A Brief Study of the Tabernacle

By Ellsworth A. Archer

Introduction

HE BIBLE is the narration of one slowly unfolding story -- the relation of God and man. It is not "man's best word about himself and God, but God's best word about himself and man." It is not a record of man's ceaseless search for God and his mistaken ideas about the character and will of God, finally culminating in a truer conception of His nature and purposes, but it is a record of God's original perfect creation, of man's fall, of a God's all-inclusive program for redemption, and the perfect revelation of Himself and His will to man. Therefore, it has but one clearly defined and cumulative program-the work of redemption. It has but one central character and theme-the person and work of Christ.

     This program and this theme makes the sixty-six books of the Bible one book. The Old Testament is the introduction of the New Testament. They are so dovetailed together that rejection of one negatives the other. The typology of the Old Testament has its fulfillment-in the New Testament. The Messianic prophecies relative to the first advent in the Old Testament are fulfilled in the New Testament and by that fulfillment become simple and clear and provide ample authority for the interpretation of other teachings.

The entire system of tabernacle, temple and ceremonial worship of the Hebrews was given to teach through object lessons and constant Practice the divine program of redemption, and to reveal through this typology the person and work of Christ. The aim of the author of this hook is to unvail this purpose relative to the Tabernacle and show the spiritual significance of its worship and service. This is done in a simple, practical way which will appeal to the average reader. The teaching experience of the author has prepared him to present this study as the fruit of his class room work, and we predict for it a large circulation among Bible students and readers. It will prove of particular benefit to Sunday School Teachers in preparing lessons on the Old Testament.

G. W. GRIFFETH

(Bishop)