The Tabernacle by David Levy - Book Report/Review Example

? Book Review: The Tabernacle by David Levy The Tabernacle is a very important in Christianity but in the recent past, very few literary works have been devoted to this subject. Most of the literary works are either too mythical or too exaggerated. In the book ‘The Tabernacle: Shadows of the Messiah: Its Sacrifices, Services and Priesthood’ By David M. Levy provides realistic and easily understandable information on the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is given significant importance in the Old Testament compared to other matters. Understanding the structure and purpose of the Tabernacle is highly important to understand God’s redemptive program. The book provides in comprehensive detail the understanding of the Tabernacle, and God’s redemptive program which includes a sinful man, holy God, and the price required for bringing both of them together. This book by David Levy is different from other books that have been written on the subject because David Levy has kept the theme of the book as realistic as possible. The book is not exaggerated at all and it provides the information that is necessary to understand the overall purpose of the Tabernacle and how it provided the people to seek forgiveness for their sins. Each chapter of the book includes a comprehensive explanation of a part of the Tabernacle and its purpose in that place. Along with the explanation, David Levy also provides a practical example of how that object is put to use. The following review of the book highlights the main information provided in the book along with evaluating the logical structure and concreteness of the book. The book is divided into three parts: The Tabernacle, The Sacrificial System and The Priesthood. The following review will be divided in accordance with these three parts. The Tabernacle In the first part of the book, the author describes the origin of the Tabernacle by referring to the dialogue between God and Moses. God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle so that God could dwell among the Israelites. The main purpose of the Tabernacle was to make God accessible to the Israelites. Through the Tabernacle, the Israelites made atonements for their sins by making sacrificial offerings and the priests that performed services in the Tabernacle guided the Israelites regarding the sacrifices and other teachings. The Tabernacle was designed in such a manner that it allowed the sinful people to come before a holy God in worship and offer sacrifice for their sins. David Levy provides an extensive description of the design and pattern of the Tabernacle in the book. The placement of each object in the Tabernacle was done in such a manner that it facilitated the proper conduct of the sacrificial offerings. The author provides a complete description of the manner of the placement of the objects in order to help the reader visualize the interior of the Tabernacle. The pictures provided in the book give the reader a very clear idea regarding the Tabernacle. Even though the author has provided the specific details of the overall design of the Tabernacle and the objects that were present inside it, the pictures bring concreteness to his words and help the reader acquire a better idea about the Tabernacle from the book. The first object in the Tabernacle that has been explained by the author is the brazen altar. The Tabernacle contained a brazen altar which held high significance because it was provided for sacrifices. In God’s redemptive program, sacrifice holds a very special position and in order to facilitate sacrifices, the Tabernacle had the brazen altar. Through sacrifices, the Israelites atoned for their sins and they made peace with God. The sacrificial offerings were a way to keep the Israelites and God near to each other. There were a number of sacrifices that were made by Israelites and the brazen altar was used in all such sacrifices. Following is an excerpt from the book: “Soberly, the Israelites brought the prescribed offerings without spot or blemish to the priests, who stood at the Tabernacle’s gate to receive them. The offerers laid their hands on the heads of the offerings, symbolic of their identification with their substitutionary death on their behalf – their sins were transferred to the sacrifices, and the life of the sacrifices was transferred to them.” (Levy, 26) The author has provided the manner in which the sacrifices were made. The priests functioned as mediators who received the sacrifices from the Israelites and performed the sacrifices in the Tabernacle. David Levy provides comprehensive detail regarding the procedure for the sacrifice was different in accordance with the type of the sacrificial offering. Even though there were types of sacrifices, all the sacrifices were done at the brazen altar. In case of burnt sacrifices involving animals, the priests sprinkled blood of the sacrifices on the altar and remaining blood of the sacrifices was poured in the basin that was structured at the altar’s base. The priests then burned the pieces of the sacrifices on the altar. In other sacrifices, only a portion of the meat was burnt and the rest was distributed among the priests. After the description of the brazen altar, the David Levy provides a comprehensive description of the brazen laver. The purpose of the brazen laver was for the purification of the priests who performed services in the Tabernacle. It was mandatory for the priests to do purification before and during their service in the Tabernacle. The brazen laver was exclusively for the priests and no other person from the congregation used it. The brazen laver was positioned in such a manner that it became feasible for the priests to easily reach the laver before and during their service in the Tabernacle. Since the Tabernacle was God’s dwelling among the Israelites, it was necessary for the priests to maintain cleanliness in the Tabernacle at all times. The brazen laver was placed near the brazen altar so that the priests who performed services for the sacrifices could easily purify themselves before and after performing the sacrifices. The next part of the Tabernacle described by the author is the golden lampstand. The golden lampstand was one of the three pieces of furniture that were present in the Tabernacle. It was the only source of illumination in the Tabernacle therefore it holds significant importance in the overall structure of the Tabernacle. Following is an excerpt from the book: “Three pieces of furniture graced the holy place. The golden lampstand stood on the left side (south); the table of showbread stood on the right side (north); and the altar of incense stood in front of the veiled entrance to the holy of holies, which contained the ark of the covenant. The furnishings were made from the exact specifications that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex. 25:40).” (Levy, 36) The golden lampstand provided light for the Tabernacle and it enabled the priests to perform their services properly. The lampstand was made of pure gold and the cost of reproducing it today would be very high. The position of the lampstand was such that it provided enough light for the priests to perform their services without any hardships. The author has provided the structure and significance of the golden lampstand and other things that were a part of the Tabernacle in significant detail. The book provides the reader with a very realistic idea of the overall structure of the Tabernacle. The extensive detail allows the reader to have a very clear picture in mind. The description by the author regarding the subjects placed inside the Tabernacle is very helpful for those readers who do not possess any prior knowledge on the structure and components of the Tabernacle. After the golden lampstand, the author explains the structure and the significance of the table of showbread which is also one of the pieces of furniture present in the holy place. Throughout the book, the author has analyzed the symbolic significance of the components of the Tabernacle and he has also provided the importance of these components in Christianity. According to the author: “By bringing their bread offerings to the Lord each Sabbath, the Israelites symbolized Christian giving. Paul instructed us to systematically set aside a portion of our income as God has prospered us, and, through our local church, we are to present our tithes to the Lord on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:2).” (Levy, 51) The logical sequencing of the book is also admirable. The author proceeds with the explanation of the components of the Tabernacle in accordance with their significance. This helps the reader in developing a clear picture of the design of the Tabernacle. It also helps the reader in understanding the steps that were followed in order to carry out the sacrificial services. The next object explained by the author is the altar of incense. In order to provide the readers with a clearer picture, the author introduces the objects through defining the actions of a priest in third person. Following is an example: “The sun was rising over the horizon as the priest entered the holy place to trim the lampstand and offer sweet incense on the golden altar. He never minimized his high holy privilege of serving in the Tabernacle. He alone was the mediator who offered intercessory prayer before a holy God on behalf of the nation of Israel. The priest took a censer full of burning coals from the brazen altar in one hand and specially prepared sweet incense in the other hand and ignited the incense by sprinkling it over the burning coals (Lev. 16:12 – 13).” (Levy, 53) Thus, it can be inferred that the author provides the reader with a clearer idea by using the manner of storytelling. The objects in the Tabernacle described by the author after the altar of incense are; the veil, the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat. Similar to the other components, the author has presented the position of these components in the Tabernacle and their significance in assisting the priests in performance of their services. The main purpose of the veils in the Tabernacle was of the barrier between God and man. The veils shut God in and man out, and also the veils “permitted the access to worship after the priests had met the required conditions set forth in the Mosaic law.” (Levy, 61) Concealed from the view of the common man, there was one piece of furniture that comprised of two parts i.e. the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat on top of it. The ark was made of acacia wood and pure gold. The mercy seat was the lid for the ark. The symbols on the mercy seat represented the presence and power of God. The mercy seat was God’s throne in the Tabernacle. Thus, it can be inferred that the author David Levy has presented the overall structure of the Tabernacle and its components in comprehensive detail. The logical structure of the first part of the book helps the reader in understanding the overall design of the Tabernacle along with understanding the purpose of each object that was present in the Tabernacle. The Sacrificial System In the second part of the book, the author sheds light upon the sacrificial offerings that were presented by the people at the Tabernacle in order to atone for their sins and their importance for Christians. Sacrifice was the most important part of God’s redemptive plan. It held the central status in the whole system. The Tabernacle was designed in such a manner that it facilitated the sacrifices presented by the people. There were a number of sacrificial offerings that were presented. The types of sacrificial offerings described by the author are; the burnt offering, the meal offering, the peace offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering. The burnt offering included the sacrifice of an animal from herd of the livestock of the Israelite worshipper. The animal had to be from the herd of the livestock in order to be fit for sacrifice. This represents that the person sacrificing must do it at some cost. The requirements for the animal to be presented for sacrifice were that it was a male and that it did not have any obvious defect. The author describes that the worshiper would put his hand on the head of the offering and in this way, the offering would be accepted on behalf of him for the atonement of his sins. The idea behind the sacrificial system is that the sin of the individual is covered by the blood of the sacrificial offering. Through burnt offering, the individual did not only to atone his sins but also identified himself as the sinner and presented the sacrificial offering completely as surrender to God. The author has described the way burnt offering was done. It has also been described with the explanation of the structure of the Tabernacle. The blood of the animal is sprinkled all over the altar and the rest of the blood is poured in the basin of the altar. The offering is cut into pieces and the pieces are laid on the fire upon the altar. The sacrifice is conducted by a priest. The meal offering is the offering of fine flour along with oil and frankincense. In the sacrificial offering, a portion of the meal on the altar for the God while the rest of the flour is distributed among the priests for use by them and their families. There were certain requirements that were followed for making the meal offering, for example; no meal offering should be made with leaven or have honey in it, and every meal offering should be seasoned with salt. David Levy has explained the requirements that were levied upon the worshipers in regard to the meal offering, the procedure of the meal offering and the significance of the offering. It was one of the most important ways for the atonement of the sins of the Israelites. After the meal offering, the author explains the peace offering. The peace offering included the sacrifice of an animal. The peace offering is distinct from the burnt offering in a number of ways. The first distinguishing factor is that in the peace offering, the animal could be male or female however the animal had to be without any obvious defect in this case as well. The blood of the animal is sprinkled on the altar along with the fat of the animal. The symbolic significance of the peace offering is to make peace with God. The meat portion of the offering was shared among the priests and the individual who brought the offering. The author has explained in great detail the procedure and symbolic significance of the peace offering. After the peace offering, the author explains the sin offering. The sin offering was done for the atonement of an unintentional sin by a true believer of God. If the unintentional sin was committed by a priest, he would identify an animal by placing his hand on it and the animal would be sacrificed on behalf of the priest. The procedure of this sacrificial offering was different from the other offerings. The blood of the animal would also be applied on the veil in the Tabernacle. The fat of the animal was also offered to God, while the meat portion of the animal was burnt outside the Tabernacle along with worthless parts. If the unintentional sin was committed by the whole congregation of Israel, the procedure for the offering would remain the same however the elders of the congregation would identify the animal to be sacrificed by placing their hands on the animal. The last sacrificial offering described in the book is the trespass offering. The concept of trespass is that a person commits a sin unintentionally regarding the holy things, for example, acting against the commandments. The trespass offering was made in the following circumstances: when a person fails to be a truthful witness or becomes a false witness, when a person becomes unclean by touching any unclean thing, or when a person swears a false oath. For the atonement of this sin, the person shall confess his sin and offer an animal for sacrifice, and if an animal is unaffordable by the person, he shall give fine flour as the sacrificial offering. Thus, it can be said that David Levy has explained the sacrificial system that was associated with the Tabernacle in comprehensive detail and it provides the reader with a good idea regarding the types of sacrificial offerings and the sins for which the sacrificial offerings were made. The Priesthood In the third part of the book, David Levy explains in comprehensive details the attributes of the priests that performed services in the Tabernacle. He has explained numerous aspects of priesthood in this book such as; their services, their clothing, their conduct in service and the significance of the priesthood in the Tabernacle in Christianity. There were certain requirements to be addressed in order to one to join priesthood as well. Since priests would represent the Israelites and all the Israelites were to be blessed, any individual with physical deformity could be consecrated to minister. The priesthood was a way through which God blessed the entire world. Priests had unique dressing while ministering however they dressed no different than the men of Israel when not ministering. There were numerous duties with regard to the Tabernacle that were assigned to the priests, such as: burning the incense on the golden altar and to worship before the ark of the covenant; to light, clean and trim the golden lampstand which was the only source of illumination in the Tabernacle, to keep the fire burning on the brazen altar as it was communicated by God, to clear away the ashes from the altar, to offer the burnt offering, to give the portion of offering to the individual offering as peace offering, to announce feasts and festivals, and to instruct the people in law and in battle. Thus, it can be said that the author has explained the attributes of the priests, importance of priesthood and the services performed by the priests in great detail. The author has also contrasted the priesthood at the Tabernacle with the Christian priesthood. The author has also presented the attributes of Christ as a priest in comprehensive detail. Conclusion David Levy has presented the most significant details regarding the Tabernacle, the sacrificial system and the priesthood comprehensively in this book. From the review, it can be concluded that the book provides realistic information regarding the Tabernacle and numerous relevant factors. The book is reader friendly because it provides all the information in three broad parts. The first part regarding the design of the Taberanacle and the objects that were a part of the Tabernacle provide the reader with a very good idea regarding the structure of the Tabernacle. The second part regarding the sacrificial system provides the reader a very good idea regarding the types of the sacrificial offerings and the sins for which those offerings were made. The author also provides the details regarding the priests that performed services in the Tabernacle and their significance for the priesthood in Christianity. The topics in the book are also structured in a logical manner therefore the gradual development of information throughout the book makes it easier for the reader to grasp each detail. The pictures and graphical representation of the Tabernacle and relevant objects also adds concreteness to the subject matter of the book. Thus, it can be said that this book is reader friendly and it provides very realistic information in great detail. Works Cited Levy, David M. The Tabernacle: Shadows of the Messiah: Its Sacrifices, Services, and Priesthood. Illustrated Edition. Kregel Publications, 2003. Print. Read More