20 The Tabernacle Reared Up

The Tabernacle Reared Up

(Exo 40:9-19) In Exo 40:9-16, we have the anointing of the Tabernacle and all therein, its vessels, the altar, and layer. Also the clothing and anointing of Aaron and his sons; but as we have had this subject previously, we now proceed at Exo 40:17. The Period When The Tabernacle Was Reared

Verse 17. “And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was reared up.” The first day of the second year of Israel’s experience as a redeemed people, was an important period in their history. On this day the Tabernacle was set up. On the day of the SECOND month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, the commandment was given for the numbering of the children of Israel from twenty years old and upward; all that were able to go forth to war in Israel (Num 1:1-2). And on the day that Moses had FULLY SET up the Tabernacle, and anointed it and sanctified it, and all the vessels thereof, the princes of Israel that were over them that were numbered, presented their offering to Jehovah of six covered wagons, twelve oxen, with twelve silver chargers, and spoons of gold full of incense, with the ascending offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings, and twelve days were occupied with the presentation (Numbers 7.).

During the FIRST year the lessons of the wilderness were learnt: What the wilderness was; what the flesh was, both under grace (Exo 19:4-6), and under law; and what God was in the various manifestations of His character. With the SECOND year, Israel’s experience in connection with the Tabernacle commences, and to this period the books of Leviticus and Numbers apply. The FIRST year is typical of the Christian’s individual experience; the SECOND, of his experience in connection with the Church of God, and in association with others professing Christianity. THE TABERNACLE SET UP “And Moses reared up the Tabernacle.” The Tabernacle is first mentioned before the tent of the congregation; for the first thought in the mind of the Spirit is a habitation for God, before that which represents the assembly of God’s saints is spoken of.

“And fastened his sockets.” The sockets of silver composed of the redemption money of the children of Israel. Thus, typically, the foundations of God’s Tabernacle are laid in redemption.

“And set up the boards thereof.” Typical of those believers who are gathered together to the confession of the name of Jesus, individually, standing firm on redemption, and collectively forming God’s Tabernacle or dwelling-place (Eph 2:22).

“And put in the bars thereof.” For the compacting and establishment of the whole. Like the joints and bands, the gifts of the Spirit for the edifying of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4.).

“And reared up his pillars.” The four pillars which held up the vail, corresponding with the four inspired historians of the life and death of Jesus; and the five pillars which supported the hanging of the door; answering to the apostles and prophets, the evangelists, pastors, and teachers, who exhibit Jesus as the way of entrance into the Tabernacle of God. And thus the Church becomes not only the house of God, and Church of the living God, but also the pillar and ground of the truth, for the manifestation and maintenance of the truth of God in the world. The Tent Of The Congregation Spread

Verse 19. “And he spread abroad the tent over the Tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as Jehovah commanded Moses.” The tent over the Tabernacle, or the tent of the Congregation, represents the assembly of believers, meeting in the Name of Jesus, who, in Spirit also, compose the habitation of God. The covering of the tent was twofold.

First, the covering of Ram’s skins dyed red, typical of the atoning work of the Lord Jesus, under the shelter of which the Church is seen by God.

Secondly, the covering of badger’s skins, above and over all, significant of the external lowly form and pilgrim character of the Church on earth.All done according to the Will and Word of God.