What, for us, is the point of the old covenant, the law given to Moses for God's people? Certainly it could not save or change people's hearts, only Jesus could do that. But it did provide multiple pictures of what Jesus would do through His incarnation and atoning sacrifice. Even though the writer did not want to elaborate on the symbolism contained in the tabernacle, just mentioning it gives an opportunity to understand the work of Jesus better. It was the place where people met with God, His earthly dwelling place: when we receive Jesus, God lives within us (Ephesians 3:17). It was situated in the middle of the camp: Christ is the centre of God's salvation plan (Revelation 5:6).

The tabernacle is described in Exodus 39:1-40:33. It was surrounded by a courtyard (150 by 75 feet), curtained by white linen cloths, where sacrifices were made by the priests. The tabernacle courtyard had only one entrance: Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6). The main tent was made of wood overlaid by gold, reminding us of the humanity and deity of Christ, and then covered by four layers of heavy cloth: fine linen symbolising the purity of Christ our High Priest (Leviticus 16:32); goat's skin reminding us that He was the scapegoat (Leviticus 16:10); rams' skins dyed red, symbolising that Jesus was the sacrificial lamb of God who took away the sins of the world (John 1:29); and the outside layer was of brown animal skins with no beauty, as Christ appeared to His accusers (Isaiah 53:2).

Inside, the tent was in two parts. The outer part had a seven branched lampstand to provide light: Jesus is the perfect Light of the world (John 8:12). The table of bread was consecrated to God as food for the priests: Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35), broken for the life of the world (John 6:51). In the inner part, the incense altar reminds us that Jesus is always making intercession for us (Hebrews 7:25). The arc or box containing the stone tablets, inscribed with the commandments, speak of the curse of the law because we fail to keep it - and that Christ became a curse for us (Galatians 3:13). The cover of the box was the mercy seat (atonement cover), over-arched by carved cherubim. On the day of atonement, the high priest would sprinkle blood on the mercy seat and God would be merciful to His people for another year: through Christ we have received full and lasting mercy (Romans 3:25).

This is only a small sample of the pictures incorporated in the old covenant: but they all point towards Jesus who perfectly fulfils the law (Luke 24:44). Please take time to examine the significance of the old covenant tabernacle, so that you can get to know the meaning of the new covenant, and Jesus, better – so you can worship and serve Him better.