Exodus 29

Exodus 29:1

The Boards

The boards are made of wood and are covered with gold. Each board represents a believer. He is a man (wood), but in Christ (gold) “made pleasant” (Ephesians 1:6) before God. All boards together form the tabernacle. All believers together form the church of the living God.

The boards stand upright on two silver bases. Silver speaks of the price paid for reconciliation with God (1 Peter 1:18-19). Believers are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb. They know two things – the two sockets – that are the basis of their faith. The faith in it gives the believers the certainty of the keeping: 1. that God has ‘delivered over the Lord Jesus because of our transgressions’ and 2. that He has ‘raised him from the dead because of our justification’ (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). In that certainty they stand upright before God (Romans 5:1b-2).

All boards have equal dimensions. As believers there is no distinction for God and every believer is accepted in the Beloved. In the functioning of the church on earth there are differences among the believers. Every believer has his own unique place. We see that in some boards that have a special place. The corner boards are used to hold the sides together. There are believers who have the special care that the believers stay together. They support the whole.

Exodus 29:2

The Boards

The boards are made of wood and are covered with gold. Each board represents a believer. He is a man (wood), but in Christ (gold) “made pleasant” (Ephesians 1:6) before God. All boards together form the tabernacle. All believers together form the church of the living God.

The boards stand upright on two silver bases. Silver speaks of the price paid for reconciliation with God (1 Peter 1:18-19). Believers are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb. They know two things – the two sockets – that are the basis of their faith. The faith in it gives the believers the certainty of the keeping: 1. that God has ‘delivered over the Lord Jesus because of our transgressions’ and 2. that He has ‘raised him from the dead because of our justification’ (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). In that certainty they stand upright before God (Romans 5:1b-2).

All boards have equal dimensions. As believers there is no distinction for God and every believer is accepted in the Beloved. In the functioning of the church on earth there are differences among the believers. Every believer has his own unique place. We see that in some boards that have a special place. The corner boards are used to hold the sides together. There are believers who have the special care that the believers stay together. They support the whole.

Exodus 29:3

The Boards

The boards are made of wood and are covered with gold. Each board represents a believer. He is a man (wood), but in Christ (gold) “made pleasant” (Ephesians 1:6) before God. All boards together form the tabernacle. All believers together form the church of the living God.

The boards stand upright on two silver bases. Silver speaks of the price paid for reconciliation with God (1 Peter 1:18-19). Believers are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb. They know two things – the two sockets – that are the basis of their faith. The faith in it gives the believers the certainty of the keeping: 1. that God has ‘delivered over the Lord Jesus because of our transgressions’ and 2. that He has ‘raised him from the dead because of our justification’ (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). In that certainty they stand upright before God (Romans 5:1b-2).

All boards have equal dimensions. As believers there is no distinction for God and every believer is accepted in the Beloved. In the functioning of the church on earth there are differences among the believers. Every believer has his own unique place. We see that in some boards that have a special place. The corner boards are used to hold the sides together. There are believers who have the special care that the believers stay together. They support the whole.

Exodus 29:4

The Boards

The boards are made of wood and are covered with gold. Each board represents a believer. He is a man (wood), but in Christ (gold) “made pleasant” (Ephesians 1:6) before God. All boards together form the tabernacle. All believers together form the church of the living God.

The boards stand upright on two silver bases. Silver speaks of the price paid for reconciliation with God (1 Peter 1:18-19). Believers are redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb. They know two things – the two sockets – that are the basis of their faith. The faith in it gives the believers the certainty of the keeping: 1. that God has ‘delivered over the Lord Jesus because of our transgressions’ and 2. that He has ‘raised him from the dead because of our justification’ (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). In that certainty they stand upright before God (Romans 5:1b-2).

All boards have equal dimensions. As believers there is no distinction for God and every believer is accepted in the Beloved. In the functioning of the church on earth there are differences among the believers. Every believer has his own unique place. We see that in some boards that have a special place. The corner boards are used to hold the sides together. There are believers who have the special care that the believers stay together. They support the whole.

Exodus 29:5

The Bars

The four visible bars ensure that the whole remains well joined together (Ephesians 2:22). This can be applied to the gifts given by the Lord Jesus for the edification of the church, namely “some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11).

The fifth bar runs through the boards and is therefore invisible. In this we can see the Lord Jesus Who, as the Head in heaven glorified and invisible to us, gives His church on earth the gifts just mentioned.

We see that all these boards are connected to each other. Believers are not separate from each other. They belong together, they form a unity. Being a believer on your own is not God’s thought. In the beginning the church is a unity. They are held together by four things, and they persevere in this: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

Unfortunately, believers are now no longer standing shoulder to shoulder like those boards are. There has come division and separation among believers. Yet it is still possible to experience the unity of the children of God in the meetings of the believers. The instructions for this can be found in God’s Word. We will then have to separate ourselves from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and worldly religion (Hebrews 13:13) in order to gather as a church around Christ alone. If He is the Center and has the guidance and authority through His Word and Spirit, we may know that, according to His promise, He is in the midst: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).

Exodus 29:6

The Bars

The four visible bars ensure that the whole remains well joined together (Ephesians 2:22). This can be applied to the gifts given by the Lord Jesus for the edification of the church, namely “some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11).

The fifth bar runs through the boards and is therefore invisible. In this we can see the Lord Jesus Who, as the Head in heaven glorified and invisible to us, gives His church on earth the gifts just mentioned.

We see that all these boards are connected to each other. Believers are not separate from each other. They belong together, they form a unity. Being a believer on your own is not God’s thought. In the beginning the church is a unity. They are held together by four things, and they persevere in this: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

Unfortunately, believers are now no longer standing shoulder to shoulder like those boards are. There has come division and separation among believers. Yet it is still possible to experience the unity of the children of God in the meetings of the believers. The instructions for this can be found in God’s Word. We will then have to separate ourselves from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and worldly religion (Hebrews 13:13) in order to gather as a church around Christ alone. If He is the Center and has the guidance and authority through His Word and Spirit, we may know that, according to His promise, He is in the midst: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).

Exodus 29:7

The Bars

The four visible bars ensure that the whole remains well joined together (Ephesians 2:22). This can be applied to the gifts given by the Lord Jesus for the edification of the church, namely “some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11).

The fifth bar runs through the boards and is therefore invisible. In this we can see the Lord Jesus Who, as the Head in heaven glorified and invisible to us, gives His church on earth the gifts just mentioned.

We see that all these boards are connected to each other. Believers are not separate from each other. They belong together, they form a unity. Being a believer on your own is not God’s thought. In the beginning the church is a unity. They are held together by four things, and they persevere in this: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

Unfortunately, believers are now no longer standing shoulder to shoulder like those boards are. There has come division and separation among believers. Yet it is still possible to experience the unity of the children of God in the meetings of the believers. The instructions for this can be found in God’s Word. We will then have to separate ourselves from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and worldly religion (Hebrews 13:13) in order to gather as a church around Christ alone. If He is the Center and has the guidance and authority through His Word and Spirit, we may know that, according to His promise, He is in the midst: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).

Exodus 29:8

The Bars

The four visible bars ensure that the whole remains well joined together (Ephesians 2:22). This can be applied to the gifts given by the Lord Jesus for the edification of the church, namely “some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11).

The fifth bar runs through the boards and is therefore invisible. In this we can see the Lord Jesus Who, as the Head in heaven glorified and invisible to us, gives His church on earth the gifts just mentioned.

We see that all these boards are connected to each other. Believers are not separate from each other. They belong together, they form a unity. Being a believer on your own is not God’s thought. In the beginning the church is a unity. They are held together by four things, and they persevere in this: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

Unfortunately, believers are now no longer standing shoulder to shoulder like those boards are. There has come division and separation among believers. Yet it is still possible to experience the unity of the children of God in the meetings of the believers. The instructions for this can be found in God’s Word. We will then have to separate ourselves from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and worldly religion (Hebrews 13:13) in order to gather as a church around Christ alone. If He is the Center and has the guidance and authority through His Word and Spirit, we may know that, according to His promise, He is in the midst: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).

Exodus 29:9

The Bars

The four visible bars ensure that the whole remains well joined together (Ephesians 2:22). This can be applied to the gifts given by the Lord Jesus for the edification of the church, namely “some [as] apostles, and some [as] prophets, and some [as] evangelists, and some [as] pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11).

The fifth bar runs through the boards and is therefore invisible. In this we can see the Lord Jesus Who, as the Head in heaven glorified and invisible to us, gives His church on earth the gifts just mentioned.

We see that all these boards are connected to each other. Believers are not separate from each other. They belong together, they form a unity. Being a believer on your own is not God’s thought. In the beginning the church is a unity. They are held together by four things, and they persevere in this: “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

Unfortunately, believers are now no longer standing shoulder to shoulder like those boards are. There has come division and separation among believers. Yet it is still possible to experience the unity of the children of God in the meetings of the believers. The instructions for this can be found in God’s Word. We will then have to separate ourselves from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17) and worldly religion (Hebrews 13:13) in order to gather as a church around Christ alone. If He is the Center and has the guidance and authority through His Word and Spirit, we may know that, according to His promise, He is in the midst: “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst” (Matthew 18:20).

Exodus 29:10

The Veil in the Tabernacle

The veil forms the separation between the holy place and the holy of the holies. It has the same colors as the inner ten curtains and must be hung on four pillars. Just like on the covering curtains there are cherubs on it. Behind the veil is the ark, the throne of God. The cherubs guard the way to the throne. No one is allowed in, except Moses and the high priest once a year.

In Hebrews 10 we read that this veil is a picture of “the flesh” of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 10:20), that is of His Person, as He walked on earth. When He dies, the veil tears apart and the way to God is free.

The four pillars on which the veil hangs can be applied to the four Gospels. In it we see the “days in the flesh” of the Lord Jesus illustrated (Hebrews 5:7), that is, His life on earth.

Exodus 29:11

The Veil in the Tabernacle

The veil forms the separation between the holy place and the holy of the holies. It has the same colors as the inner ten curtains and must be hung on four pillars. Just like on the covering curtains there are cherubs on it. Behind the veil is the ark, the throne of God. The cherubs guard the way to the throne. No one is allowed in, except Moses and the high priest once a year.

In Hebrews 10 we read that this veil is a picture of “the flesh” of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 10:20), that is of His Person, as He walked on earth. When He dies, the veil tears apart and the way to God is free.

The four pillars on which the veil hangs can be applied to the four Gospels. In it we see the “days in the flesh” of the Lord Jesus illustrated (Hebrews 5:7), that is, His life on earth.

Exodus 29:12

The Veil in the Tabernacle

The veil forms the separation between the holy place and the holy of the holies. It has the same colors as the inner ten curtains and must be hung on four pillars. Just like on the covering curtains there are cherubs on it. Behind the veil is the ark, the throne of God. The cherubs guard the way to the throne. No one is allowed in, except Moses and the high priest once a year.

In Hebrews 10 we read that this veil is a picture of “the flesh” of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 10:20), that is of His Person, as He walked on earth. When He dies, the veil tears apart and the way to God is free.

The four pillars on which the veil hangs can be applied to the four Gospels. In it we see the “days in the flesh” of the Lord Jesus illustrated (Hebrews 5:7), that is, His life on earth.

Exodus 29:13

The Veil in the Tabernacle

The veil forms the separation between the holy place and the holy of the holies. It has the same colors as the inner ten curtains and must be hung on four pillars. Just like on the covering curtains there are cherubs on it. Behind the veil is the ark, the throne of God. The cherubs guard the way to the throne. No one is allowed in, except Moses and the high priest once a year.

In Hebrews 10 we read that this veil is a picture of “the flesh” of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 10:20), that is of His Person, as He walked on earth. When He dies, the veil tears apart and the way to God is free.

The four pillars on which the veil hangs can be applied to the four Gospels. In it we see the “days in the flesh” of the Lord Jesus illustrated (Hebrews 5:7), that is, His life on earth.

Exodus 29:14

The Veil in the Tabernacle

The veil forms the separation between the holy place and the holy of the holies. It has the same colors as the inner ten curtains and must be hung on four pillars. Just like on the covering curtains there are cherubs on it. Behind the veil is the ark, the throne of God. The cherubs guard the way to the throne. No one is allowed in, except Moses and the high priest once a year.

In Hebrews 10 we read that this veil is a picture of “the flesh” of the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 10:20), that is of His Person, as He walked on earth. When He dies, the veil tears apart and the way to God is free.

The four pillars on which the veil hangs can be applied to the four Gospels. In it we see the “days in the flesh” of the Lord Jesus illustrated (Hebrews 5:7), that is, His life on earth.

Exodus 29:15

The Curtain for the Doorway

This curtain hangs before the holy place. There are no cherubs in this curtain. Through this curtain the priests enter the holy place. Before they enter, the curtain reminds them, as it were, of the glories of the Lord Jesus.

This curtain hangs on five pillars. The number five, as said, speaks of responsibility. It is about knowing how to behave as priests in the house of God, seen as a house in which we perform priestly service (1 Peter 2:5). We can apply this to the five writers of the letters of the New Testament: Paul, James, Peter, John and Jude, who tell us that.

Exodus 29:16

The Curtain for the Doorway

This curtain hangs before the holy place. There are no cherubs in this curtain. Through this curtain the priests enter the holy place. Before they enter, the curtain reminds them, as it were, of the glories of the Lord Jesus.

This curtain hangs on five pillars. The number five, as said, speaks of responsibility. It is about knowing how to behave as priests in the house of God, seen as a house in which we perform priestly service (1 Peter 2:5). We can apply this to the five writers of the letters of the New Testament: Paul, James, Peter, John and Jude, who tell us that.

Exodus 29:18

The Bronze Burnt Offering Altar

The bronze altar is in the court. At the altar God meets man. The altar speaks not so much of the cross, but of the Lord Jesus Himself (cf. Matthew 23:19). He is the sacrifice on the altar, but He is also the One Who sacrifices Himself, Who offers Himself to God.

He is completely consumed as the sacrifice, but not as the altar. The altar is of wood – which symbolizes that He is Man – but it is covered with bronze. This bronze comes from the censers over which God’s judgment has passed and which have not been consumed (Numbers 16:37-38). Bronze speaks of the righteousness of God that has gone through judgment and has not been consumed. The Lord Jesus is not consumed by the fire of God’s judgment. His resurrection is the proof of God’s righteousness.

The four horns of the altar show the power of the sacrifice. The horns are a picture of strength and the number four speaks of the whole earth. The offer of salvation goes to all people: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”” (Mark 16:15). All people can be saved on the basis of the sacrifice. Only those who actually repent and in faith accept Christ as Savior of the world are saved (John 1:12).

Halfway up of the altar is a grating. On that the sacrifice is consumed by fire. The sacrifice is thus located in the altar. It can only be seen by the priest when he looks over the edge. The suffering of the Lord Jesus, the fire that raged in him, can only be seen by believers who are aware of being priests. All believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5), but not all are aware of this privilege.

At the altar there are also rings for the poles. This indicates that we should not only know that our sins have been removed by sacrifice, but that we carry this knowledge with us every day.

Exodus 29:19

The Bronze Burnt Offering Altar

The bronze altar is in the court. At the altar God meets man. The altar speaks not so much of the cross, but of the Lord Jesus Himself (cf. Matthew 23:19). He is the sacrifice on the altar, but He is also the One Who sacrifices Himself, Who offers Himself to God.

He is completely consumed as the sacrifice, but not as the altar. The altar is of wood – which symbolizes that He is Man – but it is covered with bronze. This bronze comes from the censers over which God’s judgment has passed and which have not been consumed (Numbers 16:37-38). Bronze speaks of the righteousness of God that has gone through judgment and has not been consumed. The Lord Jesus is not consumed by the fire of God’s judgment. His resurrection is the proof of God’s righteousness.

The four horns of the altar show the power of the sacrifice. The horns are a picture of strength and the number four speaks of the whole earth. The offer of salvation goes to all people: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”” (Mark 16:15). All people can be saved on the basis of the sacrifice. Only those who actually repent and in faith accept Christ as Savior of the world are saved (John 1:12).

Halfway up of the altar is a grating. On that the sacrifice is consumed by fire. The sacrifice is thus located in the altar. It can only be seen by the priest when he looks over the edge. The suffering of the Lord Jesus, the fire that raged in him, can only be seen by believers who are aware of being priests. All believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5), but not all are aware of this privilege.

At the altar there are also rings for the poles. This indicates that we should not only know that our sins have been removed by sacrifice, but that we carry this knowledge with us every day.

Exodus 29:20

The Bronze Burnt Offering Altar

The bronze altar is in the court. At the altar God meets man. The altar speaks not so much of the cross, but of the Lord Jesus Himself (cf. Matthew 23:19). He is the sacrifice on the altar, but He is also the One Who sacrifices Himself, Who offers Himself to God.

He is completely consumed as the sacrifice, but not as the altar. The altar is of wood – which symbolizes that He is Man – but it is covered with bronze. This bronze comes from the censers over which God’s judgment has passed and which have not been consumed (Numbers 16:37-38). Bronze speaks of the righteousness of God that has gone through judgment and has not been consumed. The Lord Jesus is not consumed by the fire of God’s judgment. His resurrection is the proof of God’s righteousness.

The four horns of the altar show the power of the sacrifice. The horns are a picture of strength and the number four speaks of the whole earth. The offer of salvation goes to all people: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”” (Mark 16:15). All people can be saved on the basis of the sacrifice. Only those who actually repent and in faith accept Christ as Savior of the world are saved (John 1:12).

Halfway up of the altar is a grating. On that the sacrifice is consumed by fire. The sacrifice is thus located in the altar. It can only be seen by the priest when he looks over the edge. The suffering of the Lord Jesus, the fire that raged in him, can only be seen by believers who are aware of being priests. All believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5), but not all are aware of this privilege.

At the altar there are also rings for the poles. This indicates that we should not only know that our sins have been removed by sacrifice, but that we carry this knowledge with us every day.

Exodus 29:21

The Bronze Burnt Offering Altar

The bronze altar is in the court. At the altar God meets man. The altar speaks not so much of the cross, but of the Lord Jesus Himself (cf. Matthew 23:19). He is the sacrifice on the altar, but He is also the One Who sacrifices Himself, Who offers Himself to God.

He is completely consumed as the sacrifice, but not as the altar. The altar is of wood – which symbolizes that He is Man – but it is covered with bronze. This bronze comes from the censers over which God’s judgment has passed and which have not been consumed (Numbers 16:37-38). Bronze speaks of the righteousness of God that has gone through judgment and has not been consumed. The Lord Jesus is not consumed by the fire of God’s judgment. His resurrection is the proof of God’s righteousness.

The four horns of the altar show the power of the sacrifice. The horns are a picture of strength and the number four speaks of the whole earth. The offer of salvation goes to all people: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”” (Mark 16:15). All people can be saved on the basis of the sacrifice. Only those who actually repent and in faith accept Christ as Savior of the world are saved (John 1:12).

Halfway up of the altar is a grating. On that the sacrifice is consumed by fire. The sacrifice is thus located in the altar. It can only be seen by the priest when he looks over the edge. The suffering of the Lord Jesus, the fire that raged in him, can only be seen by believers who are aware of being priests. All believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5), but not all are aware of this privilege.

At the altar there are also rings for the poles. This indicates that we should not only know that our sins have been removed by sacrifice, but that we carry this knowledge with us every day.

Exodus 29:22

The Bronze Burnt Offering Altar

The bronze altar is in the court. At the altar God meets man. The altar speaks not so much of the cross, but of the Lord Jesus Himself (cf. Matthew 23:19). He is the sacrifice on the altar, but He is also the One Who sacrifices Himself, Who offers Himself to God.

He is completely consumed as the sacrifice, but not as the altar. The altar is of wood – which symbolizes that He is Man – but it is covered with bronze. This bronze comes from the censers over which God’s judgment has passed and which have not been consumed (Numbers 16:37-38). Bronze speaks of the righteousness of God that has gone through judgment and has not been consumed. The Lord Jesus is not consumed by the fire of God’s judgment. His resurrection is the proof of God’s righteousness.

The four horns of the altar show the power of the sacrifice. The horns are a picture of strength and the number four speaks of the whole earth. The offer of salvation goes to all people: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”” (Mark 16:15). All people can be saved on the basis of the sacrifice. Only those who actually repent and in faith accept Christ as Savior of the world are saved (John 1:12).

Halfway up of the altar is a grating. On that the sacrifice is consumed by fire. The sacrifice is thus located in the altar. It can only be seen by the priest when he looks over the edge. The suffering of the Lord Jesus, the fire that raged in him, can only be seen by believers who are aware of being priests. All believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5), but not all are aware of this privilege.

At the altar there are also rings for the poles. This indicates that we should not only know that our sins have been removed by sacrifice, but that we carry this knowledge with us every day.

Exodus 29:23

The Bronze Burnt Offering Altar

The bronze altar is in the court. At the altar God meets man. The altar speaks not so much of the cross, but of the Lord Jesus Himself (cf. Matthew 23:19). He is the sacrifice on the altar, but He is also the One Who sacrifices Himself, Who offers Himself to God.

He is completely consumed as the sacrifice, but not as the altar. The altar is of wood – which symbolizes that He is Man – but it is covered with bronze. This bronze comes from the censers over which God’s judgment has passed and which have not been consumed (Numbers 16:37-38). Bronze speaks of the righteousness of God that has gone through judgment and has not been consumed. The Lord Jesus is not consumed by the fire of God’s judgment. His resurrection is the proof of God’s righteousness.

The four horns of the altar show the power of the sacrifice. The horns are a picture of strength and the number four speaks of the whole earth. The offer of salvation goes to all people: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”” (Mark 16:15). All people can be saved on the basis of the sacrifice. Only those who actually repent and in faith accept Christ as Savior of the world are saved (John 1:12).

Halfway up of the altar is a grating. On that the sacrifice is consumed by fire. The sacrifice is thus located in the altar. It can only be seen by the priest when he looks over the edge. The suffering of the Lord Jesus, the fire that raged in him, can only be seen by believers who are aware of being priests. All believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5), but not all are aware of this privilege.

At the altar there are also rings for the poles. This indicates that we should not only know that our sins have been removed by sacrifice, but that we carry this knowledge with us every day.

Exodus 29:24

The Bronze Burnt Offering Altar

The bronze altar is in the court. At the altar God meets man. The altar speaks not so much of the cross, but of the Lord Jesus Himself (cf. Matthew 23:19). He is the sacrifice on the altar, but He is also the One Who sacrifices Himself, Who offers Himself to God.

He is completely consumed as the sacrifice, but not as the altar. The altar is of wood – which symbolizes that He is Man – but it is covered with bronze. This bronze comes from the censers over which God’s judgment has passed and which have not been consumed (Numbers 16:37-38). Bronze speaks of the righteousness of God that has gone through judgment and has not been consumed. The Lord Jesus is not consumed by the fire of God’s judgment. His resurrection is the proof of God’s righteousness.

The four horns of the altar show the power of the sacrifice. The horns are a picture of strength and the number four speaks of the whole earth. The offer of salvation goes to all people: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”” (Mark 16:15). All people can be saved on the basis of the sacrifice. Only those who actually repent and in faith accept Christ as Savior of the world are saved (John 1:12).

Halfway up of the altar is a grating. On that the sacrifice is consumed by fire. The sacrifice is thus located in the altar. It can only be seen by the priest when he looks over the edge. The suffering of the Lord Jesus, the fire that raged in him, can only be seen by believers who are aware of being priests. All believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5), but not all are aware of this privilege.

At the altar there are also rings for the poles. This indicates that we should not only know that our sins have been removed by sacrifice, but that we carry this knowledge with us every day.

Exodus 29:25

The Bronze Burnt Offering Altar

The bronze altar is in the court. At the altar God meets man. The altar speaks not so much of the cross, but of the Lord Jesus Himself (cf. Matthew 23:19). He is the sacrifice on the altar, but He is also the One Who sacrifices Himself, Who offers Himself to God.

He is completely consumed as the sacrifice, but not as the altar. The altar is of wood – which symbolizes that He is Man – but it is covered with bronze. This bronze comes from the censers over which God’s judgment has passed and which have not been consumed (Numbers 16:37-38). Bronze speaks of the righteousness of God that has gone through judgment and has not been consumed. The Lord Jesus is not consumed by the fire of God’s judgment. His resurrection is the proof of God’s righteousness.

The four horns of the altar show the power of the sacrifice. The horns are a picture of strength and the number four speaks of the whole earth. The offer of salvation goes to all people: “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”” (Mark 16:15). All people can be saved on the basis of the sacrifice. Only those who actually repent and in faith accept Christ as Savior of the world are saved (John 1:12).

Halfway up of the altar is a grating. On that the sacrifice is consumed by fire. The sacrifice is thus located in the altar. It can only be seen by the priest when he looks over the edge. The suffering of the Lord Jesus, the fire that raged in him, can only be seen by believers who are aware of being priests. All believers are priests (1 Peter 2:5), but not all are aware of this privilege.

At the altar there are also rings for the poles. This indicates that we should not only know that our sins have been removed by sacrifice, but that we carry this knowledge with us every day.

Exodus 29:26

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:27

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:28

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:29

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:30

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:31

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:32

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:33

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:34

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:35

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:36

The Court

The court is a picture of: 1. the earth, where the Lord Jesus did the work of which the bronze altar speaks; 2. the Lord Jesus, seen in the fine linen of the hangings which people have looked at from outside; “the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8); 3. the believer, in whom people must also see the fine linen.

The pillars hold up the fine linen, but are not seen themselves. It must be the same with the believer. He must show the Lord Jesus and not himself.

The pillars stand on sockets of bronze and are connected to each other with silver bands. The bronze points out that by doing justice, by doing what is right in the eyes of God, the linen becomes visible in the walk. The silver indicates that in this commission believers are bound together by the price paid for their reconciliation with God.

In the court there is an entrance on the east side. The entrance is spacious and is formed by a colored screen without cherubs. It represents the invitation to man to approach God. There is only one door. The Lord Jesus said: “I am the door” (John 10:7). The door is on the east side, that is the side to which the sinner went (Genesis 3:24; Genesis 4:16). It is also the side that speaks of hope for the sinner. That side is also called the side “where the sun rises”. In it we see a picture of the rising of the “Sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2), which is the Lord Jesus Who comes with redemption and blessing for His people.

Exodus 29:37

Oil for the Lampstand

The partitioning of the tabernacle is now ready enough that God is able to speak about what is needed for the light. The light is necessary for the priest to be able to serve in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is called here “tent of meeting”. It is the place where God meets with His people.

This is the first time that reference is made to “Aaron and his sons”, the priesthood family, in connection with caring for the oil so that the light can burn. This priesthood is discussed in detail in the following two chapters before discussing the other parts of the tabernacle.

The oil that serves for light – and also for anointing – speaks of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20). The service in the sanctuary can only be to the joy of God if it happens under the guidance and in the power of Holy Spirit. The lampstand must be lit “from evening to morning”. That means that while it is night in the world, there is light in the sanctuary.

Exodus 29:38

Oil for the Lampstand

The partitioning of the tabernacle is now ready enough that God is able to speak about what is needed for the light. The light is necessary for the priest to be able to serve in the sanctuary. The sanctuary is called here “tent of meeting”. It is the place where God meets with His people.

This is the first time that reference is made to “Aaron and his sons”, the priesthood family, in connection with caring for the oil so that the light can burn. This priesthood is discussed in detail in the following two chapters before discussing the other parts of the tabernacle.

The oil that serves for light – and also for anointing – speaks of the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20). The service in the sanctuary can only be to the joy of God if it happens under the guidance and in the power of Holy Spirit. The lampstand must be lit “from evening to morning”. That means that while it is night in the world, there is light in the sanctuary.

Exodus 29:40

Introduction

In Exodus 25-27 we see how God goes out to sinful man. In Exodus 30 we see how sinful man can approach God. In Exodus 28-29 we see the way in which man can approach God, and that is only by the priest.

Who May Minister as Priest to God

Not everyone may draw near just like that. God Himself chooses who of the people may do so (Hebrews 5:4). Everything must meet God’s demands. Only the priest may draw near. Not all the people are priests, although God has said: “You shall be to Me a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6).

There is a clear application to Christianity. Not that in Christianity there is a category of people who have been specially called by God as priests. That is one of the serious errors of the roman-catholic church. For the believers of the church there is a common priesthood, they are “a holy priesthood” (1 Peter 2:5). The application is that only those who actually draw near to God exercise this priesthood. Many believers do not make use of this privilege. Unfortunately, they often do not know this privilege, often because of wrong teaching.

Exodus 29:41

Aaron’s Garments

Aaron’s garments are “for glory and for beauty”. The is quoted in Hebrews 2 in application to the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 2:9). By this we see that Aaron is a picture of the Lord Jesus as High Priest.

The garments consist of six parts: “A breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash.” The material and colors are the same as those from which the tabernacle is made. This closely links Aaron’s priestly ministry to the ministry in the sanctuary, God’s dwelling place.

The garments must be made by all those who are wise of heart. For us, the garments express who the person is. As said, Aaron as high priest is a picture of the Lord Jesus. In Aaron’s garments we see the glories of the Lord Jesus reflected. If we are wise of heart, we will discover more and more glory in Him.

Exodus 29:42

Aaron’s Garments

Aaron’s garments are “for glory and for beauty”. The is quoted in Hebrews 2 in application to the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 2:9). By this we see that Aaron is a picture of the Lord Jesus as High Priest.

The garments consist of six parts: “A breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash.” The material and colors are the same as those from which the tabernacle is made. This closely links Aaron’s priestly ministry to the ministry in the sanctuary, God’s dwelling place.

The garments must be made by all those who are wise of heart. For us, the garments express who the person is. As said, Aaron as high priest is a picture of the Lord Jesus. In Aaron’s garments we see the glories of the Lord Jesus reflected. If we are wise of heart, we will discover more and more glory in Him.

Exodus 29:43

Aaron’s Garments

Aaron’s garments are “for glory and for beauty”. The is quoted in Hebrews 2 in application to the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 2:9). By this we see that Aaron is a picture of the Lord Jesus as High Priest.

The garments consist of six parts: “A breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash.” The material and colors are the same as those from which the tabernacle is made. This closely links Aaron’s priestly ministry to the ministry in the sanctuary, God’s dwelling place.

The garments must be made by all those who are wise of heart. For us, the garments express who the person is. As said, Aaron as high priest is a picture of the Lord Jesus. In Aaron’s garments we see the glories of the Lord Jesus reflected. If we are wise of heart, we will discover more and more glory in Him.

Exodus 29:44

Aaron’s Garments

Aaron’s garments are “for glory and for beauty”. The is quoted in Hebrews 2 in application to the Lord Jesus (Hebrews 2:9). By this we see that Aaron is a picture of the Lord Jesus as High Priest.

The garments consist of six parts: “A breastpiece and an ephod and a robe and a tunic of checkered work, a turban and a sash.” The material and colors are the same as those from which the tabernacle is made. This closely links Aaron’s priestly ministry to the ministry in the sanctuary, God’s dwelling place.

The garments must be made by all those who are wise of heart. For us, the garments express who the person is. As said, Aaron as high priest is a picture of the Lord Jesus. In Aaron’s garments we see the glories of the Lord Jesus reflected. If we are wise of heart, we will discover more and more glory in Him.

Exodus 29:45

The Ephod

The first garment described is “the ephod”. This garment is the most distinctive characteristic for the high priest. By means of a band, made of the same material as the ephod, the ephod is fastened. On each of the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod is put a precious stone. On one stone are, in order of birth, the names of the oldest six sons of Israel; on the other stone, also in that order, are the names of the youngest six sons.

The colors speak of the different glories of the Lord Jesus, as seen in the four Gospels. The band shows the same glories (colors). The band speaks of service (cf. Luke 12:37).

In the stones on the shoulders of the high priest we see in the picture how the Lord Jesus carries all God’s people, all God’s children, all those born of God, on His shoulders to bring them before the LORD for a memorial. His strength, of which the shoulders speak, supports us in our journey through the wilderness. God sees all His own united with His Son. The Lord Jesus represents His people before God.

Christ carries His own on His shoulders. He also carries the lost and found sheep on His shoulders, plural (Luke 15:5). He carries the government of creation rests on His shoulder, singular, as it is in the original Bible text (Isaiah 9:6b). One shoulder is enough for Him to carry the creation, while He uses both His shoulders to carry His own.

Exodus 29:46

The Ephod

The first garment described is “the ephod”. This garment is the most distinctive characteristic for the high priest. By means of a band, made of the same material as the ephod, the ephod is fastened. On each of the two shoulder-pieces of the ephod is put a precious stone. On one stone are, in order of birth, the names of the oldest six sons of Israel; on the other stone, also in that order, are the names of the youngest six sons.

The colors speak of the different glories of the Lord Jesus, as seen in the four Gospels. The band shows the same glories (colors). The band speaks of service (cf. Luke 12:37).

In the stones on the shoulders of the high priest we see in the picture how the Lord Jesus carries all God’s people, all God’s children, all those born of God, on His shoulders to bring them before the LORD for a memorial. His strength, of which the shoulders speak, supports us in our journey through the wilderness. God sees all His own united with His Son. The Lord Jesus represents His people before God.

Christ carries His own on His shoulders. He also carries the lost and found sheep on His shoulders, plural (Luke 15:5). He carries the government of creation rests on His shoulder, singular, as it is in the original Bible text (Isaiah 9:6b). One shoulder is enough for Him to carry the creation, while He uses both His shoulders to carry His own.