Exodus 24-29

2. Moses again, enacts his role as mediator on behalf of the people - foreshadowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:16

See notes on Exodus 19:12, 16, 23

4-5. The building of this altar, with twelve pillars, ensures that ALL twelve tribes will be included in this covenant of belonging to God - that ALL will be covered by the blood that speaks “mercy” (Leviticus 16:11-17) and no one will be excluded - unless and except by their own doing: a foreshadowing of our salvation, through Messiah’s sacrifice.

See note on Exodus 27

8. See Hebrews 9:22

Thank you Jesus!

8. This same covenant, that Israel have just promised to keep, will be broken by them almost immediately.

This is why a better Way...a New Covenant...had to be put in place. See Hebrews 8

10-11. Centuries later, King Solomon asks the question: “Will God really dwell on earth?” The answer is YES! First, as the perfect sacrifice: See John 1:28-34, Matthew 1:18-23, Luke 1:30-35, Luke 22:14-22,

Then, BECAUSE of the sacrifice: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2, Revelation 20:4-6

Here, is a profound foreshadowing of these events.

The blood of these animals was shed so that they could, not only live, but actually SEE God.

...How much more, can we enjoy the love and fellowship of the Lord, through the shed blood of his Son?!

“...and they saw the God of Israel.”

Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

This cleansing of the heart/soul, can only happen after it has been atoned for, by the blood - Messiah’s perfect blood.

See note on the Passover (Exodus 12)

10. See Isaiah 6:1-6

Revelation 4:1-6

Daniel 10:4-7

13-17. Deuteronomy 18:15-19 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your brothers—it is to him you shall listen— 16 just as you desired of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly, when you said, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God or see this great fire any more, lest I die.’ 17 And the Lord said to me, ‘They are right in what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him. 19 And whoever will not listen to my words that he shall speak in my name, I myself will require it of him.

Who is this “prophet like Moses”?

See Matthew 17:1

And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.

Vs.13 So Moses rose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God.

16 The glory of the LORD dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

Matthew 17:2

And (on the seventh day) he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.

Vs.17 Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel.

Matthew 17:3

And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.

Vs.18 Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

We are getting a glimpse of God, through two different Covenants: the Old Covenant (Exodus 24) and the New Covenant (Matthew 17)

With one vital difference:-

Matthew 17:4-8

And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.”

He was still speaking when, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said,

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”

When the disciples heard this, they fell on their faces and were terrified. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

See also John 1:14 - Here is the difference...the “Prophet like Moses” is also the One who will perfectly and completely fulfill the Old Covenant, to replace it with the New: Jesus Christ, the “Beloved Son” of God.

See also Note on Matthew 17:3-8

Ch.25

2. This sets up the precedent for giving offering to God: not out of guilt, fear or compulsion - but:

“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2Corinthians 9:7

8-9. Here marks the beginning of man’s return to God;

From this point on, begins a series of foreshadowings, of the Lord’s ultimate plan of Salvation:

The Tabernacle, its materials, everything to be placed within it, Aaron’s clothes and calling, everything - will now be set in place, as both a foreshadowing and a rehearsal, of the Perfect Sacrifice for the sins of the world, which the Lord, in His good time, will provide. Genesis 22:7-8; John 1:29 & see Note on John 8:9

So we are now, beginning with Ch.20, entering into the time of Law and Sacrifice: An exposure of man’s fallen soul, before the Holy God who created him. And of man’s utter inability to find his way back...

But what about all those Promises that God made to Abraham, years before? (Genesis 12)

Read Galatians 3:16-24

16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.

18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator.

20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.

22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God

23 Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.

24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.

25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

So, as we read these Oracles of God, get ready for the ride of our lives! - Because, when this story reaches its fulfillment, we will be home...reconciled back to God and restored from Death to everlasting Life! - For as many as would choose to believe.

https://hymnary.org/text/to_god_be_the_glory_great_things_he_hath

10-22. Lesson 7

Beyond The Veil…

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”(Matthew 5:17)

Anchor scripture: Hebrews 9:11-15

What was the Ark of the Covenant?

Read Exodus 25:10-22

What was in the Ark?

The tablets of The Ten Commandments - representing the whole Law of God…the law that no one was able to keep! (Read Matthew 5:17-48)

So this wooden chest, of slightly larger dimensions than the Table of Shewbread, is the holding place of the broken Covenant of God…if you like…the hiding place for the record of man’s sins, away from Satan the accuser, and reserved for the judgment of God alone.

(Read John 8:1-11)

Because, the One who is The Judge, is also The One who will stay His Hand of judgment…

Holding Israel in protective custody, until He can grant them mercy…

Hiding the record of their sins within His holiness, beneath the cherubim and under a temporary blood covering (applied by the High Priest once a year) until He can cancel this record permanently.

See Colossians 2:13-15

And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

He disarmed the rulers and authorities[a] and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Through the veil, Aaron would carry the fragrant incense…into the Holy of Holies:

The incense (signifying the finished work of the Cross - see lesson 5) would arise as a fragrant offering before the Ark of God’s glory, effectively shielding Aaron from judgment while he applied the Blood…Mercy

When the blood is applied atop of the Ark, the broken Law is appeased…covered…and it becomes the Mercy Seat.

Without the blood on the ark, the broken Law is exposed and it becomes the Judgement Seat.

Read Leviticus 16:11-14 (& Revelation 11:19)

Seven times Aaron would sprinkle blood upon the ark: symbolic of completion…the finished work of the Cross.

(John 19:30; Gen. 2:2-3)

Aaron could not approach the Ark without substitutionary blood. Otherwise according to the broken Law, his own blood would be required - he would die. Aaron and his descendants must continue to apply the Blood until …

Hebrews 9:11-12

Jesus the Great High Priest will shed his actual physical perfect blood. A perfect substitutionary atonement - Forever!

Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise;

then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me,
for I trust in your word. Psalm 119:41-42

Ironically, this brings to mind another “ark” that held someone in protective custody until sin had been dealt with…See Genesis 7.

The Cherubim. This Covenant and the Blood are guarded by cherubim, just as is the Tree of Life, only this time it is different: They are guarding both:

The broken Law

And the blood covering…

Against the accuser…Satan the destroyer

Until the ultimate sacrifice, to end all others, will be made.

For more on how Satan accuses Israel see: https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2021/06/reference-read-daniel-ch-101-21.html

What else was in the Ark?

Go back to read Hebrews 9:3-4

Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place,

having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron's staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant

1 The Manna from Heaven…

Crucifixion - Think back to the Table of Shewbread (Lesson 4):

This is representative of His death…His crucifixion - and ours (Read John ch. 6)…

Jesus the bread of Heaven…He who is without sin (leaven)…will become sin for us…then He will defeat it! (This is also represented through the brazen Altar of Sacrifice - lesson 1)

2The Budding Staff…

Resurrection - Think back to the Lamp Stand (Lesson 3):

This represents his resurrection - and ours…

Jesus the High Priest who finished the work (Remember the Altar of Incense)

~This staff that budded, blossomed and produced fruit all at once, is full and complete resurrection:

Beginning from Christ, who is the First Fruit…

to the final harvest of souls (Jew and Gentile) at the end of days - the fulfillment of the Feast of Tabernacles.~

***Jesus has fulfilled every feast, from Passover to Tabernacles - First to Last - beginning to end!***

“And you shall put into the ark the testimony that I shall give you.”Exodus 25:16

The Testimony:

Both these things contained within the Ark, are guarantees that the righteous requirements of the Law will be fully met…

And together with the tablets of The Law, they tell the story of God’s Covenant with mankind…the Gospel:

The Law…humanity is sentenced to death.

The Manna…Jesus (the Son of Man) faces death on our behalf.

The Staff…Jesus (The Son of God) overcomes death on our behalf.

(The Staff also points to The Shepherd - see Psalm 23 & John 10:11-18)

This is The Ark of The Testimony of God!

(Revelation 21:6-7)

Transporting The Ark

Read 2Samuel 6:1-8

Why was David angry when Uzzah was killed?

David had forgotten what the ark was - the Mercy Seat - a place of protective custody…

- what was inside it - the weight of their sin - which MUST be carried by the sinner.

(Exodus 25:13-14; Numbers 4:15; 7:9)

But, like a trophy, they put it on their very best, brand new cart.

Question: Is this any different to Adam and Eve sowing together fig leaves to hide their guilt?

Or like the Philistines, attempting to appease the Lord, again by using a brand new cart? (1Samuel 6)

By our own hands we have sinned. How can we by our own hands try to cover it? It doesn’t matter how new or well made our cart is!

No,

The Levites, representing the people, MUST carry the ark on their shoulders - a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ -

who will carry the weight of the broken Law all the Way to judgment and death…then He will satisfy it.

Going back to 2Samuel ch.6 - All of them had completely forgotten what the ark was - they were treating it like a trophy- but sin in the hands of a holy God is no trophy.

The only one with the authority - and the ability - to hide our transgressions is God Himself…and this He did: first under the blood of bulls and goats (beginning at Gen 3:21), then under the Blood (the Life) of His own Son.

Isaiah 1:18

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson,

they shall become like wool.”

And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal.

2 Samuel 6:13

Now David finally understands:There is no forgiveness for transgressions without sacrifice: The number six is generally accepted in the Bible as being the number of humanity: This is a beautiful foreshadowing of how a sinner comes to salvation through accepting the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. In sacrificing every six steps, David is acknowledging again and again, his fallen, sinful state before a Holy perfect God…and in doing so, he is worshipping him wonderfully!

Why blood?

Read Hebrews 9:19-22

Leviticus 17:14 tells us that the life is in the blood…

it’s not the blood that God wants…

It’s the life - our (redeemed) lives…this is why Jesus shed his blood…

gave His life in exchange for ours!

If you like, this is a journey that really began in earnest at the River Jordan (See Joshua 3):

When, under Joshua, the Israelites finally learned obedience to God, the waters parted and they carried the broken Law of God to The Place where it’s righteous requirements would finally be met, and where Atonement would, once and for all be made - approximately 1,400 years later - on a hill called Golgotha - on a Cross!

And it is there that God will hide our sin - bury it with Christ…but in order for Him to do that, we must first come out of hiding (Genesis 3:8-10) and into the Light: we must fully take to heart 1John1:8-9.

Because the Sacrifice has been made on our behalf, we can enter in to the Holy of Holies…we can dwell with the fullness of God…beyond the veil which was torn…within the shekhinah glory.

This is the heart of God…The Covenant He made…to dwell with the people He made…FOREVER

John 14:2 “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” Jesus Christ

Further thoughts:

https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2020/12/where-is-jesus-1.html?m=1&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2021/07/2241-44thank-you-jesusthank-you-thank.html?m=1&mibextid=Zxz2cZ.

To re-visit Lesson 1:

https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2021/09/notes-bible-study-lesson-1-anchor.html?m=1&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

22. He did not give Moses instructions for a judgment seat: but for a Mercy Seat! From the Covenant with Noah, until the time of the very end, the Lord will reach out to us - will meet with us - only in Mercy, not judgment.

23-30. Anchor scripture: Hebrews 9:1-10

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5)

To the right, on the North side of the Holy Place is…

Lesson 4: The Table of Shewbread

The Bread of The Presence

Exodus 25:23-30

Situated on the North side - as Jesus was supposedly crucified on a hill, to the North of the city…Who is this pointing to?

Read John 6…

The place where we not only eat of him but we eat (sup) WITH him!

“...And you shall set the bread of the Presence on the table before me regularly.” Exodus 25:30

***The bread would be made without yeast…

{yeast - or leaven - is typically used to be a symbol of sin…so unleavened bread symbolizes our sanctification through Jesus}

***And changed/renewed every Sabbath…

{signifying the finished work of the cross, by Jesus, who is our Sabbath Rest - Hebrews 4:1-11}

…and our continual renewal - or sanctification - as we continually “sup with him” (see next section)

~~A note on the Passover:

At this table we also see a type and shadow of the final Passover meal, eaten by The Passover Lamb with His disciples.

{Hear the Words of Jesus in Matthew 26:26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.”}

Now let’s look at the elements:

Unleavened bread =

sinlessness

would be taken with bitter herbs =

when we taste…and are convicted of…the Truth of our own sin (John 16:8-11; Acts 2:37)…(also Matthew 26:38)

and wine - always symbolic of blood = Life (Leviticus 17:10-12)

No leaven could be eaten with this meal;

in the same way that no sacrificial blood (life) could be offered to the Lord with bread containing leaven (sin and death). Because Jesus would be the Sacrifice without sin…and Death would therefore not be able to hold him (Acts 2:24): Life and Death can never mix.

“You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with anything leavened, or let the sacrifice of the Feast of the Passover remain until the morning.” See Exodus 34:25)***

“Supping with The Lord”

So what happened to the bread after 7 days?

Leviticus 24:5-9…

The priests who made the bread would then be invited to eat of it, in the Lord’s presence on the Sabbath day…again symbolizing our receiving…partaking of:

Jesus the Sabbath Rest…

Jesus the Bread of Life.

The finished work of the Cross…by which we can have unhindered fellowship with God, and enter His Rest…

(Remember also John 6)

***Remember It’s not blood that God wants…it is the life - our lives. So He made provision…first through animals…then through His own Son.***

And with that in mind…See Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”

Because God desires fellowship with us…He has made the Way, through the broken body and shed blood of His Son.

Now read Exodus 24:8-11…

You may have heard it said that Jesus was a prophet like unto Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15)…

Here we see that they actually fellowshipped with God!…through the mediation of Moses and the blood that he offered:

And now, we too have fellowship with God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ and the Blood that HE offered.

“Mercy”

Read 1Samuel 21:1-6

David was not a priest, so it was technically unlawful for him to eat the showbread. Yet this is an incredible picture of the mercy that is in available to us through Christ … and a foreshadowing of the new covenant.

David may have been meditating on this mercy when he wrote Psalm 23:5… “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows…”

And Jesus affirms this mercy in Luke 6:3-5…And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Because the heart of God’s Law is not to bring judgment…although judgment will surely come;

it is to bring us to a state of repentance, so He can bring mercy!

A “Way” of escape

Deuteronomy 16:3 “You shall eat no leavened bread with it. Seven days you shall eat it with unleavened bread, the bread of affliction—for you came out of the land of Egypt in haste—that all the days of your life you may remember the day when you came out of the land of Egypt.”

The Israelites ate unleavened bread as part of the Passover celebration. It was symbolic of the haste with which the Israelites fled Egypt during the Exodus—they left so quickly that the bread did not have time to rise. A picture of how in repenting…turning to God and running from sin, we must do so without hesitation.

See Genesis 19

Revelation 18:4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,“Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;

The Bread of The Presence

Leviticus 24:5-9

The loaves were on the gold table in 2 piles of 6, (for the twelve tribes of Israel)

with the memorial cup of frankincense atop of each pile. (for the intercession of Christ; Because, not only is he the Bread of Heaven, but he is also the Great High Priest - who “always lives to make intercession” for us - Hebrews 7:25)

After 7 days the frankincense would be replaced, and the old would be burned on the altar of incense . (Which we’re about to come to)

Exodus 30:34, tells us that when pure frankincense (Jesus the Great High Priest)…was mixed with other spices (the redeemed; a royal priesthood - 1Peter 2:9)…and burned before the Lord…

it became a pleasing aroma to him.

See:

Ephesians 5:2 (Jesus) And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

2Corinthians 2:15. (His Church) For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

Like the altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant, the Table is made from a sturdy, resilient wood called acacia, and overlaid entirely with pure gold…

See 1Peter 1:3-7…

Implying not only the refining of our faith, but the pressure that Jesus Christ Himself has gone through to bring us to this place: Of reconciliation.

See Lesson 5 @

https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2021/09/lesson-5-incense-alter-john-174-it-is.html?m=1&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

27-30. Just like the Ark, the table was to be carried, not by hand, but by use of poles inserted into its rings. All things pertaining to the Tabernacle of God are/were holy, and could therefore be, not be touched by human hands.

Vs.29: All of these objects, used as part of the Offerings process, were made of pure gold - symbolizing a pure and refined sacrifice - pointing to Jesus Christ.

31-40. Anchor scripture: Hebrews 9:1-10

Lesson 3

To enter the first part of the Tabernacle - The Holy Place - we must pass through a beautifully ornate veil of blue, purple and scarlet…laced with gold!

There are actually 2 curtains - or veils - within the Tabernacle;

We will not focus on this first one, but on the second one, into the Holy of Holies…because of what is behind it: the Ark of the Covenant.

Only the priests are allowed beyond this point…but we’re going to go in because - 1Peter2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

As we go in you’ll see a transfer

From bronze - judgement

To silver and gold

i) Silver - Redemption . A standard currency of payment for goods, services…and slaves. (Genesis 37:28; Matthew 26:14-16) Symbolic of our redemption by God, in a temporary state: As born again believers, in corruptible bodies, at war with our sin natures, we eagerly await for…

ii) Gold: Our permanent adoption to sonship and our new heavenly bodies. (Romans 8:23) made pure and perfect in Christ.

Silver = Redemption

Gold = Sanctification

Silver is pure but will corode faster then gold, which is a representation of the fulfillment of our salvation in Heaven.

The Lamp Stand (Menorah)

“That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John17:21)

Behind this first curtain, on the South side of the Holy Place, we see what looks like a golden tree with lamps: This design is deliberate..because like a tree, these lamps get their light from One central source.

We are drawn to its light, which illuminates everything else in this room.

Read:

Exodus 25:31-40;

Exodus 27:20-21

John 15.

The Menorah is a beautiful and effective picture of Christ and His Church…how the body of Christ is supposed to function in this world…

As One New Man, with Christ at the center - who is the source for the Light.

(Jeremiah 17:5-8)

We see seven lamp stands, which are just like this one, in Revelation ch. 2 & 3.

It is the only source of light within the Holy Place…just as our Light through abiding in Jesus, will be the only source of Light in this dark world where we live…remember John 17

Note: There are many different takes on the design of the lamp stand: This is just mine. As with all my Bible studies, I invite the reader to prayerfully do the research for themselves and see what the Lord will do! Enjoy!

3 cups on 6 stems:

6 = The number of man (humanity)

3 = The threefold Godhead, which is the source of life for redeemed humanity - 2Corinthians13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

4 cups on the center (seventh) stem = completion … “It is finished” (John 19:30; Revelation 21:6) And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. Symbolizing the perfect union between The Threefold Godhead and redeemed man:

~A beautiful picture of the end of times - Revelation 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God -

~A total Sabbath Rest! - Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.

***The four cups could also symbolize the 4th Commandment…which happens to be: “Honor the Sabbath…

Or the Light of the Gospel to the four corners of the Earth…

Or Jesus the four faced man (Ezekiel 1:6)…which is a Bible study all on it’s own!***

The lamp stand is modeled off the almond tree…symbolic of resurrection: It would be the first tree to blossom, as early as late winter…and when it did so, everyone knew that spring…the resurrection of things that were dead…was near…right at the door.

In the same way as Jesus used the fig tree (Matthew 24:32-33) to tell us “the end is near - right at the door”, the first of the almond blossoms tell us that our new life, through redemption has come.

It is through the early budding of the almond, that we see Jesus Christ, who is the First-Fruit of all creation…the first of all who will rise from the dead -

1Corinthians 15:20-23…But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.

and the firstborn of many brothers -

Colossians 1:18…And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

Aaron and his sons would tend the lamps from evening until morning (24/7) so that the light did not go out - a picture of how Jesus, through the Holy Spirit tends to us.

This is why the warning that Jesus gave to the Church in Ephesus was so serious (Revelation 2:1-7)…we must remain in Christ…with him as our first love - our ONLY source.

(See also Matthew 25:1-13)

Unlike other objects in the Holy Place, the lamp stand is solid, hammered gold, implying not only the refining of our faith, but the pressure that Jesus Christ Himself has gone through to bring us to this place of oneness with Him (1Peter 1:3-7). The hammered gold, bringing us back to the place where Jesus’s hands and feet would be hammered into the wood of the altar - the Cross.

And we too, in order for our lamps to continually burn, must be refined as gold in a furnace (1Peter1:3-7); forsaking our love for this world and our lives within it. (Read Matthew 25:1-13)

See Lesson 4 @

https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2021/09/tabernacle-tours-4.html?m=1&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

31. A picture of crucifixion: Jesus was “hammered” into the cross - taking the punishment on our behalf:

But, for we who receive this atonement, the Bible tells us that we - our old lives - were also hammered into the cross with Christ.

What is the end result

A Church refined like gold, completely one with the Light, who is Christ - hammered together with him, through death. John 17; Romans 12:4-5, 1Corinthians 12:12-27

37. The symbolism might be that of the light which God’s presence brings to His people (Numbers 6:25), remembering that light, in the Old Testament, is also a symbol of life and victory (Psalm 27:1).” (Cole)

39. Again, symbolizing the purity - both of Christ, and His Church 1Peter 1:7

Ch.26

5. All of these instructions, down to the most minute detail, tell us of the importance of this Tabernacle to the Lord: The Place of Sacrifice...of Atonement...of Redemption; until he sends his Son - who will perfectly and completely fulfill - and finish - the work. John 19:30

6. The Tabernacle of Christ: see John 2:18-22, 19:23-24

And the Saints:

The coupling of these two great curtains together, to make one tabernacle, might signify that the saints both in heaven and earth do make but one Church.” (Trapp)

See also Romans 12:4-5: we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

7. According to Kaiser, this goat hair “Came from long-haired goats and most likely was black in color. It was a coarse material that often was used to weave tents. Felt would be a modern equivalent.”

11. Bronze - signifying judgement - is what holds this Tabernacle together: This is all about God’s Judgment - and also about his Mercy. How can there be both? Because within this Tabernacle system, substitutionary blood will be offered, in place of people.

14. ram skins “Skins that had all the wool removed and then were dyed red; it was like our morocco leather.” (Kaiser)

The outer covering of badger skins (or, perhaps porpoise or sea-cow skins) was a durable and water resistant outer covering. It wasn’t particularly beautiful to look at, but it was extremely comfortable.

i. When these four layers of curtains were laid on one another, the result was a very dry and very dark tent. The only light came from the lampstand described in the previous chapter.

Enduring Word Commentary

15. {Most of items in the tabernacle are made from acacia wood, as well as the beams used to support its structure and outer courtyard.

Renowned for its sturdiness, flexibility and durability, acacia wood was widely used for building and construction, being not only weather resistant, but also having a strong resilience, against corrosion from insects and fungi}

18-19. Unlike the bases of the courtyard, the tabernacle’s foundations are silver; signifying - not judgment- but mercy: The currency used in the purchase - or Redemption of slaves: Read Romans 6:1-11, 15-23

30. See Hebrews 8:5-6

According to the plan of the Lord - which had been ordained from the beginning (Genesis 3:15; Revelation 13-8) God never had a “plan B” - only this perfect plan, from the very beginning.

Every detail of this “plan of Salvation”, transcribed from Heaven, must be replicated to the very last detail, by Moses (foreshadowing Jesus) on earth.

On a mountain, the sacrificial system for sin was initiated;

And, on another mountain some 1500 years later, the One Perfect Sacrifice for sin will be offered.

31-33. Lesson 6

“This cup that is poured out for you is the New Covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:20)

Before The Veil…

Anchor scripture: Hebrews 9:1-10

Now we are face to face with the second veil:

Exodus 26:31-…only the high priest is allowed beyond this point, but we’re going in because…

See Hebrews 10:16-20

Woven into this veil, the mighty Cherubim stand like guardians, watching over the Covenant of God, as they did in the Garden of Eden…we will look more at this in the next study.

The Hebrew word for veil is Paroketh meaning “separation” …for this is exactly what the veil is:

A continual reminder to Aaron and all Israel, that their sins have separated them from God (Isaiah 59:2): And the cherubim are enforcing this separation, just as they did following Adam and Eve’s sin in The Garden of Eden.

Naturally there are many different takes on what the colors of the veil could mean…what - if anything - they could be pointing to: As always, I am giving you what, through prayerful study, I believe the Lord has given me: As with all my Bible studies, I invite the reader to prayerfully do the research for themselves and see what the Lord will do for them! Enjoy!

The Colors of the Gospel…

*Purple = a color warn by, and associated with kings & royalty…(Gold)

*Blue = The Heavenly Deity…(frankincense)

*Scarlet = the color of blood…(Myrrh)

{See Matthew 2:9-12}

So woven into this veil is also The Story…The Mystery of The Gospel:

***The Heavenly Deity…(frankincense - the sweet smelling aroma of the Lord’s forgiveness and redemption that came up from the High Priest of Heaven)

***Who is The King - over all…(Gold)

***Who is the Sacrifice - for all…(Myrrh)

From within this veil, the priests who minister in the House of The Lord, are confronted with this HOPE of the Gospel, as they go about their service. The hope that this “paroketh” will not be forever.

Furthermore, this veil - this Gospel, is the ONLY Way for Aaron to enter the dwelling place of the Lord. Without knowledge or understanding, he will enter in by Way of the Gospel.

And so, as beautiful as it looks, the veil itself will be torn (Matthew 27:51):

The Lord Himself will bring down this paroketh - the old system, where, although seeing, they did not understand…

He will tear this heavy, thick veil from top to bottom…from Heaven to Earth…

to make Way for the actual permanent Sacrifice to be made…

To make Way for a New Covenant - the Gospel (Luke 22:20)…that we are now able to see…and understand!(John 9:25)

*Compare Matthew 24:1-2*

But until that time:

Every year, on the Day of Atonement, Aaron the High Priest will go behind this veil, with incense from the second altar (foreshadowing the finished work of Jesus) in his hand…

and with the Blood of the Sacrifice (from the first altar) on his fingertips….

See Hebrews 9:11-15

Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,

by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh… Hebrews 10:19-20

To be continued in Lesson 7 - Beyond the Veil:

https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2021/09/lesson-7-beyond-veil-revelation-216-7.html?m=1&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

Ch.27

1-8. (Teaching notes)

Bible study Lesson 1:

Anchor scripture:

Hebrews 9:1-10

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John14:6)

Welcome to the tabernacle of Moses…

Given to Moses by God on Mt Sinai…

It tells the story of redemption…and shows us the Way to Salvation…

It is the place where God (His shekhinah glory) came to dwell among us, before he came as one of us.

(“Shekhinah” - literally means “dwelling”

The Glory of God with man.)

A walk through…

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving…” Psalm 100:4

As we enter in at the east end (just as Jesus came into Jerusalem from the East gate…and will come again the same Way) we come face to face with an imposing altar: Read Exodus 27:1-7.

This is the first place you are confronted with when you enter in…it is so noticeable you cannot avoid it. It is an appalling place…

What was its purpose?

The place of sacrifice…of bloodshed.

Every sacrifice for sin required by God is going to be made on that altar:

Read Leviticus 1:1-13.

These animals were being sacrificed in the place of people…

Imagine the stench..the smoke...

…where the sacrificial blood never ceases to flow…

And where the fire never seems to go out!

{Leviticus 6:8-13

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Command Aaron and his sons, saying, This is the law of the burnt offering. The burnt offering shall be on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it.

And the priest shall put on his linen garment and put his linen undergarment on his body, and he shall take up the ashes to which the fire has reduced the burnt offering on the altar and put them beside the altar.

Then he shall take off his garments and put on other garments and carry the ashes outside the camp to a clean place.

The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not go out. The priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and he shall arrange the burnt offering on it and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings.

Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.}

As we read Leviticus 6:8-13, we could liken this to a picture of Hell (as described by Jesus in Mark ch.9:47-48)

‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’

There are daily sacrifices, weekly…monthly…annual - multiple sacrifices!

And all basically for sin!

Question: Who or what does this altar point to?

Answer: It either points to the vicarious atonement of Jesus Christ…or it will point to us, if we do not repent.

Every sacrifice made on this altar was for the sins of the people…and will be fulfilled (for all of us)…by Jesus’s One sacrifice on the cross. (Romans 6:10)

***Leviticus 6:24-30 gives us another reminder of the seriousness of sin and transgression…and paints an extremely vivid picture of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Sacrifice ***

Our most holy offering is Jesus Christ, the Son of God himself…and when we “taste” and “eat” of him, we too are made holy. (See: Psalm 34:8 & John 6:22-69)

{On a practical note:

Bronze is a very poor conductor of heat, making it an effective material in the structure of this altar.}

It is a great and terrible place…but you cannot enter God’s presence without going through it. …because “all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

This is our Way in…to the dwelling place of God.

Read:

John10:9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.

John 14:5-6 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

***This place is a foreshadowing of The Cross…

a confrontation of how appalling is our sin.

You could not enter the tabernacle and ignore that altar…and we cannot enter into Salvation without acknowledging our sin upon Jesus’s body…on the cross!*** (1John 1:8-9)

As we go further, we see that everything in the outer court of the Tabernacle is overlaid entirely with bronze…including this altar:

Because bronze symbolizes Judgment…

Look at Revelation 1:15…his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters.

The feet of Yeshua are described as being like burnished bronze:

Christ took the judgment for us - but also overcame our sin - for us: So now all sin - and it’s consequences, are under His feet…especially Satan, whom He crushed (A spectacular fulfillment of Genesis 3:15). Seeing the judgment of God in the feet of Yeshua, shows us exactly what He has gone through - and overcome - for us.

But, here is also a serious connotation…that those who do not receive this mercy will be crushed with Satan under this judgment - this is why Jesus’s feet still appear as bronze…burnished bronze - perfect and complete judgment. (Matthew 21:44). A sober reminder to John, and all of us, where we have come from, and what it cost The Lord to bring us out.(See Psalm 107:14-16)

Next read Numbers 16

Korah and company are guilty of the highest blasphemy against the Lord…and the instruments they used are literally being hammered into the bronze (the judgement) of the altar -

See Numbers 16:38-40…{As for the censers of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, let them be made into hammered plates as a covering for the altar, for they offered them before the Lord, and they became holy. Thus they shall be a sign to the people of Israel.” So Eleazar the priest took the bronze censers, which those who were burned had offered, and they were hammered out as a covering for the altar, to be a reminder to the people of Israel, so that no outsider, who is not of the descendants of Aaron, should draw near to burn incense before the Lord, lest he become like Korah and his company—as the Lord said to him through Moses.}

In the same way that our own transgressions were literally hammered into the hands and feet of Yeshua.

One could argue that this altar ✝️ is fashioned out of the sins of the people: Neither it, nor the cross that it pointed to, would exist, except for our sin.

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

1Peter 2:24

In Aaron, as he runs with the incense among the dying people (vs46-48), we also catch a glimpse of Jesus Christ, who not only offered himself up as a sweet aroma for our transgressions, but who stands before the Throne, constantly making intercession for us. “And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped.” (See also Hebrews 7:23-27)

Read Numbers 21:4-9…

*Serpent = the classic symbol of sin…and in Israel’s case, also a symbol of its consequences (They were being bitten by snakes)

*Bronze = judgement

In order to receive God’s mercy, again Israel must first face up to their their sin and God’s subsequent judgment (vs.8-9).

See also Isaiah 61:1-3

“...to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;

that they may be called oaks of righteousness,

the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.”

3. “The Hebrew slaves must have learned many Egyptian arts and crafts, such as metalwork, spinning, weaving and embroidery during their stay in Egypt.” (Cole)

But...

“...whom I have filled with a spirit of skill.” See James 1:17

It is God, who has filled these craftsmen with skill; therefore, the garments will not only be beautiful - but GLORIOUS

Ephesians 2:10

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

We see this same principle operating here, under the Old Covenant. For whatever the Lord required, he had also chosen people in advance, and gifted and equipped them, to do his work. It is this way with us: Each of us being woven together, as unique and beautiful threads in the divine tapestry of his plan (1Peter 2:5): although not seeing or understanding the end product, we serve him - because we love him.

“Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,

obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

1Peter 1:8-9

3. John 17:19

“And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.”

This was the final prayer of Jesus Christ, before, as the high Priest of Heaven, he would offer up the One perfect sacrifice for sin, to the Lord - His own body.

This consecration will take place in Leviticus 8

5. “Linen was the dress of the noble and the priest in Egypt, chosen both for coolness and cleanliness.” (Cole)

6. The ephod goes over the robe, like a tank top. It serves to hold the breastplate in place.

Blue, purple and scarlet linen, with gold threaded through: This is beginning to look just like the inside of the tabernacle: ***The outside of the priest looks just like the inside of the tabernacle.***

More about this in Leviticus 8

10. Picture here, the golden lampstand in the Tabernacle (Ch.25):

Six branches coming out from either side of one central trunk - Yeshua the Messiah.

Just like the lamp-stand, these six names on each shoulder, will, in the fullness of time, come together under a seventh name: Yeshua - who is “Salvation”; who will bring - not only the twelve tribes, but all people, from everywhere - together, into the center: his heart;

and in this manner, he will present us before the Father, in the Holy of Holies

- as precious stones, hewn from the Rock (Isaiah 51:1-3, Matthew 16:15-18)

- set in pure gold, refined as fire. 1Peter 1:6-7

See note on Exodus 25:31

11. The two black onyx stones - representing the twelve tribes of Israel - sit on each shoulder with finely jeweled gold chains and rings attached - and will be the means by which the breastplate hangs.

As a “jeweler engraves signets” - signifying ownership (like the seal of a signet ring,

and the permanence of God’s covenant with his people - and through them - to the entire world.

“You shall enclose them in settings of gold filigree.” Signifying purity (1Peter 1:7) and our great value in the eyes of the Lord: each name engraved on a precious stone, set in gold. In Isaiah, we see this “engraving” in an altogether different light:

Isaiah 49:15-16

“Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.”

See John 20:19-20 - Upon his nail scarred hands, our redemption is engraved forever.

vs.12 Stones of remembrance: see Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:12

The Lord will no longer remember our sin - but, going back to Isaiah 49:15, the Lord says to Israel:

“Can a woman forget her nursing child,

that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb?

Even these may forget,

yet I will not forget you.”

This he will do for all of us: He will forget our iniquities, through the Sacrifice of His Son - but he will do this because he did not forget us!

Aaron bears Israel on his shoulders, before the Lord, because one day Jesus - the Great High Priest, will bear the weight of the sins of the whole world on his. See Isaiah 53:4-6 & Note on Genesis 22 or https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2020/12/where-is-jesus-1.html?m=1

13-14. Again, pure gold - implying purity and immense value.

15-30. ***Aaron bears the names of the tribes of Israel on his chest; upon the chest-piece...which is hung from the onyx stones, also with the names of the tribes - on his shoulders.

Only this is different - more personal. Each tribe now has its own stone.

In just the same way that each of our names are known before God and each of us has our own walk and personal relationship with him.

See Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6

***Hebrews 9:24 Aaron is wearing the tribes on his heart, before the Lord, as if to say “They are mine…I will take responsibility for their sin.”This is a tremendous foreshadowing of Jesus Christ - who, as our High Priest, will bring us all - in him- into the presence of God! This is where we must see ourselves: On his heart.***

From the shoulders to the heart.

Aaron foreshadows Jesus Christ, who bore the weight of sin on his shoulders, all the Way to Calvary - and through his selfless sacrifice he will soon bear them on his breast (over his heart) - Salvation;

to appear before the Lord , as the High Priest of Hebrews 9.

The symbolism of the breastplate (Salvation) hangs upon the symbolism of the onyx stones - (the sacrifice) the burden of the cross.***

28-29. A picture of how the Lord has “bound” himself to Israel (and humanity) by Covenant. The breastplate must not come loose from the ephod, because the twelve stone must always be close to Aaron’s heart.

Jesus the High Priest, when he presents himself before the Lord in Hebrews 9 (Psalm 132:8), will bring wth him, the perfect fulfillment of that Covenant. See Genesis 3:15, 12:1-3 (Isaiah 59:17)

Jesus Christ has bound himself to us by Covenant of his own blood - (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Until that time, Aaron and his descendants will present themselves before the Lord, once a year, and bearing the names of the tribes of Israel upon themselves...bringing to remembrance the Promise of Salvation, until Yeshua - “The Lord is Salvation” comes, to do exactly that!

30. This was a way to discern God’s will

No details are given, because the Lord did not want these - whatever they are to be reproduced...and for this practice to continue in any form under the New Covenant: the last place we see this is Acts 1:26 - crucially, just before the coming of the Presence of God into the hearts of people: now God is with us. Now we are his tabernacle. Now he has shown us his will - spoken to us clearly - through his Son, and through his Word (Hebrews 1:1-4)

Urim -Light

Thumim - Perfection

Both sum up who Jesus is; represented through his Spirit...the Spirit Himself, once dwelling within us, will begin to work the will of God, within the hidden places of the heart - just like the Urim and Thumim.

32. See John 19:23

“When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom,”

35. The men were commanded to wear fringes on the hems to remind them of the law; Aaron wears bells on his hem to remind him that he (representing the people) has broken the law. This should be his manner and attitude as he serves the Lord, on behalf of the people.

The garments - representing Christ - bear the judgment on Aaron’s behalf: When the Lord “hears” the garments (the bells) He sees His Son...and His Sacrifice: His Son will die, so Aaron doesn’t have to.

36-38. “Plate”: This word could also refer to a flower petal - with reference to its beauty.

Vs.38 Bearing guilt. As high priest, this is Aaron’s role...but it is not God’s will ultimately, for Aaron or any of his descendants to be punished for the guilt of the whole. This task belongs to another: Jesus Christ, the Son of God...the Lamb of God , who takes away the sin of the world. John 1:29-30.

Aaron is foreshadowing Christ - and is only able to do so, because of the clothes he wears (Romans 13:14); each item representing and pointing towards the Purity and Perfection that Christ will live out on our behalf. Ephesians 6:17

So, Aaron does not bear the guilt: The garments, representing Christ, are bearing the guilt.

Aaron, like everyone before the Cross of Christ, can only be outwardly sanctified: Only through the Death and resurrection of Messiah, can the Lord now come and make his tabernacle within us, sanctifying us through our relationship with Jesus Christ, and making us holy only through him (our true High Priest).

This item is specifically referred to as a Holy Crown: - compare Matthew 27:27-31 with Revelation 19:12

“...and twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on his head and put a reed in his right hand. And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!””

Not only does Jesus lay down his own crown of holiness...but he will take on all of OUR sin and wretchedness

...wearing OUR crown of thorns

...dying in OUR place.

...wearing OUR crown of thorn(Genesis 3:17-18) - bearing the entire curse of Adam in the garden:

“Cursed is the ground because of you;

in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life;

thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you;

and you shall eat the plants of the field.

By the sweat of your face

you shall eat bread,

till you return to the ground,

for out of it you were taken;

for you are dust,

and to dust you shall return.”

Jesus Christ will take this curse - and every other - to the Cross; and there, they will die with him.

In this Way, Jesus will do what Aaron is foreshadowing: bearing the guilt - not only for humanity - but everything of this fallen world: “... any guilt from the holy things that the people of Israel consecrate as their holy gifts.” (See Romans 8:19-23

After his resurrection, he will go into the Heavenly Holy of Holies, wearing the true crown of holiness - and anoint it will his own blood.

Isaiah 53:10

“when his soul makes an offering for guilt,

he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;

the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.”

39. Aaron wears these garments, not because he is good enough to wear them, but precisely because he isn’t: But, the garments are representing the One who is.

Aaron (like all of us) has no glory or beauty - but he is “wearing” the One who does. (Romans 13:14)

And this One - Jesus - will lay aside, both his glory and his beauty, (Isaiah 53:2) to become as Aaron (and all of us), and to bear our guilt; Aaron’s garments are foreshadowing this.

See Note on Leviticus 16:1-34

40-43. In Aaron’s sons, we see the foreshadowing of the disciples - and then, all of us - who will choose to follow Messiah and be saved through him. See Hebrews 2:10-11, 1Peter 2:9, Psalm 132.9

Now, we are clothed in Him, and His righteousness: Now, we too are “beautiful and glorious”.

Isaiah 61:10, Romans 13:11-14, Ephesians 4:23-24, Colossians 3:10-17

42. A picture of how the Lord has atoned for- covered - our sin and shame. Compare this to Genesis 3:21

But the Lord did not need to shed the blood of animal to cover our nakedness: He sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, Romans 8:3. In other words, he took our nakedness and shame upon his own perfect body, so we, in exchange, could receive his pure “glory and beauty”

We do not deserve this: it comes through us acknowledging that Truth before the Lord, and surrendering our sinful lives over to him. See Romans 6:3-6 - so that his righteousness may be imputed (credited) to us in exchange.

Adam and Eve attempted to hide their sin from the Lord - and then blamed each other:

This is not the Way: We must come out from our fig-leaves of good works and self-righteousness and bring ourselves into the Light of Truth:

As John the Apostle says: “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1John 1:5-9

43. So, to come into the Presence of God, we must be clothed in Jesus Christ’s righteousness - his sinlessness: so that we may stand before him and live. Jesus our High Priest, has already borne our guilt - and our punishment - entirely.

Exodus 12:12-13,

Hebrews 4:14-16

Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD:

though your sins are like scarlet,

they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson,

they shall become like wool.

“This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.”

This is the same principle as God’s promise to David in 2Samuel 7:12-13

From the original Promise given to Abraham (Genesis 22:18)

From this “offspring” comes, both the king: Judah (David’s royal line), and the Priest: Levi (Aaron’s priestly line)

Jesus Christ is the fulfillment and embodiment of both!

Ch.29

1-2. This consecration could not happen without the shedding of blood (of an animal without spot or blemish - symbolizing perfection - pointing to Jesus) See note on Exodus 12:1-13 1Corinthians 5:7

And unleavened bread (symbolizing sinlessness - pointing to Jesus)

See note on Exodus 12:14-20

Matthew 16:5-12, John 6:30-35

Wafers: an even thinner type of bread still, almost like a crape - symbolizing, not only the removal of sin, but the complete “circumcision of the old carnal nature - surrendered up to die with Christ on the Cross;

The thinness of these wafers, compared to a normal loaf of leavan bread, also would have shown the priests, as they ate them, the vast chasm between the Holy, pure, and perfect God, and the fallen, “leavened” state of humanity.

They were anointed with oil after the baking (symbolic of the Holy Spirit): The Son of God - having come down to inhabit an earth, sinlessly and perfectly - as the unleavened bread that comes from Heaven, will also be anointed by the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 4:16-21

And, after our Salvation- through receiving the sacrifice of Messiah (the unleavened bread of Heaven) we too are anointed with the oil of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1-4

“the finest of the wheat”, because when the Lord sent his Son to become the propitiation for our sin (pure unleavened bread- in exchange for leaven) - he gave us his very best! Abel understood this, when he presented the Lord with his own sin offering. (Genesis 4:4

Without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins Hebrews 9:22 - and therefore, no consecration: but because of his Mercy, it is not our own blood, the Lord requires of us: It is a substitute - which the Lord will provide. Genesis 22:8, 14 - see Note.

4. This was humbling, because it took place publicly at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. We cannot be cleansed from our sin without being humbled first.

“I am the door” John 10:7-9

ii. This great cleansing was a one-time thing. From then on they just needed to cleanse their hands and their feet. John 13:10

“The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.”

John 15:3

“You are clean because of the word I have spoken to you.”

iii. Like these ancient priests, every Christian is washed by the work of God’s word (Ephesians 5:26), by the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). This cleansing work was accomplished by the death of Jesus for us (Revelation 1:5) and appropriated by faith.

Enduring Word Commentary

5-9. Here is a description of events very similar to those of Zechariah 3:1-5:

Joshua the high priest is, fittingly, foreshadowing Yeshua (Joshua/Jesus), our Great High Priest, who will take on himself, all the guilt and shame of the iniquities of Joshua, Israel, and the entire world. (John 1:29-34)

And, once we have turned to God and received his forgiveness:

“...while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’”

Read Luke 15:11-32

“Then you shall bring his sons and put coats on them,” (vs.8)

Unlike the brother in this parable, our elder brother (who is also the Son of God, the Lamb of God and the Great High Priest) has already gone ahead of us, and taken the punishment on our behalf. He himself will clothe us with the very garments he laid aside to become one of us. Isaiah 61:10

All of this will take place in the Door - The Way, to the Presence of God: Who is Jesus. John 14:6

10-12. The Sin Offering

Here, we see a transference of sin and guilt: The guilt of Aaron and his sons, literally transferred to a substitute. See note on Genesis 22:1-14

Aaron and his descendants will do this, for approximately 1400 years - until the coming of the Sacrifice promised to Abraham by the Lord (who would take Isaac’s place on the altar - and everyone else’s too!)

Yeshua, the Great High Priest, will not come with the blood of a bull or goats: But with his OWN BLOOD, he will come! He bears the guilt and sin for all of us - but he does not need a substitute! The offering that he brings for sin will be himself! (Luke 22:15-20) - The Priest who brings the sacrifice will himself become the Sacrifice!

See:

https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2021/09/lesson-6-anchor-scripture-hebrews-911.html?m=1

This Sacrifice will take place at the entrance - the Door (John 10:7-10) - the Way (John 14:6) into the Presence of God.

Here is a foreshadowing of the Sacrifice of the Messiah.

13-14. The “Sin Offering”

This is basically, the total destruction of the entire carcass - representing our carnal, sinful natures - leaving only the blood - Exodus 12:13 - because: Hebrews 9:22. This carcass - vs . 14 tells us - was the offering for sin, and could not offered on the altar, but had to be burned outside the camp.

See John 19:20 & Hebrews 13:11-12

“For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp. So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.”

When we look at the crucifixion in all four Gospels, we can see how Messiah’s One Sacrifice accounted for, and fulfilled all the others.

Jesus took the shame, became our substitute - and took our separation from the Presence of God - our sin! ...

“And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”...2Corinthians 5:21

16. The Burnt Offering

Exodus 28:38 tells us that the items themselves, for use in the tabernacle, must be sanctified.

Through the splattering of the blood, the sins of the priests were atoned for, and also the altar itself was set apart as holy. This is the altar of sacrifice - where all atoning blood would be spilled.

Blood represents life. Splattering it around the altar symbolized that the priest's life, and their right to approach a holy God, was redeemed by a substitutionary sacrifice. Enduring Word

17. Different to the sin offering, for the burnt offering, the internal organs and lower parts of the ram were washed before burning: Symbolic of - not only the external washing of the priests - but the INTERNAL SANITATION - the cleansing of the heart (Psalm 51:5-10) This is something only the Lord can do - and through His Perfect Sacrifice on the Cross, he will indeed sanctify us from the inside out, when he comes to “tabernacle” with us John 1:14

18. The Burnt Offering

Burning the Whole Ram (Verse 18): Unlike other offerings where parts were eaten by the priests, this was burned entirely. It symbolized the priests' total, undivided devotion and "surrender" of their entire being—nothing was held back from God. Bible Ref.

“So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” See John 6:53-58

This is why the priests will eat the entire offering - again pointing towards the sacrifice of Jesus.

He will give everything on the Cross - holding back nothing, and leaving nothing undone.

“It is a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD.” (Vs.18)

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:2

19-21.The Consecration Offering

Now Aaron and his sons themselves are atoned for, by the blood on specific body parts - representing the entire body.

The Ear: To hear the Word of the Lord (Romans 10:17, Matthew 13:9)

The Thumb - to serve the Lord with clean hands (representing the heart - (Psalm 24:3-4)

The Toe: To walk in his ways - (Psalm 119:1-8)

Leviticus 17:11 - symbolizing the blood...the Life of Jesus Christ...which is applied to the body of the priest, not only to cover sin, but to bestow Life: New, resurrection Life.

The right side: Symbolic of the strongest and the first; therefore, this is given to God...so that they rely no longer in their own strength, wisdom or intellect: Now, they belong solely to God and rely totally upon Him.

Then, comes the sprinkling of the blood mixed with oil:

the Blood of Jesus: their sin atonement;

the oil/the Holy Spirit: their separation to God as Holy)

22. The Wave Offering

When something is consecrated, it becomes holy, and an acceptable offering to God. In the wave offering, the priests were giving back to God, what had always belonged to him: Themselves - now consecrated, set apart and ready for his service.

Later on, this same wave offering (peace offering) will be used to feed those in his service:

(Leviticus 10:15) 1Timothy 5:18-18

Aaron’s open hands demonstrate complete surrender, of both himself and the burnt offering he is presenting. They also show that he is now clean: Psalm 24:3-6: The substitutionary blood of the sacrifices has atoned for his uncleanliness. (Isaiah 6:5-7) - a shadow of the One sacrifice that Messiah, the Son of God...the Lamb of God...will make, on the cross. (Revelation 5:5-7)

Aaron foreshadows Yeshua, and his sons foreshadow we, the Ecclesia: who, when we have received the Sacrifice of Messiah (the Lamb of God) and surrendered our lives to him - as belonging to him - also become “a pleasing aroma to God”. (Vs.25)

26. See Isaiah 53:12

Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many,

and he shall divide the spoil with the strong,

because he poured out his soul to death

and was numbered with the transgressors;

yet he bore the sin of many,

and makes intercession for the transgressors.

The breast - the very best portion of the offering - was to be given back to Aaron...just as the Great High Priest Yeshua - the Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world - will receive back with abundance, those who were stolen: Adam and his descendants...all of us consecrated and sanctified by HIS own shed blood.

Scriptures:

John 3:3, 16-17, 11:25-27

Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 2:19-21, Colossians 3:1-4, 1Peter 1:18-23

...And Revelation 7

Old Testament see also Ezekiel 11:19, 36:26, Jeremiah 31:33 (Hebrews 8:10)

The Lord God Himself will do this (Genesis 22:8, 14)

And here is the other side to this mystery: See Genesis 4:4 “and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering”

And Ephesians 5:2

“...as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

The High Priest who offers the perfect Sacrifice, IS the perfect sacrifice: The very best portion, offered by God, who is God. John 1:1-5, 9-18, 29-34

28. This is a precedent that continues all the way to the New Testament. Because we have peace with God (Romans 5:1), through acceptance of his offering: Jesus Christ, we too should give our peace offerings to his ministers. 1Timothy 5:18 (Deuteronomy 25:4) 2Corinthians 9:7

29-30. This brings us back to the High Priest’s garments, symbolic of the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest. (Isaiah 11:5, 59:17)

Having made atonement for our sins, he now clothes us in his OWN garments of righteousness. This is how Peter is able to boldly proclaim: “...you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

1Peter 2:9, Revelation 1:6

See Isaiah 61:3, 10, Psalm 132:9,

Romans 13:14, Ephesians 4:22-24

Vs.30 The son who succeeds him as priest, who comes into the tent of meeting to minister in the Holy Place, shall wear them seven days.

...In other words: Until the Lord FINISHES (makes complete) the work. See Genesis 2:2-3 & Hebrews 4:3-4

This completion (seventh day) is referring to, two events.

The First Coming:

John 19:30: Jesus, the Lamb of God, who

i. takes the sins of the entire world onto his own body through Death;

ii. atones for (covers) our sin though his shed blood - his own perfect resurrection Life (see notes on Exodus 28: the High Priest’s garments)

iii. then redeems us from death, through his resurrection.

The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) - But Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had no sin!...Therefore, Death and the Grave could not hold him. (Acts 2:24)

The Second Coming:

Revelation 21:6: Jesus the Lion of the Tribe of Judah

who

i. comes to fully make perfect those who have become his own. (1John 3:1-4

ii. reveal himself to the natural nation of Israel, and deliver them. (Romans 11:25-27, Zechariah 12:10-13:1; 14:4-9

iii. to rule and reign on the earth, as King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11-20:6, Psalm 2, 9, 87, Isaiah 2:1-5)

31-34. This is all about Salvation through Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

See John 6:53-58

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.”

Directly connected to this, is the Place of their eating: The Entrance to the Tabernacle:

“I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:7-10

Receiving the Sacrifice of Jesus is to enter in through the door...and eat of his flesh and drink of his blood.

Note on the words of Jesus from John 6:53-58

Not to be taken literally, this is an incredibly powerful…almost shocking metaphor of how we daily “take Jesus” into our lives…how we make Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior…of how we “abide” in him - vs.56. And that only through doing this, can we receive eternal resurrection life.

This would have been equally shocking to his disciples, who as yet, have no concept of the horrifically shocking…shameful death he is about to endure for them - and all humanity.

Jesus will however, make this all very clear to his disciples when he eats his final meal with them; which just happens to be the Passover:

Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” Matthew 26:26

For a better understanding of what this means see: https://sarahshalom777.blogspot.com/2024/12/john-ch6.html?m=1

but an outsider shall not eat of them, because they are holy.(vs.33b)

See Matthew 22:11-14 and accompanying note.

And if any of the flesh for the ordination or of the bread remain until the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten, because it is holy.(vs.34)

See Note on Exodus 16:19-21. Because the future does not belong to us, for us to control, it belong to the Lord. Only the present is ours - and even this, is a gift of pure grace; a “present” from the Lord. See Matthew 6:11,25-34

We walk with him every day, one day at a time: Because the Lord wants our fellowship!

35-37. The theme of daily fellowship with the Lord continues here: Even though Jesus’s sacrifice was once, and for all time, the daily offering of the bull, symbolizes our daily need for Him - our daily sacrifice of our lives to him, our daily Bread

In the same way, His One Sacrifice on the Cross, covers our continual sanctification, through fellowship with him - day by day....

Provided we remain trusting in his sacrifice and receiving his grace and forgiveness (Colossians 1:22-23);

If we do not do this, it is as if, the writer of Hebrews tells us, we are crucifying Christ again! (Hebrews 6:6)

The seven days: symbolic of the time span, from the beginning of creation, until its expected and planned End. See Genesis 2:2-3 & Hebrews 4:3-4

So, through the span of time, we are continually anointed and sanctified by the Lord, and the blood of Jesus CONTINUALLY cleanses us from our sin.

36-37. The altar: The place of Sacrifice - symbolizing the Cross - where Jesus will die vicariously, in our place. (See Note on Exodus 27:1-8)

For seven days - meaning the expanse of time until the end, this altar must be sanctified - because, until the end, we have one Way in, to the Presence of God...the only Way to sanctification and holiness: The Way of the Cross. John 14:6

38-39. Now begins the daily sacrifice for sin: where the blood will begin to flow for the perpetual iniquity of the people - until Jesus’s One Sacrifice, that will end all others.

One in the morning - beginning the day in the Mercy of God (remember Exodus 12:13) and one in the evening - ending the day the same way: with mercy.

40. A tenth: The standard offering required, of the substance to be given back to God. Pointing to the Lord’s offering: Messiah, the Lamb of God.

Fine flour: the best and most refined (remember Genesis 4:4) Again, pointing to Messiah, the Lamb of God.

Beaten oil: Symbolic of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Beaten or pressed olive oil only comes through pressure...through the Olive Press.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity:

It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard – on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes. Read Psalm 133…

…This is the very same oil that flowed from the Olive press called Gethsemane; where Jesus, the Great High Priest, moments after praying his own prayer for unity (John 17:20-23) faced the full pressure of that olive press, in his resisting of sin (Luke 22:39-46): Oil that is pure, is not produced except through pressure.

Wine: pointing towards the Blood of Jesus Christ: Matthew 26:27-28, Mark 14:23-25, Luke 22:20

42-46. The Israelites are literally “rehearsing” the sacrifice and Salvation of their Messiah - whose name means “Salvation”:

The sacrifice, who is Jesus/Yeshua, is offered in the Tabernacle Door, who is also Jesus/Yeshua.

He is the Way (door);

He is the Sacrifice;

and he is the Priest who offers it.

Remember Exodus 3:14 - “I AM who I AM (or “I will be who I will be”)

HE IS everything...

This will do this day after day...year after year...until the coming of its fulfillment in the Lord, the Son of God...

So that, the concept of sin, sacrifice and atonement by blood would be ingrained into them - that they might recognize the sacrifice when He comes... See Acts 2:22-39; 3:12-26

“There I will meet with the people of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by my glory.”

So, it is through the Sacrifice of Yeshua/Jesus the Messiah & High Priest, the the Lord in all his fullness, comes to meet with us: The work that Jesus will do/has done, will bring down the barrier of sin that separates humanity from its Creator - FOREVER!

“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many.

When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” See Matthew 27:51-54

Vs.44 “I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron also and his sons I will consecrate to serve me as priests.”

The Lord Himself, will consecrate this Place, where He comes to meet with us: See 1Peter 2:4-7, Ephesians 2:19-22, 1Corinthians 6:19-20, Romans 12:1

Vs45 “I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God.”

For this was the perfect plan of the LORD from the beginning: To “tabernacle” among his people, who, having the knowledge of good and evil, would choose Good - would choose God! (Read Genesis 2:16-17 - and it is this “Death” that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will take in our place; so that everyone - from Adam, to the last child born at the final ebbing moments of Time, could be saved - by the Savior: Yeshua...Jesus!

“So now, when I come to your Table

I'm bowing at Your Throne.

And I'm acknowledging that my life

is no longer my own.

As my fingers break Your body,

I'm confronted by my sin;

And the gracious Holy Spirit

is convicting me within.

And this becomes a place where I confess and I forgive;

Turning from a sinful life,

so I in turn may live.

Then, drinking from your cup,

Forgiveness becomes mine,

As the sacrificial blood flows from His Life, divine.

For the Life of Christ is in the Blood,

So I come and I drink of this God of Love,

And I realize this is a Holy Place,

Where God comes to meet with us face to face.”

From: https://servant777.blogspot.com/2017/12/communion-all-who-are-thirsty-come-unto.html?m=1

Vs.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.”

He brings us from Death (Egypt) to Life (John 14:6)...so that (just as it was in Eden) He would dwell with us again.

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