Three Tabernacles

by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

"According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it" (Exodus 25:9).

This is the first mention of the tabernacle wherein the religious life of Israel was centered during their time of wandering in the desert. The details of its design, construction, and service occupy thirteen chapters in Exodus--more than for any other single item in the Bible. These details provide a wealth of typological intimations of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

This tabernacle, however, was based on the pattern of "the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man" (Hebrews 8:2). There is a heavenly tabernacle where Christ now dwells, and the furnishings and service of the earthly tabernacle were mere "patterns of things in the heavens" (Hebrews 9:23). "For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" (Hebrews 9:24).

Christ also entered yet a third tabernacle. "The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). In this key verse, the Greek word translated "dwelt" is actually "tabernacled"--thus His human body became God's tabernacle, and He will dwell there forever. Even though that body died, it was raised immortal, still a physical body, but one that will never die again.

Finally we have His wonderful assurance in the Bible's last chapter, that in this tabernacle, He will dwell among us eternally. "And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God" (Revelation 21:3). HMM