READ: Exodus 25:8-9
“It was therefore necessary that the PATTERNS OF THINGS IN THE HEAVENS should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the FIGURES OF THE TRUE; but into heaven itself, …” – Hebrews 9:23-24
God’s instruction in Exodus 25:8 was, “Build me a holy and hallowed place where I can reside.” The word “Sanctuary” is translated from the word “Miqdash” and it means “Holy Place” or “Sanctuary”.
The word “Tabernacle” is translated from the word “Mishkan” and it means “residence”. God’s mysterious residence was constructed by the Israelites. Mishkan (God’s residence) is a place where God settles, abides and resides. Your residence is where you settle, abide and reside. God’s residence is where He settles and dwells comfortably. The Tabernacle was the place where God’s mysterious presence dwelt. Everywhere you see the word “Tabernacle”, simply replace it with the words “God’s residence”. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the Tabernacle (Residence), and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it. Exodus 25:9
God’s mysterious residence is called the Tabernacle. In the Old Testament, God instructed His people to create an environment where His presence would dwell. Even you, cannot live or exist in every environment. How much more Almighty God? God’s presence cannot flourish everywhere. There are certain things that are contrary to His presence. He will simply not stay everywhere. The key to the presence of God is found in the Old Testament. The way to get into the presence of God is described vividly in the Old Testament.
The Tabernacle was a carefully constructed mysterious residence where the presence of God was to be manifested. Great care was given to detail in the construction of this special “God environment”. The building of the Tabernacle will always be a key to understanding the presence of God