The Tabernacle and Temple Regulations in Exodus

Erection of the Tabernacle and Sacred Vessels by Gerard Hoet (1728)

 

Q: The book of Exodus records detailed regulations concerning the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. However, in modern times, we no longer worship in spaces built according to these specifications. Why, then, does the Bible provide such specific instructions? What is the significance and purpose of these regulations?

 

A: God's command to Moses to build the Tabernacle and the detailed regulations recorded in Exodus are not merely about constructing a place of worship; they carry profound theological significance. While the regulations concerning the Tabernacle and Temple do not directly apply to modern churches, they remain important because they symbolize God’s presence, establish the order of worship, foreshadow Jesus Christ, and serve as the spiritual center of the faith community.

 

The Significance of the Tabernacle and Temple Regulations in Exodus

1. God’s Presence and Holiness

The Tabernacle and Temple symbolized God's presence among the Israelites. As the Israelites traveled through the wilderness, they needed a designated place to worship God. The Tabernacle (a portable sanctuary) was designed to represent God's dwelling among His people.

In Scripture, God is spirit (John 4:24) and is not confined to any physical space. However, the Tabernacle was given as a tangible representation of His presence. At its very center was the Holy of Holies, which housed the Ark of the Covenant—a crucial symbol of God's presence.

This was not merely about worshiping God in a specific location but about demonstrating His holiness and the relationship between God and His people. Approaching God was not to be taken lightly; strict regulations ensured that worship was conducted with reverence and careful preparation.

 

2. Order and Standards in Worship

The detailed regulations in Exodus served to maintain the order of worship and ensure the Israelites approached God in the correct manner.

God provided specific instructions not only for the structure of the Tabernacle but also for its furnishings (such as the golden lampstand, the table of showbread, and the altar of burnt offering), types of sacrifices (burnt offerings, grain offerings, sin offerings, etc.), and even the garments and duties of the priests. These regulations emphasized that worship was not arbitrary but must be conducted according to God’s standards.

At times, the Israelites were tempted by idolatry, and these rules helped them remain devoted to the one true God. Even today, this principle teaches that worship should align with God's will rather than human preferences.

 

3. The Tabernacle as a Foreshadowing of Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, the Tabernacle and Temple are understood as foreshadowing Jesus Christ. Many elements of the Old Testament worship system point to Christ and His redemptive work (Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 10:1).

• The Holy of Holies and Christ’s Sacrifice
  The Holy of Holies was where God’s presence dwelled, and only the high priest could enter once a year on the Day of Atonement. When Jesus died on the cross, the Temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), signifying that access to God was now available to all through Christ (Hebrews 9:11-12).
• The Priesthood and Jesus as the High Priest
  In the Old Testament, priests acted as mediators between God and the people. In the New Testament, Jesus became the ultimate High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:10), eliminating the need for human priests as intermediaries.
• The Temple and Jesus’ Body
  Jesus referred to Himself as the true Temple: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:19), indicating that His body was the fulfillment of the Temple. Through Him, believers now have direct access to God.

These connections show that the Tabernacle and Temple regulations were not merely about physical structures but pointed to God’s greater plan for salvation through Christ.

 

4. Worship and the Spiritual Center of the Community

For the Israelites, the Tabernacle and later the Temple were not just places of worship but the heart of their community.

The Tabernacle was always positioned at the center of the Israelite camp, symbolizing God’s presence in their midst. It was not only a place for sacrifices but also where the law was read and God’s teachings were imparted.

Similarly, the modern church functions as a spiritual center where believers gather for worship, teaching, and fellowship. The New Testament describes the church as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), and each believer is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). While the physical Tabernacle and Temple are no longer needed, their role as the focal point of faith continues in the church and in individual believers.

 

5. Application to Modern Faith – The Concept of the Temple in a Believer’s Life

While we no longer follow the specific Tabernacle regulations, their spiritual principles still apply today.

• Living in God’s Presence
  The Tabernacle symbolized God’s presence among His people, and in the New Testament, believers are taught that the Holy Spirit dwells within them (1 Corinthians 3:16). This means that Christians should live with the awareness of God's presence daily.
• A Call to Holiness
  The detailed regulations of the Tabernacle emphasized God's holiness. Likewise, believers are called to live holy lives before God (1 Peter 1:15-16).
• The Importance of Worship
  The Tabernacle and Temple were central to Israelite worship. Today, worship—both communal and personal—remains at the heart of Christian faith. Worship is not just about attending church services but about living a life dedicated to God.

Conclusion

The regulations concerning the Tabernacle and Temple in Exodus are not merely ancient construction guidelines but reveal God's desire for a relationship with His people, the significance of worship, and the foreshadowing of salvation through Jesus Christ. Modern believers can learn from these principles by seeking God's presence, living in holiness, and making worship a central part of their lives.