Tabernacle in the Wilderness A Workbook

This workbook is a guided, interactive study on the Tabernacle that God instructed Moses to build in the wilderness, as described in the book of Exodus. It helps readers—especially students or young learners—understand the layout, structure, materials, and spiritual significance of the tabernacle and how each part symbolically points to Jesus Christ, the Church, and God's redemptive plan.

1. Purpose of the Tabernacle

• The tabernacle was designed as God’s dwelling place among the Israelites (Exodus 25:8).

• It served as the center of worship, sacrifice, and divine guidance.

• Everything in it—its structure, furnishings, and rituals—was a shadow or type of greater spiritual truths later fulfilled in Christ.

2. Layout of the Tabernacle

• The tabernacle had three main sections:

  1. The Courtyard – accessible to all Israelites.

  2. The Holy Place – entered only by priests.

  3. The Most Holy (Holy of Holies) – entered only by the High Priest once a year on the Day of Atonement.

• Each area represented stages in the believer’s approach to God, from justification (courtyard) to sanctification (Holy Place) to glorification (Most Holy).

3. Key Furnishings and Their Meanings

• Brazen Altar: Located in the courtyard; where animal sacrifices were made. Represents Christ’s sacrificial death for sin.

• Laver: A basin for washing; symbolizes cleansing and sanctification by the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

• Table of Showbread: Located in the Holy Place; represents spiritual nourishment through Christ, the “bread of life.”

• Golden Lampstand (Menorah): Gives light in the Holy Place; symbolizes the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit and the Church as the light-bearer.

• Altar of Incense: Near the veil; represents prayers of the saints rising to God.

• Ark of the Covenant (in the Most Holy): Represents God’s presence. Inside were the Law (tablets), Aaron’s rod, and a jar of manna—symbols of God’s authority, provision, and covenant.

4. The High Priest and His Role

• The High Priest represents Jesus Christ as our great intercessor and mediator.

• On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest made sacrifices and entered the Most Holy to offer blood, representing Jesus entering heaven itself to intercede for us.

• His garments, actions, and duties are all symbolic of Christ’s righteousness, authority, and priestly work.

5. The Tabernacle as a Journey

• The workbook emphasizes that the tabernacle portrays the Christian’s spiritual progression:

  • Entering the Gate = faith in Christ.

  • Sacrifice at the Brazen Altar = justification by His blood.

  • Washing at the Laver = sanctification.

  • Entering the Holy Place = consecrated Christian life.

  • Most Holy = final reward of divine nature and full fellowship with God.

6. Symbolism in Colors and Materials

• Gold: divine nature

• Silver: redemption

• Brass: judgment

• Blue: heavenly calling

• Purple: royalty

• Scarlet: sacrifice

• Linen: righteousness

Each material used in the tabernacle construction held symbolic meaning that pointed to aspects of Christ and the Christian walk.

7. Interactive Learning Format

• The workbook includes:

  • Blank diagrams to label parts of the tabernacle.

  • Fill-in-the-blank sections to reinforce learning.

  • Matching activities, word associations, and Scripture references.

  • Opportunities for personal reflection on the spiritual significance of each element.

This format encourages learners to actively engage with the material and connect Old Testament imagery to New Testament fulfillment.

8. Foreshadowing of Christ’s Work

• The entire tabernacle and its services ultimately foreshadow Jesus’ redemptive mission:

  • He is the sacrifice, the priest, the bread, the light, and the veil.

  • His once-for-all offering has fulfilled the need for animal sacrifices and opened the way for all to approach God.

Conclusion:

"Tabernacle in the Wilderness: A Workbook" is both a visual and devotional study tool that leads learners step-by-step through God's dwelling place with Israel. It teaches that the tabernacle was more than a tent—it was a divine blueprint of salvation, illustrating the person and work of Jesus Christ and God's ultimate desire to dwell with His people. By studying its symbols, students are invited into a deeper understanding of God's plan and how it applies to their own spiritual journey.