My Journey to Life, Step 4—The Sanctuary

7. Is there any significance to the architectural structure and layout of the Israelite sanctuary?

Everything about the sanctuary—even its physical structure and furniture—reminds us that Jesus is the center of the salvation story. For instance, the altar of sacrifice in the courtyard was associated with the presence of the Lord through which the seeker had access to Him. The laver symbolized spiritual cleansing from sin. In the Holy Place of the sanctuary, the table of shewbread reminded Israel of the Messiah to come who would be the “bread of life”; the lampstand symbolized both the omnipresence of God, the power of the Holy Spirit and Jesus as the light of the world. The altar of incense represented the prayers of the people ascending to heaven, with Christ’s merits making those prayers acceptable to the Lord. JTL4 4.4

The only piece of furniture inside the Most Holy Place was the wooden box overlaid with gold inside and out, which housed the tables of the Ten Commandments. A slab of pure gold called the “mercy seat” covered it. On this cover, two large gold cherubs faced each other. The glory of God emanated from between the cherubs, showing His willingness to atone for the sins of His people. The ark was a continual reminder of Immanuel: God with us. JTL4 4.5