The concept of the Earthly Sanctuary is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, serving as a central element in the worship and religious life of the Israelites. The Earthly Sanctuary, also known as the Tabernacle, was a portable dwelling place for the Divine Presence, meticulously described in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It was a precursor to the more permanent Temple in Jerusalem and played a crucial role in the spiritual life of the nation of Israel.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for building the Earthly Sanctuary were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. According to Exodus 25:8-9 , God commanded, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings." The detailed plans included specifications for the materials, dimensions, and furnishings, emphasizing the importance of following divine instructions precisely.

The Tabernacle was constructed using materials such as gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and acacia wood (Exodus 25:3-5). The structure consisted of three main areas: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4).

Function and Symbolism

The Earthly Sanctuary served as the focal point for Israelite worship and sacrificial rituals. It was the place where the priests, particularly the high priest, performed their duties, including offering sacrifices and burning incense. The sacrificial system was central to the atonement for sin, as described in Leviticus 17:11 : "For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul."

The Sanctuary also symbolized God's presence among His people. The cloud of glory, often referred to as the Shekinah, rested above the Tabernacle, signifying God's dwelling with Israel (Exodus 40:34-35). The design and function of the Sanctuary pointed to deeper spiritual truths, foreshadowing the coming of Christ and His redemptive work. Hebrews 8:5 states, "They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven."

Priesthood and Rituals

The Levitical priesthood was established to serve in the Sanctuary, with Aaron and his descendants appointed as priests. The high priest held a unique role, entering the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:29-34). This annual ritual underscored the holiness of God and the need for purification and reconciliation.

The daily and annual rituals performed in the Sanctuary were integral to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. These included burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, each with specific regulations and purposes (Leviticus 1-7).

Transition to the Temple

The Earthly Sanctuary served as the center of Israelite worship until the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. The transition from the Tabernacle to the Temple marked a shift from a portable to a permanent dwelling place for God's presence. However, the fundamental principles and symbolism of the Sanctuary continued to influence Israel's religious life and theology.

In summary, the Earthly Sanctuary was a divinely ordained structure that played a pivotal role in the worship and spiritual life of ancient Israel. It was a tangible representation of God's presence and a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ.