RPG Adults
THE SERVICE OF THE OLD SANCTUARY
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
Hebrews 9:1-10
Exodus 30:10
“… once in the year shall he make atonement
upon it throughout your generations …”
THE SERVICE OF THE OLD SANCTUARY
The tabernacle had two compartments, separated by a veil: the holy place and the holy of holies. In the holy place, the first piece of furniture was a table made from shittim wood. On it was kept the shewbread continually. It was sanctified bread that only the priests could eat. These were kept in the first sanctuary together with the golden candlestick having a main shaft and six branches, three on each side. Details of its design are given in the Exodus account. In the Tabernacle courtyard, there was also an altar made from shittim wood and overlaid with brass. There was also a laver of brass (a basin), of a big size, used by the priests for washing (Exod 30:17-21). This section of the tabernacle was used by the priests on a daily basis.
The second section, the holiest of all, had a golden censer and the Ark of the Covenant made of gold. In the Ark of the Covenant were a golden pot which contained samples of manna, Aaron’s rod which budded and the table of the covenant. The cherubim overshadowed the mercy seat which was a covering for the Ark of the Covenant. This was the most sacred place and the usage of its furniture was minimal, their presence was symbolic. The Ark of the Covenant was held as the most important piece of furniture. It remained until the temple was destroyed by the Babylonians.
The priests offered sacrifices of the old covenant every day in the first section of tabernacle. The High Priest went into the second section of the tabernacle once a year on the Day of Atonement “not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people” (Heb 9:7). The writer in the text in Hebrews commented that the Holy Spirit signified that the way to the holiest “was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing” (Heb 9:8).
THOUGHT: Holiness is always the greatest requirement.
PRAYER: Father, may I always strive to be holy.