Scriptures

Exodus 25:1 to 27:19
1 Kings 5:26 to 6:13
Hebrews 8:1-6; 9:23-24; 10:1

Review:

From the past lessons in the book of Exodus we have read and learned how Moses led the Israelites from Egypt to Mount Sinai. There, YHVH had them review their Covenant (given originally to Abraham) and gave them the Ten Statements or categories of how to keep covenant with Him (Genesis 15; Exodus 19:5-8). Those categories were agreed upon in what is called the Mosaic Covenant, a covenant that was built on the Abrahamic Covenant. This covenant was also called the gospel, the testimony, the will, the good news and the ketubah. The ketubah is a legal document detailing the vows spoken and agreed upon by both parties in a Hebrew marriage relationship. Given at the betrothal (in the case of YHVH and His bride, at the Feast of Shavuot), it was the basis and foundation for the couple’s wedding and marriage. At this stage the bride and bridegroom were married but not living together until their wedding day (Exodus 20:1-23:33).

The Mosaic marriage Covenant did not negate the Abrahamic Covenant but held the key or the instructions to it*; both Covenants were dependent on each other. The Mosaic Covenant explained the moral code for those walking in the Abrahamic Covenant. The bride’s ketubah taught her the proper care and respect for people and property, about clean and unclean, holy and unholy, and about YHVH’s Sabbath, moedim/feast days and New Moon festivals. The bride said, “We will do everything YHVH has said.” If the bride chose to walk in the vow she made with her Bridegroom and make it her lifestyle, matching her walk with her confession, she would remain in His righteousness and be kept holy by her obedience to His Word. This would lead her “without spot or wrinkle” to her wedding day (Exodus 20:1-23:9; Exodus 24:3; Ephesians 5:27; 1 Timothy 6:14; Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:19; 2 Peter 3:14; Revelation 19:7).

*The law [Mosaic Covenant], introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God [Abrahamic covenant] and thus do away with the promise (Galatians 3:17).

The Covenant is a gift to the Children of Israel–all twelve tribes–and is still active and binding today. It is an eternal covenant to the Children of Israel (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Hebrews 8:8-10). When the people agreed upon the Covenant, Moses wrote it down and set up twelve stones as a remembrance and memorial to what they had vowed (Exodus 24:4). Moses read out the conditions of the Covenant and the people responded again, “We will do everything YHVH has said; we will obey” (Exodus 24:7).

With the vows in place, the Covenant was made valid by a burnt offering and the shedding of blood. Moses took the blood of the sacrifice and sprinkled half the blood on the altar, the other half he sprinkled on the people to bind and activate the Covenant YHVH made with them. Then Moses and Aaron and his two eldest sons, along with the seventy elders, went up and saw YHVH. They ate and drank with Him, sealing the Covenant made between them (Exodus 24:5-11).

Traditionally, after the betrothal, the bridegroom went to prepare a place for his bride-to-be. He would be gone for a period and the bride would not know the exact time of his return. In the same way, Yeshua’s bride does not know the exact day of His return, but she does know the season because He has given her His Feast days to celebrate at their appointed times. The feasts are rehearsals called the paths of righteousness that helps prepare the bride and lead her to her wedding day. "For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready" (Leviticus 23; Revelation 19:7).

With this review, we enter the study…

Exodus 25 The Blueprint

Moses went up Mount Sinai for forty days and forty nights. While there, YHVH showed him the plans for the house, a dwelling place called a tabernacle or mishkan that YHVH predetermined for His bride. The house Moses was to make was a shadow of the Tabernacle that was already made for her; and thus it had to be made in the exact image of the heavenly tabernacle. YHVH revealed the pattern for His bride ahead of time so that she would feel comfortable functioning and living in the dwelling before the actual time came, and so that it would not be foreign to her when she arrived. The "house" YHVH made for her is His Kingdom. The functions of service in His Kingdom are called the realms of the Kingdom. The realms of the Kingdom are all the words recorded in their Ketubah at Mount Sinai that the bride vowed to keep, the Ketubah that is written and sealed in blood before YHVH. His Kingdom is called the "Tabernacle" or "Mishkan" in Hebrew and is the House YHVH has prepared for His Bride. Moses represents the shadow of Yeshua, who has gone for a time to prepare a place for His bride (Exodus 24:18; Hebrews 8:1-2, 5).

I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way [the paths of righteousness] to the place where I am going (John 14:2-4).

Exodus 25:1-9 Offerings for the Tabernacle ~ Mishkan

Again, tabernacle in Hebrew is mishkan (Strong’s # 908/7931), meaning: a dwelling, to dwell, reside with others and inhabit. To show the importance of the mishkan to His people, YHVH devoted thirteen chapters to it in His Word.

While Moses was gone forty days and nights he was shown the plans to make the mishkan exactly according to the pattern shown him, the "shadow" of what was already in place.

We have such a High Priest (Yeshua), who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which YHVH erected, and not man. They [the Israelites in the wilderness] serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned [by YHVH] when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain" (Hebrews 8:1, 2, 5).

Question: Did YHVH speak the pattern of the mishkan to Moses or did YHVH actually show Moses the pattern from the true heavenly tabernacle?

YHVH had the people whose hearts prompted them to bring offerings do so. Freewill giving will reveal the bride, as only the true bride will be inspired to give. Giving from a free heart reveals an open heart toward YHVH and her desire to bless and be blessed in return. The bride who does not give freely reveals an independent heart, one that is not totally given over to YHVH yet. That is why YHVH called for a freewill offering. The true bride is made up of those who understand the truth about the mishkan and do all they can to help build it; the building starts in the bride’s heart first.

Thus says YHVH, "Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest?" (Isaiah 66:1).

Yeshua replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching (covenant). My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home [mishkan / teaching / dwelling] with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching" (John 14:23-24).

The articles needed to build the mishkan included: gold, silver and bronze; yarn of blue, purple and scarlet, fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cows; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; stones of onyx and other gems for the priest’s ephod and breastpiece (or breastplate). In giving with open hearts, the people would make a sanctuary for YHVH to dwell and live among them.

While the materials necessary for the construction of the Tabernacle might have changed, freewill offerings are still required as His Kingdom is still operating and being built upon. Our offerings today include freely giving YHVH of our increase from what we have sown, whether it is from a farm or from our work in the city. Whatever our income is, our increase has come originally from YHVH; that is why He asks for the offering. He will always give us enough to sow back into His Kingdom. It is His universal law of sowing and reaping. This law reflects like a mirror the truth of our hearts; that is why YHVH asks for the tithes and offerings. It is the law of abundance for those who obey it or it can be a law that brings poverty for those who do not sow fruit into others’ lives. Freely and willingly offering is the key to prosperity and abundance in our lives, not merely monetarily but in all areas. We will be richly blessed when obeying this. Our walk in YHVH’s kingdom will be as big as our hearts are generous (Exodus 25:1-7).

Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you" (Exodus 25:8-9).

Son of man, describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins. Let them consider the plan, and if they are ashamed of all they have done, make known to them the design of the temple-- its arrangement, its exits and entrances-- its whole design and all its regulations and laws. Write these down before them so that they may be faithful to its design and follow all its regulations. This is the law of the temple: All the surrounding area on top of the mountain will be most holy. Such is the law of the temple (Ezekiel 43:10).

YHVH taught us about His mishkan starting from the inside out. The Ark is the "heart" of His dwelling with us. This Ark is a reflection of our hearts and how we reflect His Glory; but first His Glory must be placed inside the Ark. The Ark was to be made out of acacia wood, which is a very hard, heavy, indestructible wood that resists insects and rot. Acacia wood reflected incorruptible humanity. Of Yeshua, David said, "For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption" (Psalm 16:10). The acacia wood of the Ark was to be overlaid with pure gold inside and outside, thus forming three boxes in one, teaching that what is in our hearts will reflect on us outwardly; our body, soul and spirit will reflect Yeshua’s righteousness when our hearts are patterned according to His Ark.

Two poles were to be placed on the side of the ark and not removed symbolizing the portability of the Ark, that we always be ready to move as the Spirit leads. (Two poles: Two trees / two witnesses / two houses (Israel and Judah).

And thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee (Exodus 25:16).

Is the testimony that is in our hearts a reflection of Yeshua? If Yeshua is the walking Word, this testimony Yeshua shared with Moses at Mount Sinai should be the reflection and testimony of our hearts. When Torah and the Spirit meet, the Kingdom of God is come. It is within us.

The Kingdom of God does not come visibly, nor will people say, "Here it is," or "There it is," because the Kingdom of God is within you (Luke 17:21).

Yeshua is YHVH’s testimony put in our hearts (the Ark). When Torah and Messiah meet, there is Malchut Ha Shamayim, the glory of YHVH, the Kingdom of Heaven (John 1:1,14).

Behold, the days are coming, says YHVH, when I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel and with the House of Judah -- not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says YHVH. For this isthe covenant that I will make with the [whole] house of Israel after those days, says YHVH: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts (it will no longer be written on stone!); and I will be their God, and they shall be My people (Hebrews 8:8-10).

An atonement cover was to be made and placed over the testimony that was in the Ark. The cover was made from one piece of hammered pure solid gold. Our hearts are covered by Yeshua’s atonement. His sacrifice completed and ended the sacrificial system once and for all. That is why the atonement cover is over the Ark. Two cherubim guard over it, representing the two witnesses of Yeshua’s testimony. Only two people groups share Yeshua’s testimony today, the House of Israel and the House of Judah. They have been hammered out of one piece of gold in Yeshua. Bowing cherubim represent the people continue to look intently into the Word of YHVH, His testimony (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Hebrews 8:8-10).

But when this priest (Yeshua) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 10:12).

Exodus 25:23-30 The Table of Showbread

YHVH then shared with Moses the pattern for making the table for the bread of His Presence, traditionally called "showbread", to be displayed on. This table was also to be made of acacia wood covered with pure gold and have two carrying poles inserted into rings on the sides for travel. The bread of the Presence was to be before YHVH at all times. The bread, as we learned from the previous study, Beshalach (Exodus 16), represented the manna, the sinless Presence of His flesh. He is the sacrifice and no sin (yeast) was found in Him. This unleavened bread kept the Israelites alive, sustaining them forty years in the desert. Yeshua is the Torah, YHVH’s teaching and instruction, made flesh. Moses was instructed to always keep the Word before them. There were to be twelve loaves of bread displayed on the table of showbread, one for each tribe as each tribe represented Yeshua and were His witnesses to the Nations (Luke 22:19).

Yeshua said to [His disciples], "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever" (John 6:23-59).

Exodus 25:31-40 The Lampstand ~ Menorah

Make a menorah of pure gold and hammer it out, base and shaft; its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms shall be of one piece with it. Six branches are to extend from the sides of the menorah-- three on one side and three on the other. 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 menorah. And on the menorah there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain (Exodus 25:31-40).

The menorah represents the Messiah of Israel. Yeshua said, "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12) As the Bridegroom of Israel, He will light the path and show the bride the way (Psalm 119:105). The menorah is a symbol of the bride’s mission: to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:7).

It is said that pure gold is one of the easiest metals to work with. It can be beaten into a transparent gold foil over five hundred times thinner than a human hair. Thus YHVH asked for the menorah to be fashioned and ornately decorated using one piece of pure gold.

The pattern of the menorah called for three decorative cups to be on each of the six branches extending from the lampstand. Only on the main shaft itself was there to be four cups. The cups on the menorah remind the bride of the "cups" she drank when saying her vows to her Bridegroom at His appointed feasts, vowing to be His faithful bride.

The cups on the menorah and the branches were in the shape of open almond blossoms. The almond tree represents firstfruits and is the earliest tree to bloom after the winter in Israel. Yeshua is the firstfruits from the dead and we are His firstfruits. We were dead outside of Yeshua. When He redeemed us and raised us from death to life, we became His firstfruits (Ezekiel 37:1-14).

The almond blossom turns into fruit that contains edible seed called a nut. Almond in Hebrew is shaqad (Strong’s # 8246) from the root verb (Strong’s # 8245) meaning "to diligently watch."

The word of YHVH came to me: "What do you see, Jeremiah?" "I see the branch of an almond tree," I replied. YHVH said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled" (Jeremiah 1:11-12).

The bride is to be diligently watchful (rightly walking in His ways), and eagerly awaiting her Bridegroom, Yeshua HaMoshiach’s, return.

My lover spoke and said to me, "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land" (Song of Solomon 2:10-12).

The three cups on the six branches of the menorah were symbols that represented the commandment for the Israelites to come up to the feasts three times a year. They were to come to the appointed feasts to meet with YHVH to worship Him.

The first cup represented the cup the bride drank at the first feast in the spring at the Passover and seven-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, the cup of acceptance. The second cup represented the cup the bride drank at the second feast in early summer, the Feast of Shavuot also called the Feast of Pentecost. This was the cup of the Betrothal. The third cup represented the cup the bride will drink at the third feast in the fall at the Feast of Tabernacles. This will be the Wedding cup at the Wedding supper of the Lamb, the Messiah of Israel.

Only the main shaft of the Menorah had a fourth cup. The main shaft represented Yeshua, and the fourth cup represented the cup he drank on our behalf at His death called the cup of bitterness, in fulfillment of the Law of Jealousy regarding a wife suspected of being unfaithful to her husband. The Whole House of Israel has been the unfaithful bride; it has not been just one House or the other. In Yeshua’s faithfulness to His bride, He drank the cup of judgment on our behalf, taking our death upon Himself (Numbers 5:5-31; Luke 22:42; Reference: Parsha Mishpatim and lesson).

YHVH’s pattern for the menorah also had buds and blossoms on both the main shaft and on each branch; they were to be placed directly below the cups. These buds and blossoms represent how, when we abide in YHVH and keep the feasts and the vows we made to Him, we will start to bud and blossom and bear much fruit that will also bear seed in others and glorify Yeshua. That is why the Menorah is hammered out of one piece of solid gold. A solid piece of gold, in the shape of a menorah, cannot stand on its own without some internal strength. Yeshua has been tried. He is the Living testimony, the true menorah, the Light of the world. Only He can perfectly keep the Covenant. His testimony is told in the Feasts. He will be Faithful to fulfill all that He has appointed concerning us, His heirs.

Today the menorah is lit in our hearts as our hearts are set up after the real pattern of the mishkan in heaven; the true Temple of YHVH now lives in us (1 Corinthians 6:15,19; 2 Corinthians 6:16). Without maintaining the Light of the menorah or the showbread table of His Presence in her heart, how will the bride know the timing of her wedding and be prepared to meet with her Bridegroom? The menorah, the only light in the Holy Place, represents the lightthat the bride needs to see her way to her wedding. So too, the Bread of His Presence or Bread of life is what is needed to sustain her life that she might make it to her wedding day.

The pieces of furniture in the mishkan are all prophetic pictures that apply to our hearts today.
The question is: Will the bride prepare herself by obeying the vows of the Covenant she accepted and sealed by the cup she drank at her betrothal? It is time for the Bride to make herself ready. We are to keep the feasts today; they are rehearsals of the Wedding (Matthew 25:1-13).

The oil for the menorah was produced from olives that were crushed and ground. We, at times, feel like we are being crushed and ground also. The oil used was refined enough for it to burn very bright; after the purifying process it was then poured into the seven bowls/lamps on the menorah. He is purifying us, His bride, that we might also shine brightly for Him. The light could not burn on its own. Wicks were needed that came from worn-out white linen priestly garments, cut in strips and woven together. These fed the oil to the flame. Without a “priestly” connection there would be no flame in the temple lamps. Yeshua is our High Priest. Walking in His ways produces light in our lives. Without His light in our lives we have no light in us, just as the Tabernacle had no light of its own. If we do not keep Yeshua’s light (pictured in the menorah) shining brightly in us, we will not be able to see the light of His Word (pictured in the Bread of the Presence). YHVH’s Word is also said to be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths as it is a reflection of the source of the light coming from the menorah (Psalm 119:105).

The model of the menorah holds significant revelations that still speak truth to us today. One understanding is that there will always be two witnesses of the Messiah just are there are two trees patterned in the menorah, the almond tree (by the buds and blossoms) and olive tree (by the olive oil used). Also represented was the flax plant, from which the linen for the wicks was produced. Just as the almond tree is the earliest to bloom in spring in Israel, flax is one of the earlier plants harvested. It is interesting that after the flax has flowered, a seed pod forms that contains separate cells to house ten seeds that vary in size and color. These represent the ten lost tribes of Israel who are multicolored and still identifiable as part of Israel today.

When the stock of the flax plant is ripe, it goes through a refining process. By soaking, drying and beating it we get long fibers that are woven and made into cloth called linen. Linen represents the righteous acts of the saints who have chosen to mirror their walk after Yeshua and His ways. All three plants produce oils that provide healing and health benefits.

He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed (Isaiah 53:5).

"What do you see?" I answered, "I see a solid gold Menorah with a bowl at the top and seven lights on it, with seven channels to the lights. Also there are two olive trees by it, one on the right of the bowl and the other on its left." "These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth" (Zechariah 4:2-3, 14).

The Two Houses of Israel, the House of Judah and the House of Israel, are the two witnesses of the Messiah. When they come together, one brings the Torah and the other the Messiah; when Torah (Kingly portion) and Messiah (Priestly portion) meet (in the order of Melchizedek), oil will flow from the two olive trees and the Menorah will fill with oil and become a light to the Nations (Ezekiel 37:15-28).

Exodus 26: The Tabernacle ~ Mishkan

YHVH now describes the framework and curtains for the structure of the mishkan to Moses. The detail prophetically pictures Yeshua, who is the fulfillment and goal of the mishkan. The fabrics of the mishkan and curtains are embroidered with blue, purple and scarlet yarn and are woven together with a cherubim design. The blue represents the heavenly realms of Yeshua, the purple represents His royalty, and the scarlet represents Yeshua’s death and resurrection.

The framework is held in place by silver bases; silver almost always represents redemption in Scripture. The roof was made of layers of various coverings. First, a large goat hair curtain, then a layer of ram’s skin dyed red, and lastly, a layer of hides of sea cows covered the rest. These all represent Yeshua’s righteousness, the model and character of humility. There is nothing in and of us that has any redeeming value. We model ourselves after Yeshua who is the only beauty within us; we have nothing good outside of Him (Psalm 16:2).

He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him (Isaiah 53:2).

Once the mishkan pattern was given to Moses, YHVH then communicated the proper placement of the furniture. The Ark with its atonement cover was the only furniture in the Most Holy Place. A curtain was used to separate the Holy and Most Holy Places. The table containing the bread of the Presence was placed on the north side of the Holy Place and the menorah was placed on the south side. Another curtain completed the mishkan.

Exodus 27:1-8 Altar of Burnt Offering

The outer court description started with the altar of burnt offering. This is the place where the believer leaves the sinful nature of his soul behind in order to continue the walk of redemption into the Tabernacle, to serve in the royal priesthood of Yeshua. The walk of redemption we have been called to is a sacrifice at first but one that leads to freedom. The altar was made of acacia wood covered with bronze to endure the heat of the altar.

Exodus 27:9-19 The Courtyard

Around the mishkan was a large courtyard, defined by huge draped linen curtains. This is where the character and attitude of the believer is formed. The closer the believer came to the mishkan, and eventually through the mishkan toward the Most Holy Place where YHVH came down to meet with His people in intimate face-to-face presence, the less of "self" in us that could exist. In the redemptive process, the believer’s soul becomes like dust as he is transformed into the Father’s use.

So I went down to the potter's house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of YHVH came to me: "O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter does?" declares YHVH. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel" (Jeremiah 18:3).

In a large house [Tabernacle] there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work (2 Timothy 2:20).

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" (Hebrews 8:5; 5 Exodus 25:40).

To be continued…

Shabbat Shalom,
Carl and Julie Parker

Reference:

TWOT: Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (2-vol. set) by R. Laird Harris, Gleason L.Archer, Bruce Waltke

ED: Etymological Dictionary of Biblical Hebrew. Feldheim Publishers

Past Torah Commentary: Beshalach and Mishpatim study: www.sheepfoldgleanings.com

Redeemed Israel – Reunited and Restored by Batya Wootten

Past Parshot: www.messianicisrael.com/sheepfold-gleanings/
Sheepfold Gleanings written by Carl and Julie Parker: www.sheepfoldgleanings.com
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