new covenant reflections
Old Covenant refers to the agreements made between God and the Israelites, primarily through Moses. It includes the laws and commandments given in the Torah, such as the Ten Commandments.
New Covenant is the promise of a new relationship between God and humanity, established through Jesus Christ. It emphasises grace, forgiveness, and the internalisation of God's laws in the hearts of believers.
You might have heard the term, the Old concealed, the New revealed. Here's what that means:
The Old Covenant is seen as a precursor or foreshadowing of the New Covenant. Many elements of the Old Covenant, such as sacrifices and rituals, are viewed as symbolic representations of the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus and the spiritual truths of the New Covenant.
In essence, the Old Covenant lays the groundwork and provides a context for understanding the New Covenant. The laws, rituals, and prophecies of the Old Covenant are fulfilled and transformed in the New Covenant, highlighting continuity and fulfillment in God's plan.
exodus 1
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exodus 2
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exodus 3
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exodus 4
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exodus 5
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exodus 6
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exodus 7
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exodus 8
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exodus 9
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exodus 10
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exodus 11
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exodus 12
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exodus 13
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exodus 14
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exodus 15
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exodus 16
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exodus 17
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exodus 18
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exodus 19
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exodus 20
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exodus 21
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exodus 22
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exodus 23
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exodus 24
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exodus 25
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God's Presence: The Tabernacle was a physical manifestation of God's presence among His people. In the New Covenant, Jesus is seen as the ultimate manifestation of God's presence, and through the Holy Spirit, believers become the new "temples" where God dwells.
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Sacrificial System: The instructions for the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat in Exodus 25 highlight the importance of atonement and sacrifice. These elements foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who provides a once-and-for-all atonement for sin in the New Covenant.
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Covenant Relationship: The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle emphasize the importance of obedience and a covenant relationship with God. In the New Covenant, this relationship is deepened and internalized, with God's laws written on the hearts of believers.
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Symbolism of the Ark: The Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Law, symbolizes God's covenant with His people. In the New Covenant, Jesus is seen as the fulfillment of the Law and the prophets, embodying God's promises and commandments.
exodus 26
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Tabernacle as a Dwelling Place: The Tabernacle was designed as a dwelling place for God among His people. In the New Covenant, Jesus is described as "Emmanuel," meaning "God with us," and through the Holy Spirit, believers themselves become the dwelling place of God.
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Curtains and Veil: The curtains and the veil in the Tabernacle separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where God's presence was most intense. In the New Covenant, the veil of the temple was torn at Jesus' crucifixion, symbolizing direct access to God through Jesus, without the need for an intermediary.
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Symbolism of Materials: The materials used in the Tabernacle, such as gold, silver, and fine linen, symbolize purity, holiness, and the preciousness of God's presence. In the New Covenant, these qualities are fulfilled in Jesus, who embodies the ultimate purity and holiness.
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Framework and Structure: The detailed framework and structure of the Tabernacle emphasize order and precision in worship. In the New Covenant, this order is internalized, with believers being called to live lives of spiritual order and holiness, guided by the Holy Spirit.
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Temporary Nature: The Tabernacle was a temporary, movable structure, pointing to the transient nature of the Old Covenant. The New Covenant, established through Jesus, is eternal and unchanging, providing a permanent relationship with God.
exodus 27
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Altar of Burnt Offering: The altar was central to the sacrificial system, where offerings were made to atone for sin. In the New Covenant, Jesus is seen as the ultimate sacrifice, offering Himself once and for all to atone for humanity's sins. The altar symbolizes the cross where Jesus was crucified.
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Courtyard of the Tabernacle: The courtyard was a place where the Israelites could come to worship and offer sacrifices. In the New Covenant, the concept of worship is expanded to include all believers, who can approach God directly through Jesus. The courtyard represents the inclusive nature of the New Covenant, where all are invited to come to God.
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Oil for the Lampstand: The oil used for the lampstand in the Tabernacle symbolizes the presence of the Holy Spirit. In the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding, empowering, and dwelling within believers. The continuous burning of the lampstand reflects the ongoing presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
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Symbolism of Light: The lampstand provided light in the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's guidance and presence. In the New Covenant, Jesus is referred to as the "light of the world," and believers are called to be lights in the world, reflecting God's presence and truth.
exodus 28
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High Priest's Role: The high priest served as a mediator between God and the Israelites, offering sacrifices and interceding on their behalf. In the New Covenant, Jesus is the ultimate High Priest, who mediates between God and humanity and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.
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Ephod and Breastplate: The ephod and breastplate, adorned with precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolize the high priest carrying the people before God. In the New Covenant, Jesus carries all believers before God, interceding for them continually.
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Urim and Thummim: These objects, placed in the breastplate, were used for discerning God's will. In the New Covenant, believers have direct access to God's guidance through the Holy Spirit, who leads and directs them in truth.
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Holy to the Lord: The turban worn by the high priest had a plate inscribed with "Holy to the Lord," signifying the priest's consecration to God. In the New Covenant, all believers are called to be holy and set apart for God's purposes, reflecting His holiness in their lives.
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Garments of Glory and Beauty: The high priest's garments were made for glory and beauty, symbolizing the dignity and honor of serving God. In the New Covenant, believers are clothed in the righteousness of Christ, reflecting His glory and beauty in their lives.
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Anointing and Consecration: The high priest was anointed and consecrated for service. In the New Covenant, believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit and consecrated for God's service, empowered to live out their faith.
exodus 29
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Consecration of Priests: The consecration of Aaron and his sons involved rituals to set them apart for God's service. In the New Covenant, all believers are considered a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9), set apart to serve God and offer spiritual sacrifices through Jesus Christ.
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Sacrificial Offerings: The chapter describes various offerings, including sin offerings, burnt offerings, and fellowship offerings. These sacrifices foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who offered Himself once and for all to atone for humanity's sins, making further sacrifices unnecessary.
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Anointing with Oil: Aaron and his sons were anointed with oil as a sign of their consecration. In the New Covenant, believers are anointed with the Holy Spirit, who empowers and sanctifies them for God's service.
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Blood of the Sacrifice: The blood of the sacrificial animals was used to purify and consecrate the priests and the altar. In the New Covenant, the blood of Jesus purifies believers from sin and establishes a new covenant relationship with God.
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Daily Offerings: The daily offerings described in Exodus 29 emphasize the need for continual dedication and worship. In the New Covenant, believers are called to offer their lives as living sacrifices, continually dedicating themselves to God in daily worship and service.
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God's Promise of Presence: God promises to dwell among the Israelites and be their God. In the New Covenant, this promise is fulfilled through Jesus, who is "God with us," and through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives.
exodus 30
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Altar of Incense: The altar of incense was used for burning fragrant incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God. In the New Covenant, believers' prayers are directly heard by God through Jesus, who intercedes on their behalf. The incense represents the continual prayers and worship of believers.
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Atonement Money: The atonement money was a ransom paid by each Israelite as a sign of their redemption and belonging to God. In the New Covenant, Jesus paid the ultimate ransom with His life, redeeming believers from sin and establishing their belonging to God.
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Bronze Basin: The bronze basin was used for the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle, symbolizing purification. In the New Covenant, believers are spiritually cleansed through the blood of Jesus and the washing of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to approach God with purity.
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Anointing Oil: The anointing oil was used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests. In the New Covenant, believers are anointed with the Holy Spirit, who consecrates and empowers them for God's service.
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Holy Perfume: The recipe for the holy anointing oil and incense was unique and sacred, symbolizing the distinctiveness of God's people. In the New Covenant, believers are called to be a "fragrance of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:15), living lives that reflect the holiness and uniqueness of their relationship with God.
exodus 31
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Spirit-Filled Craftsmanship: Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with the Spirit of God to carry out their work with wisdom, understanding, and skill. In the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit empowers all believers, giving them spiritual gifts and abilities to serve God and build up the body of Christ.
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Divine Calling and Equipping: God specifically called and equipped Bezalel and Oholiab for their tasks. In the New Covenant, every believer is called and equipped by God for specific purposes and ministries, emphasizing the importance of each person's role in God's plan.
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Sabbath Rest: The Sabbath is highlighted as a sign of the covenant between God and the Israelites, a day of rest and holiness. In the New Covenant, Jesus offers a deeper, spiritual rest, inviting believers to rest in Him and find peace and restoration through faith.
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Completion of the Work: The chapter emphasizes the completion of the Tabernacle's construction according to God's instructions. In the New Covenant, Jesus completed the work of salvation, fulfilling God's plan and providing a way for believers to enter into a completed and perfect relationship with God.
exodus 32
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Human Sinfulness: The Israelites' quick turn to idolatry highlights human sinfulness and the tendency to stray from God. In the New Covenant, this sinfulness is addressed through Jesus' sacrifice, which provides forgiveness and reconciliation with God.
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Intercession: Moses intercedes for the Israelites, pleading with God to spare them. In the New Covenant, Jesus is the ultimate intercessor, continually interceding for believers before God (Hebrews 7:25).
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God's Mercy and Justice: Despite their sin, God shows mercy by not destroying the entire nation, though there are consequences for their actions. In the New Covenant, God's mercy is fully revealed through Jesus, who takes on the punishment for sin, offering grace and forgiveness to all who believe.
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Covenant Renewal: After the incident, God renews His covenant with the Israelites, emphasizing His commitment to them despite their failures. In the New Covenant, God's commitment is demonstrated through the unbreakable covenant established by Jesus' blood, ensuring a lasting relationship with God.
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Transformation of Hearts: The failure of the Israelites to remain faithful under the Old Covenant underscores the need for a transformation of the heart. In the New Covenant, this transformation is made possible through the Holy Spirit, who writes God's laws on believers' hearts and empowers them to live faithfully.
exodus 33
Is a pivotal chapter in the Old Testament, where Moses seeks God's presence and guidance for the Israelites. While it primarily deals with the Mosaic Covenant, there are elements that foreshadow the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
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God's Presence: Moses pleads for God's presence to go with the Israelites. This reflects the New Covenant promise where God's presence is with believers through the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17).
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Intercession: Moses acts as an intercessor for the people, much like Jesus does in the New Covenant (Hebrews 7:25).
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Grace and Mercy: God shows grace and mercy to the Israelites despite their sins, which is a central theme of the New Covenant (Ephesians 2:8-9).
exodus 34
Another significant chapter in the Old Testament, where God renews the covenant with the Israelites after they broke it by worshiping the golden calf.
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Renewal of the Covenant: In Exodus 34, God renews His covenant with the Israelites, emphasizing His steadfast love and mercy. This renewal foreshadows the New Covenant, where God establishes a new and everlasting covenant through Jesus Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
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God's Character: God reveals His character to Moses, describing Himself as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6-7). These attributes are central to the New Covenant, where God's grace and love are fully manifested in Jesus (John 1:14).
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Law Written on Tablets vs. Hearts: In Exodus 34, God writes the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. In the New Covenant, God's law is written on the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 8:10).
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Moses' Radiant Face: After speaking with God, Moses' face shines with God's glory (Exodus 34:29-35). This transformation reflects the New Covenant promise that believers will be transformed into the image of Christ, reflecting His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
exodus 35
Focuses on the construction of the Tabernacle and the contributions of the Israelites.
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Willingness to Give: The Israelites willingly bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:21-29). This reflects the New Covenant principle of giving from the heart, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where believers are encouraged to give cheerfully.
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Community Involvement: The entire community participates in the building of the Tabernacle, each contributing their skills and resources (Exodus 35:10). This mirrors the New Covenant idea of the Church as the body of Christ, where every member has a role and contributes to the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
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Holy Spirit Empowerment: Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with the Spirit of God to carry out the work of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:30-35). In the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to serve and build up the Church (Acts 1:8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
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Sabbath Observance: The chapter begins with a reminder to observe the Sabbath (Exodus 35:1-3). In the New Covenant, Jesus fulfills the Sabbath rest, offering believers spiritual rest and renewal (Hebrews 4:9-10).
exodus 36
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Generosity and Willingness: The Israelites gave generously and willingly for the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 36:3-7). In the New Covenant, believers are encouraged to give generously and cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7), reflecting a heart transformed by God's grace. The Israelites' generous contributions and willingness to work on the Tabernacle reflect the New Covenant's emphasis on a willing heart and spirit-led giving.
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God's Dwelling Place: The Tabernacle was a physical place where God's presence dwelled among His people. In the New Covenant, believers themselves are described as the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), indicating that God's presence now dwells within us.
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Construction of the Tabernacle: The detailed instructions and skilled craftsmanship in building the Tabernacle symbolize God's desire to dwell among His people, foreshadowing the New Covenant where God dwells within believers through the Holy Spirit.
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God's Provision: The provision of materials and skills for the Tabernacle construction highlights God's provision and grace, which are central themes in the New Covenant.
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Skilled Workmanship: The craftsmanship of Bezalel, Oholiab, and other artisans in building the Tabernacle (Exodus 36:1-2) can be seen as a precursor to the spiritual gifts given to believers in the New Covenant. These gifts are meant to build up the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
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Obedience to God's Commands: The meticulous adherence to God's instructions in building the Tabernacle mirrors the New Covenant's call for obedience to God's will, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
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Completion of God's Work: The meticulous work on the Tabernacle reflects the importance of completing God's work according to His instructions. In the New Covenant, Jesus' work on the cross is the ultimate completion of God's plan for salvation (John 19:30), and believers are called to continue His work on earth (Ephesians 2:10).
exodus 37
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Ark of the Covenant: The construction of the Ark, which held the tablets of the Law, symbolizes God's covenant with His people. In the New Covenant, Jesus fulfills the Law and establishes a new relationship between God and humanity.
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Mercy Seat: The Mercy Seat on the Ark represents God's throne of grace and mercy, pointing to the New Covenant where Jesus' sacrifice provides mercy and forgiveness for sins.
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Table of Showbread: The Table of Showbread signifies God's provision and fellowship with His people, prefiguring the New Covenant's emphasis on spiritual nourishment and communion with God through Jesus.
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Golden Lampstand: The Lampstand symbolizes God's light and presence among His people, which is fulfilled in the New Covenant by Jesus being the Light of the World and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
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Altar of Incense: The Altar of Incense represents the prayers of the people rising to God, reflecting the New Covenant's promise of direct access to God through prayer and the intercession of Jesus.
exodus 38
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Altar of Burnt Offering: The construction of the altar for burnt offerings symbolizes the need for atonement and sacrifice. In the New Covenant, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross fulfills this need once and for all.
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Bronze Basin: The bronze basin used for washing signifies purification and cleansing. This prefigures the New Covenant's emphasis on spiritual cleansing through Jesus' blood and the washing of regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
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Courtyard of the Tabernacle: The courtyard's design, with its specific measurements and materials, represents the separation between God and humanity due to sin. The New Covenant removes this separation, granting believers direct access to God through Jesus.
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Materials Used: The use of bronze, silver, and gold in the construction reflects the value and holiness of God's dwelling place. In the New Covenant, believers are considered God's temple, sanctified and precious in His sight.
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Offerings and Contributions: The voluntary offerings from the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle highlight the importance of willing and generous hearts, a principle that continues in the New Covenant with the call for cheerful giving.
exodus 39
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Priestly Garments: The detailed instructions for making the priestly garments symbolize the holiness and consecration required for those who serve God. In the New Covenant, all believers are considered a royal priesthood, clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
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Ephod and Breastpiece: The ephod and breastpiece, with the names of the tribes of Israel, signify the high priest's role in representing the people before God. This prefigures Jesus as our High Priest, who intercedes for us before the Father.
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Urim and Thummim: These items used for divine guidance reflect the New Covenant's promise of the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs believers in truth.
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Robe and Tunic: The robe and tunic of the high priest, made of fine linen, represent purity and holiness. In the New Covenant, believers are called to live holy lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
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Gold Plate: The gold plate inscribed with "Holy to the Lord" worn on the high priest's turban signifies the dedication to God. This is mirrored in the New Covenant, where believers are set apart for God's purposes.
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Completion of the Work: The meticulous completion of the Tabernacle and its furnishings reflects the fulfillment of God's plan. In the New Covenant, Jesus' finished work on the cross completes God's plan of redemption.
exodus 40
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Setting Up the Tabernacle: The detailed instructions for setting up the Tabernacle symbolize the establishment of God's dwelling place among His people. In the New Covenant, God dwells within believers through the Holy Spirit.
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Anointing and Consecration: The anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings signifies their sanctification for God's service. This prefigures the New Covenant, where believers are anointed by the Holy Spirit and set apart for God's purposes.
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Priestly Service: The consecration of Aaron and his sons for priestly service highlights the role of the priesthood. In the New Covenant, all believers are considered a royal priesthood, serving God directly.
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God's Glory Filling the Tabernacle: The glory of the Lord filling the Tabernacle represents God's presence among His people. In the New Covenant, God's presence is manifested through the indwelling Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
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Guidance by the Cloud and Fire: The cloud and fire guiding the Israelites symbolize God's guidance and protection. In the New Covenant, believers are led by the Holy Spirit, who provides guidance and direction in their lives.