The Israelites had various ceremonies that they were to perform as required by God. Most of these ceremonies revolved around a structure called the sanctuary. As we continue our study, we will learn the significance of this structure and the services performed there and we will see in future study guides that the sanctuary service still has a profound meaning for us today.

What did God instruct Moses to build?

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. Exodus 25:8

Why did God instruct Moses to build a Sanctuary?

One possible reason is that the Children of Israel were accustomed to Egyptian gods, which were represented as idols and other visual depictions. God, knowing the people would have difficulty in conceiving the existence of the Unseen God, gave them a symbol of His presence. In this manner, Jehovah would always be with His people. Another reason the sanctuary was constructed was to teach the people lessons about their need for a savior and the pardoning of sin. The Bible says, “without shedding of blood is no remission“(Hebrews 9:22).

The Sanctuary In Detail

The sanctuary, also called the tabernacle, was God’s building. It was originally constructed as a sacred tent and could be taken apart during Israel’s journey to the promised land. However, a more permanent structure was built later. While one structure was made to be transportable and the other more of a permanent structure, both forms of the sanctuary had the same makeup and furniture.

How many compartments did the sanctuary have and what were they called?

And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. Exodus 26:33

According to Scripture, the sanctuary had two internal compartments: The Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place.

And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle… Exodus 27:9 The sanctuary was enclosed in an open space called the court of the tabernacle. This court (sometimes called the courtyard) is where the animals were slain for the daily sacrifice.

Furniture

Two pieces of furniture existed in the court of the tabernacle: The altar of burnt offering and the laver.

Altar of Burnt Offering (courtyard)

And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses. Exodus 40:29

This altar was where all the sacrifices were made and consumed with fire. The horns of this altar were where the priest sprinkled the blood from the sacrificial offerings.

Laver (courtyard)

Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. Exodus 30:18

The laver was situated between the altar of burnt offering and the door of the tabernacle. This piece of furniture was where the priests washed their hands and feet before entering the sanctuary or before offering a burnt offering to the Lord.

Seven Lamps (Holy Place)

And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it. Exodus 25:37

The seven-branched candlestick with its seven lamps was a solid gold ornament. These candles provided light to the sanctuary and were never extinguished all at one time. In this manner, the light remained burning continually day and night.

Table of Shewbread (Holy Place)

And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway. Exodus 25:30

Every Sabbath, the priests placed twelve loves of bread on this table. These loaves were symbolic of God’s covenant with the twelve tribes of Israel.

Altar of Incense (Holy Place)

And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it. Exodus 30:1

The priests burned incense upon this altar every morning and evening. The fire upon this altar was actually lit by God Himself.

The Ark of the Covenant (Most Holy Place)

And there I will meet with thee, and I will commune with thee from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubims which are upon the ark of the testimony, of all things which I will give thee in commandment unto the children of Israel. Exodus 25:22

The ark was a chest made from acacia wood overlaid with gold. The cover of this chest was called the mercy seat. This cover consisted of one piece of solid gold with two angels facing each other. Inside the ark were the ten commandments and on the side of the ark was where the law of Moses was kept. Above the mercy seat was the Shekinah glory. Though this word is not in the Bible, it was the visible manifestation of Jehovah’s presence.

It’s not clear yet, it will become clearer in future lessons that the ministration of the sanctuary was established to reveal God’s plan to save the world.