7 August 2026
A Thought from My Personal Meditation on Exodus 26
The Tabernacle: The Way Into God’s Presence
As I was meditating on Exodus 26 today, my attention was drawn to the construction details of the Tabernacle.
However, before going into those details, a question came to my mind:
“What exactly is the Tabernacle?”
A few days ago, while meditating on Exodus 25:8, we reflected on the theme:
“A God Who Desires to Dwell Among His People.”
“And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
– Exodus 25:8 (ESV)
In that meditation, we saw God’s heart. He desired to dwell among His people. That is why He commanded the Israelites to build the Tabernacle.
But another question naturally follows:
“If God desires to dwell among His people, how can sinful people approach a holy God?”
The Tabernacle beautifully answers that question.
The Three Main Sections
The Tabernacle consisted of three main sections:
1. The Outer Court
2. The Holy Place
3. The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies)
The Outer Court was where sacrifices were offered. The people could come there and present their offerings before God. Various sacrifices were offered for atonement, worship, thanksgiving, and fellowship.
Beyond the Outer Court was the Holy Place, where only the priests could enter. There stood the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense. The priests ministered there daily before the Lord.
Beyond a veil was the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This represented the very presence of God among His people.
Only the High Priest could enter there, and that only once a year on the Day of Atonement, carrying sacrificial blood before the Lord.
Why Was Access Limited?
As I reflected on this, one question came to my mind:
“Why was access to God’s presence so limited?”
The answer is simple.
Sin had separated man from God.
Yet every part of the Tabernacle pointed forward to Jesus Christ.
The sacrifices in the Outer Court pointed to the perfect sacrifice that Jesus would offer on the cross.
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
– John 1:29 (ESV)
Through Christ’s sacrifice, there is no longer a need for animal sacrifices. The perfect sacrifice has been offered once and for all.
The Veil Is Torn
But the story does not end there.
When Jesus died on the cross, something extraordinary happened.
“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.”
– Matthew 27:51 (ESV)
The veil that separated man from God’s presence was removed.
Through the blood of Jesus Christ, the way into God’s presence has been opened.
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…”
– Hebrews 10:19 (ESV)
Access for All Believers
In the Old Testament, the people could only come to the Outer Court. The priests could enter the Holy Place. The High Priest alone could enter the Most Holy Place once a year.
But today, through Jesus Christ, every believer has access to the presence of God.
What a privilege!
“Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out; and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped.”
– Numbers 9:17 (ESV)
Whenever the Israelites journeyed, the Tabernacle journeyed with them. This teaches us a beautiful truth: God did not guide His people from a distance; He walked with them through every stage of their journey.
The Tabernacle teaches us that God never desired to remain distant from His people. From the very beginning, His desire was for His people to dwell in His presence.
Through Jesus Christ, that way has been opened.
A Question for Today
Today the question is not:
“Can I enter God’s presence?”
The question is:
“Am I daily entering through the way that Christ has already opened for me?”
May the good Lord bless you with these words. Have a blessed day!
— hinenilife.com