Lecture 6 The Curtains of the Tabernacle: The Material

The Material

confession of the name of Jesus in Church fellowship. They were to be of shittim wood, shittim wood being, as

Boards for the tabernacle of God. Not members of a we have seen, typical of human nature.

particular Church. This is man's perversion of the Divine original. Not any person for an outward professing Church, formed on man's model, but the boards, representing real

Their Position

believers, saints, and faithful brethren in Christ Jesus Boards of shittim wood standing up {Ex. 26:15}. (Eph. 2), which could keep rank (1 Chron. 12:23). Consistent This intimates that they had been previously cut down. in walk, sound in doctrine, subject to the authority of Christ, keeping his word, and not denying his name, and associated Believers were once the children of wrath, even as together to form a sanctuary for a dwelling-place for God (Ex. 25:8, and Eph. 2:22).

The Dimensions of the Boards

Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half the breadth of one board {Ex. 26:16}.

Say about eighteen feet three inches high, by two feet nine wide.

Thus ten cubits was the height of the tabernacle. One third of the height of the holy place in Solomon's temple, and half the height of the most holy place.

A certain height and breadth was appointed by God for the boards of the tabernacle.

In Num. 3:15, &c., we find that every male of the tribe of Levi was numbered from a month old and upward. But in ch. 4 they were numbered from thirty years old and upward.

All that entered into the host; to do the work in the tent of the congregation {Num. 4:3}.

And in chapter 1 we read that all Israel from twenty years old and upward were numbered,

all that were able to go forth to war in Israel {Num. 1:2, 3}.

Every regenerate person is born into the family of God, and is a member of the body of Christ: and, as such, has a title to a place in the assembly.

But in order to fill this place happily and to the glory of God, a certain depth, height, and breadth of Christian experience is desirable. He must have faith in Jesus, and being justified by faith, have peace with God; and standing in grace, rejoice in hope of glory. He must also be in charity with his brethren, and prepared to show and to receive love.

Faith, hope, and charity, these three. Depth, height, and breadth.

Depth, down to the sockets of silver (Ex. 26:19). Faith in redemption.

Height, up to the rings of gold (Ex. 26:24). Hope of the coming glory.

Breadth, extending to the other boards on either side.

Love in the truth to all them that have known the truth, for the truth's sake which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever (2 John 1:2).

These boards were not trees left unhewn, in their natural shape, but planks, four-square, like stones fitted for their appointed place in a building.

We should meet, not simply as professors, but as believers; and not only as believers, but in the name of him that is holy and true, and that hath the key of David (Rev. 3:7).

This is, I believe, God's model for building at the present time.

There must be, individually and collectively, faith, holiness, truth, and subjection to the Lordship of Christ, if we would so meet as that Christ may say,

Thou hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name {Rev. 3:8}.

The Tenons

Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle (Ex. 26:17).

"Two tenons," Hebrew, "hands." According to their name they appear to represent the hands of faith, laying hold on the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; and, according to their position at the bottom of the boards, they suggest the idea of the feet of faith, standing firm on redemption, and the redemption price.

"Set in order." So as to fit exactly into the sockets. No slackness, no wavering, but "steadfast, and unmoveable," "stablished, strengthened, settled."

"Two hands," or two feet. A firm grasp, and firm standing.

"Thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle. " The tabernacle of God is composed of such and such only as have saving faith in Jesus, and in the redemption accomplished by his atoning blood.

The Number of the Boards On the South and North Sides

And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward. And for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side there shall be twenty boards (Ex. 26:18, 20).

Twenty boards of a cubit and a half make thirty cubits, while the length of the holy place of the temple and the most holy together was sixty cubits, or double the length.

Thirty cubits will be about fifty-five feet long.

The Sockets of Silver

And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons (Ex. 26:19).

The comparison of Ex. 30:11-16 and Ex. 38:25-28, with 1 Pet. 1:18, 19, will give us most clearly and beautifully the spiritual import of these sockets of silver.

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then they shall give every man a ransom for his soul unto the Lord, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them when thou numberest them. This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs;) an half shekel shall be the offering of the Lord. The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel, when they give an offering unto the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls (Ex. 30:1-15).

Forasmuch as ye know,

says Peter,

that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot {1 Pet 1:18, 19}.

All God's people are numbered as a ransomed people; to be reckoned among them on the ground of profession merely, is to come under judgment. The tares will in due time be all burned in the fire (Matt. 13).

The redemption price is fixed by God himself. The value of the soul, and the demerit of sin, being estimated according to divine holiness and its requirements. ("After the shekel of the sanctuary.") There can be no ransom for the soul, and no redemption for the sinner at a less price than the precious blood of Christ; and all souls are of equal value.

Then as to the use made of the redemption silver.

And thou shalt take the atonement money of the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the tent of the congregation; that it may be a memorial unto the children of Israel before the Lord, to make an atonement for your souls (Ex. 30:16).

And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation, was an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and three score and fifteen shekels after the shekel of the sanctuary... and of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket (Ex. 38:25, 27).

A talent of silver is computed at £342 3s. 9d.; a talent being about 1.14 Ibs. weight.

Thus typically each individual comparing the habitation of God is seen standing on redemption as a soul ransomed by the precious blood of Christ, God's spotless Lamb; and the whole foundations of the tabernacle are laid in that which is the memorial to God's people, and the memorial before God of the completed work of Jesus.

The candlestick was made of one talent of gold, expressive of the all-sufficiency of Divine grace, as provided for testimony.

And to each socket of the tabernacle there was apportioned a whole talent of silver, expressive of the all-sufficiency of the redemption price.

The Two Sides Westward

And for the sides of the tabernacle, westward, thou shalt make six boards. And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides {Ex. 26:22, 23}.

Sides, not side; "two sides westward." Three boards for each side, meeting in the middle, and projecting about two cubits in the center, and two boards for the corners, one board for each corner, making eight boards in all.

In representations of the tabernacle, the west end is generally drawn as though it was composed of one side only, whereas there are two sides and two corners. Six boards are but enough to reach from side to side (the breadth of the tabernacle, as found by the size of the curtains being ten cubits), and eight boards are too many if put straight. As suggested above, I believe all difficulty is removed, and the sixteen sockets will also be in place.

The Coupling and Foundations Of the Corner Boards

And they shall be coupled " beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto the ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board (Ex. 26:24, 25.)

In Heb. 3:6, we read,

Christ as a Son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

And again,

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end (Heb. 3:14).

The boards were "coupled beneath. " And believers are one in the confidence of faith. Each board standing firm in the sockets of silver, and each believer established in the faith of the Gospel.

And the boards were also "coupled together to one ring above." And we are one in the rejoicing of the hope. We have one faith and one hope of our calling. Christ crucified is the foundation of our faith, and Christ glorified the substance and center of our hope, Christ himself being the chief Corner Stone, uniting the Jew and the Gentile in one on earth beneath; and he is also the Head Stone of the corner, uniting them together in one in heaven above.

The Bars of t he Tabernacle

EXODUS26:26-30

And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the her side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the de of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward. And the middle ar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end. Al thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with g old. And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was showed thee in the mount.

The Bars

And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood {Ex. 26:26}.

We have already considered the boards of the tabernacle, fitly framed together, and firmly fixed in the sockets of silver, as typical of believers standing in redemption, and associated together in Church fellowship. We have now to consider the bars of shittim wood, overlaid with gold — God's provision for compacting together and securing the whole.

The fourth chapter of the Epistle to the Ephesians will furnish us with a solution of the spiritual import of these bars.

The Epistle to the Hebrews is largely occupied with priesthood and sacrifice, and there we find the corresponding types richly unfolded.

The Epistle to the Ephesians preeminently treats of the Church, and it is there we especially find the interpretation of the things connected with the tabernacle.

In the first six verses of Eph. 4, the seven-fold, or perfect provision for the unity of the Church is mentioned; one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all.

Then, from verses 7 to 11, the five gifts given from a once humbled, but now ascended and glorified Saviour, are noticed - apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers.

Then the object for which they are given is stated from verses 12 to 16:

For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the Head, even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

These five bars of the tabernacle answer most strikingly to these five gifts from a risen Christ, and their object and end is the same, the "perfecting," "edifying," and "compacting" of the whole together.

The Material

Bars of Shittim Wood {Ex. 26:26}.

They were to be of shittim wood, reminding us that those who have received gifts for service to the Lord and to his saints, are men of like passions with others. They have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of them. Not sufficient of themselves to think anything as of themselves, they can of their own selves do nothing.

The Arrangement of the Bars

Five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward. And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end (Ex. 26:26-28).

There are five bars for each side of the tabernacle, and there are four sides, one north, one south, and two sides westward.

God's arrangements and provisions for ministry are simple, perfect, and uniform, and adapted to the need of the Church of God throughout the whole world.

The gifts of the Spirit are for the edifying of the whole body; and wherever believers are gathered in the name of the Lord Jesus, there these gifts have their place and service.

All believers everywhere have need of all the gifts of the Spirit for their compacting and edifying; and according to God's arrangements, whatever gifts there may be, are available for all.

The apportioning a certain number of souls for one man's care, or one man to a certain number, is entirely contrary to God's order. The gifts are for the body, and God sets them in the Church for the benefit of all.

The leading of the Spirit, or the providence of God, may indeed place some in certain localities; but all believers have a title to their service, and they are debtors according to their ability and opportunity to all. Every human arrangement which interferes with this, is a thwarting of God's gracious, benevolent plan.

There are two bars lying side by side near the bottom of the boards of the tabernacle (not one above the other), one in the center, and two side by side near the top; thus,

The two under bars may be taken to represent the gifts of the apostles and prophets. These, as to doctrine and practice, according to the ability given them of God, have laid the foundation. And the Church is said to be built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.

This they did by their labours, example, and teaching in their lifetime, and in the inspired Scriptures of the New Testament which they have left, the Church has still the benefit of their gifts.

The foundations have been laid; the word of God filled up and perfected. Since then there have been no new revelations of doctrine, and no new directions for practice, the doctrines, precepts, and principles of Scripture being fully adequate to meet all emergencies. Therein the man of God is throughly furnished unto all good works. Hence, apostles and, prophets, in the strict sense of the words, are no longer to be found among living men; but we have them, as I have said, in the inspired word, for every necessary purpose.

The middle bar in the center of the boards was entire, extending the whole length of the tabernacle from end to end; whereas, the other bars met in the middle, extending only half way each.

The middle bar is beautifully suggestive of the wide, extended sphere of the labours of the evangelist, whose commission is,

Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15},

and in whose experience the prompting of the Spirit is ever

to the regions beyond {2 Cor. 10:16}

- "the regions beyond."

The two bars near the top represent the ministry of the pastors and teachers; the pastor watching over the souls of the converted, feeding the flock of God. And the teacher leading them onward and upward into further and higher acquaintance with the truth of God, and of the love, person, and ways of Jesus. Thus,

Pastors and Teachers

Evangelists

Apostles and Prophets

The Overlaying of The Boards with Gold

And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold {Ex. 26:29}.

It is remarkable that the direction for overlaying the boards does not occur in the portion which treats of the boards themselves (verses 15 to 25); but here in connection with the bars; and, doubtless, there is significancy in this.

The boards were of shittim wood, for they represent believers, in themselves the partakers of human nature, in its weakness and frailty. But the boards are overlaid with gold; signifying that, as one with Jesus; believers are also partakers of the Divine nature (2 Pet: 1:4).

As associated together in the confession of the name of Christ, they are not regarded as they are in themselves, but as seen of God in Christ Jesus, — the sons and daughters of the Lord God Almighty.

As we are by the grace of God — as seen by him in the Son of his love — such we ought to be practically and experimentally at all times, but especially when gathered in the name of Jesus, under the searching eye of him with whom we have to do, that, as builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit, there may be nothing to grieve or quench that Holy Spirit of our God, or to hinder the full flow of blessing from our God and Father.

Oh for grace ever to remember this! As the shittim wood in the tabernacle was nowhere to be seen, so the flesh, or that which is merely natural, should never be manifest in the assembly of God's saints. But putting off the old man, and putting on the new, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, the Divine nature should appear, and Divine charity be ever in full exercise.

Thus it would come to pass that the distinctions and graduations which exist in the arrangements of Divine providence, and which cannot be overlooked with impunity in the outward walks of life, would disappear when believers were assembled together in the Church; and each and all, as children of God, members of Christ, dwelt in by the Spirit, partakers of the same Divine and eternal life, loved and loving with the same Divine charity, they would hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, without respect of persons (James 2:1).

But more than this. "Holiness becomes God's house."

The infirmities of the flesh may be confessed in the closet, but ought never to mar the worship of the assembled saints.

Collective failure may be acknowledged in the prayer meeting; but when met in the Church, as, for example, around the table of the Lord, we should meet and worship as the sons of God,

a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, showing forth the praises of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Pet. 2:9).

Yet, while the gold glittered on the surface of the boards, the shittim wood still existed within. So it becomes us ever to remember that, notwithstanding all that Divine grace has made us; in ourselves we are nothing at all.

The true circumcision, worshipping God in the Spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, but having no confidence of the flesh {Phil. 3:3}.

This, however, is no excuse for sin or failure; for the grace of Christ is sufficient for us, and his strength is made perfect in weakness.

But why is this direction to overlay the boards with gold reserved for insertion here, in the midst of the instructions respecting the bars?

of De sit no sima cone on bet partieen sing manifestation of the Divine nature?

Thus holding the Head, all the Body, by joints and bands, having nourishment ministered and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.

And while God,

according to his Divine power, has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, ... whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these we might be partakers of the Divine nature,

-- is it not through the exercise of the gifts of the Spirit, in the ministry of the Word, that very especially, both individually and collectively, these great and precious promises are realized, and that this growth in grace is experienced

(2 Pet. 1:3, 4)?