in width. [17] "And you shall mount on it four rows of stones; the first row shall be a row of ruby, topaz and emerald; [18] and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire and a diamond; [19] and the third row a jacinth, an agate and an amethyst; [20] and the fourth row a beryl and an onyx and a jasper; they shall be set in gold filigree. [21] "And the stones shall be according to the names of the sons of Israel: twelve, according to their names; they shall be like the engravings of a seal, each according to his name for the twelve tribes. [NASB]
In the book of the Revelation we read of the New Jerusalem: Rev. 21:19-20 The foundation stones of the city wall were adorned with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald; [20] the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst. [NASB]
Rev. 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. [NASB]
Exodus 28:22-28 "And you shall make on the breastpiece chains of twisted cordage work in pure gold. [23] "And you shall make on the breastpiece two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastpiece. [24] "And you shall put the two cords of gold on the two rings at the ends of the breastpiece. [25] "And you shall put the other two ends of the two cords on the two filigree settings, and put them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, at the front of it. [26] "And you shall make two rings of gold and shall place them on the two ends of the breastpiece, on the edge of it, which is toward the inner side of the ephod. [27] "And you shall make two rings of gold and put them on the bottom of the two shoulder pieces of the ephod, on the front of it close to the place where it is joined, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. [28] "And they shall bind the breastpiece by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a blue cord, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastpiece may not come loose from the ephod." [NASB]
Exodus 29-30 "And Aaron shall carry the names of the sons of Israel in the breastpiece of judgment over his heart when he enters the Holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually. [30] "And you shall put in the breastpiece of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be over Aaron's heart when he goes in before the Lord; and Aaron shall carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually. [NASB]
Exodus 28:31-32 "And you shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. [32] "And there shall be an opening at its top in the middle of it; around its opening there shall be a binding of woven work, as it were the opening of a coat of mail, that it may not be torn. [NASB]
Exodus 28:33-35 "And you shall make on its hem pomegranates of blue and purple and scarlet material, all around on its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: [34] a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, all around on the hem of the robe. [35] "And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers; and its tinkling may be heard when he enters and leaves the Holy place before the Lord, that he may not die. [NASB]
Exodus 28:36-38 "You shall also make a plate of pure gold and shall engrave on it, like the engravings of a seal, 'Holy to the Lord.' [37] "And you shall fasten it on a blue cord, and it shall be on the turban; it shall be at the front of the turban. [38] "And it shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall take away the iniquity of the Holy things which the sons of Israel consecrate, with regard to all their Holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord."[NASB]
Exodus 28:40-43 "And for Aaron's sons you shall make tunics; you shall also make sashes for them, and you shall make caps for them, for glory and for beauty. [41] "And you shall put them on Aaron your brother and on his sons with him; and you shall anoint them and ordain them and consecrate them, that they may serve Me as priests. [NASB]
Compilers note: These priests were certainly arrayed in fine garments that set them apart, but, could all of this finery get them into heaven? External things count for nothing. It is out hearts that the Lord is interested in.
There are no such things as secret Christians; by our fruit's, men will know us, for if we wear Christ well, we will stand out as foreigners among the subjects of Satan's kingdom. 1 John 2:27 And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. [NASB] The word used for anointing here is "charisma," an anointing, an unction; and it is equally translated, the special endowment ("chrism") of the Holy Spirit.
Exodus 28:42-43 "And you shall make for them linen breeches to cover their bare flesh; they shall reach from the loins even to the thighs. [43] "And they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they enter the tent of meeting, or when they approach the altar to minister in the Holy place, so that they do not incur guilt and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and to his descendants after him. [NASB]
We come now to a portion of
Scripture that some might find distasteful, but it is very important to God,
and essential to our complete forgiveness. It is important that we may stand
before the Father, the penalty of our sins paid in full, by the blood of His
Son shed in our behalf. First, we must remember that blood sacrifices are
essential, because of the evil bent of the human heart.
The principle of forgiveness through a blood sacrifice can be found in the beginning of Genesis. Death came to planet earth because of the rebellion of the first couple. The principle is clearly stated in Romans 6:23. For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. [NASB]
Hebrews 9:22. And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. [NASB]
Let's examine the first application of this, briefly. In the garden of Eden, immediately after the rebellion of Adam and Eve, they tried to cover their sin by the work of their own hands, making garments out of fig leaves. That was not acceptable to the Father, Genesis 3:21. And the Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. [NASB]
In this section we will study the five types of sacrifices offered at the tabernacle. The Burnt offering, the Meal offering, and the Peace offering, all speak of the person of Christ and is a "sweet savor" to the Father. The Sin offering, and the Trespass offerings, are nonsweet savor offerings.
In the book of Exodus we have the building of the Tabernacle, God's approach to man. Leviticus is a book that contains ceremony, sacrifices and ritual; prescriptions on how man is to approach God. Sinful man may only approach Holy God as he is purified, made clean by the shedding of blood. We read in Hebrews 9:22. And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. [NASB]
Leviticus 17:11 "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood by reason of the life that makes atonement." [NASB]
The burnt offerings, in the Old Covenant, were by bulls, goats, sheep and birds. These never took away sin, they simply covered it over until Christ came; they made atonement until the propitiation or a real substitute could be made. Understanding this word atonement, and why it is not used in the New Testament, is important. The word for atonement in the Hebrew is kaphar. It has its origin in a word kophen, which meant to pitch-with pitch; like when Noah kophered the ark, essentially to cover it over. Kapher is a word from which we get our modern word coffin; something to be buried in. Atonement by animal sacrifices only covered over the sin question until the true sacrifice could be presented-The Lamb of God.
Compilers note: this is why Jesus said to Mary, what He did on resurrection morning! In John 20:17 we find Mary grasping our Lord and He says, ". . . 'Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren, and say to them, 'I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.' " [NASB] Jesus was on his way to the heavenly tabernacle to present his offering in our behalf.
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Leviticus 1:6-9 'He shall then skin the burnt offering and cut it into its pieces. [7] 'And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and arrange wood on the fire. [8] 'Then Aaron's sons, the priests, shall arrange the pieces, the head, and the suet over the wood which is on the fire that is on the altar. [9] 'Its entrails, however, and its legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall offer up in smoke all of it on the altar for a burnt offering, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord. [NASB]
Compilers notes: Jesus is our Passover Lamb, it was essential that he died at the precise time that he did, to fulfill scripture. Exodus 12:5-6 'Your lamb shall be an unblemished male a year old; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. [6] 'And you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. [NASB] For Jesus to be correctly identified by Scripture as the Messiah, it was imperative that he dies in the precise manner exactly as Scripture promises, on the cross between two thieves, without a broken bone and pierced. All of this did not come about without some arranging by the Holy Spirit.
Leviticus 1:9 'Its entrails, however, and its legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall offer up in smoke all of it on the altar for a burnt offering, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord. [NASB]
Leviticus 1:9 'Its entrails, however, and its legs he shall wash with water. And the priest shall offer up in smoke all of it on the altar for a burnt offering, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord. [NASB]
To conclude our study of the burnt offering I need to borrow from Dr. McGee, his quote of Anselm of Canterbury, a prayer in the "Visitation of the Sick."
"The minister shall say to the sick man: doest thou believe that thou canst not be saved but by the death of Christ? The sick man answereth, Yes. Then let it be said unto him: Go to, then, and whilst they soul abideth in thee, put all thy confidence in this death alone; place thy trust in no other thing; commit thyself wholly to this death: cover thyself wholly with this alone . . . And if God would judge thee, say: Lord! I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and Thy judgement; otherwise I will not contend or enter into judgement with thee".
"And if He shall say unto thee that thou art a sinner, say: I place the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and my sins. If He shall say unto thee, that thou hast deserved damnation, say: Lord! I put the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between Thee and all of my sins; and I offer His merits for my own, which I should have, and have not."
" And whosoever of us can thus speak, to him the promise speaks from out the shadows of the tent of meeting: This Christ, the Lamb of God, the true burnt offering, shall be accepted for thee, to make atonement for thee!"
To attain a Spiritually renewed mind is the process of Sanctification. How important is Sanctification for the believer? I trust that you will also see the answer revealed in the Meal offering.
As the burnt portrays the work of Christ on the cross and forgiveness through His death, the meal offering pictures His humanity. Through the life of Christ, God reveals his blue print for all mankind, apart from the fall, which corrupted man. As we have seen, through His crucified flesh, a new door has been opened through the veil that will allow man to be restored to the position and authority that God once designated to Adam.
Leviticus 2:1 'Now when anyone presents a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour, and he shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it. [NASB]
The meal offering sets forth the humanity of Christ, but His deity is not in view here; this offering is of the earth. It is the best that the earth has to offer.
Oil throughout Scripture speaks of the Holy Spirit and Frankincense, of the sweet savor of Christ.
Compilers note: grain, in those days before the grist mill, was pounded to flour in a stone bowl with a stone pedestal. Flour, was generally coarse and grainy, to make it fine would have taken much more time an effort. I will repeat this explanation several times because it is key to understanding the need of a Christian to be sanctified: A person begins their Christian walk as a redeemed person. To become, remade into the image of Christ, and for the renewing of our minds, requires much effort on the part of the Holy Spirit of God.
Compilers note: If we understand that normal ground flour ( coarse), pictures us as we existed in the world and when we first submitted ourselves to Christ, then continued pounding and perfecting would produce a fine flour or a sanctified person.
James 1:2-4 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, [3] knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. [4] And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
The preparation of the individuals that make up the "bride of Christ" are the life long process that Scripture calls sanctification. Just as the grain offering was a voluntary offering, so must one submit to the process of sanctification, that the fruit of one's labors, can be presented to the Lord as a thank you offering. [The one who labored did not produce the fruit, God did. The laborer only prepared the soil and harvested the crop]. Romans 6:19 I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification. [NASB]
Compilers note: I love to sail; one day when
I was out on my boat, the Lord showed me an illustration of what a person is
like that does not submit to sanctification. He is like a sailboat in irons. No
matter how hard the wind is blowing if you set your headsail to, starboard, and
your tiller hard to port, your boat will head into the wind and sit still; you
have just put it into irons. The person who is born again, spiritually alive,
with one foot in the kingdom of this world and another in the kingdom of God,
who keeps the focus of his mind turned hard against the things of the spirit
will be like a sail boat cast into irons, unmovable, unusable. Jesus
illustrated this precept in scripture in Matthew 5:13 "You are the
salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how will it be made
salty again? It is good for nothing anymore, except to be thrown out and
trampled under foot by men. Rev. 3:16 'So because you are
lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth."
[NASB]
Romans 6:22 But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life. [NASB]
2 Thes. 2:13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. [NASB]
Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
Compilers note: I am convinced that unless a person submits to the process of sanctification, resulting in obedience to the Word of God through a renewed mind, they will not inherit the kingdom of God. The word clearly defines the overcomer as the one who will eat from the tree of life. Rev. 2:7 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.'; and will not be cast into the "lake of fire." Rev. 2:11 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.' [NASB]
.1 John 5:5 And who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? [NASB]
God defines true love for Him in 1 John 5:3 For this is the love of God that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. [NASB]
It is the born from above person, who demonstrates his love for God by keeping His commandment, found in His Word, that is the overcomer, according to 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world-- our faith. [NASB]
Leviticus 2:1 'Now when anyone presents a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour, and he shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it.
Compilers note: The formula for the making of frankincense has been lost to time, but apparently it was a perfume made from a plant, that released its fragrance, only as the material was crushed. Why would this be a picture of Christ? It wasn't that Jesus was ". . . was crushed for our iniquities" that pleased the Father, rather, it was His obedience to the Fathers will, that was a sweet aroma to God. Luke 22:42 saying, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done." [NASB]
That frankincense represents Christ, and Oil the Holy Spirit, can be illustrated in Numbers 5:15, by what is omitted from the Jealousy offering. The man shall then bring his wife to the priest, and shall bring as an offering for her one-tenth of an ephah of barley meal; he shall not pour oil on it, nor put frankincense on it, for it is a grain offering of jealousy, a grain offering of memorial, a reminder of iniquity. [NASB]
Notice that frankincense is among one of the prophetic gifts given to Mary at the birth of the Christ Child. Matthew 2:11. And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. [NASB]
The high priest would offer up a portion of the meal offering; apparently mixing the flour, oil and incense, before placing it on the fire to be consumed. Leviticus 2:2 'He shall then bring it to Aaron's sons, the priests; and shall take from it his handful of its fine flour and of its oil with all of its frankincense. And the priest shall offer it up in smoke as its memorial portion on the altar, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord. [NASB]
Perhaps this mingling, of the flour, oil and frankincense, is a physical illustration of the great spiritual truth of unity: John 17:23 I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, that the world may know that Thou didst send Me, and didst love them, even as Thou didst love Me. [NASB]
Before we move on, there is something more about the application of the oil that we should note: In Leviticus 2:1: 'Now when anyone presents a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour, and he shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it. [NASB]
Let's compare that to Leviticus 2:4 'Now when you bring an offering of a grain offering baked in an oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers spread with oil. [NASB]
Matthew 3:16-17 And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, [17] and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased." [NASB]
I point this out, because it reflects the role of the Holy Spirit, in both the Old and the New Covenant. Notice in the passage of John 14:17, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, who are still under the covenant of Law: " that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not behold Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you." [NASB]
Acts 13:52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. [NASB]
Now back to the grain offering in Leviticus 2:3 'And the remainder of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons: a thing most Holy, of the offerings to the Lord by fire. [NASB]
The Father wants three types of sacrifices from believers: Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. [NASB]
The third sacrifice that God wants from a believer is found in John 14:15 "If you love me, obey my commandments. [NLT ] John 14:21 Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them." [NLT]
Hebrews 13:15 Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name. [NASB]
Compilers note: The acceptable gifts to the Father are worship (broken and contrite heart), obedience, praise and thanksgiving.
Leviticus 2:4 'Now when you bring an offering of a grain offering baked in an oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers spread with oil. [NASB]
Matthew 16:6, 11-12 And Jesus said to them, "Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." [11] "How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees." [12] Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. [NASB]
In Luke 12:1b: "He began saying to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." [NASB]
Leviticus 2:5 'And if your offering is a grain offering made on the griddle, it shall be of fine flour, unleavened, mixed with oil; Have you noticed that this is a recipe for unleavened bread? It is a portrait of Jesus. Jesus said of Himself in John 6:48 "I am the bread of life." John 6:51 "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever (eternal life); and the bread also which I shall give for the life of the world is My flesh." [NASB]
Leviticus 2:6 you shall break it into bits, and pour oil on it; it is a grain offering. [NASB]
The pouring of oil, a facsimile of the broken spirit, is clearly pictured for us in Titus 3:5-6 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, [6] whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, [NASB]
Leviticus 2:7-9 'Now if your offering is a grain offering made in a pan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil. [8] 'When you bring in the grain offering which is made of these things to the Lord, it shall be presented to the priest and he shall bring it to the altar. [9] 'The priest then shall take up from the grain offering its memorial portion, and shall offer it up in smoke on the altar as an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord. It is a soothing aroma to the Lord [NASB]
Leviticus 2:10 'And the remainder of the grain offering belongs to Aaron and his sons: a thing most Holy, of the offerings to the Lord by fire. [NASB]
Perhaps this would be a good juncture to discus the "tithe," as the teaching. of the doctrine of the tithe, is so often fraught with leaven. The principle of the tithe goes back to the time of Cain and Able but is clearly defined in Genesis 28:20-22. Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will keep me on this journey that I take, and will give me food to eat and garments to wear, [21]. I return to my father's house in safety, then the Lord will be my God. [22] "And this stone, which I have set up as a pillar, will be God's house; and of all that Thou dost give me I will surely give a tenth to Thee." [NASB]
Compilers note: (remember that faith requires action) When we truly trust the Lord for our provision, by faith, in thanksgiving, we will render a tithe to the Lord and keep the remainder.
I mentioned the leaven: extracting a tithe from its membership, using such passages as are found in Malachi 3, is a popular teaching technique used in many assemblies. The favorite, In Malachi 3:8 says, "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, 'How have we robbed Thee?' In tithes and offerings." [NASB]
Because the tithe is a principle of God, God required it under the Law, and the tithe was mandated for those under the Old Covenant. Romans 7:6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died with Christ, and we are no longer captive to its power. Now we can really serve God, not in the old way by obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way, by the Spirit. [NASB]
Leviticus 2: 11 offers some interesting additional insights on our sanctification: The grain offered by fire was not to contain leaven or honey. [11] 'No grain offering, which you bring to the Lord, shall be made with leaven, for you shall not offer up in smoke any leaven or any honey as an offering by fire to the Lord. [NASB]
Compilers note: Each year I plant a garden in raised beds. This year in one bed I placed my peppers and tomatoes and in the other I grew snow peas which were done by the end of May. I left that bed fallow. Within two months that bed became overrun with wire grass, the roots of which ran deep. So it seems to be with sanctification, if you just ignore your sanctification, it will soon be overrun with the weeds of the world. This would explain Paul's imploring passage in Philip. 2:12b . . . work out your salvation with fear and trembling; [NASB]
Leviticus 2:12 'As an offering of first fruits, you shall bring them to the Lord, but they shall not ascend for a soothing aroma on the altar. [13] 'Every grain offering of yours, moreover, you shall season with salt, so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt. [NASB]
Compilers note: perhaps a visit to Genesis 4:2-3,5 would help. The principle of an acceptable offering for sin was laid down from the very beginning. (2) And again, she [Eve] gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. [3] So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. (5) but for Cain and for his offering He [the Lord] had no regard . . .
Leviticus 2:12 'As an offering of first fruits, you shall bring them to the Lord, but they shall not ascend for a soothing aroma on the altar. [13] 'Every grain offering of yours, moreover, you shall season with salt, so that the salt of the covenant of your God shall not be lacking from your grain offering; with all your offerings you shall offer salt. [NASB]
Compilers note: The southern boundary of the "covenant" land is marked by the salt sea. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said of those coming into and that are a part of the New Covenant "You are the salt of the earth; . . ." Salt is a natural preservative and is essential for life. Christians are an essential part of God's plan for preserving the covenant of life through Jesus Christ. I have often heard the remark that Christianity is only one generation away from extinction.
Leviticus 2:14-16 'Also if you bring a grain offering of early ripened things to the Lord, you shall bring fresh heads of grain roasted in the fire, grits of new growth, for the grain offering of your early ripened things. [15] 'You shall then put oil on it and lay incense on it; it is a grain offering. [16] 'And the priest shall offer up in smoke its memorial portion, part of its grits and its oil with all its incense as an offering by fire to the Lord. [NASB]
Our lives, lived on this earth are to be offered to Him. What makes us acceptable to Him is the Christ in our lives. It is all of Jesus and none of ourselves that is pleasing to the Father.
[For more information on sanctification and the answer to the question "can you lose your salvation" do the Bible Study by that name. www.geocities.com/christ_word]
We will not: Our Lord chooses to place the law of the Peace offering, after all of the other offerings in Leviticus 6 and 7, and for a very good reason: You cannot enter into the peace of God, unless you have passed through the other offerings, we will follow this pattern by studying these first.
Unlike the three "sweet Savor" offerings (burnt, grain and peace) which together, set forth the magnificent person of Christ, the two Non-Sweet savor offerings set forth the work of Christ on the Cross. Dr. McGee draws some insightful observations which we will incorporate into our study. If the number of verses committed to it are of any indication of importance, then the sin offering is on top with 35; the burnt offering was 17, the meal offering, 16, the peace offering 17, and the trespass offering 19. The sin offering speaks of sin as an act. Man is a sinner by nature, he sins by what he does, and he does what he does because he is a sinner. Because of the new birth and God's indwelling Spirit, it is now possible for man to live above the flesh or old nature. Before our spirits were made alive with His Spirit, our only source of information was the flesh, through the five senses. Romans 6:20-22 In those days, when you were slaves of sin, you weren't concerned with doing what was right. [21] And what was the result? It was not good, since now you are ashamed of the things you used to do, things that end in eternal doom. [22] But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God. Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life. [NLT]
Because the un-regenerated man has no spiritual insight, there was, prior to Pentecost, no true awareness of sin.
Compilers note: Sin is usually defined as knowingly transgressing the will of God. Without the Holy Spirit to convict of unbelief, natural man was, for the most part, without spiritual insight. John 16:9. The world's sin is unbelief in me. [NLT]
Romans 7:9
I felt fine when I did not understand what the law demanded. But when I learned the truth, I realized I had broken the law and was a sinner, doomed to die. [NLT]
Compilers note: The law was an attempt to aid natural men in gaining control of their minds, over the whims of the physical body, apart from the human spirit, which is dead in rebellion. God still uses the Law to lead spiritually dead men to Himself. Galatians 3:24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ that we may be justified by faith. [NASB] [(For more on this see Dr. Gottier's, Toward a Renewed Mind-www.geocities.com/christ_word]
Men had little recognition of sin before the Law; this would explain why neither the Hebrews, nor any surrounding cultures, had a sin offering, although many had appeasement sacrifices.
Deut. 12:31 "You shall not behave thus toward the Lord your God, for every abominable act which the Lord hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods." [NASB]
The sin offering became the most frequent offering. It was offered during all of the feast: the Passover, Pentecost, Trumpets, Tabernacles, and the Great day of Atonement as well as by the High Priest, before entering the Holy of Holies. As we study the sin offerings, we will note its contrast to the burnt sacrifice. Leviticus 6:25 "Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, 'This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is slain the sin offering shall be slain before the Lord; it is most Holy." [NASB]
The burnt offering tells who Christ is, and the sin offering tells what Christ did.
Compare:
1. In the burnt offering Christ meets the demand of the Holy standards of God. In the sin offering Christ meets the need of sinful man. 2 Cor. 5:19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them. This is the wonderful message he has given us to tell others. [NLT]
2. In the burnt offering we see the preciousness of Christ, in the sin offering we see the hatefulness of sin. Isaiah 53:5 But He [Jesus] was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, and by His scourging we are healed. [NASB]
3. The burnt offering was voluntary, the sin offering was commanded. Mark 14:36 And He [Jesus] was saying, "Abba! Father! All things are possible for Thee; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what Thou wilt." [NASB]
4. The burnt offering ascended, the sin
offering was poured out. Psalm 22:14 My life is poured out like water, and
all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me.
[NLT]
Sins of Ignorance
Leviticus 4:1-2 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, [2] "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'If a person sins unintentionally in any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and commits any of them." [NASB]
Many today, because of the forgiveness of sins through the work of Christ on the cross, think that they can continue to live in sin, intentional or otherwise. They do not know their Scriptures: Hebrews 10:26-27 For if we go on sinning willfully after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, [27] but a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume the adversaries. [NASB]
Man is a sinner by nature and does not have the capacity to please God; he must first become aware of his sin. Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxious thoughts; [24] And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. [NASB]
Psalm 51:4 Against Thee, Thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight, so that Thou art justified when Thou dost speak, and blameless when Thou dost judge. [NASB]
We are born into this world, condemned-guilty, because of our fallen nature. There are none righteous, not one; therefore God is ______________ if He finds us guilty We must pray for mercy and not justice. Psalm 19:12 speaks directly to this fallen state of unintentional sin. " Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults."
Numbers 35:11 then you shall select for yourselves cities to be your cities of refuge, that the manslayer who has killed any person unintentionally may flee there. [NASB]
Under Law it was necessary for the penitent to slay an animal to find atonement (cover over) their sin. 1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous; [NASB]
1 Tim. 1:14-15 And the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. [15] It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. [NASB]
The person and the blood of Christ (righteous, pure, perfect and willing) made it possible for mankind to come into the presence of God, as pictured in the burnt offering. It is the work of Christ as high priest that continues to cleanse us from sin. This is the analogy of the sin offering. Hebrews 10:19-22 Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the Holy place by the blood of Jesus, [20] by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, [21] and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22] let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [NASB]
Water in Scripture is always a picture of the word of God. Christ is that living word: John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [NASB]
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth. [NASB].
The Lord deals with the sins of the priest first for he stands in the place of Leadership. Fathers take heed, as priest in your own homes, you stand in the place of leadership. If the priest is wrong, the people will be wrong. His sin became their sin. The priest was to offer a young bull, which was the most valuable animal of all, as his offering.
Leviticus 4:3 If the anointed priest sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let him offer to the Lord a bull without defect as a sin offering for the sin he has committed. [NASB]
Hebrew 7:28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever. Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. [NASB]
Compilers note: Our Lord was righteous. Righteousness is best defined as innocense maintained in the presence of temptation.
Because fallen man lives in a corrupt body, we often are trapped into doing something which is contrary to the will of God. Under the covenant of Law, God's will was spelled out, transgression was in not keeping the written law. Under the new covenant, sin is defined as not receiving Jesus as Lord, and thus gaining the convicting presence of the Holy Spirit. John 16:8-9 And when he comes, he will convince the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. [9] The world's sin is unbelief in me. [NLT] This would correlate to "sins committed in ignorance."
Under the New Covenant, not only do we have the presence of the Holy Spirit, we also have the written, living word. James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin. [NASB]
Leviticus 4:4 'And he shall bring the bull to the doorway of the tent of meeting before the Lord, and he shall lay his hand on the head of the bull, and slay the bull before the Lord. [NASB]
The sin offering for the priest was apparently far more involved than that which was made by common person. Leviticus 4:5-6
'Then the anointed priest is to take some of the blood of the bull and bring it to the tent of meeting, [6] and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before the Lord, in front of the veil of the sanctuary. [NASB]
Hebrews 9:22. And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. [NASB]
If you will recall, on page 17, we determined that the horns on the altar spoke of the power of God in Christ. The horn is also a euphemism for the power of God, as in Numbers 23:22 "God brings them out of Egypt, He is for them like the horns of the wild ox. And Psalm 92:10; But Thou hast exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil."[NASB]
Leviticus 4:7 'The priest shall also put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of fragrant incense which is before the Lord in the tent of meeting; and all the blood of the bull he shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering which is at the doorway of the tent of meeting. [NASB]
Leviticus 4:8-10 'And he shall remove from it all the fat of the bull of the sin offering: the fat that covers the entrails, and all the fat which is on the entrails, [9] and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, which is on the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he shall remove with the kidneys [10] (just as it is removed from the ox of the sacrifice of peace offerings), and the priest is to offer them up in smoke on the altar of burnt offering.[NASB]
Leviticus 4:11-12 'But the hide of the bull and all its flesh with its head and its legs and its entrails and its refuse, [12] that is, all the rest of the bull, he is to bring out to a clean place outside the camp where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood with fire; where the ashes are poured out it shall be burned. [NASB]
Because this offering is for sin, it is neither to be burnt on the tabernacle altar, nor eaten as part of God's provision. Listen to the writer of Hebrews as he explains the congruity of the sin offering at the tabernacle and the cross of Christ. Hebrews 13:10-14. We have an altar, from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. [11] For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the Holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. [12] Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. [13] Hence, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. [NASB]
Leviticus 4:13-14 'Now if the whole congregation of Israel commits error, and the matter escapes the notice of the assembly, and they commit any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and they become guilty; [14] when the sin which they have committed becomes known, then the assembly shall offer a bull of the herd for a sin offering, and bring it before the tent of meeting. [NASB]
Compilers note: Since the rest of the ritual is identical with that of the priest, we will not go over it again, only to point out our corporate responsibility; God judges empires, nations, and churches. When a nation goes down, the people go with it. You and I are responsible for the sins of America because we are a part of this nation. When God Judged Israel and sent her into captivity, the God fearing as well as the Godless, were taken. In 70 A.D., when Jerusalem was destroyed, the whole nation was dispersed. Dr. McGee in "Through the Bible" points to the judgement of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3, and notes that the judgement fell upon the congregation. If you belong to a church that doesn't fear the Lord, you need to take responsibility for yourself and your family or you will be judged with that church.
Leviticus 4:22-23 'When a leader sins and unintentionally does any one of all the things which the Lord God has commanded not to be done, and he becomes guilty, [23] if his sin which he has committed is made known to him, he shall bring for his offering a goat, a male without defect. [NASB]
Leviticus 4:27 Now if anyone of the common people sins unintentionally in doing any of the things which the Lord has commanded not to be done, and becomes guilty. . . [NASB] This offering, given under the "Covenant of Law," is to lift the guilt complex and sooth the conscience. Under the "New Covenant," only the death of Christ can lift the crushing guilt of modern man. Leviticus 4:28 if his sin, which he has committed is made known to him, then he shall bring for his offering a goat, a female without defect, for his sin which he has committed.[NASB] Or, according to Leviticus 4:32 the sinner may bring a female sheep without defect.
Leviticus 4:33-34. They are to lay a hand on the head of the sin offering and slaughter it at the place where the burnt offerings are slaughtered. [34] The priest will then dip his finger into the blood, put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offerings, and pour out the rest of the blood at the base of the altar . . . [NLT]
Leviticus 4:35. Those who are guilty must remove all the sheep's fat, just as is done with a sheep presented as a peace offering. Then the priest will burn the fat on the altar on top of the offerings given to the Lord by fire. In this way, the priest will make atonement for them, and they will be forgiven. [NLT]
Leviticus 6:24-25 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, [25] "Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, 'This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is slain the sin offering shall be slain before the Lord; it is most Holy." [NASB]
Compilers note: Most assemblies today, teach a half a truth. Most teach that Jesus came to forgive us of our sins, however, the whole truth is a bit different: Jesus did not come, only, to forgive us of our sins! Jesus died that we might have forgiveness of sin, so that we could again have within us, the living spirit of our creator. Hebrews chapters ten through thirteen, refer to those who are born of the Spirit, as perfect or complete, once again restored to the way that Adam was created before the fall, a body, soul and the Spirit.
Leviticus 6:26-27 'The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. It shall be eaten in a Holy place, in the court of the tent of meeting. [27] 'Anyone who touches its flesh shall become consecrated; and when any of its blood splashes on a garment, in a Holy place you shall wash what was splashed on. [NASB]
Leviticus 6:28. If a clay pot is used to boil the sacrificial meat, it must be broken. If a bronze kettle is used, it must be scoured and rinsed thoroughly with water.[NASB]
Compilers note: Human nature is inclined toward idolatry and anything having to do with Christ's work at the cross, apart from the savior himself, has no value. Religions throughout the centuries have sold all types of artifacts from pieces of the cross to drops of blood, which participants eagerly purchased, believing them to have some "spiritual significance." Israel, once, even took the Ark of the Covenant into battle, falsely concluding that some power emulating from the Ark would deliver them from their enemies. (See 1 Samuel chapter 5)
Leviticus 6:29 Only males from a priest's family may eat of this offering, for it is most Holy.[NASB]
Compilers note: If you expect God's blessing on your home then divine order must be followed. For more depth on this subject see "The fear of the Lord" Bible Study.
Leviticus 6:30. If, however, the blood of a sin offering has been taken into the Tabernacle to make atonement in the Holy Place for the people's sins, none of that animal's meat may be eaten. It must be completely burned up. [NLT]
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [NASB]
The guilt offering found in Leviticus 7 spells out the remedy for a guilty conscience. It differs from the sin offering, which was a shoot gun approach for sin's, known and unknown. The guilt offering contained within it is the idea of repentance. Leviticus 7:1-7 'Now this is the law of the guilt offering; it is most Holy. [2] 'In the place where they slay the burnt offering they are to slay the guilt offering, and he shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. [3] 'Then he shall offer from it all its fat: the fat tail and the fat that covers the entrails, [4] and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, which is on the loins, and the lobe on the liver he shall remove with the kidneys. [5] 'And the priest shall offer them up in smoke on the altar as an offering by fire to the Lord; it is a guilt offering. [6] 'Every male among the priests may eat of it. It shall be eaten in a Holy place; it is most Holy. [7] 'The guilt offering is like the sin offering, there is one law for them; the priest who makes atonement with it shall have it. [NASB]
You could shrug off the next passage, as one that merely confirms God's provision for His own, but I believe that there is a much deeper symbolism here.
Leviticus 7:8 'Also the priest who presents any man's burnt offering, that priest shall have for himself the skin of the burnt offering which he has presented. [NASB]
Rev. 3:5 'He who overcomes shall thus be clothed in white garments; and I will not erase his name from the book of life, and I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels. [NASB]
To emphasize the need for a new garment look at Jesus' parable of the wedding feast found in Matthew 22:11-13 "But when the king came in to look over the dinner guests, he saw there a man not dressed in wedding clothes, [12] and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without wedding clothes?' And he was speechless. [13] "Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; in that place there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth." [NASB]
The grain offering we have studied in detail beginning on page 29 and so we will just read this portion that applies to it here: Leviticus 7:9-10 'Likewise, every grain offering that is baked in the oven, and everything prepared in a pan or on a griddle, shall belong to the priest who presents it. [10] 'And every grain offering mixed with oil, or dry, shall belong to all the sons of Aaron, to all alike. [NASB] Jesus is the bread of life. He is the provision of God for sanctification and righteousness. Through Him we can live a life of purity and wholeness that in death we can appear before the Father, clothed in Christ righteousness, imperishable.
The peace offering speaks of the fellowship of believers with God the father through our Lord Jesus.
Several points are important to remember as we delve into this offering.
1. The only way that you and I can come into the presence of the Father is through Jesus: Jesus said in John 14:6 . . . "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me."
2. Just as no single gospel can totally set forth the manifold wonders of the person of Jesus, neither can He be completely characterized by just one sacrifice.
3. The Peace offering and burnt offering are very similar in some ways, and yet, there are sharp contrasts that set them apart, these we will examine!
The burnt offering displays the work of Christ on the cross while the focus of the peace offering is on the person of Christ and his fellowship with God; through that relationship you and I have peace with God. Let's read Col. 1:21-22 from the NLT for clarity. This includes you who were once so far away from God. You were his enemies, separated from him by your evil thoughts and actions, [22] yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are Holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
Again, because we are interested in the clarity of the principle here and not the individual words, we will examine Ephesians 2:13-22 in the New Living Translation. Paul reiterates our "peace with God." But now you belong to Christ Jesus. Though you once were far away from God, now you have been brought near to him because of the blood of Christ. [14] For Christ himself has made peace between us Jews and you Gentiles by making us all one people. He has broken down the wall of hostility that used to separate us. [15] By his death he ended the whole system of Jewish law that excluded the Gentiles. His purpose was to make peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new person from the two groups. [16] Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. [17] He has brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from Him, and to us Jews who were near. [18] Now all of us, both Jews and Gentiles, may come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. [NASB]
Ephesians 2:19-22 So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God's Holy people. You are members of God's family. [20] We are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. [21] We who believe are carefully joined together, becoming a Holy temple for the Lord. [22] Through him you Gentiles are also joined together as part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit. [NASB]
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [NASB]
The peace offering more specifically speaks of the peace, a peace which brings all believers into communion with the Father. Let me reiterate; The emphasis is not on the peace made by his blood on the cross, but upon the peace He is because of the blood on the cross. In Him all can come together in peace . . . The fellowship of believers.1 John 1:3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. [NASB]
The cattle or oxen are beasts of burden, and are a friend to man; Jesus as set forth in the gospel of Mark, pictures the servant side of our Lord's ministry. Leviticus 3:1 "Now if his offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings, if he is going to offer out of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without defect before the Lord." [NASB]
This offering is voluntary, and the emphasis is on fellowship and communion with the Father. Because God is satisfied with what Jesus has done, the door is open, the veil that separated us from God's presence is split. God has already turned to us, it is we, who must now turn to Him. John 14:27. "I am leaving you with a gift--peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid." [NLT]
Leviticus 3:2 And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and slay it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, and Aaron's sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood around on the altar. [NASB]
Leviticus 3:3-4 'And from the sacrifice of the peace offerings, he shall present an offering by fire to the Lord, the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, [4] and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, which is on the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he shall remove with the kidneys. [NASB]
Leviticus 3:5 'Then Aaron's sons shall offer it up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire; it is an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the Lord. [NASB]
The analogous lamb sets forth both the work of Christ and His person in relationship to the redemption of man. John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to Him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" [NASB]
The lamb pictures His work as our substitute. Surely all of Isaiah 53 portrays Christ. However, none, more clearly reveals the work of Christ, better than Isaiah 53:5-6 But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! [6] All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. [NLT]
Rev. 6:16-17 and they said to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; [17] for the great day of their wrath has come; and who is able to stand?" [NASB]
Leviticus 3:6 'But if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to the Lord is from the flock, he shall offer it, male or female, without a defect. [NASB]
Leviticus 3:7 'If he is going to offer a lamb for his offering, then he shall offer it before the Lord, [8] and he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and slay it before the tent of meeting; and Aaron's sons shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. [NASB]
A fat animal was the best and the best was to be offered to God
Leviticus 3:8 'And from the sacrifice of peace offerings he shall bring as an offering by fire to the Lord, its fat, the entire fat tail which he shall remove close to the backbone, and the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, [10] and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, which is on the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he shall remove with the kidneys. [NASB]
Neh. 8:10 Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is Holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." [NASB]
Isaiah 25:6. And the Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish [shemen, literally fat, oil:- fatness ] banquet for all peoples on this mountain; A banquet of aged wine, choice [shemen-fat] pieces with marrow, and refined, aged wine. [NASB]
Remember the parable in Luke 15:23, about the prodigal son who returns home. This is a picture of you and me, by the way: The father ( figurative of God) in rejoicing, calls to the servants, saying, ". . . bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and be merry;
The concept that fellowship with God rest upon the blood of Christ is true, but there is another aspect to this fellowship. To make the covenant complete and final, there must be the presentation of the life of the believer, in total dedication. Jesus tells the believer to "abide in Him" John 15:4 "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you, unless you abide in Me. [NASB]
In truth, Jesus takes it a step farther, and tells us what happens to those who don't continue to remain in Him: .John 15:6 "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." [NASB]
As the killing of the fatted calf represented rest for the prodigal son, a time when he was back under the protection of his father, so is the person who will make peace with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. The fat of the peace offering would represent rest for the offerer, as peace is made with God. Matthew 11:28-29 "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. [29] "Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. [NASB]
Leviticus 3:11 Then the priest shall offer it up in smoke on the altar, as food, an offering by fire to the Lord. The fat and the inward parts were totally consumed by fire, the breast and shoulders went to the priest and the offerer ate the remainder in the temple. God was the host. The offerer and priest were the guests. Deut. 12:6-7 "And there you shall bring your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the contribution of your hand, your votive offerings, your freewill offerings, and the first-born of your herd and of your flock. [7] "There also you and your households shall eat before the Lord your God, and rejoice in all your undertakings in which the Lord your God has blessed you. [NASB]
All three, the cattle, the sheep and the goats, are essential to portray the different aspects of Christ in the peace offering. The goat represents the complete identification of Christ as adequate to take away the sin of man.
To gain understanding of this we should look at the special offering of the scapegoat. This ritual offering was to be made before the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the nation. Leviticus 16:5 "And he shall take from the congregation of the sons of Israel two male goats for a sin offering and one ram [Lamb] for a burnt offering [NASB]
Leviticus 16:7-10 "And he shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the doorway of the tent of meeting. [8] "And Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats, one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. [9] "Then Aaron shall offer the goat on which the lot for the Lord fell, and make it a sin offering. [10] "But the goat on which the lot for the scapegoat fell, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, to send it into the wilderness as the scapegoat." [NASB]
Leviticus 16:20-22 "When he finishes atoning for the Holy place, and the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall offer the live goat. [21] "Then Aaron shall lay both of his hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over it all the iniquities of the sons of Israel, and all their transgressions in regard to all their sins; and he shall lay them on the head of the goat and send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a man who stands in readiness. [22] "And the goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to a solitary land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness. [NASB]
The wilderness, where the goat carried the sin's, is perhaps an illustration of Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. [NASB]
God is not pleased with the sin offerings, but they were necessary to cover up sin until Christ could come. Hebrews 10:6 No, you were not pleased with animals burned on the altar or with other offerings for sin. [NLT] Hebrews 10:8-12 Christ said, "You did not want animal sacrifices or grain offerings or animals burned on the altar or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them" (though they are required by the law of Moses). [9] Then he added, "Look, I have come to do your will." He cancels the first covenant in order to establish the second. [10] And what God wants is for us to be made Holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time.
John 14:26-28 "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. [27] "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. [28] "You heard that I said to you, 'I go away, and I will come to you.' If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I." [NASB]
Leviticus 3:12-17 'Moreover, if his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before the Lord, [13] and he shall lay his hand on its head and slay it before the tent of meeting; and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar. [14] 'And from it he shall present his offering as an offering by fire to the Lord, the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, [15] and the two kidneys with the fat that is on them, which is on the loins, and the lobe of the liver, which he shall remove with the kidneys. [16] 'And the priest shall offer them up in smoke on the altar as food, an offering by fire for a soothing aroma; all fat is the Lord's. [17] 'It is a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings: you shall not eat any fat or any blood.' "
The blood brings us to the table of communion. If we are to enjoy Him we must give him our best -the fat is the Lord's John 15:14 "You are My friends, if you do what I command you." [NASB]
Paul, in one of Scriptures most majestic passages, Philip. 3:12, tells them and us this; " I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be." [NLT]
The Law of the Peace offering is found in Leviticus 7:11-38. It is important to notice that the Lord placed these instructions last, after, all of the regulations concerning the other offerings. Why? Clearly, a person must enter into all of the other offerings first, before peace can be established with their Lord.
Leviticus 7:11-12. 'Now this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which shall be presented to the Lord. [12] 'If he offers it by way of thanksgiving, then along with the sacrifice of thanksgiving he shall offer unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and cakes of well stirred fine flour mixed with oil.
Along with the unleavened cakes or wafers the seeker is directed to offer leavened cakes or GRAM bread in Leviticus 7:13-14. 'With the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving, he shall present his offering with cakes of leavened bread. [14] 'And of this he shall present one of every offering as a contribution to the Lord; it shall belong to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings.
Our peace with God does not depend on our sinless perfection. 1 John 1:8. If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law, but under grace.
Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; [24] And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
Leviticus 7:15 'Now as for the flesh of the sacrifice of his thanksgiving peace offerings, it shall be eaten on the day of his offering; he shall not leave any of it over until morning.
In verse 16 we come to what almost might seem to be a contradiction: [16] 'But if the sacrifice of his offering is a votive [to fulfill a vow] or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day that he offers his sacrifice; and on the next day what is left of it may be eaten;
Leviticus 7:17 would confirm this thought, for it says : But what is left over from the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burned with fire. By the third day, without refrigeration, the offering would begin to corrupt. Corrupt flesh is never acceptable to our God
Notice what happened to a person who is disobedient .
Leviticus 7:18 'So if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings should ever be eaten on the third day, he who offers it shall not be accepted, and it shall not be reckoned to his benefit. It shall be an offensive thing, and the person who eats of it shall bear his own iniquity.
Leviticus 7:19 'Also the flesh that touches anything unclean shall not be eaten; it shall be burned with fire. As for other flesh, anyone who is clean may eat such flesh. [20] 'But the person who eats the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings which belong to the Lord, in his uncleanness, that person shall be cut off from his people.
Leviticus 7:21 'And when anyone touches anything unclean, whether human uncleanness, or an unclean animal, or any unclean detestable thing, and eats of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings which belong to the Lord, that person shall be cut off from his people.' "
Leviticus 7:22-27 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, [23] "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'You shall not eat any fat from an ox, a sheep, or a goat. [24] 'Also the fat of an animal which dies, and the fat of an animal torn by beasts, may be put to any other use, but you must certainly not eat it. [25] 'For whoever eats the fat of the animal from which an offering by fire is offered to the Lord, even the person who eats shall be cut off from his people. [26] 'And you are not to eat any blood, either of bird or animal, in any of your dwellings. [27] 'Any person who eats any blood, even that person shall be cut off from his people.' "
Perhaps we can grasp the concept through a New Testament picture illustrated by Ananias and Sapphire. Acts 5:1-2
But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, [2] and kept back some of the price for himself, with his wife's full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the apostles' feet. [NASB]
Then they did something that would be analogous to eating the Lord's portion of the peace offering. Acts 5:3-5 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back some of the price of the land? [4] "While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God." [5] And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came upon all who heard of it. [NASB]
The priesthood was established by God to portray the roll of Christ in making fallen man acceptable to God, separated, cleansed and forgiven. The portion of the offering given to the priest pictures God's provision for those that are his own Leviticus 7:28-32 [28] Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, [29] "Speak to the sons of Israel, saying, 'He who offers the sacrifice of his peace offerings to the Lord shall bring his offering to the Lord from the sacrifice of his peace offerings. [30] 'His own hands are to bring offerings by fire to the Lord. He shall bring the fat with the breast, that the breast may be presented as a wave offering before the Lord. [31] 'And the priest shall offer up the fat in smoke on the altar; but the breast shall belong to Aaron and his sons. [32] 'And you shall give the right thigh to the priest as a contribution from the sacrifices of your peace offerings.
The roll of the priest is to offer intercession before God for his people. Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. He then could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. [NLT]
Hebrews 7:25 Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. [NASB]
The breast is a coinciding picture the heart of Christ our high priest is revealed in Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me.
The thigh characterizes the power of Christ. John 10:27-30
"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; [28] and I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no one shall snatch them out of My hand. [29] "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. [30] "I and the Father are one."
As you have been able to determine by our studies thus far, the Lord is very specific about what and who is acceptable to Him. He demands obedience and the best. The Word, recorded in
Malachi 1:7-14, will give us a clear presentation of what is not acceptable.
"You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, 'How have we defiled Thee?' In that you say, 'The table of the Lord is to be despised.' [8] "But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?" says the Lord of hosts. [9] "But now will you not entreat God's favor, that He may be gracious to us? With such an offering on your part, will He receive any of you kindly?" says the Lord of hosts. [10] "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you," says the Lord of hosts, "nor will I accept an offering from you. [11] "For from the rising of the sun, even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations," says the Lord of hosts. [12] "But you are profaning it, in that you say, 'The table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is to be despised.' [13] "You also say, 'My, how tiresome it is!' And you disdainfully sniff at it," says the Lord of hosts, "and you bring what was taken by robbery, and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?" says the Lord. [14] "But cursed be the swindler who has a male in his flock, and vows it, but sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord, for I am a great King," says the Lord of hosts, "and My name is feared among the nations."
The summation of all that we have learned of
the peace offering is that we need to come before the Fathers table, in total
submission to the renewing power of the Holy Spirit, willingly; walking in
total obedience to all of the light that we have. We need to offer God our
best.
You may question your need to know about the ordination of the priest, but it is important to remember that we are the priest of the New Covenant and the parallels of consecration are astounding. 1 Peter 2:9 is the call of the true church, the body of believers, to become that priesthood. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a Holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;
In this section we will deal with the high priest and the rest of the Levites, who were set apart to be priest. Originally God had intended for the whole nation to be a kingdom of priest, a forerunner of the priesthood of believers..Exodus 19:6 and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a Holy nation.' These are the words that you shall speak to the sons of Israel." This was prevented by man's rebellious bent, and thus his inability to keep the law, so instead of the nation, God separated one tribe-Levi, and out of that tribe, one man to serve as high priest. This parallels the church according to Hebrews 8:1 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,
The duty of the high priest, Old or New covenant, is spelled out in Hebrews 5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins;
Hebrews 9:11 But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things to come, He entered through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation;
Hebrews 8:1-2 Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, [2] a minister in the sanctuary, and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.
Hebrews 9:24 For Christ did not enter a Holy place made with hands, a mere copy of the true one, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
By this point in our study we have covered most of the picture and facsimiles, and we have studied the priestly garments, With the help of the Holy Spirit you should be able identify most of the conceptions.. I shall only draw your attention to them. The consecration of priest is covered in Exodus 29 and again in Leviticus 8. If the Holy Spirit thought it important enough to include it twice, we shall draw from both sources.
Moses was to gather the whole congregation of Israel to witness the consecration of the priest. .Leviticus 8:1-3 The Lord said to Moses, [2] "Now bring Aaron and his sons, along with their special clothing, the anointing oil, the bull for the sin offering, the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread [3] to the entrance of the Tabernacle. Then call the entire community of Israel to meet you there." [NLT] What is really important is that the Lord will take ordinary sinful people, like you and me, and set them aside for service. Hebrews 7:28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.
Compilers notes: Perhaps the gathering of the congregation is pictorial of the consecration of Christ. Most probably the time Paul was referring to in 1 Cor. 15:6, when he wrote: " After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time." In Acts 1:9 the witnesses looked on as our Lord was taken up in the heavens. It was not long after he said this that he was taken up into the sky while they were watching, and he disappeared into a cloud. [NLT]
Exodus 29:1 "Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them to minister as priests to Me: take one young bull and two rams without blemish.
Exodus 29:2 and unleavened bread and unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil; you shall make them of fine wheat flour.
Exodus 29:3-4 "And you shall put them in one basket, and present them in the basket along with the bull and the two rams. [4] "Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the doorway of the tent of meeting, and wash them with water.
Leviticus 8:6 Then Moses had Aaron and his sons come near, and washed them with water.
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Ephes. 5:26 that He might sanctify her [the church], having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
You would be right in asking, at this juncture, how does one get washed with the word? 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
The high priest wore eight articles of clothing and the priest only four; we studied these articles in detail earlier and so we shall only highlight them here. The four that were common to all were the tunic, the sash, the turban and the breeches. These were all made of white linen which is symbolic of righteousness. Every believer-priest of the New Covenant, is clothed in righteousness, not of his own doing. The four garments that were peculiar to the high priest were items of great beauty and glory. Leviticus 8:7 And he put the tunic on him and girded him with the sash, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on Him; and he girded him with the artistic band of the ephod, with which he tied it to Him.
The breast plate is also detailed in an earlier chapter in Leviticus 8:8 we find that placed in the breast plate were the Urim and the Thummin. He then placed the breastpiece on Him, and in the breastpiece he put the Urim and the Thummim.
Psalm 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Psalm 19:8 The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
Leviticus 8:9 He also placed the turban on his head, and on the turban, at its front, he placed the golden plate, the Holy crown, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. If you will recall from our study of the garments on page 22, the golden plate had the words written upon it, "Holiness to the Lord."
By way of review, let's look at Exodus 29:5 "And you shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the tunic and the robe of the ephod and the ephod and the breastpiece, and gird him with the skillfully woven band of the ephod; [6] and you shall set the turban on his head, and put the Holy crown on the turban. [7] "Then you shall take the anointing oil, and pour it on his head and anoint Him. [8] "And you shall bring his sons and put tunics on them. [9] "And you shall gird them with sashes, Aaron and his sons, and bind caps on them, and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute. So you shall ordain Aaron and his sons.
Compare this with the full armor of God that Paul directs Christians to put on daily.
Ephes. 6:13-17 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. [14] Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; [16] in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. [17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. [NASB]
Leviticus 8:10 Moses then took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and consecrated them.
We must first be saved by the blood of Jesus, cleansed, and then the Holy Spirit of God can move and work in our lives as we worship the Lord according to Romans 12:1-2 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and Holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. [2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Leviticus 8:11-12 And he sprinkled some of it [anointing oil] on the altar seven times and anointed the altar and all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, to consecrate them. [12] Then he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head and anointed Him, to consecrate Him. [NASB]
Psalm 133:2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes.
Leviticus 8:13 Next Moses had Aaron's sons come near and clothed them with tunics, and girded them with sashes, and bound caps on them, just as the Lord had commanded Moses.
Exodus 29:1 "Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them to minister as priests to Me: take one young bull and two rams without blemish.
Exodus 29:2 and unleavened bread and unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil; you shall make them of fine wheat flour.
Exodus 29:3-4 "And you shall put them in one basket, and present them in the basket along with the bull and the two rams. [4] "Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the doorway of the tent of meeting, and wash them with water.
Let's go back and look a little closer at Exodus 29:1, since the office of high priest is in itself a portrait of Christ. "Now this is what you shall do to them to consecrate them to minister as priests to Me: take one young bull and two rams without blemish.
Offerings were to be made from very specific animals.
Exodus 29:10 "Then you shall bring the bull before the tent of meeting, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the bull.
Leviticus 8:14 Then he brought the bull of the sin offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull of the sin offering.
These next few verses are duplicated in Leviticus 8: 14 and on: Exodus 29:11 "And you shall slaughter the bull before the Lord at the doorway of the tent of meeting. [12] "And you shall take some of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.
Exodus 29:13-14 "And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and offer them up in smoke on the altar. [14] "But the flesh of the bull and its hide and its refuse, you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering.
Exodus 29:15 -18 "You shall also take the one ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram; [16] and you shall slaughter the ram and shall take its blood and sprinkle it around on the altar. [17] "Then you shall cut the ram into its pieces, and wash its entrails and its legs, and put them with its pieces and its head. [18] "And you shall offer up in smoke the whole ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the Lord: it is a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the Lord.
Leviticus 8:22 Then he presented the second ram, the ram of ordination; and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. [NASB]
Compilers notes: The word used for ordination is of great interest; it is the Hebrew word "millu" which means "install or inlaid." The priest of the Old Covenant are prophetic pictures of the priest of the New Covenant, the children of God, born again believers, filled or inlaid with the Holy Spirit of God.
Notice now the application of the blood to the person of the priest. Exodus 29:19 "Then you shall take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall lay their hands on the head of the ram. [20] "And you shall slaughter the ram, and take some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's right ear and on the lobes of his sons' right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the big toes of their right feet, and sprinkle the rest of the blood around on the altar.
Exodus 29:21 "Then you shall take some of the blood that is on the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and on his garments, and on his sons and on his sons' garments with Him; so he and his garments shall be consecrated, as well as his sons and his sons' garments with Him.
Exodus 29:22-25 "You shall also take the fat from the ram and the fat tail, and the fat that covers the entrails and the lobe of the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them and the right thigh (for it is a ram of ordination), [23] and one cake of bread and one cake of bread mixed with oil and one wafer from the basket of unleavened bread which is set before the Lord; [24] and you shall put all these in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons, and shall wave them as a wave offering before the Lord. [25] "And you shall take them from their hands, and offer them up in smoke on the altar on the burnt offering for a soothing aroma before the Lord; it is an offering by fire to the Lord.
Exodus 29:26-28 "Then you shall take the breast of Aaron's ram of ordination, and wave it as a wave offering before the Lord; and it shall be your portion. [27] "And you shall consecrate the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the heave offering which was waved and which was offered from the ram of ordination, from the one which was for Aaron and from the one which was for his sons. [28] "And it shall be for Aaron and his sons as their portion forever from the sons of Israel, for it is a heave offering; and it shall be a heave offering from the sons of Israel from the sacrifices of their peace offerings, even their heave offering to the Lord.
Compilers notes: The distinction between the wave and the heave offerings appear to be semantics. The wave offering was waved before the Lord from side to side and the heave offering was lifted up in a vertical movement.
Exodus 29:29-30 [29] "And the Holy garments of Aaron shall be for his sons after Him, that in them they may be anointed and ordained. [30] "For seven days the one of his sons who is priest in his stead shall put them on when he enters the tent of meeting to minister in the Holy place.
Exodus 29:31-33 "And you shall take the ram of ordination and boil its flesh in a Holy place. [32] "And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, at the doorway of the tent of meeting. [33] "Thus they shall eat those things by which atonement was made at their ordination and consecration; but a layman shall not eat them, because they are Holy.
Exodus 29:34 "And if any of the flesh of ordination or any of the bread remains until morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire; it shall not be eaten, because it is Holy.
Leviticus 8:32 "And the remainder of the flesh and of the bread you shall burn in the fire."
Exodus 29:35-37 "And thus you shall do to Aaron and to his sons, according to all that I have commanded you; you shall ordain them through seven days. [36] "And each day you shall offer a bull as a sin offering for atonement, and you shall purify the altar when you make atonement for it; and you shall anoint it to consecrate it. [37] "For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it; then the altar shall be most Holy, and whatever touches the altar shall be Holy.
Compilers notes: throughout Scripture, the number seven always symbolizes completion.
Exodus 29:38-42 "Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two one year old lambs each day, continuously. [39] "The one lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight; [40] and there shall be one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with one-fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and one-fourth of a hin of wine for a libation with one lamb. [41] "And the other lamb you shall offer at twilight, and shall offer with it the same grain offering as the morning and the same libation, for a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the Lord. [42] "It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the doorway of the tent of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet with you, to speak to you there.
We can be grateful that our God is unchanging. His desire is the same here as it was in the beginning when He first made Adam, and now for His new testament temples. God desires to fellowship and indwell men. Despite the proclamations of the New Age guru's and mother earth priestesses, mankind is the only creature on planet earth designed to be indwelt by his creator. Exodus 29:43-46
[43] "And I will meet there with the
sons of Israel, and it shall be consecrated by My glory. [44] "And I will
consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar; I will also consecrate Aaron and
his sons to minister as priests to Me. [45] "And I will dwell among the
sons of Israel and will be their God. [46] "And they shall know that I am
the Lord their God who brought them out of the land of Egypt, that I might
dwell among them; I am the Lord their God.
Thank you for studying the many portraits of Christ found within the tabernacle; I am sure that I have only scratched the surface. I encourage you to spend time in the Word, and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I know that you will find each day with Him exciting; His word is "fresh every morning.
A very special thanks to our Departed Mentor Dr. J. Vernon McGee and "Through the Bible Radio," for His many special insights into the Word of God, and also that of Dr. Richard Gottier, author of "Toward a Renewed Mind."
If you have comments or wish to share pictures that the Holy Spirit has shown you, please write,
Gregory Deans, 204 Sir Chandler dr., Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948 -- Email, deans2@earthlink.net,
or visit us on the web at www.geocities.com/christ_word for many other adventures into the "Word of the Lord."