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Patriarchs and Prophets
at the right, to signify approval or acceptance, or a shadow or cloud
rested upon the one at the left to reveal disapproval or rejection.
The law of God, enshrined within the ark, was the great rule of
righteousness and judgment. That law pronounced death upon the
transgressor; but above the law was the mercy seat, upon which the
presence of God was revealed, and from which, by virtue of the atone-
ment, pardon was granted to the repentant sinner. Thus in the work
of Christ for our redemption, symbolized by the sanctuary service,
“mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed
each other.”
Psalm 85:10
.
No language can describe the glory of the scene presented within
the sanctuary—the gold-plated walls reflecting the light from the
golden candlestick, the brilliant hues of the richly embroidered curtains
with their shining angels, the table, and the altar of incense, glitter-
ing with gold; beyond the second veil the sacred ark, with its mystic
cherubim, and above it the holy Shekinah, the visible manifestation of
Jehovah’s presence; all but a dim reflection of the glories of the temple
of God in heaven, the great center of the work for man’s redemption.
A period of about half a year was occupied in the building of
the tabernacle. When it was completed, Moses examined all the
work of the builders, comparing it with the pattern shown him in the
mount and the directions he had received from God. “As the Lord
had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.”
With eager interest the multitudes of Israel crowded around to look
upon the sacred structure. While they were contemplating the scene
with reverent satisfaction, the pillar of cloud floated over the sanctuary
and, descending, enveloped it. “And the glory of the Lord filled the
tabernacle.” There was a revealing of the divine majesty, and for a time
even Moses could not enter. With deep emotion the people beheld the
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token that the work of their hands was accepted. There were no loud
demonstrations of rejoicing. A solemn awe rested upon all. But the
gladness of their hearts welled up in tears of joy, and they murmured
low, earnest words of gratitude that God had condescended to abide
with them.
By divine direction the tribe of Levi was set apart for the service
of the sanctuary. In the earliest times every man was the priest of his
own household. In the days of Abraham the priesthood was regarded
as the birthright of the eldest son. Now, instead of the first-born of all