Lesson Twelve
Sinai and the Tabernacle
Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am HaShem; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. I will take you as My people, and I will be your G-d. Then you shall know that I am HaShem your G-d who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am HaShem.'"
Exodus 6:6-8
Introduction
- Last week we looked at an overview of the ‘High Priest passages’ of Hebrews. In an effort to put them all together and organize the thought, we discovered notable quotes.
- Since these passages are spread out over 8 chapters, it is easy to take the quotes, and forget the context and the length of these passages. A complex argument is being made, that is not evident when one only focuses on the ‘sound bytes’.
- Of particular interest, we saw that the Priesthood of Yeshua was not presented in opposition to the priesthood of Aaron, but of a different origin, and of a different venue.
- This week we spent time on more background material for the ‘High Priest’ role, and the Tabernacle system.
The Need and the Purpose of the Tabernacle
- Ex 25:8-9: The Tabernacle’s singular purpose – so that the Almighty could dwell among us.
- Gen 3:21-24: How does the Tabernacle compare to the Garden of Eden?
- Ex 40:34: The Tabernacle worked.
- Ex 40:35: The Tabernacle’s purpose could not be ultimately realized by its presence alone. HaShem was there, but man could not approach Him.
Sinai and the Tabernacle
- Ex 19:18: Sinai was the place of meeting, before the Tabernacle.
- Ex 19:2-5: G-d brought Israel to Him, to His place. They did not come to be redeemed – they were there as redeemed people.
- Ex 19:6: Their relationship to Him was to be His special possession, and a Kingdom of Priests.
- Ex 19:6-9: The people agreed to HaShem’s words.
- Ex 19:10-13: The protocols for G-d to dwell among them (on Sinai) was set. The people must be prepared and ‘clean’ to meet Him.
- Ex 19:14-20: The people were ready and HaShem came down upon the mountain.
- Ex 19:21-24: Regardless of the people (and priests) redemption, covenant agreement, and consecration… G-d was still dangerous to them.
- Like Sinai, the Tabernacle had protocols. It had every increasing levels of sanctity. It too was a dangerous place.
Salvation: Temporal and/or Eternal?
- yasha: to save. The root of Yeshua’s own name.
- Ex 2:17: It is first used to show an action on behalf of someone, thus establishing a relationship. Moses and Zipporah (and sisters).
- Ex 14:30: Second usage, G-d acts on behalf of Israel – establishing a relationship with them.
- Num 10:9; Deut 24:4: Saved from enemies.
- Saved by, saved from, saved for, continue to be saved. These first usages are temporal in nature.
- yeshuah: salvation. The noun variation of Yeshua’s name.
- Gen 49:18: First usage is prophetic. It points to the national salvation of Israel, both temporally, and eternally.
- Ex 14:13: Temporal salvation – by G-d, from Pharaoh, for G-d’s glory…
- Ps 3:2; 8: Temporal and Eternal.
- Ex 3:18; 6:6-8: Saved by G-d, for a relationship. Temporal, with hints at the eternal.
Summary
- Because Israel had been saved by G-d, in order to have a relationship with Him, in service to Him – G-d brought them to Sinai to meet with Him.
- G-d desired a nation that would relate to Him, that He could dwell among them.
- The problem is, that nation could not approach Him, a holy G-d, without certain protocols. Those protocols were in place this reason: in order that they could meet with Him, their Savior, without being physically harmed (because the holy G-d is physically dangerous to those not physically sanctified).