(2) The need for regular spiritual cleansing – the Bronze Basin
A second condition for God to live among His people is represented by a large bronze basin of water placed between the altar of sacrifice and the tent of the Holy Place. This was used by the priest, as a representative of the people, to wash his hands and feet before offering a sacrifice or entering the Holy Place.
The basin's significance is that it illustrates God's attitude toward spiritual defilement. Multiple washings portray a principle revealed throughout the whole Bible: In order to have a close relationship with God, His people must learn to have the same attitude toward sin as God does. (James 4:8-10)
We would not accept food at a restaurant if we had seen the waiter drop it on the floor and then scoop it back up on the plate and bring it to us; nor would we be likely to walk into a friend's house with mud-covered shoes. We are, nevertheless, inclined to try to come into God's presence with our hearts covered with the filth of our disobedience, lust, or lukewarmness.
(3) The need for daily dependence upon God – The Holy Place
The outside of the Holy Place was draped with drab animal skins and looked as inviting or appealing as the Godly life does to an outsider. Inside, however, was found rich color, embroidery, and gold, just like the person who draws near to God in faith by separating from sin and obediently entering the Holy Place can know the rich pleasures of close communion with our Father.
The first thing found in the Holy Place was a lamp, (“candlestick” In the KJV, correctly translated from the original Hebrew as “menorah”) of gold which represented the valuable source of light that God is to His people. Because of its seven-in-one design it also suggests the way the people are to depend on God for enlightenment, and the fact that not only is God a source of light to His people but also through them. God mad it clear that His people would receive His enlightenment only when they remained open to the prophets, priests, judges, kings, counselors, etc. who spoke in His behalf.
Paul taught this same principle in Ephesians 4:1-16 and even more direct evidence is found in Revelation 2 and 3, where the seven churches are likened to candlesticks/menorahs.
Keep the overall view of the Bible in mind and visualize the symbolism in the design of the lamp. The seven-branched lamp was hammered out of one piece of gold with three branches on each side extending out from the center shaft, and is carved with images of almond branches and blossoms. Put all of the elements together and see if it doesn't suggest a shared oneness and interdependence, as well as the light and life that are found in God.
The second article in the Holy Place, the golden table of shewbread, (“shewbread” in KJV correctly translated from the original Hebrew as “the bread of the presence”) also symbolizes dependence on God with its twelve flat loaves of bread stacked on it. The twelve loaves were to remind the twelve tribes of Israel that when they separated themselves to God and relied on Him for their needs, they would be able to eat at the table prepared for them. The key is that this bread represented the daily provisions promised to those who trust God. Moses emphasized this principle in
Deuteronomy 8:2-3 and many years later King David would pray Psalm 23:5-6.
“Our daily bread” includes everything we need to live day by day from the hand of God – food, of course, health, housing, time, relationships, spiritual encouragement, and so on. Always, the “Bread of God” points to Christ. (John 6:32-33, 35)
The third article in the Holy Place that stands for dependence on God was a golden altar of incense which stood next to the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies, and was to be lit from the Bronze Altar (“brasen” in the KJV) of Sacrifice.
Incense was burned to show honor and recognition for a king or dignitary so, as it stood facing the Holy of Holies, it represented the need for the child of God to honor God continually, recognizing our dependence on Him with praise, requests, and thanksgiving.
Since the incense was to be lit from the Bronze Altar of Sacrifice we are to be reminded that it is because of God's sacrifice that we are able to come into His presence with our prayers. Now, in New Testament times, our prayers are lit from the fires of Christ's sacrifice for us, enabling us to “come boldly to the throne of grace...” (Hebrews 9:5)
A second condition for God to live among His people is represented by a large bronze basin of water placed between the altar of sacrifice and the tent of the Holy Place. This was used by the priest, as a representative of the people, to wash his hands and feet before offering a sacrifice or entering the Holy Place.
The basin's significance is that it illustrates God's attitude toward spiritual defilement. Multiple washings portray a principle revealed throughout the whole Bible: In order to have a close relationship with God, His people must learn to have the same attitude toward sin as God does. (James 4:8-10)
We would not accept food at a restaurant if we had seen the waiter drop it on the floor and then scoop it back up on the plate and bring it to us; nor would we be likely to walk into a friend's house with mud-covered shoes. We are, nevertheless, inclined to try to come into God's presence with our hearts covered with the filth of our disobedience, lust, or lukewarmness.
(3) The need for daily dependence upon God – The Holy Place
The outside of the Holy Place was draped with drab animal skins and looked as inviting or appealing as the Godly life does to an outsider. Inside, however, was found rich color, embroidery, and gold, just like the person who draws near to God in faith by separating from sin and obediently entering the Holy Place can know the rich pleasures of close communion with our Father.
The first thing found in the Holy Place was a lamp, (“candlestick” In the KJV, correctly translated from the original Hebrew as “menorah”) of gold which represented the valuable source of light that God is to His people. Because of its seven-in-one design it also suggests the way the people are to depend on God for enlightenment, and the fact that not only is God a source of light to His people but also through them. God mad it clear that His people would receive His enlightenment only when they remained open to the prophets, priests, judges, kings, counselors, etc. who spoke in His behalf.
Paul taught this same principle in Ephesians 4:1-16 and even more direct evidence is found in Revelation 2 and 3, where the seven churches are likened to candlesticks/menorahs.
Keep the overall view of the Bible in mind and visualize the symbolism in the design of the lamp. The seven-branched lamp was hammered out of one piece of gold with three branches on each side extending out from the center shaft, and is carved with images of almond branches and blossoms. Put all of the elements together and see if it doesn't suggest a shared oneness and interdependence, as well as the light and life that are found in God.
The second article in the Holy Place, the golden table of shewbread, (“shewbread” in KJV correctly translated from the original Hebrew as “the bread of the presence”) also symbolizes dependence on God with its twelve flat loaves of bread stacked on it. The twelve loaves were to remind the twelve tribes of Israel that when they separated themselves to God and relied on Him for their needs, they would be able to eat at the table prepared for them. The key is that this bread represented the daily provisions promised to those who trust God. Moses emphasized this principle in
Deuteronomy 8:2-3 and many years later King David would pray Psalm 23:5-6.
“Our daily bread” includes everything we need to live day by day from the hand of God – food, of course, health, housing, time, relationships, spiritual encouragement, and so on. Always, the “Bread of God” points to Christ. (John 6:32-33, 35)
The third article in the Holy Place that stands for dependence on God was a golden altar of incense which stood next to the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place or Holy of Holies, and was to be lit from the Bronze Altar (“brasen” in the KJV) of Sacrifice.
Incense was burned to show honor and recognition for a king or dignitary so, as it stood facing the Holy of Holies, it represented the need for the child of God to honor God continually, recognizing our dependence on Him with praise, requests, and thanksgiving.
Since the incense was to be lit from the Bronze Altar of Sacrifice we are to be reminded that it is because of God's sacrifice that we are able to come into His presence with our prayers. Now, in New Testament times, our prayers are lit from the fires of Christ's sacrifice for us, enabling us to “come boldly to the throne of grace...” (Hebrews 9:5)