Chapter 2 -         THE OUTER COURT

CHAPTER 2 THE OUTER COURT

With all this introductory material out of the way, let us now look at the tabernacle itself and see how this physical structure, its dimensions and layout were a clear foreshadow of the salvation God has for us in spirit soul and body. With but one exception (which we will discuss later), all of the materials used in the construction of the tabernacle were willingly given by the people (Ex.35:5,21 & Ex.36:3). While we know that in the material realm God still wants cheerful givers (II Cor.9:7), we should remember that we are being shown a spiritual truth here as well. I Pe.2:5 tells us that WE are the stones Jesus is using to construct His spiritual house. We therefore are to give OURSELVES WILLINGLY. That is why Ro.12:1 says "Offer you bodies as a living sacrifice, holy pleasing to God - which is your spiritual worship." No one can offer you but you yourself, and you are to do so willingly (Matt.10:8). Remember, the bondslave who truly loves the master willingly becomes the servant of his master (Ex.21:1-6 & Gal.1:10 - see chapter 3 of Needful Things).  

Now, as to the plans for construction it must be understood that God Himself is the Architect of both Moses' Tabernacle (Ex:25:9-10; 27:8; 39:32 +42-43; 40:19,21,23,27,29& 32 and Acts 7:44) and His Church (Matt.16:18). The chief workman on Moses' Tabernacle was Bezael, Son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah (Ex.35:30). His name meant "the image of God," and his father's name meant "the Light of the Lord." God gave him "skill, ability, and knowledge" (Ex.31:3) to create and construct the Tabernacle according to God's plan. So also has God given His New Testament Church apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors & teacher "to prepare God's people for works of service so that the whole body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Eph.4:11-13). Carefully note two things. First, God is still in charge of the building program, Second, under the New Covenant this process is to culminate in the maturity that leads to the fullness of Christ. 

For all those who want to do things their way, thereby ignoring God's pattern and directives, or who simply are not content to wait upon Him, I urge you to consider Acts 5:38 wherein the Pharisee Gamaliel correctly noted "... if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God you will not be able to stop these men, you will only find yourself fighting against God." To all who have surrendered themselves and are seeking to be living stones correctly fitted into God's temple, I should like to encourage you with the words of God spoken to Zerubbabel, Governor of Jerusalem, through the prophet Zechariah when the captives returned to rebuild the temple (Ezra 3:10). He said the work will be completed, "not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord Almighty" (Zech.4:6). "...(T)hose who are led by the Spirit of God are sons (huios) of God" (Ro.8:14 - parenthesis added). And as we have seen before in our other studies, those who will be liberated from "the bondage to decay" and receive the "redemption" of their bodies will be mature Spirit led sons of the Most High God (Ro.8:19-23). 

It is now time to begin the journey through the Tabernacle. As you stand before the entrance notice that the entire area is enclosed by a curtain and a fabric gate which is held in place by 60 wooden pillars which are themselves standing on bases made of bronze (Ex.27:9-18). The main curtain, which is made of linen, is a total of 280 cubits long and 5 cubits high (Ex.27:18). The entrance gate is 20 cubits long and is also made of linen, but this time it has blue, purple and scarlet yarn interwoven throughout the linen (Ex.27:16). The whole distance around the Tabernacle is therefore discovered to be 300 cubits.(see drawing 2-A-2) 

Our initial response to this type of information may very well be to try to figure out how big the area is that we are talking about. (Assuming that is that we do not simply ignore such information altogether.) There is nothing wrong with such inquisitiveness. In point of fact, the dimensions we are considering are about 150 feet long by 75 feet wide by 7 1/2 feet high.(see drawing 2-A-4).  However, we must remember that we are dealing with God's pattern for total salvation or redemption of man: spirit, soul & body. Therefore, we should look beyond what the surface answer to that question provides. In previous studies we have seen that the outer court of the tabernacle, or that portion surrounded by this curtain, symbolized the sacrifice of Jesus as the Passover Lamb. (see chapter 5 of The Last Enemy) If in fact that is true, then it is in this area of the Tabernacle that we should find numerous symbols for judgment, sin, Jesus and His suffering on the cross. 

Needless to say, the Outer Court is full of just such symbolism. And we need look no further than the curtain itself to begin finding them. As you will recall, the law which was given to Moses in order to lead us to Christ (Gal.3:24) was given approximately 1,500 years before Jesus died on Calvary. The curtain and entrance together totaled 300 cubits long by 5 cubits high (Ex.38:9-15&18). When these two dimensions are multiplied by each other we see that the Outer Court, which symbolizes the age of the law which lasted about 1500 years, was enclosed by 1,500 square cubits of linen! 

Not only do the dimensions of the curtain have meaning for us, but so does the fact that it was made of linen - as opposed to some other material. The Old Covenant priests wore linen garments, as did our Great High Priest Jesus (Ex.28:39-43; John 19:23 & Heb.5:5-6). We are told that on the mount of transfiguration His linen clothes shown whiter than any human could make them (Matt.17:2 & Mk.9:3) and from Mk.15:46 & John 20:5 we see that Jesus was buried in fine linen cloth. But the parallel between Jesus and the fine linen curtain is drawn even more closely when we recall that minus the entrance, the Tabernacle curtain itself was 280 cubits in length. Heb.2:10 and 5:8-9 tell us that Jesus was made perfect through suffering. Now, not only does Isaiah 52:13-14 prophecy to us about Jesus as God's suffering servant, but so do the dimensions of this curtain. You see, throughout Scripture we are shown that the number 40 symbolizes trails and sufferings (Nu.1434; Gen.7:4 & Matt.4:2), and the number 7 stands for completeness or perfection (Gen.2:2; Isaiah 11:2 & Rev.5:6). When we multiply 40 by 7 (suffering & perfection) we get 280, which is the exact length of the curtain! 

The most obvious portion of the Tabernacle perimeter which represented Jesus is the entrance itself. There was no other way into the tabernacle except through this curtain which stood 20 cubits wide (Ex.40:33), and Jesus alone is our gate into the Father's presence (John 14:6; Acts 4:12 & I Tim.5). Yet the symbolism goes deeper than that. As you will recall, the entrance linen was interwoven with purple yarn - a symbol for royalty (Judges 8:26 & Dan.5:7), scarlet yarn - a symbol for sacrificial blood (Lev.17:11; Heb.9:22 & Ex.12:23), and blue yarn - a symbol for a Godly walk (Lev.18:4 & Nu.15:37-41). These colors all clearly point to Jesus - His royalty (Rev.19:16; Mk.15:17 & John 19:2), His blood (Matt.26:28 & John 19:34) and His walk (I John 2:6 & Lk.22:42). We should also note here that this was a rather wide gate, thus signifying the fact that salvation through Jesus' sacrifice is open to all men (I Tim.2:4 & John 3:16). The universality of His sacrifice is also shown by the 4 posts which held the entrance curtain in place (Ex.27:16) in that the number 4 is used many times in Scripture to signify the whole earth (Rev.4:1 & Isaiah 11:12). 

Since the entrance was 20 cubits wide, and was in the middle of the eastern side of the Tabernacle, there were 15 cubits of white linen curtain (5 cubits high), on either side of the entrance gate (Ex.38:13-15). This seemingly unimportant fact reveals even more of the intricacy of God's pattern, for 15 is the number for rest (Lev.23:34 & Esther 9:18) and 5 is the number most often associated with God's grace (ie. 5 wounds in Jesus, Titus 3:7 & Ro.5:9 and the five-fold ministry which Christ gave the New Testament Church in Eph.4:11). Prophetically therefore, the Israelites were being shown that we enter the gate by grace (Eph.2:8 & Ro.3:24) and therein find rest (Matt.11:28 - see drawing 2-A-1). 

As we just saw, there were 4 posts which held the entrance curtain in place. These in turn were included in the total number of pillars found in the outer perimeter. These 60 pillars themselves also direct our attention to Jesus (Ex.27:10-19). The number 6 is the number of man (Rev.13:18 & Gen.1:27&31), and the number 10 symbolizes the law (Ex.20:1-17 & Deut.4:13). 6 times 10 is 60, and shows us man under the law. (Additional Scriptural references which would show men represented as pillars would be Jer.1:18 & Gal.2:9). 

The bases upon which these pillars stood were made of bronze (Ex.27:10-12 & 38:9-20) - which speaks to us of judgment. I say that bronze refers to judgment because the altar upon which all animal sacrificing took place was over laid with bronze (Ex.38:2). And the serpent which Moses lifted up in the wilderness to deliver the Israelites from the plague which had come upon them as a result of their sins was also made of bronze (Nu.21:8-9). Furthermore, the Laver at which the priests themselves were purified by washing in water so as not to physically die when ministering before the Lord was also made of bronze (Ex.30:17&20). 

The stakes (nails - see Zach.10:1-7 & Isaiah 22:20-25) which anchored the cords which studied the pillars (Ex.27:19) were also made of bronze. While the cords may be viewed as speaking to us of the love of God which studies us (Hosea 11:4), and His strength which sustains us (Eccl.4:12), there can be no doubt that the stakes themselves focus our attention on the nails driven into Jesus' hands and feet (John 20:25). We see Jesus depicted in Rev.1:15 as having feet of bronze and we know from Heb.10:13 that He is waiting for His enemies to be made His footstool, and He is the judge of both the living and the dead (Acts 10:42). The point is, man under the law stands judged. However, these are the pillars that are to uphold the fine linen curtain which in turn was a clear portrait of our Lord Jesus Christ. The question is, "How can sinful man who stands judged under the law, uphold the spotless righteousness of Jesus?" 

It is at this point that the detail of God's intricate pattern again shows itself. Ex.38:28 shows us that the curtain was itself attached to silver hooks which were themselves attached to the pillars by means of silver bands. The beautiful part of this whole picture is that the silver used in making these hooks and bands was derived not from the offerings of the people, but from a special atonement, or redemption tax which God directed Moses to collect from the people. (see drawing 2-A-3) 

Throughout Scripture silver is used to refer to ransom or redemption (Ex.21:32), and is even specifically used in regards to the prophecy and fulfillment of Jesus betrayal (Zech.11:12-13 & Matt.27:1-9). The Israelites were ransomed from God's judgment by paying a 1/2 sheckel tax (Ex.30:12). We are ransomed, or redeemed by the blood of Jesus (Mk.10:45; I Pe.1:18-19; & Gal.3:13) and just as the 1/2 sheckel of silver was the only thing that could redeem the Israelites at that time (Ex.30:15), so also is Jesus' blood the only price for our redemption (Lk.22:20). 

Therefore, when the curtain was attached to the silver hooks and then to the pillars, we are shown a picture of Jesus' sacrifice and redemption coming between His righteousness (linen curtain) and mankind (wooden pole) which stood judged under the law (bronze bases). What is even more beautiful about this picture is that each pillar had a silver cap made from the same atonement silver (Ex.38:28). This fact should immediately focus our attention on Eph.5:17 which tells us that we have the helmet of salvation as the crowning piece of our armor. 

Having examined the curtain and entered through the gate, we find ourselves standing before the Brazen Altar as described in Ex.27:1-8 & 38:1-7. This altar is specifically described as being near the gate, or entrance to the tabernacle (Lev.4:7 & Ex.40:29). When we accept Jesus - enter the gate - we find ourselves standing at the foot of the cross - the Brazen Altar. (see drawing 2B) The sin of the whole world was judged on that cross (I Pe.2:24; Heb.7:27 & Gal. 3:13) and it is upon the Brazen Altar that the Israelites sacrificed their sin offerings (Lev.4:7,18, 26,31 & 16:9). 

According to Ex.27:1-2 the altar was made of "acadia wood" and overlaid with bronze. The parallel between the wooden cross and the wooden altar is obvious, but the parallel goes deeper than this. Wood is often times used throughout Scripture to refer to man (Isaiah 53:2; Ps.1:3; Jer.17:8; Isaiah 61:3 & Matt.7:15-19), and it was man's sin nature what was crucified with Jesus (Ro.6:6). However, more than mankind in general can be seen in the wood of the altar for God specifically told Moses to use Acacia wood. The Greek translation of the Old Testament (Septuagint) translates this as "incorruptible wood." In being shown that this wood is incorruptible, we are not only informed of Jesus perfect, sinless human nature (Heb.5:15), but are shown that His physical body would not be corrupted in death nor see decay (Acts 2:31; 13:37 & Ps.6:10). 

As to the brass overlay, we should recall that brass directs our attention toward judgment. This point is driven home when we examine the series of events surrounding Korah and his 250 followers as described in Nu.16. Briefly stated, these men rebelled against the authority of Moses & Aaron. Korah felt he also could enter the tabernacle and burn incense before the Lord. When he and his followers attempted to do so "fire came out from the Lord and consumed ..." them (Nu.16:35). Of significance to us is the fact that God directed Moses to take the bronze incense burners they had used and hammer them into sheets of bronze and add them to the bronze overlay as an additional covering to both remind and warn the Israelites that God will judge (Nu.16:26-39). In particular they were reminded of God's divine order and His judgment upon those who fail to comply with His pattern (Nu.16:40). 

The Altar itself was an open box with no top and no bottom. It was 5 cubits wide, 5 cubits long and 3 cubits high (Ex.38:1) with an interior grate midway between top and bottom (Ex.27:5). As we saw before, the number 5 can represent God's grace which so abundantly poured out on us at Calvary (Ro.5:17). The equality in size of the four sides of the Altar would point to the universality of Jesus' redeeming sacrifice (John 3:15 & Ro.5:18; Ro.5:10 & John 12:32). We know that Jesus is God (Matt.1:23; Col.2:9; Phil.2:6; Titus 2:13 & Isaiah 9:6), and it is in the 3 cubit height of the Altar that we see the representation of His Deity (Matt.28:19; II Cor.13:14). While we have not yet discussed the Ark of the Covenant, I wish to point out the fact that the Mercy Seat was 1 1/2 cubits high (Ex.25:10), and this is the same height as the grate upon which the sacrifices and coals of fire were placed, thus showing us an equality between God's mercy and the sacrifice of Jesus. 

The 4 horns of the Altar as described in Ex.27:2 and 38:2 remind us not only of the universality of Jesus' sacrifice, for He is after all, the "horn of our salvation" (Lk.1:69), but they speak to us of the power of His blood to forever destroy the power of sin (Ex.29:12; Micah 4:13 & Ps.18:2). The wooden horn (man) was covered with brass (judgment) and then covered with sacrificial blood. But we must never forget that His blood was so much more complete than that which foreshadowed it (Heb.9:13-14). Jesus' sacrifice was equal to the demands of God's justice. Therefore, in this one piece of Tabernacle furniture we see God's judgment, grace and mercy all tied up in the redeeming sacrifice of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Without going into detail about all the sacrifices which took place at the Brazen Altar, I do wish to make the following observation. According to Lev.4:1 the hide and other unclean portions of the sin offering were taken outside the camp and destroyed. They were not burned as part of the sacrifice. Now, while Heb.9:14 tells us that the blood of Jesus cleanses our consciences, we are directed to put off our old selves (Eph.4:22; Col.3:7-10 & Gal.5:24). While our old self was crucified with Jesus (Ro.6:6), we must remember that it was the power of sin in us which has been destroyed (Col.1:13 & Heb.2:14), Through the Spirit we must now put to death the misdeeds of our body. 

Carefully note however that our actions of putting to death the misdeeds of the body are not part of the sacrifice at the altar. There is nothing we can do to improve upon the sacrifice which Jesus became for us (John 19:30). Just as the Altar was the place of sacrifice (Ex.38:1), so also is the cross the only place of sacrifice under the New Covenant (Gal.3:13-14). What's more, unlike the daily sacrifice at the Brazen Altar (Lev.6:12-13), Jesus' sacrifice was a perfect sacrifice, never needing to be repeated (Heb.7:27). The foreshadow of the Brazen Altar has been completed (Col.2:14). Jesus has, by one sacrifice, made perfect forever - in spirit -those who are being made holy (Heb.9:9-10+14 & Heb.12:23). When we begin the process of putting to death the misdeeds of our body, we are in reality beginning the process of making Jesus the Lord of our life after having already accepted Him as Savior. This brings us from the Brazen Altar to the Brazen Laver. 

In chapter 4 of The Last Enemy we discussed the Bronze Laver (see drawing 2-C-1). Therein we looked at the relationship which existed between the fact that the Laver was made of bronze from women's mirrors, and the process we are going through of reflecting God's glory (Ex.38:8 & IICor.3:18). While the full price for sin had been paid at the Brazen Altar, it is important to note that physical death was the result of a priest's failure to wash at the Laver (Ex.30:20). A type of judgment was therefore still involved with the Laver and hence, it also was made of bronze (Ex.30:17). The Word of God is the mirror into which we look (Ja.1:23-25), and it reveals unto us the need for purity in our walk with the Lord (I Thes.4:3 & II Thes.2:13). 

On the surface I believe that the Laver speaks to us symbolically of water baptism (Heb.10:19-22). Such baptism is not required for the salvation of our spirit (already accomplished at the Altar by Jesus), but it is important as a first step in our walk after coming to the Altar. Notice in this regard that when the priests were first consecrated for service in the priesthood they were completely washed with water from the Laver (Ex.29:4 & Lev.8:6). However, from that point on they washed only their hands and feet (Ex.30:19-21). There are certain parallels to draw between this washing and New covenant baptism. The priests did not begin ministering until after it occurred, and neither did Jesus (Matt.3:13) or Paul (Acts 9:18). It was a public action (Lev.8:3 & Acts 2:41) performed by someone other than the one who was receiving the benefit of it, in one case Moses (Lev.8:6) and under the New Covenant - other believers (Matt.28:19). 

Looking deeper into the Laver we see that the water for cleansing is both the Word of God (Eph.5:26-27 and the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39). Both the Word and the Spirit are and, always will be in perfect agreement. They are also both absolutely necessary for those members of the final generation who have the hope of physical redemption. Remember, mature sons of God are led by the Holy Spirit (Ro.7:14), and Jesus' bride is spotless because of the Word (Eph.5:26). 

Old Covenant priests stood before the Laver and washed the inner parts of their sacrifices (Lev.1:9); whereas, New Covenant priests are told to purify themselves through obedience to the Word (John 15:7; 17:17; I Pe.1:22 & Ps.119.9). After a blemish is revealed through the Word by the Spirit (John 14:26 & 16:12), we must purify ourselves (II Cor.7:1), not by washing totally again (John 13:10), but by cleaning our feet - ie. our walk (John 13:10), or lifestyle (I John 2:6; Ps.1:1; II Cor.4:2 KJV & II Thes.3:6 KJV) and our hands (Ja.4:8) for ministry (Heb.6:2; Mk.16:18; I Tim.4:14; Acts 28:8 & I Tim.2:8). 

With the linking of the water in the Laver to the Word of God, we begin a transition from the Outer Court into the Middle Court, otherwise called the Holy Place. In so doing we go from the realm of salvation of the spirit through the sacrifice of Jesus by grace, into the realm of salvation (sanctification) of the soul by the Holy Spirit through faith (I Pe.1:9 & Ja.1:21). This is a very important transition to make. Many believers who accept Jesus as their Savior and partake of the water of baptism which was foreshadowed by the Laver, fail to venture into the Middle Court. They fail to do so for several reasons. 

They may have been taught that there is nothing else for them after "salvation" and that anything which purports to be from the holy Spirit in the realm of ministry gifts is from the devil. Or some do not wish to go further because they are afraid of what God might ask of them. And sadly enough, there are some who simply do not love God enough to desire more of Him. For whatever reason, failure to make such progress breaks the pattern of the Tabernacle which God said was a foreshadow of things which are coming, and could therefore prove to be a grave mistake. Let us now examine the pattern of the Middle Court, or Holy Place, to see how it relates to the present progressive salvation of our souls (I Pe.1:9). 

All of the following photographs were taken by the author while visiting the full scale replica of Moses' Tabernacle on the grounds of the Great Passion Play at Eureka Springs, AK.  As to the position of the coverings see comments preceding the photos in chapter 3