INTRODUCTION TO PARENTS

This booklet is based on the materials presented in Tabernacle Shadows of the

“Better Sacrifices” by Charles Taze Russell. It was prepared as an introduction
workbook of this subject for children from the ages of eight years of age and up.
However, the materials may be suitable as a guide to introduce the tabernacle
arrangement for any age.

The workbook can be used by an individual child as a self-paced study with

parental supervision or as a classroom study. It is suggested that study leaders read
Tabernacle Shadows in order to provide guidance necessary to their students.

The New American Standard Bible is the translation used throughout this
workbook. This version of the Scriptures was chosen for its ease of reading and for
its rendering of the Holy Word. In a few renderings, another reference is indicated.
Bro. Russell consistently used the King James Version, which corresponds to the
wording used in Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance. In a study, it is advisable to
have the KJV available for comparison and for use in researching words in the
concordance.

The materials were kept at a very basic level in order to permit younger children to
gain an understanding of the tabernacle picture. Parents are encouraged to adapt
the information to each child. The concepts of the workbook can be reused and
expanded upon to accommodate the young people as they grow.

The following activities are included in the workbook:

1. Read and answer questions.
2. Read associated Old Testament scriptures.
3. Read associated New Testament scriptures referring to the antitype.
4. Read associated C. T. Russell’s comments.
5. Color items discussed.
6. Matching and Word Search activities.

The workbook will consist of five sections:

1. An overview of the tabernacle 4. Glossary
2. Articles in the Tabernacle 5. Text references
3. People in the Tabernacle
arrangement

This workbook is sponsored by the Associated Bible Students of Central Ohio and the
Northwest Indiana Bible Students. This booklet is available from the Associated Bible
Students of Central Ohio, P.O. Box 813, Westerville, OH 43086-0813 or at
[email protected].

INTRODUCTION Page No. 4

 OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE
WHEN THE ISRAELITES LEFT Egypt, they were ready to begin their life as a free nation. At
Mount Sinai, God gave laws to Moses by whom the Israelites were to live and worship. He
also gave specific instructions for building a place of worship – the tabernacle in the
wilderness. It was to picture God’s house on earth among his people. In some Bible
translations, the tabernacle is called the tent of meeting.

The tabernacle was a special tent placed in the middle of the Israelites’ camp. The people of
Israel were commanded to bring certain offerings for the building of the tabernacle; fine
linen, animal skins, gold, silver, copper and precious stones. The exterior of the tabernacle
was set apart from the camp by a fence. Within this fence’s walls were an altar, a laver and
the tabernacle. Upon completion, the interior of the tabernacle was very beautiful.

God gave Moses directions for building the tabernacle and wanted him to follow every detail
completely. Why? The tabernacle was to represent the church and the manner in which the
world would be blessed.

THE PLAN OF THE TABERNACLE

THE COURTYARD:
The tabernacle was placed in a courtyard that measured 150 feet by 75 feet. It was
surrounded by a white cloth curtain made of linen hung on wooden posts. These posts were
held up by copper foundations called sockets. Copper in the tabernacle picture is a symbol of
the perfect human nature. The linen curtain was held up by silver hooks at the top of the
wood posts. Silver is a general symbol of truth. The gate was embroidered, or sewn with a
beautiful design in scarlet, blue and purple. See Exodus 27:9-18.

THE ALTAR OF BURNT SACRIFICES also called THE BRAZEN ALTAR:

A large altar, made of wood which was covered by copper, stood in the courtyard. The altar
stood 4 ½ feet tall and was 7 ½ feet square. It was between the gate by which the court was
entered and the tabernacle. Here many animal sacrifices were offered.

THE LAVER:
The laver, a large bowl made of polished copper, was placed between the altar of burnt
sacrifices and the tabernacle. The priests washed their hands and feet with the water which
was in the laver before entering the Holy of the tabernacle. No measurement for the laver are
recorded in the Scriptures.

THE TABERNACLE:
The tabernacle was located near the center of the court. It faced east and was 15 feet from
the west end of the curtained fence. The tent itself was 45 feet long and 15 feet wide and 15
feet tall. The walls were made of boards covered with gold. Four coverings hid what was
inside the interior: the first was linen embroidered in scarlet (red), blue and purple; the
second was of goat hair; the third of ram skin which was dyed red; the fourth, the outer-most
covering, was of seal skin. Gold covered the five pillars or posts which formed the entrance.

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 5

A beautiful linen curtain (a veil), embroidered with scarlet, blue and purple, hung from these
pillars. The tabernacle was divided into two rooms, the Holy and the Most Holy.

INSIDE THE HOLY

The only entrance to the tabernacle was through the Court. A cloth curtain called the first
veil hid the posts and all the beauty within the tabernacle from view. All of the posts used in
the tabernacle were made of wood covered with gold. Gold is a symbol of things divine.
The five post at the entrance were set into copper sockets. The hooks from which the first
veil was hung were of gold. This first room measured 30 feet long by 15 feet wide. See
Exodus 26:15-33.

THE TABLE OF SHEWBREAD also called THE BREAD OF THE PRESENCE:

This wooden table, overlaid with gold, was 3 feet long, 1 ½ feet wide and 27 inches tall.
Each Sabbath day the priest placed twelve loaves of unleavened bread on the table, removing
the twelve loaves of unleavened bread, which had been placed upon this table the previous
Sabbath. After the bread was re-moved from the table, the priests ate it.

THE CANDLESTICK also called THE GOLDEN LAMPSTAND:

The golden candlestick, also called the golden lampstand, had seven branches, each of which
held a golden lamp filled with olive oil. This provided light in the Holy. No measurement is
recorded in the Scriptures for the golden candlestick.

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE also called THE GOLDEN ALTAR:

The altar was made of wood and covered with gold. It was 3 feet tall and 1 ½ feet square.
Here sweet-smelling incense was burned. The smoke ascended to God like the prayers of
His people.
INSIDE THE MOST HOLY

The Most Holy was a room of 15 feet square by 15 feet tall – a perfect cube. It was a symbol
of heaven, the place of God’s presence. A second veil hid the wood posts covered with gold.

THE LINEN VEIL:

A beautifully embroidered linen veil separated the Holy from the Most Holy. It was hung
from four golden pillars or posts.

THE ARK OF THE COVENANT:

This wooden chest, covered with gold, was the only furniture in the Most Holy. It was 45
inches long, 27 inches both in width and height. The top of the ark, a solid piece of gold, was
called the mercy seat. Two cherubim or angels formed of the same piece of gold, faced each
other; that is, they faced toward the center of the mercy seat. Inside the ark were three items:
two tablets containing the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s rod that budded and the golden
bowl of manna.

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 6

 OVERVIEW
TABERNACLE AND COURT

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 7

 OVERVIEW
TABERNACLE AND COURT

NEXT TO EACH NUMBER IDENTIFY THE ARTICLE.

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 8

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 9
 COLORS OF THE TABERNACLE

IN THE BIBLE, THESE colors and metals have symbolic meaning.

White pictures Christ’s righteousness, purity, light and truth. See Revelation 19:8;
Isaiah 1:18.
Blue represents faithfulness. Psalms 89:2; Number 15:37- 40.
Scarlet pictures the ransom sacrifice of Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:31.
Purple combines the colors scarlet and blue. It pictures royalty. Revelation 2:10; Mark 15:
17-18; Judges 8:26.

NOTE: Blue, scarlet and purple are the three colors most frequently used in the fabrics of the tabernacle.

METALS OF THE TABERNACLE

Gold is the most precious metal. It pictures the divine nature which God possesses.
Silver pictures truth. Psalms 12:6; Proverbs 2:3-5; Exodus 27:11.
Copper represents perfect human nature. Why do some Bible translations read bronze or
brass instead of copper? Look in the Glossary for “copper.”

COLOR THE BOXES WITH THE APPROPRIATE COLOR.

GOLD PURPLE

DIVINE NATURE ROYALTY

SILVER WHITE

TRUTH CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS

COPPER BLUE

PERFECT HUMAN NATURE FAITHFULNESS

SCARLET

CHRIST’S RANSOM

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 10

 DRAW A LINE TO MATCH THE COLORS
WITH THE THINGS THAT EACH REPRESENTS.

RANSOM TRUTH

BLUE ROYALTY

WHITE PERFECT HUMAN

NATURE

PURPLE PURE

GOLD FAITHFULNESS

SILVER SCARLET

COPPER DIVINE NATURE

Where is copper used in the tabernacle arrangement?________________

Who has the divine nature?____________________________________

Give a scripture that refers to the ransom.

__________________________________________________________

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 11

 NAME THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TABERNACLE.

Name the items found in the court.

1.______________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________

3.______________________________________________________________

Name the furniture which is in the Holy.

1.______________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________

3.______________________________________________________________

Name the items kept in the Most Holy.

1.______________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________

3.______________________________________________________________

4.______________________________________________________________

Who received instructions from God to build the tabernacle? ________________

From what land did the Israelites flee?__________________________________

What did the tabernacle represent? ____________________________________

________________________________________________________________

Challenge question #1! What appeared above the tabernacle by day? By night? To find the

answer, see Exodus 40: 38. ______________________________________________

Challenge question #2! In the next chapter, the word omer is used. What is an omer? (Hint:

You may have to look in a Bible dictionary.) _________________________________

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 12

 TABERNACLE WORD SCRAMBLE

Using the clues on the right, unscramble the words on the left.

TIHEW __ (__) __ __ (__) Purity, Truth

LEPRUP __ __ (__) __ (__) __ Royalty

SARNOM __ (__) (__)(__) __ __ Scarlet

ROPCEP __ (__) __ __ __ __ Perfect Human Nature

VINEDI __ __ __ (__) __ __ Gold

EGTA (__) __ __ __ Entrance to the Court

KAR __ __ (__) Christ and His Church

HYLOSTOM __ __ __ __ (__) __ __ (__) Divine Nature

Find the two words to fill the blanks below.

Use the letters within the parentheses ( ) above and
unscramble the letters with the help of this clue;

The light of Jehovah in the Most Holy.

(The answer is in Tabernacle Shadows, page 124 and in the chapter, “Articles of the Tabernacle,” page 6.)

T H E __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 13

OVERVIEW OF THE TABERNACLE Page 14
ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE
THE BRAZEN ALTAR
Read Exodus 27:1-8

The BRAZEN ALTAR was made of

wood covered with copper. It was
placed in the court. This altar is also
called the ALTAR OF BURNT
OFFERINGS. The priest offered up
sacrifices to God upon this altar. The
BRAZEN ALTAR represents Christ’s
ransom sacrifice. Tabernacle Shadows,
pages 22 and 42.

On the top of the BRAZEN ALTAR, at

each of its corners, are horns. These are
a symbol of power. Tabernacle
COLOR COPPER Shadows, page 42. Psalms 148:14;
89:17; 75:10.

Exodus 29:37 – “The altar shall be most for your souls; for it is the blood by
holy, and whatever touches the altar reason of the life that makes atonement.”
shall be holy.”
Isaiah 56:6, 7 – “Also the foreigners who
Exodus 29:12 – “You shall take some of join themselves to the LORD, to
the blood of the bull and put it on the minister to Him, and to love the name of
horns of the altar with your finger; and the LORD, to be His servants, every one
you shall pour out all the blood at the who keeps from profaning the sabbath
base of the altar.” Why is this and holds fast My covenant; even those I
important? The answer is in the will bring to My holy mountain and
following scripture. make them joyful in My house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices
Leviticus 17:11 – “For the life of the will be acceptable on My altar; for My
flesh is in the blood, and I have given it house will be called a house of prayer
to you on the altar to make atonement for all the peoples.”

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 15

 THE LAVER
Read Exodus 30: 18-21 and Exodus 38:8

A very special quality of copper was

used to make the LAVER. It was highly
polished to reflect as a mirror.

In the courtyard, the LAVER was placed

between the tabernacle and the brazen
altar.

The LAVER held water with which the

priests washed. The LAVER serves to
hold the water, which represents the
COLOR LAVER COPPER Word of God, His Truth.
COLOR WATER BLUE
Tabernacle Shadows, page 15.

or any such thing; but that she would be

Psalms 51:2 – “Wash me thoroughly holy and blameless.”
from my iniquity and cleanse me from
my sin!” Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not on the
basis of deeds which we have done in
Acts 22:16 – “Now why do you delay? righteousness, but according to His
Get up and be baptized, and wash away mercy, by the washing of regeneration
your sins, calling on His name.” and renewing by the Holy Spirit.”

Ephesians 5:26, 27 – “So that He might 2 Timothy 2:15 – “Be diligent to present
sanctify her, having cleansed her by the yourself approved to God as a workman
washing of water with the word, that He who does not need to be ashamed,
might present to Himself the church in accurately handling the word of truth.”
all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle

Name two qualities about the laver that were special.

1. _____________________________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________________________

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 16

 TABLE OF SHEWBREAD
Read Exodus 25:23-29

Placed on top of the table were two

stacks of bread. Six pieces of bread
were in each stack. This bread was
called SHEWBREAD or the BREAD
OF THE PRESENCE. Pure
frankincense was placed on top of each
COLOR GOLD stack.

The golden table and the bread represent

The TABLE OF SHEWBREAD was the whole church, which holds forth the
in the Holy. It was a table made of word of life to the world of mankind.
wood which was covered with gold. Tabernacle Shadows, page 115.

Philippians 2:16 – “Holding fast the who are many are one body; for we all
word of life, so that in the day of Christ I partake of the one bread.”
will have reason to glory because I did
not run in vain nor toil in vain.” The Table
Reprint 4782:2 – “Their [Israel’s] ‘table’
1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “This is the will of signifies their food; and the table or food
God, your sanctification [setting apart].” spread before fleshly Israel, God’s
fleshly children, consisted of those
Scriptures about the Bread special favors and promises of God to
Leviticus 24:7 – “You shall put pure them as his Chosen People.” Psalms 23:
frankincense on each row that it may be 5 – “You prepare a table before me in
a memorial portion for the bread, even the presence of my enemies.”
an offering by fire to the LORD.”
Reprint 4782:8 – “Only those who have
John 6:35 – “Jesus said to them, ‘I am at least some hunger and thirst after
the bread of Life.’ ” righteousness [truth] are at all welcomed
at this ‘table’; it is the children’s table
1 Corinthians 10:16,17 – “Is not the cup and others than God’s true children may
of blessing which we bless a sharing in gather and eat only the crumbs that fall
the blood of Christ? Is not the bread from it.” Matthew 5:6 – “Blessed are
which we break a sharing in the body of those who hunger and thirst for
Christ? Since there is one bread, we righteousness, for they shall be
satisfied.”

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 17

 GOLDEN CANDLESTICK
Read Exodus 25:31-37

Made of one piece of pure gold, it was

beaten or hammered into shape. Cre-
ating the candlestick was challenging for
the craftsman; as his hard work pro-
gressed, the beauty of this lampstand
became evident.

Great skill was required to form the

seven branches of the candlestick; upon
each branch alternated a fruit and a
flower. At the end of each branch was a
COLOR GOLD lamp. It was the only light in the Holy.
The high priest trimmed the lamps and
The GOLDEN CANDLESTICK, also supplied the oil for the GOLDEN
called the GOLDEN LAMPSTAND in CANDLESTICK. Tabernacle Shadows,
some Bible translations, was in the Holy. pages 16:2 and 115:3.

Scriptures about the Light And having turned I saw seven golden
Isaiah 2:5 – “Come, house of Jacob, and lampstands… And the seven lampstands
let us walk in the light of the LORD.” are the seven churches.” (Ephesus,
Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis,
Matthew 5:14,16 – “You are the light of Philadelphia, Laodicea)
the world. A city set on a hill cannot be
hidden. Let your light shine before men Reprint 1491:1,2 – “As a whole, the
in such a way that they may see your lampstand represents all the true saints
good works, and glorify your Father who or light-bearers in all the various phases
is in heaven.” of the nominal church development.
The oil represents the holy spirit which,
Philippians 2:15 – “So that you will burning in the true believers, causes the
prove yourselves to be blameless and illumination of the sanctified in Christ
innocent, children of God, above Jesus.”
reproach in the midst of a crooked and The Beaten Work
perverse generation, among whom you James 1:12 – “Blessed is a man who
appear as lights in the world.” perseveres under trial.”
Numbers 8:4 – “Now this was the work-
Ephesians 5:8 – “For you were formerly manship of the lampstand, hammered
darkness, but now you are light in the work of gold; from its base to its
Lord; walk as children of light.” flowers, it was hammered work;
according to the pattern which the
The Lampstand LORD had showed Moses, so he made
Revelation 1:12,20 – “Then I turned to the lampstand.” “Gold represents divine
see the voice that was speaking with me. nature.” Tabernacle Shadows, page 18.

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 18

 INCENSE ALTAR
Read Exodus 30:1-9, 34-38

NEAR the cloth covering, the veil

which separated the Holy from the Most
Holy, stood a small wooden altar
covered with gold called the GOLDEN
ALTAR or the INCENSE ALTAR.

The only fire burned upon the incense

alter was the coals taken from the brazen
altar, which the priests carried in
censers. The embers or burning coals
were placed on the INCENSE ALTAR.
The priest crumbled incense over the hot
coals, and the hot embers produced a
fragrant smoke or perfume. This cloud
filled the Holy, passed through the veil,
and went into the Most Holy.
Tabernacle Shadows, page 17:1

The fragrant smoke of the incense

burning upon the GOLDEN ALTAR
INCENSE ALTAR OR represents the willing services of the
GOLDEN ALTAR priests, their willing obedience and their
COLOR GOLD praises – all to the glory of God. Colos-
sians 3:17; Hebrews 13:15. Tabernacle
Shadows, pages 17:1, 120:1 and the
footnote on page 22.

Scriptures about Offering Incense Scriptures about Incense Prayers

1 Peter 2:5 – “You also, as living stones, Revelation 8:3 – “Another angel came
are being built up as a spiritual house for and stood at the altar, holding a golden
a holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices censer; and much incense was given to
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” him, so that he might add it to the
2 Corinthians 2:14,15 –“But thanks be to prayers of all the saints on the golden
God, who always leads us in triumph in altar which was before the throne.”
Christ, and manifests through us the
sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in Psalms 141:2 – “May my prayer be
every place. For we are a fragrance of counted as incense before You.”
Christ to God among those who are
being saved and among those who are John 11:42; 15:7 – “I knew that You
perishing.” always hear me, but because of the
people standing around I said it, so that

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 19

they may believe that You sent me.” 1 John 3:22 – “And whatever we ask we
“If you abide in me, and my words abide receive from Him, because we keep His
in you, ask whatever you wish, and it commandments and do the things that
will be done for you.” are pleasing in His sight.”

ARK OF THE TESTIMONY

Read Exodus 25:10-22

SEAT or the PROPITIATORY. At

either end of the cover were two cherubs
of gold – beaten work which required
the ability and dedication of a craftsman.

A light, called the SHEKINAH GLORY,

appeared from between the cherubim on
the Mercy Seat, showing the divine
presence. There was no other light in
the Most Holy.

COLOR GOLD
The Mercy Seat represents the attribute
of justice in God’s character. God’s
throne is established upon justice.
Only the ARK of the TESTIMONY Tabernacle Shadows, pages 17:2, 124:2
was in the Most Holy. It was a rectan- and 123:3, 4.
gular box made of wood, covered with
gold. Within the ARK were the golden The Ark of the Covenant illustrates the
pot of manna, Aaron’s rod that budded entire plan of God, his eternal purpose
and the two tables of the law. through the Christ, Head and Body.
Tabernacle Shadows, page 121:1.
The cover was made of one piece of
pure gold. It was called the MERCY

Hebrews 9:2-5 (Emphatic Diaglott) Aaron which blossomed, and the tablets
“For a Tabernacle was prepared, the of the covenant; and above it were the
first, in which were both the lampstand cherubs of glory overshadowing the
and the table, and the loaves of the mercy seat.”
presence, and the golden altar of
incense; this is named the Holy Place. Ephesians 1:9,10 — “He made known to
And behind the second veil, that us the mystery of His will, according to
TABERNACLE which is named ‘the His kind intention which He purposed in
Holy of the Holies;’ having the ark of him with a view to an administration
the covenant, covered on all sides with suitable to the fullness of the times, that
gold, in which was a golden vase is, the summing up of all things in
containing the manna, and the rod of

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 20

Christ, things in the heavens and things whom God has set forth to be a Mercy
on the earth.” Seat, by his own blood, through the
faith; for an exhibition of his
Psalms 80:1 – “Oh, give ear, Shepherd righteousness in passing by the sins
of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a formerly committed, during the
flock; You who are enthroned above the forbearance of God.”
cherubim, shine forth!”
Deuteronomy 32:4 – “The Rock! His
2 Samuel 6:2 – “And David arose and work is perfect, for all His ways are just;
went with all the people who were with a God of faithfulness and without
him to Baale-judah, to bring up from injustice, righteous and upright is He.”
there the ark of God which is called by
the Name, the very name of the LORD Revelation 15:3 – “And they sang the
of hosts who is enthroned above the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God,
cherubim.” and the song of the Lamb, saying, ‘Great
and marvelous are Your works, O Lord
Romans 3:24,25 (Diaglott) – “Being God, the Almighty; righteous and true
justified freely by His favor, through that are Your ways, King of the nations!’ ”
redemption which is by Christ Jesus;

GOLDEN POT OF MANNA

Read Exodus 16:12-17, 31-34
An omer of MANNA was kept in the
ARK in a golden pot to remind future
generations that God provided this bread
from heaven to sustain the Israelites in
the wilderness. This was God’s
commandment. (Exodus 16:33)

Jesus’ lessons taught about God’s plan to

save the world from sin and death. Jesus
was the living bread which came down
from heaven, according to God’s will.
(John 6:51) He provided the way, the
COLOR GOLD
truth and the light by which we may
God arranged that MANNA should come unto the Father. (John 14:6)
appear with the morning dew. Before it Manna represented the living bread,
could be used, the MANNA was ground supplied to the world by God through
or beaten, then it was boiled or baked. Christ, upon whom we depend daily. As
(Numbers 11:7-9) It sustained the life of the Israelites gathered daily supplies of
the nation of Israel while the people MANNA, it will be necessary for the
were in the wilderness. Tabernacle world to seek supplies of life and grace
Shadows, page 122:3 - 123:1 daily that they may live everlastingly.

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 21

To those who join themselves to Christ The “hidden manna” represents
Jesus, who overcome as Jesus did, God incorruptibility and immortality.
offers the “hidden manna” that they may (Revelation 2:17 and Volume 6, page 63
be like God and his only begotten son – and Volume 5, page 389)
immortal, in a death-proof condition.

Jesus, the Living Bread 1 Timothy 1:17 – “Now to the King of

Matthew 26:26 – “While they were the Ages, the incorruptible, the invisible,
eating, Jesus took some bread, and after the only God, be honor and glory for the
a blessing, he broke it and gave it to the ages of the ages. Amen.”
disciples, and said, ‘Take, eat; this is my
body.’ ” 2 Timothy 1:10 – “Our savior, Christ
Jesus, who has indeed rendered death
1 Corinthians 10:16 – “Is it not the bread powerless, and who has illustrated life
which we break a sharing in the body of and incorruptibility by the glad tidings.”
Christ?”
1 Corinthians 15:54 – “And when this
Immortal = Cannot Die corruptible shall be clothed with
Diaglott references follow. incorruptibility, and this mortal shall be
Romans 2:7 – “Aionian [eternal] life, clothed with immortality, then will that
indeed, to those who, by perseverance in word be accomplished which has been
good works are seeking for glory and written, ‘Death was swallowed up in
honor and incorruptibility.” victory!’ ”

John 5:26 – “For as the Father has life in

himself, so he gave also to the son to
have life in himself.”

Why was manna important to the nation of Israel? _______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What does manna represent? ________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 22

 AARON’S ROD THAT BUDDED
Read Numbers 17:3-10; 16:3, 11

give a rod to Moses, and the rod of the

man that God chose to serve as high
priest would bud during the night. Of
the rods which were placed before the
ark of the testimony, only Aaron’s rod
budded. It not only budded but also
brought forth almonds!

The meaning of the budded rod showed

God’s acceptance of Aaron and his sons
– the actual priesthood represented
COLOR BROWN AND GREEN
Christ and the Church. Aaron’s rod that
Some of the Levites argued that Aaron budded showed that the character
should not serve as high priest for the required of all the Body of Christ as
nation of Israel. Through Moses, God members of the Royal Priesthood must
prepared a way to show all of the people be very special. That rod showed the
that He had chosen Aaron: that only acceptableness of the Royal Priesthood –
Aaron could serve as the high priest. the Christ, Head and Body. Tabernacle
God’s choice would be known in the Shadows, page 122:2
following way: each tribe’s leader would

Choosing the Priesthood layman who comes near shall be put to

Numbers 3:2,3,5-7,9,10 – “These then death.’ ”
are the names of the sons of Aaron:
Nadab the first born, and Abihu, Eleazar 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen race,
and Ithamar. These are the names of the a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a
sons of Aaron, the anointed priests, people for God’s own possession, so that
whom he ordained to serve as priests. you may proclaim the excellencies of
Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Him who has called you out of darkness
‘Bring the tribe of Levi near and set into His marvelous light.”
them before Aaron the priest, that they
may serve him. They shall perform the Hebrews 5:4-6 – “And no one takes the
duties for him and for the whole honor to himself, but receives it when he
congregation before the tent of meeting, is called by God, even as Aaron was. So
to do the service of the tabernacle. You also Christ did not glorify himself so as
shall thus give the Levites to Aaron and to become a high priest, but He who said
to his sons; they are wholly given to him to him, ‘You are My son, today I have
from among the sons of Israel. So you begotten you;’ just as He says also in
shall appoint Aaron and his sons that another passage, ‘You are a priest
they may keep their priesthood, but the forever, according to the order of Mel-
chizedec.’ ”

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 23

John 6:44 – “No one can come to me Fruit-bearing
unless the Father who sent me draws John 15:16 – “You did not choose me
him; and I will raise him up on the last but I chose you, and appointed you that
day.” you would go and bear fruit, and that
your fruit would remain, so that
Revelation 1:5,6 – “…And from Jesus whatever you ask of the Father in my
Christ, the faithful witness, the first-born name He may give to you.”
of the dead, and the ruler of kings of the
earth. To him who loves us and Galatians 5:22, 23 – “But the fruit of the
released us from our sins by his blood – spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
and he has made us to be a kingdom, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentle-
priests to his God and Father – to Him ness, self-control; against such there is
be glory and dominion for ever and ever. no law.”
Amen.”

TWO TABLES OF THE LAW

Read Deuteronomy 31:24

The nation of Israel survived the perfect man Christ Jesus. He kept all
plagues that afflicted Egypt, departed commandments of the law.
that land, crossed the Red Sea and
waited the instructions from the Lord at These two tables of the LAW probably
Mt. Sinai. Moses alone went up into the represent the two parts of God’s law: the
mountain to receive GOD’S LAW, one tells of our duty to God and the
WRITTEN UPON TWO TABLES or other tells of our duty to our fellow men.
TABLETS.
Jesus clearly stated these two parts of the
law in Matthew 22:37-40. “You shall
love the Lord your God with all your
heart, and with all your soul and with all
your mind. This is the great and
foremost commandment. The second is
like it [in harmony with the same
principle]. You shall love your neighbor
as yourself. On these two command-
ments depend the whole Law, and the
Prophets.” And these were written, the
first on one table and the second on the
other table. Thus there were two tables.
What Pastor Russell Said, Page 704:1

If God will accept perfect heart-

The LAW required a perfect man to intentions, as instead of the absolute
keep all of its commandments. Its perfection of the flesh, then indeed we
require-ments were satisfied by the

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 24

have hope of attaining to the standard Romans 8:4,5 – “So that the require-
which he marked for us, the standard of ment of the Law might be fulfilled in us,
perfection. Our minds can walk up to who do not walk according to the flesh
the spirit, our intentions can be perfect. but according to the Spirit. For those
Reprint 3060 who are according to the flesh set their
minds on the things of the flesh, but
Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I those who are according to the Spirit,
came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; the things of the Spirit.”
I did not come to abolish but to fulfill.
For truly I say to you, until heaven and Ephesians 4:21-24 – “If indeed you
earth pass away, not the smallest letter or have heard him and have been taught in
stroke shall pass from the Law until all is him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in
accomplished.” reference to your former manner of life,
you lay aside the old self, which is being
Luke 24:44 – “Now he said to them, corrupted in accordance with the lusts of
‘These are my words which I spoke to deceit, and that you be renewed in the
you while I was still with you, that all spirit of your mind, and put on the new
things which are written about me in the self, which in the likeness of God has
Law of Moses and the Prophets and the been created in righteousness and holi-
Psalms must be fulfilled.’ ” ness of the truth.”

Acts 3:18 – “But the things which God 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 – “For though we
announced beforehand by the mouth of walk in the flesh, we do not war
all the prophets, that His Christ would according to the flesh, for the weapons
suffer, he has thus fulfilled.” of our warfare are not of the flesh, but
divinely powerful for the destruction of
2 Corinthians 3:3 – “[It is] manifested fortresses. We are destroying specula-
that you are a letter of Christ, cared for tions and every lofty thing raised up
by us, written not with ink but with the against the knowledge of God, and we
Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of are taking every thought captive to
stone but on tablets of human hearts.” obedience of Christ.”

What did Jesus say was the greatest commandment?______________________________

________________________________________________________________________

What was the second greatest commandment? __________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 25

 TABERNACLE CROSSWORD

Tabernacle --- of the Better Sacrifices

Across: 32 What is the name of the book which C. T. Russell
wrote, which is the source for this workbook?
1 What is another name for the candlestick? Down:
3 When the Israelites left Egypt, they crossed
the ____ ____. 2 The covering of the ark is the ____ ____.
6 What was surrounded by the linen fence? 4 The outer coverings of the tabernacle were
9 What was the name of the first high priest? made from animal ____.
11 From what country did the Israelites flee? 5 The candlestick had ____ branches.
12 What is the color that represents the ransom? 6 The tabernacle was in the center of Israel’s ____.
15 Aaron’s ____ that budded was in the ark of 7 What is the opening to the court called?
the testimony. 8 What was the wooden box covered with gold called?
16 What is located beyond the veil? 10 This perfect man fulfilled the requirements of
20 White represents Christ’s righteousness, light, God’s law.
truth and _____. 13 What color represents the perfect human nature?
22 What is the color that represents faithfulness? 14 What color represents Divine nature?
23 What is the opening to the tabernacle called? 17 What metal represents truth?
26 Upon this, offerings were made. 18 What held the linen curtains up around the court?
27 This food fell from heaven. It is identified in 19 What color represents royalty?
Numbers 11:9. 21 What produced a fragrant smoke in the holy?
28 An article in the court which held water. 22 An animal offered for sacrifice. See Ex. 29:12.
29 The place where the Israelites waited for God’s 24 Scarlet represents the ____.
instructions to them was __ ___. 25 What is another one of the fruits of the spirit?
30 What is one of the fruits of the spirit? 27 Who lead Israel out of Egypt?
31 What is the color that represents purity?

ARTICLES IN THE TABERNACLE Page 26

 PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE
ISRAELITES, LEVITES AND THE PRIESTHOOD

ISRAEL

ISRAEL is a most favored nation under God; Amos 3:2 – “You only have I chosen
among all the families of the earth.” God has made many promises to Israel. One of the
promises is that the nation of Israel will bless all peoples in the kingdom. (Zechariah
8:22-23)

The nation of Israel was established upon Jacob’s death through his twelve sons. (See
Chapter 49 of Genesis.) Following this people’s departure from Egypt, the tabernacle
arrangement was established.

Who were the sons of Jacob?

1. Reuben 5. Zebulun 9. Asher
2. Simeon 6. Issachar 10. Naphtali
3. Levi 7. Dan 11. Joseph
4. Judah 8. Gad 12. Benjamin

As we have observed in the details of the tabernacle, our Heavenly Father is a God of
order. Special attention and instructions were given to Israel as the tabernacle traveled
and as the nation made camp. Each family was directed to pitch their tent in a specific
place. Four areas divided the encampment of the nation of Israel. The sons of Levi
encircled the tabernacle.

Levi had three sons – Gershom, Merari and Kohath. Kohath was the father of Amram;
Amram was the father of Moses and Aaron. See page 2 of this section.

To the west: To the east: To the north: To the south:

GERSHOM AMRAM MERARI KOHATH

Ephraim Judah Dan Gad

Manasseh Issachar Asher Simeon
Benjamin Zebulun Naphtali Reuben

The names of four Israelites are enclosed in the boxes above for a purpose; these are
Levites. At the time Israel received the law, there were 8,580 Levites. Their tents were
placed between the court and the rest of the nation of Israel. The tabernacle of God was
in the center of the entire nation.

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 27

 CAMP ARRANGEMENT OF
THE TWELVE TRIBES

EAST

ISSACHAR JUDAH ZEBULON

Amram of Kohath

NAPHTALI SIMEON

N
O DAN Merarites Kohathites REUBEN
R S
T O
H U
T
H
ASHER GAD
Gershonites

BENJAMIN EPHRAIM MANASSEH

WEST

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 28

 TABERNACLE ERECTED AND
TENTS OF ISRAEL AROUND IT
COLOR THE PICTURE

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 29

 LEVITES all of the tabernacle services. This man
pictured Jesus. The first high priest was
Levi was the third of Jacob’s twelve Aaron.
sons. It was from the Levites, the tribe
which bore his name, that the priests, as 1 Peter 2:5, 9 (Diaglott) – “Be you your-
well as the workers associated with the selves also built up, as living stones, a
tabernacle, came. spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to
offer sacrifices well-pleasing to God
Levi had three sons: Merari, Gershom through Jesus Christ.” (See page 22 of
and Kohath. The families of these three Tabernacle Shadows.) “But you are a
sons were the ones who camped nearest chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy
to the tabernacle. They were leaders and nation, a people for a purpose; that you
teachers of God’s law; they were in may declare the perfection's of Him who
charge of the tabernacle and its services. called you from darkness into His
Each son’s family had a special job to wonderful light.”
do.
Hebrews 3:1 (Diaglott) – “Therefore,
1. The family of the high priest, de- holy Brethren, associates of a heavenly
scendants of Levi’s son Kohath through calling, attentively regard Jesus, the
his son Amram, lived on the east side of apostle and high priest of our
the tabernacle. confession.”
2. Kohath’s family was in charge of
the altar, the candlestick, the table used THE PRIESTHOOD
for the shewbread – all of the furniture in
the Holy and the Most Holy. Their tents As Aaron was first in everything that
were set up on the south side of the happened in the tabernacle, he pictured
tabernacle. Jesus who was first as the “Chief Priest,”
3. Merari’s family lived on the north Leader, Captain and Forerunner. The
side. Their responsibility was to take lesson teaches clearly that none came
care of the boards and posts of the before him.
tabernacle.
4. Gershom’s family lived on the west Hebrews 10:19-22 (Diaglott) – “Having,
side. They were in charge of all the therefore, Brethren, confidence
remaining details. respecting the entrance of the Holies, by
the blood of Jesus. Which way he
The Levites are very important because consecrated for us, through the veil, [that
they picture the household of faith. is, his flesh, recently killed and yet is
They represent all believers in Jesus and living {as spirit};] and having a great
his ransom. priest over the house of God, we should
approach with a true heart...”
At the time that the tabernacle was
established, of all the Levites, only five Colossians 1:18,19 – “He is also head of
were chosen to serve for the typical the body, the church; and he is the
sacrificing. Among these, only one was beginning, the firstborn from the dead,
chosen to serve as the “chief leader;” he so that he himself will come to have first
was the high priest who was in charge of place in everything. For it was the

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 30

Father’s good pleasure for all the rendered death powerless, and who has
fullness to dwell in him.” illustrated life and incorruptibility by the
glad tidings.”
Hebrew 7:26-27 (Diaglott) – “For such a
high priest also was proper for us – holy, The high priest was made special among
harmless, undefiled, separated from the priests by his “garments of glory and
sinners. Having become more exalted beauty." Why did God provide these
than the heavens, - one who has not instructions? Each of these articles of
daily necessity, like the high priest, first, clothing represents a particular detail of
to offer sacrifices for their own sins, then God’s great plan. The other priests, the
for those of the people; for this he did “underpriests,” wore white linen clothes.
once for all, having offered himself.” Why? What can we learn from the spe-
cial positions which these men served?
2 Timothy 1:10 (Diaglott) – “...now In our next chapter we will consider the
manifested through the appearance of priesthood. See Exodus Chapter 28.
our savior Christ Jesus, who has indeed

What son of Jacob had descendants who served God in a special way?_______________

What did this tribe do that was different from the rest of the nation of Israel? _________

_______________________________________________________________________

What were the names of the three sons of Levi whose families lived nearest the walls of

the court?______________________________________________________________

Whose family lived at the eastern wall of the court?______________________________

What was Aaron’s job? ___________________________________________________

Who did he represent? ____________________________________________________

Why do you think that the Lord arranged for the tents of the Levites to be placed around

the court of the tabernacle? _________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 31

 THE PRIESTHOOD
through Moses by God, and to offer
sacrifices daily. Everything had to be
done very carefully. All of the instruc-
tions from God had to be accomplished
thoroughly in every detail.

The role of the high priest also served a

higher purpose. Our Heavenly Father
wanted people to understand that only
one could offer the proper sacrifice, the
acceptable sacrifice, in order to bring
men to a position of reconciliation with
Him. Aaron represented our Lord Jesus
Christ in this capacity. In his writings,
Bro. Russell refers to this kind of symbol
as a type.

Specific clothing was designed for the

high priest. In Exodus 28: 4 (Revised
Standard Version), the items are listed.
HIGH PRIEST
“And these are the garments, a breast-
plate and an ephod, and an upper robe
The NATION of ISRAEL was made
and a broidered coat, a mitre and a
up of twelve tribes. All of the Israelites
girdle.” Even in these articles of
received the promise of land from the
clothing information is provided to
Heavenly Father – except one. That one
people who want to study God’s plan!
was the Levites. This group of people
Our Father uses every method to
was chosen for a special purpose. The
communicate His will to us. Beginning
tabernacle and all its activities were
with the “broidered coat,” let’s consider
placed in their care. See Numbers 1:47-
the dress of the high priest.
54 and 3: 5-10
The following is the order (or steps) in
Of all the Levites, one was given a
which he put on the articles.
particular position among all his
1. The coat and its girdle
relatives. He was especially appointed
2. The upper robe
by God to perform certain duties in
3. The ephod, the curious girdle
service to God. Aaron, the brother
and the breastplate
Moses, was the first Israelite set apart to
4. The mitre attached to the
this honored role of HIGH PRIEST.
linen strip
The high priest was required to observe
the holy days, which were identified

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 32

 THE FIRST STEP THE SECOND STEP

COLOR THE COAT AND GIRDLE WHITE. The upper robe was worn over the linen
coat — blue, representing faithfulness.
Its fringe was made of golden bells and
pomegranates. The bells signified that
when our high priest appears in glory
and beauty, the fruit of sacrificial work
will be known to all. The bells
proclaimed this to the nation of Israel,
and the pomegranates showed that the
faithful performance of the work of
Jesus’ sacrifice had borne rich fruit.

COLOR THE UPPER ROBE BLUE; THE

POMEGRANATES SCARLET AND THE BELLS
GOLD.

The coat was made of white linen which

represents purity. Embroidery is very
beautiful needle work. The embroidery
on the white linen coat showed the
development of that pure character in
works of grace.

The linen girdle was worn around the

waist, like a belt. Remember that white
linen represents purity and, thus, it
represents righteousness. A girdle
restricts or binds. Applying this, the
High Priest, is limited by loyalty or
“being bound” to his master. So the
linen girdle similarly illustrates service,
righteous service to God.
THE THIRD STEP

The ephod was made of cloth that was

specially woven from threads of purple,
blue, scarlet, white and gold. It was

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 33

designed so that half of the ephod hung The breastplate was worn over the front
over the front of the blue upper robe and of the ephod. It is considered separately
the other half over the back of it. These on page 13 of this chapter.
halves were fastened together by two
golden clasps which rested on the
shoulders of the high priest. The ephod
THE FOURTH STEP
was a type of the two great covenants –
the front half represented the one which The mitre, a strip of fine white linen,
God made with Abraham, and the back was worn around the forehead.
half represented the New Covenant. Fastened to the mitre with a blue lacer
Both of these were united and firmly was a golden plate or “crown.” Written
bound to the high priest and clasped on upon the golden plate was “Holiness to
him. the LORD.” This indicated to all that
the high priest is entirely devoted to the
The curious girdle bound the ephod to accomplishment of Jehovah’s purposes.
the high priest. It was a cord made of The golden crown also proclaimed his
the same specially woven material as the royalty: Christ is to be “a priest upon his
ephod. Not only did the curious girdle throne” forever after the order of
represent servitude, but that the one Melchisedec. Hebrews 7:17; Psalms
wearing it was pleasing to God. “The 110:4
Messenger [servant] of the Covenant in
whom you delight.” Malachi 3:1 COMPLETED HIGH PRIEST

COLOR THE EPHOD AND CURIOUS GIRDLE COLOR THE MITRE GOLD.
WITH A PATTERN OF SCARLET, BLUE, COLOR THE LINEN STRIP WHITE.
PURPLE, GOLD AND WHITE.

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 34

 THE UNDERPRIESTS

The sons of Aaron were consecrated as

underpriests. They had duties to
perform in the tabernacle arrangement.
At times they participated in sacrifices
with the high priest.

Specific instructions were provided for

the clothing which the underpriests
wore. “And for Aaron’s sons thou shalt
make coats and thou shalt make for them
girdles and bonnets for them for glory
and beauty. And thou shalt make them
linen breeches.” Exodus 28:40,42
(Revised Standard Version)

The high priest was special in his

garments of glory and beauty. His
unique clothing was representative of
his great responsibilities in the
tabernacle arrangement. The clothing of
the underpriests, was white linen,
which represented righteousness.
They were important to the tabernacle
arrangement as assistants to the high
priest. The high priest wore very similar
garments during the time of sacrificing
[the Day of Atonement] and put on the
glorious garments after making
atonement. See page 37 of Tabernacle
Shadows and Leviticus 16:4.

Challenge question! Why were the Levites chosen to serve in this special position? See

Exodus Chapter 32. ___________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 35

 UNDERPRIEST
COLOR THE CLOTHING OF THE UNDERPRIEST WHITE.

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 36

 HIGH PRIEST
DRAW LINES TO EACH ITEM.

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 37

 HIGH PRIEST

COLOR ITEMS

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 38

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 39
 THE BREASTPLATE

After considering the other articles of the high priest’s clothing, the breastplate of
judgment is one of the most beautiful aspects of his garments.

The breastplate was worn on the front of the ephod. It was hung by a gold chain which
was suspended by gold clasps at the shoulders of the ephod. And, the lower part was
fastened to the ephod by a lacer – through gold rings – so that the fastening was hidden.
The concealed fasteners gave the appearance that the breastplate was part of the ephod.

The Law was beautifully represented in the breastplate. Its fabric was made in the same
manner as the ephod; purple, scarlet, blue, white and gold threads were skillfully woven.
The breastplate had twelve precious jewels, each set in gold, in which were engraved the
names of the twelve tribes. The names of the twelve tribes of Israel were engraved, one
on each gem. The breastplate was bound close to the heart of the high priest, showing
that it was precious to him. This further indicated that he was able to carry the Law as a
covering of his inmost affections and that as a breastplate of righteousness,” it covered
him. “The Law of his God was in his heart.” (Psalm 37:31) That law which condemned
all others was his pleasure to accomplish, “I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea thy
law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8)

The manner in which the breastplate was made is very important in order to understand
the symbols that God used. The fabric was two spans long and one span wide – 18
inches by 9 inches. It was folded in half; the finished size of the breastplate was one span
long by one span wide. The size, a span or length of a mans hand, indicated that the law
of God is the full measure of a perfect man’s ability. There is only one who was able to
keep the law completely, the perfect man Christ Jesus.

The breastplate was hung from gold clasps at the shoulders of the ephod. These gold
clasps held lacework in which were placed a single onyx stone, one upon each shoulder.
Six of the names of the tribes of Israel were written on each of these stones set in the gold
clasps. What purpose did they serve? They were stones of remembrance for the sons of
Israel. The high priest would bear their names before the Lord.

What do these colors represent?

Scarlet ___________________________Blue____________________________

Purple ____________________________White___________________________

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 40

 BREASTPLATE
COLOR EACH BOX WITH THE COLOR IDENTIFIED.
This may represent the actual placement of the gems.

REUBEN SIMEON LEVI

BROWNISH DARK RED

RED YELLOW

SARDIUS TOPAZ CARBUNCLE

JUDAH ZEBULUN ISSACHAR

GREEN SKY WHITE

BLUE

EMERALD SAPPHIRE DIAMOND

DAN NAPHTALI GAD

RED BLUE PURPLE

ORANGE GREEN

JACINTH AGATE AMETHYST

ASHER JOSEPH BENJAMIN

GREEN WHITE LIGHT

YELLOW RED STRIPS GREEN

BERYL ONYX JASPER

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 41

 BREASTPLATE

MATCH EACH TRIBE WITH THE CORRESPONDING STONE.

REUBEN DIAMOND

GAD SAPPHIRE

ZEBULUN BERYL

ISSACHAR JACINTH

NAPHTALI TOPAZ

ASHER EMERALD

JOSEPH SARDIUS

JUDAH AMETHYST

BENJAMIN CARBUNCLE

LEVI AGATE

SIMEON ONYX

DAN JASPER

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 42

 TABERNACLE WORD SEARCH

Priesthood Camp Gold Linen

Laver Court Silver Tabernacle
Altar Holy Copper Curtain
Table Most Holy Blue Brazen
Candlestick Cherubim Purple Incense
Ark Gate Scarlet Shewbread
Israel Door Mercy Testimony
Sacrifice Veil Manna Cakes
Type Shadow Wash Sin
Lamb Faith Goat Bullock

The above words are hidden below in any of eight directions.

They may be backward, forward, up, down or diagonal. Look carefully!

T A E S T A B E R N A C L E Y N O W Z L A
M E R C Y L N I H P F T E S T I M O N Y G
A N N A M T X I S R A E L J P D L Q Y E K
I W B C V E I L D I Y T C A M P O I N K L
C O P P E R R T A E L A M B V L S A N C S
A D W U M O Y T M S I O C N Z E B H W E I
N A Y R B P N E L T H N V D C U R T A I N
D H T P E K Y L O H A E C K R D A V S T P
L S Z L V R Q R W O T N W E L L Z L H J K
E C B E T D U A Z O H I F B N G E G O A T
S A L R F C R C U D N M A O R S N U Y L G
T S U L B K O S I L V E R F A E E J K O A
I O V N L B U L L O C K D S E K A C L Z T
C H E R U B I M D E H J K M R O O D S R E
K Y Z L E W P S A C R I F I C E Q U V W J
V A S S M J L Y L O H T S O M O C F H A A

PEOPLE OF THE TABERNACLE Page 43

 GLOSSARY

Acacia is a tree. Its wood is very hard and durable yet light weight for carrying. The
wood of the acacia tree was used in the construction of the Tabernacle and some of the
articles associated with it. Wood is a material that decays. However, in the Tabernacle it
was used to illustrate a lesson. The wood was covered with copper (symbol of perfect
human nature) or covered with gold (symbol of divine nature).

Anointing of the Tabernacle, all of its articles, the high priest and the underpriests
required the use of oil blended with spices. The purpose of anointing was to recognize
consecration. (Exodus 30:22-33)

Antitype is the fulfillment of a pattern or of a picture used in the Scriptures. In the

antitype, Jesus was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29;
1 Corinthians 5:7) for the type of the passover lamb (Exodus 12:2).

Brazen is another word for brass. Both of these words are associated with the altar in
the court.

Censer was a container to carry coals from the brazen altar to the incense altar in the
Holy. A censer was also used to carry the blood into the Most Holy.

Consecration is the commitment to do the will of God at the cost of self sacrifice, even
unto death. (Psalms 40:8)

Copper is one of the metals used in the tabernacle. It is a pure element. Copper
represents perfect human nature. Some Bible translations incorrectly substitute bronze or
brass for copper. Both bronze and brass are a mixture of copper and another metal:
bronze is a mixture of copper and tin; brass is a mixture of copper and zinc. The root for
this word is copper in Strongs, H#5178, H#5154 and H#5153. Studies in the Scriptures,
Volume 1, Study 10, “Spiritual and Human Natures Separate and Distinct.”

Covenant is a promise that God makes, or that people make with God or with one
another. God has made many covenants or promises but three are the most important.
The first was the Abrahamic Covenant which God made with Abraham. (Genesis 12:2;
22:16-18.) The second was the Law Covenant which he made with the nation of Israel
when he gave Moses the two tables of the Law. (Exodus 20:1-17) The third is the New
Covenant which shall be effective when the Christ, Head and Body, reign. (Jeremiah
31:31-34; Hebrews 8:6-11)

Cubit is a unit of measure. It is eighteen inches long.

Hyssop was from a family of plants which had cleansing qualities and was easily
available. It is associated with purification.

GLOSSARY Page 43
Incense was a mixture of sweet spices which were burned on the golden altar. What
were the sweet spices? Stacte, onycha, galbanum, frankincense. This special incense
could be used only in the Tabernacle. Why was incense important? The Law required
that the high priest should burn it until its smoke filled the Holy and the Most Holy. The
prayers of the saints are as incense to the Lord. See Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4; Psalms 141:2.

Linen is a very strong cloth woven from flax. In the Tabernacle, the underpriests wore
white linen robes and coverings for their heads. The high priest wore a white linen coat
beneath his garments of glory and beauty. Even our Lord wore a white linen robe. We
know that all these clothes indicated purity and righteousness for the people who wore
them. Have you ever heard of Christ’s robe of righteousness with which the saints are
covered? See Isaiah 61:10.

Mitre was a strip of white linen worn on the forehead of the high priest. Fastened to the
mitre with blue lacers was a gold plate, or crown. Words written on it proclaimed
“Holiness to the LORD.”

Parable is a lesson told as a story or a word picture. Familiar earthly objects are used to
describe spiritual ideas. Our Lord Jesus always used parables when teaching the people.
Lessons taught in this way were intended to be understood only by those whose hearts
were in harmony with the true word of God. See Matthew 13:13.

Pomegranate is a fruit with a red, leathery skin. Inside the pomegranate are many seeds.
This fruit represented that the faithful performance of the Redeemer’s work of sacrifice
produced the fruitage of the redemption of human life lost because of Adam’s sin.

Propitiation is satisfaction. The Diaglott translation of 1 John 2:2 speaks of our Lord
Jesus Christ as the propitiation; the great Redeemer was the satisfaction price. The
Diaglott translation of Romans 3:25 uses the words mercy seat in the place of the word
propitiation or expiation to describe Jesus. Blood was sprinkled on the front of the mercy
seat of the Ark of the Covenant on the Day of Atonement. (Leviticus 16:14-15)

Ransom is the corresponding price to be paid. Jesus Christ, the perfect man, gave his life
as a corresponding price for Adam who forfeited his life when he sinned. The ransom is
the cornerstone or foundation of our faith. 1 Timothy 2:6 tells us that Jesus gave his life
as a ransom for all.

Sacrifice is completely submitting oneself. See Romans 12:1. In the case of animal
sacrifices, their lives were given up. Leviticus 17:11 – “ For the life of the flesh is in its
blood; and I have given it for you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it
is the blood that makes atonement, by reason of the life.”

Sanctification is setting oneself apart for God’s service and God setting one apart for His
service. (1 Thessalonians 4:3) – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.”

GLOSSARY Page 44
Soul is a living being; the Old Testament word is nephesh. (Genesis 2:7)

Span is a unit of measure. It is nine inches long. A span indicated that the Law of God
is the full measure of a perfect man’s ability. The measure was based on the breadth, that
is, the length or width of a man’s hand when stretched.

Talent is a measure of weight. The golden candlestick and utensils were made of a talent
of gold. In the Old Testament a talent weighted about 100 pounds.

Type is an illustration. For example, the Tabernacle priesthood illustrated the greater
priesthood of Jesus and the Church and the sacrifices of the Tabernacle illustrated the
greater sacrifices of Jesus and the Church.

GLOSSARY Page 45
 TABERNACLE STUDY
SCRIPTURE LISTINGS AND BOOK
REFERENCES
SCRIPTURE LISTINGS BOOK REFERENCES

BRAZEN ALTAR:
Exodus 27:1-8 Tabernacle Shadows, page 22 & 42
Psalms 148:14; 89:17; 75:10
Exodus 29:12, 37
Leviticus 17:11
Isaiah 56:6,7
Romans 12:1

THE LAVER:
Exodus 30:18-21; 38:8 Tabernacle Shadows, page 15
Psalms 51:2
Acts 22:16
Ephesians 5:26,27
Titus 3:5
2 Timothy 2:15

THE TABLE of SHEWBREAD:

Scriptures about the table:
Exodus 25:23-29 Tabernacle Shadows, page 115
Philippians 2:16 Reprint 4782:2
1 Thessalonians 4:3 Reprint 4782:8
Scriptures about the bread:
Leviticus 24:5-7
John 6:35
1 Corinthians 10: 16,17

THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK:

Exodus 25:31-37 Tabernacle Shadows, page 16:2 & 115:3
Scriptures about the light:
Matthew 5:14,17
Philippians 2:15
Ephesians 5:8
Isaiah 2:5

REFERENCE Page 47
 SCRIPTURE LISTINGS BOOK REFERENCES

THE GOLDEN CANDLESTICK: (cont.)

Scriptures about the lampstand:

Revelations 1:12,20 Reprint 1491:1,2
Scriptures about the beaten work:
James 1:12
Numbers 8:4 Tabernacle Shadows, page 18

THE INCENSE ALTAR or

THE GOLDEN ALTAR:
Exodus 30:1-9, 34-38 Tabernacle Shadows, pages 17:1 & 120:1
Colossians 3:17
Hebrews 13:15
Scriptures about offering incense:
1 Peter 2:5
2 Corinthians 2:1,15
Scriptures about incense prayers:
Revelations 8:3
Psalms 141:2
John 11:41
1 John 3:22

THE ARK of the TESTIMONY:

Exodus 25:10-22 Tabernacle Shadows, pages 17:2; 121:1;
Hebrews 9:2-5 123:3, 4; & 124:2
Ephesians 1: 9,10
Psalms 80:1
2 Samuel 6:2
Romans 3:24,25 (Diaglott)
Deuteronomy 32:4
Leviticus 15:3

THE GOLDEN POT OF MANNA:

Exodus 16:12-17,31-34 Tabernacle Shadows, 122:3-123:1
Numbers 11:7-9
Scriptures about Jesus, the living bread:
John 6:51; 14:6
Matthew 26:26
1 Corinthians 10:16
Immortal = cannot die (Diaglott references follow.):
Romans 2:7
John 5:26

REFERENCE Page 48
 SCRIPTURE LISTINGS BOOK REFERENCES

THE GOLDEN POT OF MANNA: (cont.)

1 Timothy 1:17
2 Timothy 1:10
1 Corinthians 15:54

AARON’S ROD THAT BUDDED:

Numbers 17:3-10; 16:3,11 Tabernacle Shadows, page 122:2
Scriptures about choosing the priesthood:
Numbers 3:2,3,5-7,9,10
1 Peter 2:9
Hebrews 5:4-6
John 6:44
Revelations 1:5,6
Scriptures about fruit bearing:
John 15:16
Galatians 5:22

TWO TABLES of the LAW:

Deuteronomy 31:24 What Pastor Russell Said, page 704:1
Matthew 5:17 Reprint 3060
Luke 24:44
Acts 3:18
2 Corinthians 3:3
Romans 8:4,5
Ephesians 4:21-24
2 Corinthians 10:3-5

REFERENCE Page 49