RPG Adults
PARTICULARS OF THE OLD COVENANT
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27
Hebrews 9:1-10
Numbers 3:6-8
“And they shall keep … the charge of the whole
congregation before the tabernacle …”
PARTICULARS OF THE OLD COVENANT
In the Mosaic Law the particulars of external observations of the old covenant are spelt out. The pattern of the structure of the sanctuary and its furniture was given in detail. Also the sacrifices and the manner of service of priests were also shown. This was repeated here to show their significance and the expectation of their reformation.
The structure of the old sanctuary had ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary. These were guidelines on how the priests discharged their ministry. The sanctuary was a tabernacle (a movable tent); all the pieces of the structure were clearly defined, including their size and colour. In the original instruction the Lord said this to Moses, “And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it” (Exod 25:8-9). It was logical at the time that the Lord gave this instruction that it had to be a tabernacle because Israel was on a journey and did not have a permanent place. The Levites were assigned to dismantle and carry the pieces of the tabernacle and the furniture whenever they were moving (Num 3:6-8, 21-37).
Subsequently when they settled in the Promised Land, they continued for several years using the tabernacle as the sanctuary. When David became king, he saw the need to build a permanent structure. He prepared building stones and wood for the purpose. The Lord sanctioned his desire but did not allow him to build it. Solomon completed the building and dedicated it. Its pattern was exactly like the tabernacle both in size and the furniture. They ensured that the particulars of the covenant were maintained as in the Law of Moses. This was an object lesson as they waited for the new covenant.
THOUGHT: The old and the new covenants are complementary covenants made by the same Lord.
PRAYER: Father, help me to understand the value of Thy covenants.