The Tabernacle: Shadows of the Messiah - Essay Example

Shadows of the Messiah is not about religion, but a relationship with the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6-7). The Israelites lived their lives by their religious beliefs, despite the changes in Jewish society and the world. This very notion is what David Levy’s The Tabernacle is all about. Mr. Levy gives insightful ideas about the contrast he makes between Judaism and Christianity; the connections and credible interpretations revealed in The Tabernacle, Shadows of The Messiah (Hebrews 10:1).

Levy’s treatment of the subject is a mixture of religious laws, ceremonies, worship, and history. Mr. Levy dug deep into the historical context of the tabernacle, as well as other religious remnants associated with Judaism and Christianity, and how the relationship is associated with religious rites and practices made by the Israelites. The book’s structure is very convenient for learning since it introduces the reader to a step-by-step process that is easy to digest and consider. Levy used his convictions to assert the religious connection of the things and practices he has studied as a historian.

The book is divided into three parts, each separately discussing various concepts associated with the basic tenets of the Jewish and Christian faith. The first part devotes itself to associating the tabernacle with the religious conception of Christ. Every part of the tabernacle is detailed with contextual meanings. The second part is the sacrificial system and lastly, Mr. Levy describes the priesthood in his book. Tabernacle means “tent,” “place of dwelling,” or “sanctuary.” This was a sacred place where God chose to meet with His people, the Israelites, for the next forty years as they wandered through the desert with Moses.

The tabernacle was a holy place for the leaders and people to come together, worship, and offer their sacrifices. It was established in the wilderness exactly one year after the Passover when the Israelites were freed from Egyptian bondage around 1450 B.C. The tent was mobile, so they could travel around. The tabernacle was centered inside the camp, while the twelve tribes positioned themselves according to their tribe:- …make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them (Exodus 25:8) Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.

They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them (Exodus 29:45-46). The tabernacle was more than just a dwelling place. All its components were part of an intricate visual aid to illustrate God’s relationship with His people. God told Moses to build it according to His plans and not to stray from His blueprint. God’s requirement was complete obedience: “Make the tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you” (Exodus 25:9) According to David Levy, the composition of the tabernacle signifies the humanity and humility of Christ, as His humanity was tested in various stages from His birth (the sprouting of the wood) to His crucifixion (the burning of the wood), until His burial (the decay of the wood).