During the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness by Moses and the Children of Israel, God instructed Moses to build a tabernacle for Him, so that He could dwell with his people. The sacrificial system was instituted, and Aaron and his sons were chosen to serve as High Priests, acting as intermediaries between Israel and their Lord.
But what significance does the tabernacle itself play in end times prophecy? There are a couple of important aspects of the tabernacle: first, it is a type of Christ, and secondly, it will reappear during the end times and be in use during the tribulation.
First it is important to understand that the tabernacle is a type of Jesus the Messiah.
This verse tells us that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” That Greek word for “dwelt” is the same word in the Old Testament used for “tabernacle.” Jesus “tabernacled” with us. It was through the tabernacle that the Jewish people received forgiveness of sins through the shedding of innocent blood. It is what allowed them to be in the presence of the Lord. The bronze altar, the table of showbread, the lamp stand, the incense altar, the Holy of Holies, the ark of the covenant with the mercy seat; all were a type of Christ which pointed the way for the Children of Israel. It all pointed to the Messiah to come.
And we know the Messiah did come, and was rejected by the Jews. Due to this rejection, the focus turned to the Gentiles. We were grafted in the chosen vine as Paul puts in in letter to the Romans (chap. 11). It was at this point in time that the the Church age began, the time we are now in. It will last roughly 2000 years, and it is quickly coming to an end. The next event on the biblical timeline that will occur is the Rapture of the church age believers.
Following that is the tribulation time for 7 years. During this time, scripture indicates that Israel will enjoy a time of peace. The Antichrist will orchestrate some sort of peace plan that provides Israel with stability and a sense of safety. The Bible even suggests that Israel will once again begin priestly sacraments and the sacrificial system. I believe that Israel will begin during this time of peace to reconstruct their temple. I do not think it will be on what is now known as the “temple mount,” but instead will be just south of that location in the City of David. Current excavations are going on in this area, and I believe conclusive evidence will be found that will convince the nation of Israel that the Temple was not at any point in time actually located on the temple mount area where an Islamic holy site now is situated.
As I said, I believe Israel will move to immediately reinstate the sacrificial system. They can do this by once again constructing a tabernacle. The original tabernacle was located in different locations, Shiloh and Bethel, prior to the permanent temple of Solomon being constructed. A Tabernacle would be allowed to be erected at some location other than the original temple location, and the book of Exodus provides detailed plans for how to build and design the tabernacle. In fact, Scripture verses refer to an end times place of worship in Jerusalem and use the word for “tabernacle” instead of temple.
The beast was given a mouth to utter boasts and blasphemies. It was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It began to speak blasphemies against God: to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle and those who dwell in heaven. Rev. 13:5-6
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s sanctuary, publicizing that he himself is God. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction. He opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits in God’s sanctuary, publicizing that he himself is God. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: Amos 9:11
“After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up.” Acts 15:16
“And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” Dan. 9:27
The Antichrist will as the verse above says blaspheme God. Daniel refers to that time as the Abomination of the Desolation, a time when the Antichrist puts a stop to the sacrifices. The Beast most likely commits an act of desecration within the Tabernacle itself by seating himself in the Holy of Holies, perhaps even on the reconstructed Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant. The last three and a half years of the tribulation will be a terrible time of death and torment for those still alive. But in the end, Jesus the Messiah will return once again. This time not as a meek rabbi on a colt, but as a warrior King, with a sword on a white horse. The Antichrist and False Prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire, and Satan, that snake of old, will be chained for a thousand years.
This 1000 year period is known as the Millennial Kingdom. At the start of the 1000 year reign of the Lord, Christ will return as Messiah and Israel will accept Him as their Lord. The chosen people of God will be atoned, and will be reconciled back to God. This then begins the Millennial kingdom of the Lord here on earth.
During the Millennial Kingdom, Jerusalem will be the location of the temple, and the Feasts of the Lord will once again be observed. That is another reason it is important for all of us to know and understand the Feasts of the Lord. During this time, Christ will once again tabernacle with men. The prophetic Feasts of the Lord will be completely fulfilled and completed. God’s chosen people, Israel, when accept and worship their Messiah and God.
I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them. Rev 21:3
My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Ezekiel 37:27
