Is The Tabernacle A Reflection Of The Created Order?
The Tabernacle: A Reflection of the Created Order?
The Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament, was the portable sanctuary constructed by the Israelites under God's command during their journey through the wilderness. It served as the dwelling place of God among His people and the center of worship and sacrifice. Many Bible scholars have noted striking parallels between the design of the Tabernacle and the biblical account of creation. In this study, we will explore whether the Tabernacle can be seen as a reflection of the created order, and what theological truths this reveals.
The Tabernacle’s Divine Blueprint
God’s instructions for building the Tabernacle were detailed and precise, emphasizing its significance. The pattern was given directly by God to Moses:
And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show thee, the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the furniture thereof, even so shall ye make it. - Exodus 25:8-9 ASV
This shows that the Tabernacle was not a human invention but a divinely ordained structure with a spiritual purpose, designed to reflect heavenly realities (Hebrews 8:5 ASV).
Creation and Tabernacle: Key Parallels
Many have noted that the construction of the Tabernacle echoes the order and structure of creation in Genesis 1–2. Here are some of the most significant parallels:
- Sevenfold Pattern: In Genesis, creation unfolds in seven days. The instructions for building the Tabernacle are given in seven divine speeches, each beginning with “And the Lord spoke to Moses” (Exodus 25–31 ASV). The culmination of both narratives is the Sabbath rest (Genesis 2:2–3 ASV; Exodus 31:12–17 ASV).
- God’s Presence: In creation, God dwells with humanity in the Garden of Eden. In the Tabernacle, God’s presence dwells with Israel in the Most Holy Place (Exodus 40:34 ASV).
- Edenic Imagery: The Tabernacle’s furnishings and decorations—such as the lampstand shaped like a tree (Exodus 25:31–40 ASV) and the cherubim on the veil and ark (Exodus 26:31 ASV)—recall the Garden of Eden and the cherubim who guarded it (Genesis 3:24 ASV).
- Threefold Structure: The Tabernacle was divided into three spaces: the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place. This mirrors the threefold structure of creation: heavens, earth, and sea (Genesis 1:1 ASV; Exodus 25:8 ASV).
Theological Significance
These parallels are not coincidental. Scripture presents the Tabernacle as a microcosm of creation—a sacred space where God’s order, presence, and worship are restored amid a fallen world. The Tabernacle points to the ultimate reconciliation of God and humanity, which finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
The New Testament declares that Jesus is the true Tabernacle through whom we meet God:
And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory...). - John 1:14 ASV
The Greek word translated “dwelt” literally means “tabernacled.” Jesus fulfills the Tabernacle’s purpose, being God’s presence among us and granting access to God through His sacrifice (Hebrews 9:11–12 ASV).
Implications for Believers
Understanding the Tabernacle as a reflection of the created order teaches us about God’s desire to dwell with His people and to restore creation. Through Christ, believers become the new temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19 ASV), and await the new creation where God’s presence will fill all in all (Revelation 21:3 ASV).
Thus, the Tabernacle is not only a reflection of the created order but a foreshadowing of God’s plan to redeem and restore His creation through Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
The Tabernacle serves as a rich symbol of God’s creative and redemptive work. Its structure and purpose reflect the order of creation and point forward to the new creation in Christ. As we study the Tabernacle, we are reminded of God’s holiness, His desire to dwell with us, and the centrality of Christ in God’s redemptive plan.