|
Inside The Outer Court
"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled
us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us
the ministry of reconciliation" - 2 Cor. 5:18.
THE one entering the outer court would note, in
addition to the inside of the white curtained wall
that separated the Sanctuary from the outside
world, that there were the Tabernacle structure,
the Brazen Altar for the burnt sacrifices, and the
Brazen Laver for the washing of the priests.
Three materials were to be seen and each was
significant.
First there was Brass (or Bronze). This was used
for the posts that supported the outer wall and for
the sockets upon which the posts rested. It also
covered the shittim wood of the Altar (Exod.
27:1-8; 38:1-7). The Brazen Laver was made of this
metal (Exod. 38:8).
Next the shittim wood used for the boards of the
Altar (Exod. 27:1,6;38:l,6).
Thirdly, silver was used as chapiters upon the
tops of the brazen posts; as hooks for the fillets
and cords; and as fillets which, like fence rails,
connected the upright posts and carried the
curtains.
A closer look at each will make obvious the
significance of their use:
Brass represents human nature, or flesh that is
"of the earth, earthy". It was taken out of the
earth (the "world") and subjected to the cleansing
affliction of the heat of the "fiery trial" for the
removal of its dross (the elements of the earth).
Shittim wood was obtained from the Shittah tree
which belonged to the acacia species. The tree has
a pleasant green foliage, gold-like yellow flowers,
and a delightful aroma. Hidden beneath, however, is
black bark and thorns. Its wood is orange or
clay-colored and though found in barren places, is
very durable. What a natural illustration of human
nature!
Though this wood was especially chosen for use
in the Divine plans, all outward display had to be
removed. Leaves and branches were removed and the
trees cut down so that the selected wood could be
cut to the size and pattern that was shown to Moses
in the mount. Then it was completely covered. In
the case of the altar of burnt offering, brass
formed the covering plates. Thus we have an
illustration of human nature, or flesh, changed
from its inherent natural characteristics to that
which would carry out acceptable service in
Yahweh's purpose: a change which necessitates
affliction and trial.
Silver was the metal of atonement (See Exod.
38:25-27; ch. 30:12-15). It was used in conjunction
with the atonement of males in Israel. It was also
the metal used for the redemption of Joseph when he
was saved from the pit (Gen. 37:28). It even was
associated with the redemption that Christ has
wrought for us (Matt. 26:14-15).
The lesson of the outer court taught the need of
those called to the Truth, to develop in maturity
in the things of God. They must progress beyond a
mere mental acceptance of the Truth, to a correct
display of its principles in their lives, so
building into their characters the Divine
attributes. The Altar and Laver of the Court,
together with the forms of worship associated
therewith, taught what this development required.
The Altar of Burnt Offerings
"Thou shalt make an altar of shittim wood".
THE physical details of the Altar are provided
in Exod. 27:1-8 and ch. 38:1-7. It was a
shittim-wood, box-shaped structure measuring
approximately 7 feet 6 inches long by 7 feet 6
inches high. The shittim wood planks were covered
in brass. It was carried by staves also made of
shittim wood, brass covered, which were attached by
brass rings to the sides of the Altar.
Later, the censers of the two hundred and fifty
rebels, associated with Korah, Dathan and Abiram
(Num. 16:35-39), were added as a reminder to Israel
of the destiny of flesh (return to the earth) which
opposes Yahweh, and presumes to offer service which
does not conform to the Divine pattern.
The Altar had four horns, each located in a
corner; they were made of shittim wood overlaid
with brass, and were one with the altar (Exod.
27:2). The sacrifices were bound to these horns
(Ps. 11 8:27), this being the means of connecting
the sacrifice with the Altar.
Priestly Activity
The area immediately adjacent to the Altar was
the scene of considerable and constant activity.
Here the priests ministered on behalf of the people
(Exod. 29:38-44), performing a ministry of
reconciliation (Lev. 8:15).
Here they partook of the offerings (Lev. 10:12)
which they had accepted from the offerer on behalf
of Yahweh, to slay, examine, prepare and offer it
to Him so that He could partake of that which His
people had presented to Him as their representative
sacrifice (Lev. 1; 3:2,8,12 etc.).
By means of fire Yahweh partook of these
sacrifices (Lev. 9:24), a fire which the priests
had to keep burning day and night (Lev. 6:13).
"We Have An Altar..." (Heb. 13:10)
|