TYPOLOGY

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HANDOUT

TYPOLOGY

    

 ADVANCED CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP (200 LEVEL)

TYPOLOGY

INTRODUCTION: The lecture will help the bible readers, preachers and workers, most especially the sound preachers of God’s word to know the plan of God for the redemption of man from their fallings. i.e. God had wonderful plan for man which because of man’s fall , had also to include the means for redemption and the restoration of all he had lost through the fall . But God’s plan includes more: ‘’the aim of typology’’ is the development of that plan step by step among men. as we teach children, using objects and things with which they are familiar to teach them things unknown to them  , so God is seen at work in the old Testament , using various means people objects ceremonies – to present over clearer pictures of our lord and his kingdom which he will bring in. God was looking forward to making preparations for the gospel. In training his old Testament church, God gave instructions through types, illustrations or likeness of things to come.

DEFINITIONS 

a)          TYPE: a type is something god has made to be a pattern or illustration of something greater.

b)          Old testament is like picture in glass (Negative) while New Testament is the original picture is like a wife to be who sent her picture to her partner before the marriage “he(partner) will be looking at the picture till the manifestation of his wife. The study of typology through types that will sheld more light to those who diligently seek the hidden treasure in the Bible.

(ii)     ANTITYPE: Antitype is the fulfillment or the truth which has been prophesy in the bible i.e. type is the shadow or reflection of the original

NOTE: Type as example will works only when the Antitype  ( the original) has not manifested so when the original comes the example will not be useful again, in as much as what we exemplify has come , then what next is to know in eye to eye  i.e. physically

TWO TYPES OF FOOD

The Holy Scripture gives the understandings that are two major foods:

(i)      The Truth that stand as milk: This is for new believers in the faith. The new covert that needs soft and sweet; this is liken to milk; I Cor. 3:1-2

(ii)     The Truth that stand as solid food: This is indepth truth for the matured Christian this truth is called solid food, because meat or solid food longeth at mouth than milk for it has strength likewise this lecture. Surely the solid food, its not easy to understand but when we become master in it our understanding in the scripture will wider. It can also increase our Bible study. I Cor.3:2

WHAT A TYPE MAY BE

As we said earlier on that exemplify of the original; is not the main target but the shadow, so we can see the following as such

 i.          A person : Adam is a type of Christ ( Romans 5:14) the figure of him to come

ii.          An Event: as the events of the Exodus  (1 Cor10:11)

iii.          A Thing: as the veil in the temple was a type of the human body of Christ ( Hebrew 10:20)

iv.          An institution: As the Jewish priesthood a type of the high priesthood of Christ ,(Hebrew 9:11)

v.          A ceremony: the Passover, a type of the sacrifice of Christ (I cor 5:7) type are found most frequently in the Pentateuch but are found more sparingly elsewhere. The antitype or fulfillment of the type, is usually found in the New Testament. The book of Hebrews is the great New Testament commentary on the types found especially in Exodus and Leviticus

INTERPRETING OF TYPES.

A type must not be used to teach a doctrine, but only to exemplify or illustrate a doctrine elsewhere plainly taught. (John 3:14; 1cor 5:7). Isaiah 66:3, Heb 8:7-8.

It cannot be positively stated that anything is a type which is not somewhere in scripture treated as such. It is undoubtedly true that there are many types which do not fall under this rule, but their recognition is a matter of spiritual discernment and cannot be dogmatically established. Example is Joseph who is almost universally acknowledged to be a type of Christ.

              For a person, event or institution to be a type it must meet two requirements. There must be a resemblance in form or in spirit to it's antitype, or fulfillment, under the gospel.

               Secondly, God must have designed it to foreshadow an prepare for better things under the gospel. Both type and antitype must have been preordained by God to teach some spiritual truth. The type will be something seen, a temporal object but the antitype will be unseen and spiritual . the type is something outward, present, of this word ; the antitype gives the inward, future and heavenly aspect.

THE KEY TO INTERPRETING OF TYPE

It is the incarnate word whom we worship, but without the written word we cannot know him to thus worship. it is not the Bible that gives value to Christ, but Christ who gives value to the Bible.

         The Bible deals with hundred of subjects of the first importance:

         The origin of the universe

The creation of the Race

         The history of sin

The divine principle of judgment

The rise and history of Israel

The incarnation of God

The life and death of Jesus Christ

The institution and progress of the Christian church

The Evangelism of the world

The issue of the   conflict between light and darkness

The final fact of Time

What is the secret of this structural historical, doctrinal and spiritual Book and of it’s marvel unity? There is only one answer: CHRIST. The whole Bible from Genesis to Revelation is Jesus Christ. This is his own witness in Luke 24:27, 44 and it is sufficient.

Jesus dominates the Old Testament. The Old Testament is not understood apart from Jesus Christ. He is the key to the interpretation of types. TYPOLOGY is the study of prophetic photogram. of the Christ taken from many angles. The sincere will find the study of these photogram. Intensely interesting.

TYPES IN GENESIS

There is very little teaching by commands in Genesis. Truth was taught mainly through the promise, and action. The teaching was more for the eye ear and used things they saw handled.

         There is a beautiful progressive unfolding of the attributes of God through His names. List a few:

Gen. 1:1            “God”– The strong one. The name is fitly used in the creation chapter

Gen. 2:4            “LORD God”- Jehovah, the “Self – existence one who reveals Himself the I AM is the redemption name of Deity. Fallen man needed to know this name for God give hope.

Gen. 14:18        ‘’Most High God’’- This means the possessor of heavens and the earth ‘’. This revelation so impressed Abraham that he paid tithes of all to Melchisedek.

Gen.  15:2        ‘’Lord God – Master’’- here Abraham address God as master when seeking help and advice.

Gen    17:1         ‘’Almighty God ‘’- El-Shaddai , the strong breasted one, the Nourisher, the strength giver, the satisfier ( all that a mother us to her little babe ) the one who makes fruitful this was the name God used when renewing his promise to give Abraham a son , the man ‘’as good as dead’’.

         The Abrahmic Covenant is renewed to Isaac and Jacob. Gen 12:1-3,7, Gen 13:14-1, 15:1-6; 17:2-22;15-18;28:10-14. The promises made to Abraham of an earthly inheritance were a type of the heavenly inheritance of Abraham‘s spiritual seed (Heb .11:16) why did they not immediately inherit the land? Why did they have to wander so long and still they ‘’ received not the promise’’? because the experience they went through were to be a picture, a type, of the church on the higher, dispensation being prepared for her heavenly inheritance by being in similar situation and passing through like experiences.

The Abrahamic Covenant are as follows:

a)          Earthly blessings – a land, wealth, protection etc

b)          An earthly seed – as numerous as the dust of the earth (Gen. 15:5), fulfilled in the Jewish nation (john 8:33,37), and also through Ishmael.

c)           A heavenly seed – as numerous as the ‘’star of heaven’’ (Gen 15:5) fulfilled I all believing Jewish and all true gentile Christians (Romans  2:28-29; 4:16;9:6-8; Gal 3:29.

d)          Spiritual promises – as ‘’I will bless thee – and thou shall be a blessing

e)           The promises of the Messiah – concerning whom later scripture unfold a particular relation on the one hand to the earthly seed of Abraham and on the other hand to his spiritual seed.

TYPES OF CHRIST

Our Lord himself has given us the clue to all the scriptures concerning himself in the old testament in the old testament in his name Emmaus teaching  (Luke 24;26,27,44) he divided the ‘’things concerning himself into two classes : those which concern his suffering and those which concern his glory. Peter tells us that the spirit of Christ in the Old Testament writers ‘’testified beforehand the suffering Christ and the glory that should follow’’ (1 pet.1:11)

We may then expect to find ‘’in all the scriptures’’ a suffering Christ and a glorified Christ a Christ humiliated and rejected and a Christ exalted arewarded.

WHAT CHRIST IS LIKENING TO

Here we are going to study together and find out all the references from New Testament

1.          Christ, the light of the world, Gen1:3

2.          Christ, the sun of righteousness, Gen. 1:16; Mal 4:2

NOTE:                He will take this character at his second coming. Morally the world is now in the state between Gen 1:3 and 1:6. The sun is not seen but there is light, dispensational, the church is in as the lesser light‘’ the moon. Reflecting the light of the unseen sun. The starts (Gen 1:16) are individual believers who are lights meantime it is night.

3.          Christ the last Adam typified by the first Adam. Gen.1:27-29; 2:7-15. As such Christ is head of the new creation, as the first man was head of the old. All men are either “In Adam or ”in Christ”. 1 Cor.15:22, 45-47; Rom. 5:12-19.

NOTE:                Christ is nowhere called the second Adam, for He placed on Christ all the sinfulness of Adam’s race and there judged all of Adam’s race. He could then say, “Now I’m finished with Adam. There will never be another Adam.” Christ was the LAST Adam.

4.          Christ, the Bridegroom of the church, Gen. 2:18-24. The first marriage   was to be a symbol of the spiritual marriage union between the last Adam       and the church.

5.          Christ, the righteousness of God, gen. 3:21. I scripture garment is a      constant symbol of righteousness.

6.          Christ, the Lamb of God, gen.4:4. This is the most constant type of the suffering Messiah. In all the subsequent books we shall find this lamb typical of the “Lamb that taketh away that sin of the world”, John 1:29, 36. A Lamb symbolizes the unresting, innocence and harmlessness of the Lord Jesus. Isa. 53:7; Luke 23:9; Matt: 26:53,54. This type is brought into prominence by contrast with Cain’s bloodiness offering of the fruit of his own works and proclaims, in the infancy of the race, the primal truth that without shedding of blood is not remission” Heb. 9:22, 11:4.

7.          Christ, the refuge of his people from judgment, Gen. 6:1 to 8:16, Heb. 11:7, in strictness of application this speak of the preservation through the “great tribulation” (Matt. 24:21-22) of the remnant of Israel who will turn to the Lord after the church (typified by Enoch, who was translated to haven before the judgment of the flood), has been caught up to meet the Lord, Gen. 5:22-24; 1thes, 4:15-17; Heb 11:5;isa:2:10-11; 26:20-21). But the type has also a present reference to the position of the believer ‘’in Christ’’ (Ephesians1).

8.          Christ, the priest after the order of Melchizedek, Gen 14:18-20;Heb.7. The strictly applies to the priestly work of Christ in resurrection, since Melchizedek presents only the memorial of sacrifice bread and wine ‘’After the order of Melchizedek’’ (Heb6:20) refers to the unending duration of Christ’s priesthood (Heb 7:23,24).Death puts an end Aaron’s priesthood.

9.      Christ, the obedient son, as typified by Isaac, Gen.21,22 etc. Isaac is never seen acting in self will. The course of his life is ordered by his father (John 5:30; 6:38). The more prominent features of the type are:

a.          Isaac was the promised seed (Gen.15:3,4). He is a type of the spiritual seed the church.

b.          He became obedient unto death ( although not actually slain), Gen.22

c.           He was raised from the dead (in figure). Heb 11:19.

d.          And then received a gentle bride (Gen 24)

10.    The type this covers so completely the prominent outline of the earthly relation of Christ that it cannot be told in just a sentence. The student will search from the New Testament the reference showing the fulfillment in Christ of this seven fold type.

 i.          Joseph was the beloved f his father ( 37:3)

ii.          He was hated and rejected of his brethren. (Gen.37:4-8)

iii.          His brethren conspire to slay him and in intention and figure do slay him ( Gen:37:18-22)

iv.          He was lifted up out of the pit ( 37:28)

v.          He goes to the Gentiles, by whom, after some persecution he is received and favoured (Gen 39 to 41:44).

 vi.      He receives a Gentile bride during the time of his rejection by his brethren, the Israelites, (Gen 41:45)

vii.      He is reconciled to his brethren of Israel, who receive great earthly prosperity through him (Gen 42 to 47:11)

TYPES OF THE CHURCH IN GENESIS

1.          The “lesser light to rule the night‘’ (Gen 1:16) the Church shines by reflecting the light of the absent sun (IICor.3:18;Rev; Matt 5:140

2.          Eve ( Gen. 2:18-23; John 3:28,29; II Cor. 11:2; Eph 5:25-32; Rev. 19:7,8)

3.          Enoch (Gen 5:22-24;Heb.11:5) Enoch was translated that he should not see death before the Judgment of the flood fell upon the guilty earth. The very first event in the closing of this dispensation an even which will come before the judgment of the great tribulation (Dan.12:1 Matt.24:210 will be the translation of the saints (l Thess. 4:14-17).

4.          Isaac, because of his miracle birth and being a child of faith is type of the church, the spiritual seed of Abraham.

5.          Rebecca, the Gentile bride of the son, (Gen 24) in this type we see the bride as won for the absent bridegroom by the faithful testimony of a servant, who speaks not of himself but of the riches of his masters who has bestowed al on his son. ‘’ The bride without seen the bridegroom receive him earnestly for the riches and earlier is a type of the Holy Spirit. Matt 22:2;john 15:26; 16:13-15;Eph 1:13,14-17)

6.          Asenath, the Gentile bride, espoused during the time of Joseph’s rejection by his brethren as Christ is getting a bride for himself during his rejection by Israel, (Gen;41:45)

7.          Law and grace, the old and the new creations (Gen. 16-21;-31). Hagar Is a type of Mt. Sinai where the old covenant was given, the law, Sarah is a type of Jerusalem where the covenant of grace was brought was brought in. Hagar can also be a canal church under bondage to the elements of the world; Sarah of the spiritual church that should be enjoying freedom and God’s full blessings.

MISCELLANEOUS TYPES IN GENESIS

Gen.4 in Cain and Abel( followed by Seth) we have two seeds in the world taking root and producing fruit. The Cain's offering means proud, adversary etc while Abel own is type which god needs because it as blood.Gen.5. Enoch through the righteousness of faith had an unusually close communion with God, for in Genesis 5:23 we read ‘’Enoch walked with God’’ in that walk of faith he is undoubtly a type of Christ and pictures also for us, ‘’the body of Christ’’ and the work of God want us to share in.

TYPES OF EXODUS

There are many types in Exodus which are so interesting as Bible scholar an d a lots of knowledge will be derived therein.

         Don’t forget that in Genesis we learnt about Joseph; this will give us more light as we are opening the book of Exodus because what we will first see there are the descendant of Abraham through Joseph

         Likewise, we shouldn’t forget how they got there. Genesis 15:9-14. These descendant of Abraham was so comfortable in ‘’EGPTY’’. As many people created by God were satisfied with this ‘’WORLD’’ and comfortable also

       The types in Exodus are numerous, various and exceeding interest.

As the book of Exodus opens we find Abraham’s descendants comfortable in Egypt. They had almost lost the knowledge of the true God( note Moses question, ‘’when they say, ‘what is  name? what shall I say unto them?’’Ex 3:13), and may had, no doubt, begun to worship the gods of Egypt.

         Why did God allow the oppression by the Egyptians? They needed to be stirred out of their complacency and made to long for Canaan, their inheritance. When they thought nobody cared God has seen their affliction and was already at work preparing for their deliverance. Does God not do likewise to sinners to cause them to become dissatisfied with their sinful lives and to long, though unknowingly, for the inheritance God has prepared for them: salvation deliverance from the bondage of sin and so many other blessing?

Israel  needed redeeming. They were like the Egyptians, part of the fallen race of Adam; the corruption of sin worked in them as a result they were under God’ This is true also today .we were all under God’s wrath and needed redeeming .

The Land of Goshen, given to Jacob and his family by Pharaoh, was a very fruitful part of Egypt, and is so even today. Without the troubles of the oppression, they might have been content to stay there always – but that was not the land God has promised to Abraham. Moses’ efforts to become the independent, elevated nation God meant them to be among the nation in the future. They were illiterate shepherds; Egypt a highly civilized country. This was their opportunity to learn many useful trades. (Note the many different abilities needed in making the various articles in the tabernacle.) They were forced, even by compulsive labor, to make full use of their advantages. We need to remember that all experiences God allows to come to us are also planned to prepare us for future responsibilities, now and eternity’’ one Bible teacher used to say, ’’This  life is only a training school for eternity.’’ God is preparing his church his church for great future responsibilities!

         We can find some interesting typical lessons in comparing Egypt and Canaan. Egypt is a picture of the world, of a life of self-confidence. It was watered by the muddy River Nile that overflowed its bank each year thus enriching the soil. They did not have to look up for their water. We could say they were independent of heaven. The opposite is true of Canaan for it represent the life of faith and victory .Canaan received fresh rains from God and was a land flowing with milk and honey because He blessed it with rains from God and was a land flowing with milk and honey because he blessed it with rain. They had to look up –admit their dependence. How often we act like Egyptians-trying to be independent of God, not realizing the blessings that come to us from him!

         Abraham, instead of remaining in Canaan, went down into Egypt (Gen.12:10). When we walk away from God ,it is always walking down from God, it is always walking down, in the wrong way . Jonah tried it, too. He found it didn’t pay.

Canaan was a land of milk and honey. Milk gives calcium to form bones. We need a strong backbone to be able to stand .we need spiritual calcium. And we need honey for sometimes we get sharp, and say bitter things for which we are sorry afterwards. God wants to bring us into spiritual Canaan with milk and honey for our needs.

Let us look now at some of the outstanding types in Exodus.

1.      Pharaoh is a type of Satan, the arch-rebel, the ‘’god of this world ‘’always seeking to hinder the deliverance of sinners from their slavery to sin.

2.     Moses is a type of Christ the Deliverer (Deut. 18:15;Luke 4:18;1 Thess. 1:10)

a.          He was the deliverer chosen of God(Ex 3:Act 7:25)

b.          Rejected as his first appearance he turns to the Gentiles (Act 7:23-29)

c.           During his rejected he gained a Gentile bride ( Ex 2:13-21)

d.          Afterward he again appeared as Israel’s deliverer and was accepted (Ex.4:31)

e.           He became the prophet intercessor and leader of his redeemed people( Dut.18:15;Num 11:12)

Moses rod or staff has some lessons for us too. The rod was the shepherd aid as he walked over rough ground, a support to him when weary, and a protection in times of danger. Speak of the grace of God upon which we depend to help and protect us, and upon which we can lean. When Moses cast it down, it become a serpent from which he ran.Heb.10:35 tells us not to cast away our confidence, but we instead must lean on our staff, the power and grace of God.

The Passover, Ex.12:1-28; 1cor.5:6-8; 1peter 1:18,19. It is a type of Christ our Redeemer. The Passover lamb redeemed the first-born of Israel and was a type of Christ our redeeming the church of the first born whose names are in heaven.

a. The lamb must be without blemish (Ex 12:5; Lev.22:20-22). To test this it was kept four days. It was to be chosen on the tenth day of the month and kept until the fourteenth. In the intervening time it was watched and examined carefully. So our Lord’s public life, under hostile scrutiny, was tested and His holiness proved (Luke 11:53,54;John 8;46; 18:38)

b.      it must be slain (Ex.12:6;John12:24;Heb.9:22). Death must be visited on either the guilty one or on an innocent substitute. Notice also the use of the pronoun it (v.6). Thousands of lambs would die that night. Why did God say it? Because those lambs were pointing forward to just one lamb, God’s own Passover Lamb that was to be slain. Notice also the change from a Lamb (v.3) to the Lamb (v.4), and finally to your lamb (v.5). Jesus is not just a Lamb of God. He must become your lamb. He must become your personal savior. (Compare John 9 where we read of the blind man’s increasing understanding of who Jesus was.)

c.      The blood must be applied(Ex. 12.7). This answers to personal faith and shows that not all will be saved but only those who by faith accept the sacrifice of Christ (John 3:36). God did not look at the kind of house the family lived in, whether large or small, whether they were rich or poor- He looked for the blood. He did not look at the individuals themselves. They might have been descendants of Abraham and been circumcised but if the blood was not applied, all that was of no avail.

d.      The lamb that was slain was to become their food, for that very night they were to leave Egypt and they would need strength for the journey (Ex.12:8-11, 14-15). Nothing of it was to be wasted by boiling in water. It was to be roasted .That which had experienced death and the fire, was now to become food. What a beautiful picture of our Lord for, after experiencing the fire, of Calvary he became food for the believer (Mt.26:26).it was a duty and privilege to eat of it but was not a condition of salvation. Let us beware lest it become just an empty ceremony. Note also, that noting of it was to be left till the morning. Christ was buried, out of sight, before nightfall, for He was God’s Passover Lamb.

e.      Not a bone of it was to be broken (Ex. 12:46;Num.9:12). It was the deathof the lamb that was required, not its mutilation. God arranged that Jesus’ body, after He had paid our depot by death, should be treated as a sacred thing and not mutilated. Thus this type was fulfilled as we see in John 19:36.

f.       they were to eat bitter herbs with the lamb (Ex.12:8). These could serve as reminders of the bitterness of their servitude in Egypt but perhaps a more important lesson for us is that they were to typify sorrow and repentance over our sins that made the death of God’s lamb necessary.

g.       They were to eat unleavened bread with the lamb and the bitter herbs. (Ex. 12:15). Leaven is always and everywhere a type of evil, corruption working slyly, spreading and corrupting everything it touches (Lk. 12 1; 1 Cor. 5:6-8). In Mt. 16:6 Jesus warns against the leaven of the Pharisees (representing formalism, putting traditions of men before the word of God) and Sadducees (wrong doctrine). The Sadducees were materialists who denied the reality of the soul and a resurrection. In Mark 8:15 He warns against the leaven of Herod (worldliness. Friendship with the world).

Eating speaks of fellowship. There can be no real fellowship with God if there is some leaven (sin) present in the heart.orthodox Jew even today searches their homes diligently the day before the Passover to be sure there is not even a little leaven in the house. So should we search our hearts to bringout and put away anything that would prevent fellowship with the Lord.

They were to eat unleavened bread seven days. Seven is the perfect number, indicating a full circle of time (after seven days a new week begins). God instituted the seven-day week. Note also the many sevens in Revelation. It speaks of sin put away the full lengthy of our life time here on earth. Refraining from leaven did not save them but was important if fellowship was to be maintained. God looks seriously on His people playing with sin. Notice the expression “shall be cut off” in Ex. 12:15 concerning anyone found eating leavened bread

 The Mixed Multitude (Ex.12:38). Some of these may have intermarried with the Israelites and now did not wish to be separated from their relative. Others may have followed them when they saw the manifestation of divine power. Seeing that the “good side” of this God – but without a change of heart. They were the first to become dissatisfied. The Enemy couldn’t keep Israel in Egypt, so cleverly he sent some Egyptians them to Canaan.

The Pillar of Cloud (Ex. 13: 21-22; 40: 34-38). It came to them after they were sheltered by the blood. Compare Eph. 1:13,14. It was the visible symbol of God’s presence a type of the Holy Spirit. It gave them protection from the pursuing Egyptian army. How often the Holy spirit is our protection  the cloud was given to guide them through the wilderness. The Father sent His Holy Spirit to be our Guide (John16:13; Rom. 8:14.)

         Marah and Elim (Ex. 15:22-27). They travelled their days without finding water and when they did come to some, it was bitter. But instead of looking to God, they murmured against Moses, disregarding the fact that the cloud had led them there. How typical of us when we blame others  for our hard situation them forgetting the cloud  led us there.

The water at Marah was bitter and could not quench their thirst. That is the way with the water this world offers. Sometimes new Christians think that now they have decided for Christ everything is going to be easy , that God, we can expect troubles. Every new convert needs to be prepared for this.

         What healed the water? A tree thrown into it, a type of Christ himself (compare song of Solomon 2:3) who can sweeten our bitter earthy experiences. Also it is a type of the cross (1peter 2:24,phi. Also it is a type of the cross (1peter 2:24,phil.3:10). Paul and Silas in prison were having a “Marah” experiences but as they rejoiced in having a share in the “fellowship of His sufferings” we see the “tree” sweetening their bitters waters. As Moses used the tree, we are to use the cross daily by regarding the trials and difficulties in our Christian lives as opportunity to share in Christ's sufferings.

         Notice what Moses did “he cried unto the Lord”. The purpose of our “Marah” is to drive us to God. Ps. 107 illustrates this so well with the repeated expression, “Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble.” They had to be driven to God. So with us at times.

         When did God act? When a interceding mediator cried to God – Moses, a type of our mediator (Heb.7:25). Moses learned of God’s provision when God showed him a tree. This is a picture of how dependent we are on God to show us His provision of grace in our times of need.

         After Marah God led them on to Elim where they found twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees, a place of shade and refreshment . There was only one bitter well followed by twelve wells with sweet water and seventy palm trees. Do not over emphasize the “biter” experience. Concentrate your attention on the twelve wells!

The Wilderness: After crossing the Red sea, Israel went “three days into wilderness”. It was then they began to experience how dreary and empty was the wilderness. God did not intend for them to make their homes there, they were travelers passing through. The natural man sees much that is attractive in the world but to the spiritual man it is only “vanity and vexation of spirit”. This wilderness ministers to the “lust of flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of the life” but it has nothing for the new nature. The pleasure of sin no longer satisfy. Once we have enjoyed communion with Christ, the world around has nothing to satisfy the thirsty soul.

The Manna (Ex. 16:14-35). It is a type of both Christ, the incarnate Word and of the bible, the written world believer wilderness food (John 6:31-35)

After Elim the food they have brought from Egypt evidently was exhausted and they began to complain against Moses and Aaron (v.2). But Moses points out to them that their murmuring is not really against them but against God (v.6). When we murmur against our leaders at times, we need to examine our hearts well. We may discover that our murmuring is really against God. We are afraid to attack God, so we attack his representatives.

Let us see now some of the spiritual lessons from the manna.

a.          Verse 4 says it had to be gathered. God didn’t just drop it into their mouths. Someone has said that God feeds the bird but He makes them scratch for every bite of it. This teaches diligence. There is no place for laziness in God’s plans.

b.          The manna was given because of their need. Was that not why God gave his son – because of our great need? and likewise, he gave his word to be our daily food.

c.           It was God’s supernatural provision(v.4) the Bible is God’s supernatural Book provides for us

d.          It was to be gathered daily, except for the Sabbath.Memory of what they ate yesterday would not help them today. Neither will memory of past appropriation of Christ of his word help today. I must have a fresh portion for today. The word must not only be read but it must be appropriated by each reader for his personal needs. Too many depend on the food given on Sunday to do them all week!

e.           The manna was to be eaten not merely looked at, and admired. As neglect or improper feeding will harm physical body, so also neglect of spiritual food will result in a weak and sickly spiritual state. Many people admire Christ but that is not enough, anyone than admiring food but not partaking of it personally.

The word of God needs to be meditated on, ‘’chewed’’ as we shew food to get all the good out of it. Don’t read too hurriedly. Turn over the passage in your mind, ponder on it as Mary did (Luke 2:19) and as the blessed man in psalm 1. Take word or expression   separately and think over it to get at the meaning, and what application it might have to yourself. Take note how a goat, after filling its stomach with grass,will lie down and chew it well. This takes time. Hasty reading of the word or me listening to a sermon is not sufficient.

Meditating on Christ as you see Him in the Gospels walking amongst men, doing His father’s will, not His own, is feeding on the manna. This answers to “milk” food for the young believer. Then go on examine Him as presented in the Epistles where you will get “meat” of the word (Heb. 5:,14).

f.            The manna was near them or their tents. So is Christ near us, and for many of u the word is also accessible.

g.           It fell daily. Faith had to be exercised to believe it would be there for them to gather it. “Give me this day my daily bread”.

The Smitten Rock (Ex.17:1-6). This is a type of Christ the Rock smitten for us (1. Cor. 10:4). The water flowing from the rock is a type of salvation by grace for a people utterly unworthy (Ex. 17:2; Eph. 2:1-6).

Characteristic of salvation by grace:

a.          It is free (John 4:10; Rom.3:23; Eph. 2:8)

b.          It is abundant (Rom. 5:20; Psa. 105:41; John 3:16).

c.           It is near (Rom 108).

d.          The people needed only to take (Isa. 55:1).

This experience of Israel is a type of the sinner drinking from the living water flowing from Christ and thus entering into a born-again experience, then continuing to rink from him for daily refreshment.

Battle with Amalek at Rephidim (Ex. 17).

         Amalek might have come to fight against Israel because of the water now flowing from the rock, for water is very scare in the desert and was often the cause of conflicts among the ancient people.

         Amalek is a type of our nature. Before we were saved, we had only this old nature. But at the new birth we received a new nature, the Spirit of God (John 3:5,6). The old nature is not removed and as a result the new Christian experiences inner conflicts he hadn’t know before. It is the old nature fighting against the new holy nature (Gal. 5:17; Rom. 7). Every Christian has these two natures: one sinful, the sinless, ulterely different from each other and opposed to each other.

Amalek came against Israel after they had received the supernatural flow of water, picturing the battle with the old nature that begins after we have drunk of the water of life. Israel had fought no battles in Egypt, not even at the Red Sea, but now that which represented the Holy Spirit was given, Amalek rose up to oppose.

Aaron, a type of our High Priest (Ex. 28).

Note: Christ is a priest after the order of Melchizedek (which means that because: he ever continueth” His priesthood is eternal and not, like the Aaron in priesthood, interrupted by death. However, He followed the pattern off Aaron in doing His work, in offering a sacrifice for sin.

a.   Aaron was a priest by divine appointment (Ex. 28:1). See the fulfillment of this in Heb. 5:4-6)

b.   He was the only priest who could make atonement (Lev. 16:1-3). So with Christ, the Antitype (Heb.9:7-12).

The Tabernacle (Ex. 25-31,35-40). Since a detailed study of the tabernacle will be take up later, these chapters will also be studied later.

The Levitical Priesthood (Ex.28). They were God’s provision for a people who were, in themselves, a distance from God and needed someone to bring them night, and to appear in the presence of God and a sinful people. The priesthood represented was a means of communication between a Holy God in their behalf. In other words, the priesthood was a means of communication between a holy God and sinful people. The priesthood represented the interests of both parties – God and man. They ministered in behalf of those whose sin kept them at a distance. They were also to represent God to the people in teaching them God’s laws (Deut. 33:8, 10-11)

a.          Their classes: the Levites, the priests, God choose the tribe of Levi to be especially set aside for His ministry (Num. 8:11, 16,19). Out from the levities was chosen one special family, the family of Aaron, to be brought closer to Him and to represent all the others. Aaron was to be the high priest.

b.          Their ministry or work.

1.          The levies were from three main families: Gershonites, kohathites, and Merarities. They were to be the special helpers to Aaron and the priests (Num. 8:19). Their work was to care for the tabernacle, setting it up at each stopping please, taking it down and carrying the various articles while journeying. Each of the three family had their God has a work for each of us to do. Let us seek God’s place for us and not envy others their position or work. The Levites, no doubt, helped in the killing and cutting up the animals for sacrifice. They must have been an aid to the priests also in helping to teach the people, to help them know God, His will and His ways, (Lev. 10:11). This may have been why God scattered heir cities throughout Israel to make them accessible to all the people.

2.          The priests (and high priest) offered the sacrifices in behalf of the people. They were to represent the people when they went into the tabernacle to God. They are a type of Christians for we, too, are a kingdom of priest to minister in behalf of others and to minister to God (I Pet. 2:5,9; Heb. 13:15).

3.          The high priest was the only one who could make atonement for the people.    

   

c.          Qualifications for the priesthood.

1.      They were to be of the tribe of Levi and of the family of Aaron. They were chosen out from among the children of Israel (Ex. 28:1), a kingdom of priests- which is what God considered Israel to be (Ex. 19:6)- so they were not a separate class but were one with the people and could thus represent them. Christ because man so he would be one with us and could thus represent us before God (Heb. 5:1) Lev. 21:16

2.      They were to be without blemish physically. As representatives of both God and the people, how necessary that they have no imperfection as a type of the unblemished spiritual character required in God’s ministers.

3.      They were to keep themselves separated from all that defiled (Lev. 22). See also Isa: 52:11.

d.     Their limitations: Why were the people kept at a distance? Why were the Levites barred from the holy place, and even the priests limited in their access? Why was even the high priest barred from the holy of holies except for once a year? These limitations concerning the people and the priests were given to stimulate proper awe and reverence for the high and holy God they were worshipping.

e.     Their length of service: The Levites served from 30 years till age of 50 (Num, 4:22, 23, 29, 30, 8: 25, 26). Priests and high priest served till death. Ipese won

f.     Their support: The Levites received the tithes of the people (Num. 18:13, 15-17,21; 2 chron. 31:5,6). Tithes of war were also given to them (Num. 13:27-30). Certain cities were set aside especially for the Levites, among them the six cities of refuge (Num. 35: 2-4). The Levites tithed their income and gave it for care of the priests and high priest (Num 18: 26).

Anointing Oil (Ex. 30:23-33). Four spices were to be put in olive oil. All came from plantlife, speaking of man on earth. All were very fragrant; they thus speak of the fragrance of Christ’s character as man here on earth. Myrrh was the gum from a certain tree that grew in Arabia. It was sweet smelling but bitter tasting. Because mention of it is more often made in the love song of Solomon (song of Solomon), it can speak of the fragrant outpouring of Christ's love for his father was poured out spontaneously from the tree bark, as well as from the bark was cut. Christ’s love for his father was poured out spontaneously and also when wounded on the cross. The cinnamon came from the bark of young shoots of a tree that is green the year around. (the typical meaning for the cinnamon is not clear) The fragrance was obtained from the calamus plant by crushing. Christ submitted to crushing by wicked hands and has filled heaven and earth with fragrance as a result. (Typical meaning of cassia is not clear)

         One important lesson to remember in connection with the anointing oil is the warning against making “any other like it,” v. 31. The oil was to be used for anointing and not for man’s glory or pleasure. From 2 Cor. 1:22 we see that it is God who anoints us by His Holy Spirit. See also Gal. 4:6. The flesh cannot produce the grace of the Spirit. Only the priest were anointed, typifying the anointing of the priest of this dispensation, who are all the truly born –again believers. There were to be no imitations, for this oil was to represent the perfections of Christ. There are to be no imitations in the Christian life. Ananias and Sapphira (Act 5) tries to imitate the actions of the Holy Spirit and we see the judgment that came on them. (see also the warning against “strange incense”) in vv. 37,38 which we will consider when we study the altar of incense during our tabernacle lesions

Another important lesson for us is in words “whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger” (Ex. 30:38). No only is there to be no counterfeiting the Holy Spirit out of a pride ful motive, but the unredeemed soul (“a stranger”) is not to be urged or condoned to partake of “the holy things of the Lord” without genuine repentance beforehand. Otherwise they will feel they have fulfilled their obligations and will be double blinded to their need of submission and repentance. We must not cause them to feel that all is well with their soul.

THE TYPES IN LEVITICUS

The types are exceedingly numerous. The student is exhorted to the most diligent and prayerful study of these wonderful unveilings of Christ.

1.   The Leviticus Offerings (Chapter 1-7)       these are five and are divided into two groups:

Sweet savor:                                        non-sweet

Burnt, Ch. 1                                        sin, chap. 4

Meal, Ch. 2                                          trespass, Ch. 5

Peace, Ch. 3

These were voluntary.                         These were required.

The holiness of God

Requires that we:                                do no sin

                                                            Do all good

In sweet savor offerings we see Christ as being completely acceptable to God not only because he committed no sin but he never failed to do good. His life was a continual sweet savor offering of Christ meant to God No-sweet savor offerings represent what the offering of Christ means to us. Note the oft repeated words “Shall be Forgiven” in 4:20, 26, 31, 35:5:10, 13, 16, 18; 6:7.

         The order in which these offerings were named has a lesson for us. God begins with Himself and then reaches out to us in the sin and trespass offerings. Heb. 9:14 tells us that Christ offered Himself without spot. This was represented by the sweet savor offerings that show Christ accomplishing the will of God.

                 Now let us how these offerings individual typify the work of Christ for us.

a.          Sweet Savor Offerings (chap. 1-3).

1.          The burnt offerings, so called because the whole of it, except for the blood and the skin, was burnt on the altar, v.9. it was to be a willing offering, type of Christ delighting to die freely for us. Hence it was a sweet savor to God. The thought of penalty is not prominent. The offered, though recognizing himself as a sinner (indicated by the required laying on of hands), had no sense of guilt on his conscience concerning some definite transgression. While he recognized his shortcomings, yet he had a desire for a more complete devotion to God yet to come.

Animals accepted for this offering were any one of the following (bullock) type of Christ as a strong and patient servant taking our place as unprofitable servants. Sheep or lamb, type of Christ in unresisting self-surrender to the cross. Goat, type of the sinner, whose place Christ took, being “numbered among the transgressors” turtle-dove or pigeon, type of him who for “our sakes became poor that we through his poverty might be rich”. All these offerings were to be without blemish, v.3.

Identification of the offered with the offering was made by the laying on the officer’s hands upon the sacrifice, showing it was his substitute.

Fire on the altar, type of God’s acceptance of the sinner’s offering.

A burnt offering of a lamb of the first year (Ex. 29:39-40) was to be offered day by day continually. The one offered in the evening, when the altar would not be used for anything else, would burn slowing through the night. It was to be in a sense a perpetual sacrifice representing how Israel, God’s covenant people, should ever have yielded themselves to God. Christ fulfilled this type we now must present ourselves as a living sacrifice unto God, seeking always to know his perfect will.

2.          The meal offering. Ch. 2 (This did not mean, the flesh of an animal, as in king James Bible, but meal or cereal, a grain.) This was another willing offering, typifying Christ as son of man in his complete human nature on earth. It was an offering without blood and perhaps for this reason was always offered with a burnt offering ( lev.23:18). It was to be fine flour which means the grain were well ground until very fine, a type of Christ’s character.oil was to be added type of Christ born and later baptized with the Holy Spirit. Frankincense, type of the fragrance of his life towards god and man. Salt is a type is type of moral and religion purity. Leaven and honey were excluded. We have already seen the meaning of leaven. Honey is that most sweet and gratifying to the flesh. God wants us to know that whatever is pleasing to the flesh is distasteful to him. Honey is like human sweetness which is always more attractive before testing (by fire). Not only does God not want anything of the flesh but he wants something that will stand the test of fire. What are our attitudes towards people we meet, honey or frank-incense? The fire will surely tell. When hardships threaten us, when people are unpleasant, when the future is uncertain, do we become sweeter? 2cor:2:15

3.            The peace offering, Lev. 3. This was another voluntary offering. The fat of this offering was to be burned on the altar. The breast and right shoulder were waved before the Lord as a symbolic offering to him and then those parts became the portion of the priest who was officiating (7:14,31-34). He was to invite also any Levite in need, the widow and fatherless (Deut. 7:15-17). In this offering the offerer was privileged to enjoy near fellowship with God and His priests at His table and with others who were ceremonially clean. For us it speaks of the following of believers with God through Christ. The portions reserved for the priests have a beautiful lesson for us, too: the breast, type of the affection; the shoulder, place of strength. As Christ offered His affections and all His strength to His father, so we, too, should offer them to God. Then, as food we eat becomes a part of us, so the more we feed on Christ, the more His character will become a part of us.

Non-sweet savour offerings, Lev. 4-6. These represent the whole failure or misconduct of the sinner laid upon Christ, so that He is presented to God in all the unacceptableness of the sinner. Because of this, God’s justice smites Jesus instead of the sinner. These were required offerings

1.            The sin offerings, Lev, 4:1 to 5:13. These refer to sin more directly against God. The sins are not so much sins of ignorance but sins done unintentionally, by mistake, by erring of oversight. The same word is used in connection with the manslayer (Num. 35:11) who killed someone by accident, unintentionally.

For sins of presumption, sins done deliberately a though challenging the authority of God, there was no sin offering allowed (Num. 15:28-30).

The sin offering typify Christ being made sin for us, dying as our substitute (I Cor. 5:21; Heb. 13:12; Isa 53; Psa. 22). He vindicated the law for us.

All parts of the sacrificial animal were burned outside the camp (Lev. 4:12), not on the altar of the tabernacle. Only its blood was brought into the tabernacle, and was sprinkled seven times before the inner veil. It was also put on the horns of the incense altar. The rest was poured out at the foot of the brazen altar. Christ was taken outside the camp (of Jerusalem) and offered (Heb. 13:10-13).

Trespass offerings: Lev. 5:14 to 6:7. These trespasses can be divided into parts: first, those done against “the holy things of the Lord” (5:15) as in tithes and first–fruits and trespasses against any command of God done unconsciously or thoroughlessly (5:17-19). The second section (6:1-7) lists trespasses more directly against the fellow man. But the offence is also against God’s creature that has been harmed, therefore a sacrifice had to be repaid, plus a fifth added to it. These were sins done unawares, or under time of strong temptation. They needed to be repented of and made right, not only before God but with the man wronged.

       These sacrifices again point to Christ who bore our sinful acts (Mt. 1:21; I Pet.2;24, 1 john 2:2; psalm. 51)

       Restitution was an important part of the trespass offerings. he was to return the king thing taken or the value of its, and must add a fifth part thereto, 5: 15. In this verse it speaks of ‘’ the holy things’’ and could refer to the tithe due the Lord. Note also Lev. 7:25 where taking something that belonged rightly to the Lord was used by an individual instead of being given to God.

Consecration of the priests (Leviticus 8:1 to 9:25; Exodus 28: 41 to 29:24). The priests did not consecrate themselves. (Roman 6: 13;12:1). Everything was done by Moses acting for God.

     The consecration ceremony may be divided into several parts.

Anointing of the high priest (8: 10-12). Aaron’s anointing differed from that of the priests in that he was anointed before the sacrifices were slain, and the other priests had to have the blood applied first. His differed also in quantity: the anointing oil was poured on Aaron (compare psalm. 133:2), but sprinkled on the priests. Christ, the sinless one, typified by Aaron, needed no preparation for receiving the anointing oil, symbol of the Holy Spirit. Again, the pouring on Aaron represents Christ receiving the spirit without measure (John. 3:34; Heb. 1:9).

Aaron stood alone up to this point for until the blood- shedding (Christ dying on Calvary) Aaron and his sons could not stand together.

The priests clothed (Leviticus 8: 13). As Aaron is a type of Christ, his sons are a type of believer priests. Their garments were white lines, type of righteousness.

The Offerings (Leviticus 8: 13). Notice the order of the offerings. first the sin offerings, then, after sin had been dealt with, the burnt offering, representing complete surrender to God, and last, the ram of consecration. In each case Aaron and his sons put their hands on the offering, identifying themselves with it as their substitute.

The Blood of Consecration applied (Lev. 8:23-26).  After the offering of sin and burnt offering, the ram of consecration was slain. Blood was put on the right ear, consecrating it listen to god’s Word; on the thumb of the right hand, consecrating it to do God’s service; the great toe of the right foot, consecrating the feet to walk in God’s ways of righteousness and service. The altar was sprinkled with blood (8:15,19,24). The shed blood is the foundation of everything.

Filling of the hands of the priests (Lev.8:27-29). That which Moses put in their hands, they now offered to God as a wave offering acknowledging him as the owner and giver. Their hands were empty until   Moses standing in the place of God, gave them something to offer. So with us. Whatever we have to offer to God was first given us by God. We see here the graciousness of God, requiring an offering, then giving us the very thing to offer to Him. How can we them withhold from Him the very thing He gave us to offer?

Anointing with blood and oil (Lev. 8:30). We have here God’s command to remain seven days and night at the door of the tabernacle maintaining their separation unto the lord. Seven is the number of perfection, completion, and thus reminds us to maintain our separation for the whole “week” of our service here on earth, for we, too have the oil of consecration on us as priests unto God. We are abide in His presence (Psa. 91:1). Notice the words “until the day of your consecration be at an end” see the warning again in Lev. 21:12.

The fire (Lev. 9:23,24). After their consecration, the priests began their ministering. Because everything had been done as the lord had commanded (8:36). God’s glory appeared to all the people and fire came out from before the Lord and burnt up the sacrifices. In Lev. 6:13 God told them fire on the altar was not to be allowed to go out. Jewish tradition has it that the fire was kept alive until the reign of Manasseh. Here fire represents Christ’s undying devotion to His Father’s will and is a example to us. The fire God kindled in our hearts when we became Christians is not to be allowed to go out. When the fire goes out, consecration goes out. We must maintain it by bible study, prayer, fellowshipping with God’s family, and by witnessing.

The Strange Fire of Nadab and Abihu(Lev. 10:1-3).

a.            The substituted self-will in place of God’s will by taking their own fire instead of the fire God had given (Lev. 9:24). Pride, in being lifted to the position of priests, may have entered their heart (note Paul’s warning against using novices, I Tim. 3:6) and they now thought they knew how to offer the incense, though no directions had yet been given about it. Men in their position did not need to ask advice from Moses anymore! Thus they set aside God-instituted authority. Nadab means “liberal” and Abihu means “God is Father”. Nadia, the liberal-minded, “Why be so strict? Our way is just as good!” Abhor can represent those who with their mouths acknowledge God as father but still go their own way, do things as they please (Col. 2:23).

Also, they despised God’s provision, thinking their own fire was as good as that God had given, Satan always provides a counterfeit for whatever God does. Notice the counterfeit in Ananias and Sapphire.

b.            It was also a type of trying to stir up religious feelings by merely carnal means; that is, the use of fleshly means to stir up the incense of devotion and praise. The fragrance of incense does not rise up until fire is applied. Nature fervor and natural emotions, however produced, are “strange fire”. Counterfeit eloquence, counterfeit enthusiasm and shouting are unacceptable to God. In 1Sam. 4: 5 we read how Israel shouted with a great shout, but God was not with them. It was mere fleshly enthusiasm. It is only fire from above, produced by the Holy Spirit, that can bring forth the worship and praise pleasing to God.

The Day of Atonement (Lev.23).

         Leaving out the offering which the high priest made for himself (Lev. 23: 6,11-14),which has no antitype in Christ (Heb. 7:26, 27), the interest centers upon the two goats and the high priest.

         Allis done by the high priest. The people do nothing .Christ” by himself  purged our sins (Heb.1:3). We could do nothing to atone for our sins.

         In the two goats we have two aspects of Christ’s atonement: Godward, the goat” for the Lord”(v.8), and manward, the scapegoat.

a.      in the goat that was slain (Jehovah’s lot)we have the first aspect of the atonement, showing our Lord taking  the penalty for our sins by dying in our place. The high priest took the blood of this sin offering and sprinkled it upon the covering of the ark in the Holy of Holies. The blood made it a mercy seat instead of a place of judgment. The sprinkled blood showed that the law’s righteous demands had been met and God could then show mercy.

         The Hebrew word used where the English uses atonement means to cover, cover or coverings. We see them that the Leviticus offering only covered the sins of Israel, for on animal sacrifice could take it away. God could pass over (Rom.3:25) their sins for the cross was always before his eyes.

         In Lev.17:11 the Hebrew word translated as life means soul. The verse says, The soul of the flesh is in the blood…for the blood atones through the soul. Lsa.53:12 Says Christ poured out his soul unto death.

b.      on the second goat, called the scape-goat, were confessed the sins of the sins of the people as the priest placed his hands on its hand. By doing this he was transferring the sins of the people to the innocent goat. Then it was led into the wilderness, never to come back. In this goat we see Christ actually taking our sins into and upon His own body and bearing them away, so they cannot be found (2Cor.5:21;1peter.2:24;lsa.53:6;44:22;Psa.103:12).

STUDIES IN THE TABERNACLE

GOD’S DWELLING PLACE WITH ISRAEL

The bible uses less than two chapters to describe the creation of the vast starry heavens and the earth with all that is in it. Yet 50chapters are used to describe the Tabernacle and its functions. Why?  the Tabernacle was to be a picture, in detail, of His Son and His work of redemption.

GOD’S DWELLING PLACE (EX.25:1-9).                 

        God’s desire is to dwell in the midst of His creatures (lsaiah57:15; 66:1,2),.the fellowship of Eden was broken by sin, marred by Satan. This fellowship must have meant much to God for He immediately began to unfold the plan for restoration. The revelation increased in beauty, glory, and intimacy. We see this desire on the part of God from Genesis to Revelation.

WITH WHOM DOES GOD DEWLL?

a.     A people purchased by blood (Ex.12:12, 13).

b.     A people delivered from bondage, from Satan (Pharaoh), and the world (Egypt), Ex.14:21, 22;15:13.1

c.     A people sanctified unto obedience by the blood (Ex.20:1-3).

d.     A people nourished and sustained through wilderness wandering and pilgrimage (Ex.16:16-18).

e.     A people restored from sin and folly of departure from God (Ex.33:12-14).

f.      A people entered into the thought of God’s  rest (Ex. 35:1-3).

       

Purpose of the Tabernacle

a.     To teach Israelites of his holiness-hence all walls shutting them out.

b.     To teach them their sinfulness-they were placed at distance from Him.

c.     To teach them that the only way of approaching Himis through sacrifice.

The plan for the Tabernacle.

God made the plan for it and gave it to Moses on Mt.Sinai. Nothing was left to human cleverness.

God made the plan for it and gave it to Moses on Mt.Sinai. Nothing was left to human deepness God warned Moses that everything must be made according to the pattern (Ex.24:1,2;chapters25-28).

   As we saw a repetition of seven in Leviticus, here we see the number three repeatedly. Three is the number of divine completeness. There were 3section to the tabernacle (the court, Holy Place, Holy of Holies ),3 doors (the gate the outer veil, the inner veil), 3 kinds of light (the sun, the candlestick, the shekinah glory ), 3 places to put blood (at the brazen altar, the incense altar, the mercy seat on the ark),3 metals (gold, silver, brass), 3 basis colours (blue, red, purple). Ln addition, white is very prominent.

THE CURTAIN OF COURT (EX.27:9-15).

The dimension of the court(or compound) were 100cubits (150 feet by 75 feet),each cubit being about 11/12feet. The gate was 20 cubits (30feet) wide. The  linen curtains were hung from pillar to pillar, suspended from hooks of silver. The pillars were strengthened by cords running down from them to brass pins in the ground, both inside the curtain. The pillars  rested on brass sockets sunk in the sand .

Spiritual lessons:

a. The dwelling place of God was separated from outside intrusion. There was no means of  direct access to God until the sacrificial death of Christ: no access to the place of God’s presence(ark), or to prayer (incense altar), or to testimony for God (candlestick),or to fellowship, sustenance,  and eternal life (showbread). The curtain shut them out completely. Being about 71/2 feet high, it was too high to look  over and it reached to the ground so that none could crawl under it .The death penalty was visited upon the stranger who touched it (Num.3:38).

b. Fine linen represented  practical righteousness that could be seen in everyday life. It was a symbol of God’s flawless character, holiness, spotless purity of life, thought, act and word. The priest wore only the white linen garments in God’s presence on the day of atonement(Lev.16:4).

c. The silver for hooks and capitals came from the ransom money paid by every man for his soul unto the lord (Ex.30:11-16;38:25-29).Every man paid the same whether rich or poor . This points to redemption  the great of our having  been purchased by the precious blood of Christ. Let us remember there can be no holy walk apart from redemption.it was  the silver hooks (redemption )that help up the curtains representing holiness in everyday life (1peter 1:18,19;Titus2:11-14 ).

d. Brass speaks of judgment. God’s holiness demands that sin be punished, Christ bore that punishment then gave us His righteousnes. We must depend on Him to hold us and keep us (1 Cor.10:12; 1peter1:5)

THE GATE AND ITS HANGING (EX.27:16,17).

It was at the east end of the court and was the only entrance the only entrance the only way of access to God. The hanging of the gate was one whole piece of fine twined linen, embroidered with blue, purple and scarlet. It was held in place by four pillars of brass, resting upon sockets of brass and hung from hook of silver as did the white curtain

Spiritual lessons:

a.       There was only one gate .compare john 12:6;10:9Acts 4:12.the lesson is plain-there is only one possible way of access to the divine Presence and favour and that is through the Lord.

          Jesus Christ. The gate was on the east, perhaps to make the worshippers turn their back on the sun as they came with their offering in the morning for many of the ancient people worshipped the rising sun. if they face the rising sun as they entered the tabernacle compound, they might have been tempted to worship the sun instead of God . Another lesson to be seen is in the width of the entrance-20 cubits, or 30 feet. This indicated it was wide enough and inviting enough to give free access to all who came in the proper way. Compare Isa 55:1,2;2peter 3:9 1john 2:2. The lessons of these scriptures is plain: the gospel invitation to come to God through the door (Christ) is free to all.

b.      The hanging speaks of Christ as the son of man, in his royalty and his atoning sacrifice of which the following color were a type : blue speaks of Christ as the heavenly one blue was worn by persons of rank. Compare Ezek 23:6. The fact that the persons were to wear a border of blue around a the bottom of there garment indicates that there were to be a heavenly people, obedient to God’s commandments (Num 15:37-41) how appropriate all this is to Christ for particularly in the gospel of john do we have him set forth in his deity, his heavenly origin and nature.  see john 3:13;6;57,58;16:28). See references to purple garment for kings in judges 8:26 and ester 8:15. This indicates to us the royal character of Christ unfolded in the gospel of Mathew, where he his presented to us in his kingship character.(the dye was obtained from a shellfish.) scarlet was obtained from a scarlet –coloured  worm which, as it was crushed gave its life to provide this colour for dyeing. In ps.22:6 Christ speaks of himself as worm. We know that he was crushed   under the burden of our sin and the scarlet life-blood with flowed forth alone can cleanse from sin

c.       The four pillars .   they may represent the four Gospels where Christ is presented to us (1) as a king(Mathew), (2) as a servant (Mark),(3) as the suffering one who is yet to have all earthly glory, the son of man(luke), (4) the heavenly one, the eternal son of God ( john).

 The Brazen Alter ( Ex. 27:1-8).

                        

It was inside the entrance to the Tabernacle compound but outside the Tabernacle  where God dwelt, picturing tours the necessity of blood sacrifice before communion with God. It was made of shittim (acacia ) wood overlaid with brass. in the centre, beneath the rim of the alter was a brass grate ( a sort of wire gauze) on which wood and sacrifices rested, yet allowing the ashes to fall  through the ground. It was 71/2 by 71/2 feet high .on each corner was a horn of brass pointing upward and outward. In each corner was a ring through which staves were pleased with which to carry it.

Spiritual Lessons:

a.              Shittim ( modern name is acacia) wood.

           This tree grew in the desert ( Isa 41:19,20) and may typify the humble origin. Lack of earthly splendor, and humility of Christ as seen in Isa 53:2. It was hard wood, incorruptible, which reminds us of the sinless humanity of Christ.

           His enemies could find no fault with him and could only makes false accusations some varieties of this tree produced gum was used as a tonic medicine. Christ came to heal broken hearts and to minister to the physical needs of mankind as well as their spiritual needs.

b.              Brass stand for divine judgment. The alter was a constant witness of judgment on sin and of justice fully satisfied as indicated by the expression ‘’sweet savour’’ as applied to some of the offerings. Brass in its unyielding nature is a type of unyielding character of Christ's judgment to any consideration of mercy, apart from sacrifice ( lev. 26:19; jer1:18; psalm 107:16)

‘’ These scripture make clear the symbolic meaning of brass – durability strength unyieldingness’ .applied to God it declares his unchanging character. His strength, the impossibility of escape from his judgments also security beneath his protection – Ride Out.

c.              The gate since it was in the centre of the alter; it may speak to us of the very centre of our being, the heart. The sacrifice rested on the net or gate.

d.              Horns speak of power ( Dan. 8:3,4) the horns speaking upward speak of the power of God manifested in Christ’s resurrection        ( Eph 1:19-21).

           Being brass and pointing to the four corners of the earth they signified that the whole world is guilty before God and under His judgment. But when blood was put on the horns( Lev.4:25) their message is of forgiveness, that redemption is for all mankind, that Christ’s atonement in the infinite, sufficient for all.

e.              Fire is type of God’s judgment which must fall upon all sin. Fire is varied in its symbolism namely (1) judgment ( Gen 19:24;psa.11:6); (2 ) holiness (Ex1:4,27) (3) purification ( Mal3:2; 1peter 1:7) where did the fire on the brazen alter come from /see Lev 9:24. This fire was never to be allowed to go out ( Lev.6:13 God lighted it but man must maintain it.

f.               Burnt-offering (lev,6;8-13) The sacrificial lamb was put upon this alter morning and evening and the fire was never to be allowed to go out. Christ was the burnt-offering that was turned to ashes. The burnt offering was all consumed, speaking of the  fullness and completeness of Christ to the father in the perfecting our salvation.

g.              The ashes: These were carried out of the court to a clean place      ( Lev 6:10,11) the body of our lord was carried to a new tomb. In Ex.29:42-46 we have a beautiful scripture summarizing the lessons of the brazen alter and the sacrifice of the burnt offering as the made possible the place of communion with God.

The sanctification of priest and people, and God’s continual presence among them, as well as being a reminder of God’s faithfulness in bringing them out of the land of Egypt a place of bondage.

The Brazen Laver ( Ex 30:17-21;38;8)

                     

It stood between the brazen alter and door of the Tabernacle building. It was filled with water in which the priest washed their hands when they served at the brazen alter. No measurements were given for it. It was made of the polished brass mirrors of the women. It was covered as were the other articles of furniture when moving. Wash( cleaning) his feet but is clean every whit . The idea is that as is oriental countries the person went from the public bath house in his sandaled feet to his home there by getting them dusty again, all that was necessary after his bath would be to wash his feet.

          In the brazen alter we have a type of cleansing from the guilt of sin under the blood when all conscious need is met in the fountain of Calvary.(This  would  be bathing mentioned above) in the laver we have typified cleansing fro defilement of sin. At the laver (the mirror) unknown or unrealized sin is revealed by god’s word . Hence we must wash frequently in the laver of god’s word that may be a revelation of all sin in the life.

SPIRITUAL LESSONS

a.              Brass. This again speaks to us of God’s unyielding character in judgment – sin must be judged but here it speaks of self- judgment for as the priest bent over the laver he would see whether his face was spattered with blood and needed washing. He would then need to apply the water to cleanse himself, for no one was allowed inside the tabernacle who was not clean. Paul teaches in 1 Cor. 11:31,32 that if we would not judge ourselves.

 

           All the furniture in the outer court was of brass and the most prominent lesson of all this is that judgment is necessary. We have pictured Christ, the incarnate word of God (John 1:1) to whom all judgment was committed ( john 5:22:2cor 5:10,11).

           ‘’In the Brazen Alter there is judgment against SIN – our sin! In the Brazen laver there is judgment against SELF- our self!!’’

b.              Mirrors: the primary purpose of a mirror is to reveal our selves to us. Often mirrors are used to minister to pride conceit but here is the laver we see them being a medium for cleansing and bringing into communion with God. In Luke 18 we see striking instance of the natural use of the mirror in the self righteousness o the Pharisee. Contrast with this what the publican saw and what the woman of Samaria (John 4) saw as they looked into God’s mirror.

           James 1:23-25 shows us what the spiritual meaning of the mirrior is the word of God ‘’The law of liberty ‘’ is seen as the divine mirror in which our true character is revealed. The word reveals any defilement that needs to be washed off ‘’self discovery is at first to cleansing. As Isaiah (Isa. 6) was made aware of his own uncleanness, he was made ready to be touched of God. The mirror is to be a corrective instrument, not an instrument of condemnation. We need the corrective word before we can experience the cleansing water.

c.              The water in the laver: mirror reveal dirt but do not cleansing but also provided the water for washing. See psa.119:9 and John 15:3 for the ministry of the word to the believer. It always points us to the fountain, Christ. The water, however had to be applied before it could cleanse. Much teaching of the word or reading of the word, alone will not produce holiness but the personal application of the little of it that is known. Christ’s ministry now is that of purging and sanctifying His church with the washing by the word that he might present it to himself a glorious church (Eph.5:25-27), ‘’ the believer –priest who fails to wash frequently in the laver of God’s word of defilement, there is abundant evidence of the filth of this world …only as we come to the laver of God’s word for cleansing do we become conscious of sin and defilement of our life’’

d.             Washing. In john 13:10 we have two words translated ‘’wash’’ which are different in meaning. This verse should properly be rendered thus, ‘’ He that is washed’’ ( bathed) ‘’needed not save to

The Holy place –the place of priestly service.

         

The tent or Tabernacle was divided into two rooms. The first was called the holy place the inner one was the hollies the holy peace is a type of of the heavenly places of Eph1:3 and 2:4-6.

          In the holy place are three articles of furniture which typify the means of growth in grace :the table of showbread- daily reading and study of the word ( john 6:48) the candlestick ( lampstand) testimony by word and by life ( Mathew5;14 -16) alter of  incence prayer ( 1 peter 2:15 when we are place we must leave some things behind we cannot be growing Christians have fellowship with the word . many Christians live in the outer court. The central lesson of the holy place is perpetual service by God’s anointed priesthood ( 1peter2:5; Rev 1:6).

a.         The outer veil ( Ex 26: 36, 37)

         Before the holy place hung this outer veil a type of Christ as the door to priestly service, . beyond the brazen alter the Israelites could not go but he knew that his representative the priest could enter the holy place to perform the services of the priestly nation (Ex 19:6) the veil hung from five pillars resting on brass sockets I here we have our last brass, a final reminder to the priest to judge himself before daring to go into the holy place

b.      The Golden Candlestick, Or Lamp Stand (Ex 25.:31-40).

                               

         It stands for divine illumination and testimony. It was made of solid gold and must have been one of the costliest article in the Tabernacle speaking to us of the preciousness of that which it symbolized.

         It was lamp stand with seven branches, beaten out of one solid gold. It was to be a pure gold. Gold in God’s word speaks of God’s glory ‘’ many Christians, although they want to have this beautiful types as part of their Christian experience, mix in a bit of tin, brass, and iron of this world .. Many Christians never enter into the experience typified by the golden candlestick, for they seek to mix self glory and God’s glory. Compare Isa.42:8. Nothing mars the testimony of the child of God as much as when he seeks to glorify self in his ministry’’

         It was to be beaten work. It was not made in the mould but the whole lampstand, with its seven lamps, was beaten out of one piece of gold. This was not a pleasant process but there was no other way. Our lord suffered this beating. So did Moses,David, Joseph,Paul and others before they were able to accomplish all that God had for them to do. See1 peter4.12-14, Rom8.18; psa.66.10-12.

         Don’t count it strange if you are going through some fiery trial. Gods beating process is at work in your life. The candlestick cannot be made any other way. Bezaleel knew just where to strike, how often to strike and how hard the blow needed to be. Jesus to be. Jesus is our Bezaaleel who knows just what we need {Heb 4.15,1 cor 10. 13].

        

THE TABLE OF SHEWBRAD EX. 25. 23-29

          

         It speak of fellowship with God satisfaction. It was made of acacia wood, covered with gold, representing Christ’s humanity and his deity. Every Sabbath twelve loaves of fresh bread were placed on the table and any remaining old bread was taken away. Evidently the tribes of Israel took turns contributing the bread [Lev. 24. 5-9]. In this bread we see Christ, our communion and the believers food [John. 6.32,33,50,51].

         Some frankincense was put on each row. Christ satisfies His fathers heart [the sweet fragrance of the frankincense] and nourishes our priestly life- but only in the place of retirement the place of separation, for it was in the Holy place that Aaron and his sons were to eat the bread. [For fuller discussion of the bread, refer back to the notes on Lev. 24].

         The table of showbread was Gods table where He became the Host of His people, where they feasted together in happy fellowship[Rev. 3 .20]. The number of loaves suggest that all of Gods covenant people are invited to take part in this Divine banquet. He has plenty for all. It also reminds us of the communion table of the people of new covenant where Christians gather to partake of bread and wine.

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE- PRAYER AND INTERCESSION [EX. 30. 1-10]; PSA. 141. 2].

                                       It stood in a straight line with the brazen altar, the laver and the ark with its mercy seat, all of which represent articles that speak of divine provision for our approach to God.

         It was made of acacia wood covered with gold. It stood directly in front of the mercy seat on the ark in the holy of holies, with only the veil separating it from the place where his presence manifest.

         Once a year the high priest sprinkled the horns with the blood of the sacrifices from the brazen altar. God accepts our incense only because of the presence of the blood of Calvary [Ex. 30. 10]. Before a priest could approach the altar of incense, he had to stop at the laver for a fresh cleansing, teaching that sin must be dealt with before approaching God.

Only priests could minister at the altar of incense. Uzziah presumed that asking he could offer incense but God smote him with leprosy. Not until Christ were both hold the offices [king and priest] united in one man. Christ now stands as king and priest making intercession for us. We, too, in Christ, are kings and priests unto God.

         The morning and evening were definite times for the addition of incense, but the odour rose continuously. So it should be with our prayers. Between times of definite prayer our hearts should be offering a continual sacrifice of adoration with praise- the highest form of prayer[1Thessa. 5:16- 18]. A Christian who prays for only material things from God misses the greatest benefit of prayer- spiritual growth through yielding ourselves to God so He can remove the things that are not pleasing to Him, thus making more room for Himself, as the incense yields itself completely to the fire.

         The four horns pointing out to the four corners of the earth speak of the prayers of Christ, our intercessor [Heb. 7. 25], reaching out to all the world, and reminding us that our prayers too, through Him, should reach out beyond our little borders.

         The incense was carefully described by God [Ex. 30. 34-38]. God only accepts incense that He has prescribed. Even as we do not like, and reject, counterfeit money, so God wants no imitation. There is no substitute for worship IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH[ John 4.24]. The true incense is that which arises from the believers heart and ascends to the presence of God by way of our great High Priest, Jesus Christ[ psalm 14 1..2;Rev. 5.8]. It must come not just from the lips but from the heart, a real transaction between the soul and God.

What is the incense pleasing to HIM? It is composed of true worship from the heart praise, faith, consecration to the will of God, humility and love[ Heb. 13.15;Rev8.3].

Notice the warning against ‘’strange incense’’[Ex. 30.9]. ‘’strange incense’’ represents mere formal worship, a worship that has become an empty ceremony. He also warns them not to make anything ‘’like unto that, to smell hereto’’[Ex. 30. 9]. Strange incense’’ represents mere formal worship, a worship that has become an empty ceremony. He also warns them not to make anything ‘’like unto that, to smell thereto (Ex.30:38)

Condemned here is making worship a mere pleasure to the natural mind, or clapping of the hands merely to please the desire of the flesh. True worship is not that which pleases the senses. True worship is that which pleases the Lord Jesus. We see this contrast in v.37 in the words “ye shall not make yourselves and “holy for the Lord”.

THE INNER VEIL(Ex.26:31-33),  type of the body of Christ. It was made from the same linen thread and colours as the outer veil expect that his had on it figures of cherubim in fancy work. Cherubim seem to God’s sentinels against any unauthorized intrusion as we see in Gen.3:24 . Here the cherubim on the veils seem to bar men from the presence of God. They have to do with God’s  holiness :they demand that the sinner have access to the divine presence only through sacrifice, which rally vindicated the righteousness of God. The veil was a barrier preventing fellowship between man and God,. It also protected the protected the priests from the awful presence of God in the Holy of Holies.

         When Christ was crucified the veil of the temple was rent (Matt.27:45-52). The signified that now the old covenant, with its ritual, had been abolished and that a new and living way had been made through the broken body of Christ (Heb.10:20). It was rent from the top, which shows it was done by God: it was rent to the very bottom , to show that the work is a finished work; that there is nothing that sinful man needs to do or can add to provide access to God. It was “rent in the midst’ (Luke23:45) showing that the believing sinner need not come by some side entrance or roundabout way but has direct access to God.

“It is deeply significant that the priests must have patched together again the veil that god had rent, for the temple service went on yet for newly forty years that patched veils is Galatiarism the attempt to put saint or sinner back under the law. CompareGal.1:6-9. Anything different from the grace of Christ is ‘another gospel” and under anathema. “No need for penances and punishment fasting and prayer to try to appease God or to gain entrance to His Presence. Such actions ignore the rent veil and deny the absolute sufficiency of Christ’s death!

         “The ripped veil signified the ripped Flesh of God’s sacrifice. Through the rending, the way had been made for the priests (who would have been ministering in the Holy place at that hour), and also all believers to enter the holiest of All. The incense coals the censor all had lost their significance. They had become dead works. They had been superseded. One moment they were the way to favour the God the next moment they were worthless reminders of a dead  covenant and the birth of the new”.

         Ephesians 3:12;2:18; Hbrews4:16;10:19 all speak of access to the presence of God and that we can come with boldness and confidence . They are in contrast to what held true in the Tabernacle where only limited access was available, even for the priests Under the old dispensation this access to the presence of God was done in fear and trembling. How different for God’s children today, the new spiritual priesthood, who enter God’s innermost presence confidently.

THE HOLY OF HOLIES (EX. 25:10-22)

         This was the most scared place of the tabernacle. It was God’s dwelling place in the midst of his people. No one was allowed to enter except Moses and the high priest. The high priest could enter only once a year and then not without the blood of the atonement (Lev.16:14) The blood he brought in was the blood of the bullock for his own sin offering (v.11) and then the blood of the goat for sin offering of the nation of Israel (v.16)

         The Holy of Holies is a type of the heaven of heavens – God’s dwelling place, which was in accessible under the law, but into which believers now in spirit  and later in presence , are admitted the Holy place and the Most Holy are now one for us, the veil having been rent.

         In the Holy Of Holies, as in the Holy Place, no baser metal (of low value) is found. After sin has been judged, we see only the gold of  God’s glory “ No self-seeking or desire for the praise of men. Only the desire that God’s glory might be revealed”

         Here no voice was heard but God’s Here there was no artificial light God’s presence was the light. Here was only one article of furniture – the Ark –God’s throne. Here the Lord communed with Moses from above the mercy seat(v.22).

The Ark (Ex. 25. 10-21)

It was an oblong box made of acacia wood covered with gold inside and outside. It had a covering of pure gold, the mercy seat, upon which stood or knelt two figures of cherubim of pure gold. The ark represents the throne of God, the seat of his divine government over Israel.

The ark held different positions in relation to the camp of Israel. When Israel was marching, the ark went ahead, seeking a resting place for them (Num.10:33), a type of how we are led by the Holy spirit. When they were camped, the ark was in the midst, a type of Christ in the midst, even when only two or three are gathered in His name. When they crossed the Jordan and when they got to the promised land, then the Ark rested.