The Tabernacle is instrumental in opening our understanding of God’s plan of redemption. The sacrifices as well as the construction of the “building” and even all it contained picture some aspect of the salvation to be provided. 

Exodus 25:8,9 “And let them construct a sanctuary for me, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it.”

Hebrews 8:4,5, “…those who offer the gifts according to the Law; who serve (as) a copy and shadow of the heavenly things…”

Colossians 2:17, “…things which are a mere shadow of what is to come…”

The use of the number five (and multiples of five) in the Tabernacle is one key in unlocking hidden chronology (the sequence of events or time periods in God’s plan). Following are examples of this:

Each post around the court was 5 cubits apart.  Each post was 5 cubits high.  The copper altar was 5 cubits x 5 cubits square. (5 x5 equals 25), therefore, each section of the courtyard curtain is 5 x 5 or 25 cubits square, just like the copper altar is 25 cubits square.  

The curtain is 280 cubits long, 100 cubits on the North and South sides, 50 on the East side, and 15 cubits on each side of the gate.  280 cubits times (5 x 5) or 25 equals 7000, or the length of the Seventh creative day.  The length of each wooden post was 5 cubits high.  There were 56 posts around the Court.  56 X 5 = 280 cubits.  280 x 25 = 7000.

The white linen curtain that made up the Tabernacle was 28 cubits in length.  It was made up of 10 sections. 28 x 10 = 280 cubits in total length, or the same length if laid end to end as the white linen curtain around the Court.  280 x (5 x 5) or 25 = 7000.

The LORD’s instructions for the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings can be found in Exodus chapters 25-27.

Additional Resources:

(PDF) Chart comparing the various Tabernacle sacrifices

(Blog Post) What is the difference between a burnt offering and a sin offering?

(Book) “Tabernacle Shadows of the Better Sacrifices”

Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1099: Should Christians Care About the Jewish Tabernacle?
Unlocking the secrets and symbols God gave to ancient Israel
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
(Animated Video) “What was the Jewish Tabernacle?”