The Sanctuary of His Presence: Understanding the Tabernacle
"For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary." - Hebrews 9:2
The verse from Hebrews 9:2 (KJV), "For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary," encapsulates the sacredness and intricacy of the Tabernacle, a monumental symbol of God’s presence among His people. This devotional will explore the importance of the Tabernacle, the elements mentioned, and how they illuminate our understanding of worship, communion, and the holiness of God.
The Tabernacle was constructed during the Exodus as a portable sanctuary where the Israelites could meet God amidst their journey through the wilderness. Its design and every element were divinely ordained, representing various aspects of God’s nature and His relationship with humanity. The verse focuses on the first section of the Tabernacle, the Holy Place, which housed the candlestick (menorah), the table of shewbread, and was fundamentally regarded as the sanctuary.
Let’s reflect on the **candlestick** or **menorah**. This seven-branched lampstand was not only functional, providing light in the Holy Place, but it also symbolizes divine illumination. In John 8:12 (KJV), Jesus said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The light from the menorah reminds us that in Christ, we find guidance and clarity for our spiritual journey. As we contemplate the presence of Christ in our lives, we are encouraged to let His light shine within us, dispelling the darkness of sin and despair. Just as the priests tended to the lamps, ensuring they never went out, we too must nurture our relationship with Christ through prayer, scripture, and worship, allowing His light to fill our hearts.
Next, we consider the **table of shewbread**. This table held twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel and serving as a reminder of God’s provision. In John 6:35 (KJV), Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst." The shewbread stands as a testament to God’s sustenance. It symbolizes how God nourishes our spiritual needs through Christ, who fulfills our deepest longings. Each week, the old loaves would be replaced with fresh ones, emphasizing the continual renewal God offers. We are called to come to Christ daily, receiving from Him the nourishment we need to grow in faith and to thrive in His presence.
The **sanctuary** itself, referred to in our scripture, embodies the sacred space where God meets His people. The very word ‘sanctuary’ evokes the sense of a refuge, a holy place set apart for worship. As believers today, we carry this sanctuary within us, as reflected in 1 Corinthians 6:19 (KJV), where Paul reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost. The significance of the Tabernacle leads us to acknowledge that every moment spent in worship, prayer, or reflection allows us access to this sacred space, ushering us into communion with God. It invites us to recognize the honor and privilege we have to dwell in His presence.
In reflecting on Hebrews 9:2, we are reminded of the beauty of God’s design for worship and connection. The elements of the Tabernacle serve as powerful symbols of His ongoing presence and provision in our lives. Let us therefore strive to cultivate our personal sanctuaries—our hearts—dedicated to the light of Christ, fed by His bread of life, and echoing the holiness of the divine presence. In doing so, we align ourselves with God’s purpose and experience the fullness of His glory today.
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Hebrews 9:2 - "For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary."
"For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary." - Hebrews 9:2
Hebrews 2:9 - "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man."
Hebrews 4:9 - "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
Hebrews 9:16 - "For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator."
Hebrews 9:18 - "Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood."
Hebrews 9:27 - "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:"
Hebrews 9:3 - "And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;"
Hebrews 9:9 - "Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;"
Hebrews 9:13 - "For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:"
Hebrews 9:20 - "Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you."
Hebrews 9:21 - "Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry."
Hebrews 9:17 - "For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth."
Hebrews 9:1 - "Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary."
Hebrews 9:22 - "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
Hebrews 3:9 - "When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years."
Hebrews 9:5 - "And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly."
"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God." - Hebrews 4:9
Hebrews 6:9 - "But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak."
Hebrews 7:9 - "And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham."
Hebrews 9:8 - "The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:"
Hebrews 9:6 - "Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God."
Hebrews 9:10 - "Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation."
Hebrews 9:23 - "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."
Hebrews 5:9 - "And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"
Hebrews 11:2 - "For by it the elders obtained a good report."
Hebrews 2:2 - "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;"
"For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator." - Hebrews 9:16
Hebrews 11:9 - "By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:"
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" - Hebrews 9:27