Finding Christ in the Altar of Incense

The golden altar of incense was placed before the veil of the Tabernacle of Moses. Every morning and evening the priest burned incense there, offering prayers on behalf of all Israel. Through the symbolism of this sacred altar, we can learn of the powerful connection between the power of prayer and the Savior’s suffering and sacrifice.

The altar of incense, which was located in the Holy Place, shared many characteristics with the altar of sacrifice, situated in the courtyard. Both were made from acacia wood and overlaid with metal (the altar of sacrifice in bronze, the altar of incense in gold). Both were square in shape, had horns on each of their four corners, and had rings and staves for transporting. These similarities suggest there was a connection between these two altars. (Compare Exodus 30:1-10 and Exodus 27:1-8).

Each morning and evening, at the time of prayer, the priest, who represented all of Israel, would first wash his hands and feet at the bronze laver (Exodus 30:20-21), and then he would offer a lamb as a burnt offering on the altar of sacrifice (Exodus 29:38-41). He would then wash again before entering the Holy Place, taking with him a coal from the altar in the courtyard. Originally, the fire at the altar of sacrifice was lit by God when He first accepted the Tabernacle (Leviticus 9:24), and it had continued burning uninterrupted, because of the maintenance of the priests (Leviticus 6:9, 12, 13). This means that each day the incense was ignited from a coal that was originally lit by the Lord himself. 

Pillar of fire lighting down on the altar of the Tabernacle of Moses

With the incense burning on the altar in front of the veil, the priest would then offer a prayer with raised hands, requesting blessings and redemption for all of Israel. The rising smoke represented the prayers of the saints ascending to God before the veil. The Psalmist wrote, “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2; see also Revelation 5:8 and Revelation 8:3).

The substance burned at the altar was to be made from a combination of spices and incense, including frankincense, one of the gifts later given to the young Jesus by the wise men. These ingredients were to be finely ground down to a powder, which produced a sweet-smelling fragrance when burned at the altar (see Exodus 30:34-36). The grinding down of the incense can be seen as a symbol of the Savior, who was ground down and burned in the fire of affliction, that our prayers might be answered before the throne of God.

A priest praying with raised hands at the altar of incense at the Tabernacle

As we study these morning and evening rituals enacted by the priests, we can learn several valuable lessons that can help us as we seek to approach the throne of God through prayer. First, just as the priest had to symbolically wash and offer a lamb as part of the daily prayers, we should seek daily repentance as we petition the Lord. Moreover, as we place our faith in the Lamb of God, we become spiritually clean through his atonement. As the writer of Hebrews wrote, “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22).

With the offering of the lamb on the altar, the priest could then enter the Holy Place, having been washed, clothed, and permitted to proceed to this sacred room. Here before the presence of the Lord, he could offer prayer for all of Israel. The similarities between the altars of sacrifice and incense show a progression of sacredness in the offerings given. In the outer courtyard, the sacrifice of an animal can be seen as a symbol of our sins and iniquities that must be placed on the altar. The death of this innocent animal is a type and shadow of the suffering and death of our Savior. In contrast, the burning of the finely ground incense and spices can represent a sweeter savor and a more sacred offering to the Lord. The pleasant aroma rising towards heaven could symbolize our prayer, service, devotion, and consecrated efforts to build the Kingdom of God. It focuses our attention on praying for others and lifting and serving those in need. 

Smoke rising in front of the veil from the altar of incense

In our own daily prayers, we can follow this pattern by first seeking daily forgiveness of our wrongs as if at the altar of sacrifice. This gives us the chance to have a new start each day. Once washed and cleansed through the blood of the Lamb, we then symbolically approach the throne of God and pray for those around us who might be in need of the Lord’s comfort or support. After we finish our prayers, we then allow the Savior to work through us, as we serve and bless the lives of others through acts of kindness and love. 

Just before the birth of Christ, the priest Zacharias was chosen to offer the incense and pray on behalf of Israel in Herod’s Temple. While he prayed an angel appeared on the side of the altar and told him that his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son. The angel then prophesied that this son, John the Baptist, would prepare the way for the coming Messiah. For hundreds of years, priests had offered countless prayers at this altar, petitioning for blessings upon Israel. Now, those prayers had been heard, the Messiah would come! Redemption for Israel was near! This can teach us that answers to prayers don’t always come when we might hope, but answers will always come in the timing of the Lord!

We each have the opportunity, like the ancient priests, to offer our prayers before the Lord, morning and evening and throughout each day. As we find our own sacred and holy space, we can symbolically be washed through the blood of Christ, and then enter the holy presence of the Lord to request blessings for ourselves and others. How glorious it is that our Father in Heaven allows us to approach Him in prayer, and that because of the sacrifice of his Son—the Lamb of God—we can find the answers, comfort, and blessing that we seek!

Finding Christ in the Altar of Sacrifice

  

The altar of sacrifice in the Tabernacle of Moses, is one of the more powerful types and shadows of the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The altar was used by the priests for sacrifices and burnt offerings and was the place where Israel could be reconciled with God. Here Israel learned that the remission of sins could only come through the shedding of blood, ultimately pointing to the death of Christ on the cross.

Long before Moses was commanded to build the brazen altar, followers of God built altars where they could pray and come near to the Lord. Prophets such as Adam, Noah, and Abraham all built altars to offer sacrifice. These altars were built of uncut stones, which set them apart from the more permanent, yet portable brazen altar of the Tabernacle.

The altar of sacrifice was the largest of the pieces of furniture of the Tabernacle. It was constructed of shitim or better translated as acacia wood overlaid with bronze. The acacia tree is one of the few trees that grows naturally in the deserts where the Israelites wandered. Because the tree must grow with very little water, its wood is quite dense making it resistant to rot or decay. Overlaying the acacia wood with bronze made the altar able to withstand the fires of the many sacrifices. Bronze in scripture is often a symbol of judgment, as is seen in the story of the brazen serpent that was lifted up in the wilderness. The Israelites who trusted in the Lord’s promise of healing power, and looked to the brazen serpent, were healed from their poisonous bites. Likewise, as we look to the Savior on the cross, who was lifted up on our behalf, we can be healed of our sins and sorrows.

The brazen serpent lifted up by Moses

The altar itself was square in shape, which set it apart from all the other furniture except for the altar of incense which shared many similarities. On the four corners were horns, likewise made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze. In ancient times horns were seen as a symbol of power or strength. The altar horns were also a symbol of refuge, as Israelites who had sinned, could take hold of the horn and be promised safety and refuge until they could have a fair trial (see 1 Kings 1:50). The number four is often a symbol representing the four corners of the earth, perhaps pointing to the infinite sacrifice of Christ, which has power to reach to the four ends of the earth. The altar also had four rings, two each placed on the opposite sides. Two long poles made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze could be inserted into the rings allowing the altar to be carried as the Israelites traveled in the wilderness.

In Leviticus the Lord commanded three separate times that the fire of the altar was to be kept burning at all times (Leviticus 6:9, 12-13). This is likely because the Lord himself lit the fire, (Leviticus 9:24) consuming the first sacrifice offered by Aaron. As followers of Christ we too should always seek to keep the fires of our offering burning. While animal sacrifice was done away with by the death of Christ, we can offer to the Lord sacrifices of thanksgiving (Psalms 107:22), praise (Hebrews 13:15), and service towards others (Romans 12:1). 

Pillar of fire lighting the altar of sacrifice

The Bible also describes the bronze tools used for sacrifice, including basins and shovels for removing the ashes, bowls to hold the blood, meat forks used to place the sacrifice on the altar, and firepans used for taking coals from the altar to be used in burning incense.

In Leviticus 1-5 the Lord prescribed five different types of sacrifices that were to be offered at the altar, the burnt offering, the peace offering, the meat or grain offering, the sin offering, and the trespass offering. Each of these sacrifices varied in what type of animal or offering could be made and how they were ritually offered. Most of these were sacrifices of animals, but there were also offerings of grain as well. While we won’t attempt to cover the complexity of these five types of offerings here, there were common elements to most of these sacrifices.

First, the Israelite or priest would bring the animal through the gate and have the animal inspected to ensure it was without blemish. Next, the person would then lay their hands on the head of the animal which could be seen as symbolically transferring their sins to the sacrifice. The person then slit the throat of the animal, with the priest collecting the blood in a dish. Notice that for an individual sacrifice, it was the person who killed the animal, not the priest. This would vividly convey to the Israelites that it was their sins that caused the death of the animal and that the consequence of sin is death (Romans 6:23).

The collected blood, depending on the type of sacrifice, was then dabbed on the horns, splashed on the sides, or poured out at the base of the altar. The word atonement, or kaphar in Hebrew, actually means to cover or blot out. Blood represented the life of the animal, and thus by covering parts of the altar with blood, the priest was symbolically showing that atonement had been made because of the shedding of blood.

The animal was then cut into pieces, and depending on the type of sacrifice, parts of the meat were burned on the altar and the remainder of the meat was eaten by the priests or the family. Only in the case of the burnt offering was the entire animal completely burned on the altar. The eating of a portion of the sacrifice as part of a meal, is highly significant. Meat was rarely a part of daily meals and was mostly reserved for religious feasts and significant events. Because animals provide wool and hair for clothing, and milk and cheese for food, animals were far more valuable alive than dead! 

In addition, anciently the breaking of bread and eating a meal together often symbolized friendship between two parties. Enemies did not sign peace treaties like today to show they desired unity, but instead broke bread together. It was in the breaking of bread and sharing a meal that covenants were established and friendships renewed. Thus, it is significant that for most sacrifices at the altar, the partaking of a meal was a central part. God partook of His portion of the offering as it was burned on the altar, and then shared the remainder of the meal with the priests or family of the offeror.

Because of our sins, we are all enemies of God. Yet, each Sabbath, the Lord invites us to come to His table, and to partake of a communal meal that demonstrates that He is at peace with us. The tokens of the sacrament or communion, blessed by the priests, teach us that it is only because of Christ’s sacrifice that we can enjoy the friendship and presence of God. 

Bronze altar of sacrifice

The ancient altar of sacrifice taught Israel and all of us that before we can come into the presence of the Lord, we first must be reconciled with God. Death is the requirement for sin, yet God in His infinite mercy provided that another could be killed in our stead, that we might live. Just as Israel symbolically laid their sins on the head of the sacrifice, so too Isaiah taught that “the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 52:6). Similarly, as these animals were bled out, so too the Savior bled in Gethsemane and on the cross that we might have our sins blotted out or covered over. Because of God’s mercy, as we come to the altar of the Lord, we can find refuge, protection, and forgiveness because of the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

(Special thanks to Elder Alex Ducos, Ethan Fullmer, Elder Ryan Sampson, and Brian Olson for their help with creating the 3D model of the Tabernacle.)

The Laver and the Washing and Anointing of Priests

Within the outer courtyard of the Tabernacle of Moses was the bronze laver (see Exodus 30:17-21). It was here at the laver where Aaron and his sons were washed, clothed, and anointed prior to becoming a priest. The laver was also used by the priests for daily ritual washing prior to serving at the Tabernacle. The washing at the laver can symbolize our need to be spiritually cleansed through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Only the tribe of Levi, and in particular the family of Aaron, could officiate at the Tabernacle; therefore, the Lord commanded that Moses first consecrate them for this sacred service here at the laver. In Exodus 40 it reads, “And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.” (Exodus 40:12-13). This consecration of the priests included three important and symbolic acts: washing, clothing, and anointing. These gestures were to demonstrate and teach Israel that the priests were authorized to act on their behalf.

In ancient times, washing with water often symbolled becoming ritually clean, allowing the person to perform sacred acts such as prayer or sacrifice. Though we are not given any details about the washing process, many scholars speculate that it would include the washing of the full body. [1] The scriptures include many references to ritual washing including one from Psalms “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalms 51:2).

After the washing with water, the high priest and priests were clothed with the holy garments. Unlike today, clothing in ancient times was very costly and difficult to make. The hand spinning and looming process could take possibly hundreds of hours for a single piece of clothing. Thus, the giving of clothing, especially ceremonial clothing, represented a significant bestowing of authority and power. Interestingly the word atonement in Hebrew, or kaphar, actually means to cover, possibly connecting the sacred priestly clothing, which covered the priests, with the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Moses anointing Aaron with oil, the oil is stored in the horn of a bull

Next, Moses was to anoint Aaron and his sons with sacred anointing oil and blood from the sacrifice. The oil was a special combination of pure olive oil with liquified myrrh and other spices (see Exodus 30:22-30). Several stories in the Bible state that anointing oil was stored in an animal’s horn (see for example 1 Samuel 16:13 and 1 Kings 1:39), the horn often being a symbol of power and strength. [2] The scriptures again do not provide any details how the priests were anointed with oil, but we are told about the process of anointing with blood which may give us hints to the full process. [3] Moses would first kill a ram and then save the blood in a dish. He would then place the blood on the right ear of the priest, then on his right thumb, and then the right toe of his foot. (Exodus 29:20 and Leviticus 8:23-24).

Moses dabbing blood on the right ear of Aaron

Blood being placed on the right thumb of Aaron

Moses placing blood on the right toe of Aaron

This act of covering with blood certain parts of the body might seem strange to modern readers of the Bible, but understanding its significance can help us learn several powerful lessons. First, again the meaning of the word atonement in Hebrew means to cover. Second, each of the body parts could represent the service at the Tabernacle and to the Lord. The ear can symbolize the need to hear and follow the word of God. The thumb can represent our actions and ability to labor in the work of the Lord. The toe often is a symbol of our daily walk possibly teaching the priests that they were to walk in the paths of righteousness. By anointing with blood these parts of the body, it could serve as a reminder to the priests that all their actions and deeds should bring others to the Lord. According to one scholar, it could also symbolize that the priest, who represented Israel, was taking upon him the tokens of the death of the sacrifice. Thus, reminding him that it is only by the blood of the sacrifice that he is worthy and able to enter the Lord’s presence. [4]

After being consecrated just once in their life before becoming a priest, the priests then would ritually wash their hands and feet daily at the laver before performing sacrifices and entering the Holy Place (Exodus 30:19-21). This served as a constant reminder that they were to be spiritually clean prior to coming before the Lord.

The priest ritually washing his hands at the laver

After completing these sacred cleansing rituals, the priests were authorized to serve at the Tabernacle and in particular, enter the presence of the Lord into the Holy Place, and in the case of the high priest, the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. Though Israel would not participate in these sacred cleansing acts individually, the priests represented them all as if they too were able to be washed themselves. This would hopefully be a reminder to ancient Israel that as they watched the priest physically and spiritually prepare to act on their behalf, they knew they likewise had to be prepared to enter albeit symbolically through the services of the priests.

These powerful symbolic acts at the laver can teach us of our own need to be cleansed by the waters of baptism, clothed in the power of the atonement, and anointed by the blood of the Lamb of God having our sins covered over or blotted out. These rituals can be an outward representation of the truth that it is only through the atoning power of the Savior that we can ultimately be worthy and able to enter the presence of the Lord!

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[1] The Gate of Heaven, by Matthew B. Brown, pg. 79.
[2] The Lost Language of Symbolism, by Alonzo Gaskill, pg. 49-50.
[3] The Gate of Heaven, pg. 79-80.
[4] The Anchor Bible, Exodus 19-40, by William H. C. Propp, pg. 530-531.

The Tabernacle and the Messiah

According to the book of Genesis, in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden where they lived in God’s presence. After Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, they were cast out of the Garden. This separation was not permanent; however, because God the Father would send His Only Begotten Son to be the Savior of the world to overcome the effects of sin and death.

In anticipation of the Savior’s great and last sacrifice, God instructed righteous followers such as Adam and Noah and their families to offer sacrifices. Eventually, God made a special covenant with a righteous man named Abraham and his wife Sarah. Their descendants came to be known as Israel.

After Moses freed Israel from bondage under the Egyptians, the growing family of Israel renewed the covenant of Abraham, promising to be God’s people. However, full of fear and quick to turn to idol worship, they were unprepared to enter into His presence. Instead, they relied on Moses and the priests that were called to commune with God on their behalf.

To help the people of Israel draw closer to Him, God revealed His law to Moses with many detailed instructions, including directions for building a holy sanctuary, or Tabernacle, where God could dwell among them. In this Tabernacle Israel, through the priests, would participate in special sacrifices and rituals.

The detailed design of the sanctuary and the symbolism of the rituals performed within, pointed Israel toward the coming Savior, the Messiah, who would redeem them from sin and death. Let’s take a tour of the Tabernacle to better understand its Messianic symbolism.

The progression through the Tabernacle is symbolic of mankind ascending from the fallen world back into the presence of God. The Tabernacle is divided into three spaces: the outer courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. The outer courtyard invites one to depart from the cares of this world into a space focused towards God. The Holy Place, lit by oil lamplight, can be suggestive of one moving closer to God through the light of the Holy Spirit. The Holy of Holies represents returning into the presence of God.

A closer look at each space of the Tabernacle reveals more about the symbolic journey heavenward. Only one entrance leads into the outer courtyard. Through this beautiful and colorful gate on the eastern wall, Israelites symbolically began their ascent towards God. The Savior taught during His mortal ministry, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved” (John 10:9 NIV).

A priest offering sacrifices at the altar

Entering through the gate into the Tabernacle courtyard we come to the bronze Altar of Sacrifice where Israelite men and women offered sacrifices to God as a means of showing devotion, expressing gratitude, and seeking reconciliation for transgression. These sacrifices were all a type and shadow of Jesus Christ, the unblemished firstborn Lamb of God, slain for the sins of the world.

Next, we come to the bronze Laver where ritual washings took place. Here, the sons of Aaron were washed, anointed, and clothed in the priestly robes prior to becoming a priest. The priests would also ritually wash their hands and feet here before performing sacrifices and entering the Holy Place. The cleansing water of the Laver can remind us of the Savior, whose words and love are the Living Water in which we can be washed, cleansed, and filled.

Moses anointing Aaron as the High Priest

We now enter the door of the tent into the Holy Place in a symbolic ascension closer to the presence of God. On the right is the Table of Showbread where twelve loaves of bread were kept and eaten by the priests every Sabbath. Tradition holds that a pitcher of wine was also kept on the table. The bread serves as a reminder of our need to be spiritually nourished by Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Together, the bread and wine can be a reminder of Christ’s flesh and blood, as taught by the sacrament or communion.

On the south side of the Holy Place stood the golden Menorah, or oil lampstand. The Menorah had seven branches, each decorated with almond flowers, buds, and blossoms. Every evening, the priests would trim, refill, and make sure that the lamps were burning with pure olive oil. This was the only source of light for the Holy Place and can serve as a reminder of Jesus Christ, who said, “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12).

Next we come to the Altar of Incense where a priest burnt incense each morning and evening in front of the veil. The altar’s position before the Holy of Holies shows the importance of prayer in preparing to enter the Lord’s presence. Just as the sweet smoke of incense rises heavenward, so also the prayers of the righteous rise up to God, drawing them closer to Him.

High priest praying at the altar of incense in the Holy Place

The linen veil separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Embroidered on the veil are figures called cherubim which symbolically guard the presence of God. When Christ was crucified, the veil of Herod’s temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, signifying that through the Savior’s sacrifice, the way was now open for all to enter God’s presence. The writer of Hebrews taught that because of Christ, we can go boldly into the Holy of Holies “By a new and living way … through the veil, that is to say, [the] flesh [of Christ]” (Hebrews 10:20).

We now enter the Holy of Holies representing the ultimate goal of living in the very presence of God. In the center is the Ark of the Covenant, the most sacred object in the Tabernacle. Atop the Ark was the Covering, often called the Mercy Seat or Seat of Atonement, with two cherubim made from solid gold. These cherubim stretched their wings over the ark, symbolically guarding the place where the presence of the Lord would dwell. Inside the Ark were kept sacred objects, including Aaron’s rod, a bowl of manna, and the stone tablets of the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies. Here he sprinkled blood from the sacrifice on the Mercy Seat, symbolizing that through the blood of the Lamb of God, Israel could obtain mercy and the opportunity to once again live in God’s presence. Although the children of Israel were not allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, the High Priest represented them. Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest, who intercedes on our behalf before the Father.

The high priest entering the Holy of Holies

During Israel’s time in the wilderness, the Tabernacle moved from place to place as a portable structure. Eventually, it was replaced by a more elaborate and permanent structure called the Temple of Solomon. Built after the pattern of the Tabernacle, Solomon’s temple was the crowning jewel of Jerusalem for almost 400 years until its destruction by the Babylonians.

Seventy years later a second temple was rebuilt after the same pattern, which Herod the Great extensively remodeled during the first century. It was here Jesus, the foretold Savior of the world, was brought as an infant. He was born into the world to fulfill the law of Moses and complete God’s plan to open the way back into His presence through a new covenant.

At the last supper, Jesus taught His disciples about this new covenant made possible by His suffering and death. The following day as Christ, the ultimate Passover Lamb, hung on the cross, He offered a sacrifice bringing deliverance to all from sin and death, replacing the need for animal sacrifices. From this point forward, a new kind of sacrifice would be asked of God’s followers—that of a contrite spirit and a heart willing to turn and follow Jesus.

The ancient Tabernacle that became the temple in Jerusalem, with all its sacrifices and rituals was centered on Christ. His life and ministry, culminating in His death and resurrection, fulfilled every law and ordinance and shows the path that will lead us back to our Father in Heaven.

Text written by Jane & Clark Johnson adapted from an earlier video I produced in 2018.

Swaddling Bands and a Manger

On the night of the Savior's birth, an angel of the Lord proclaimed to the shepherds that the Messiah had been born in Bethlehem. The angel then told the shepherds to go and find the babe, and that they would recognize him because he would be "wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Luke 2:12). This phrase, at least in part, is repeated three times in the Nativity story (Luke 2:7, 12, 16), so what is the significance of swaddling bands and a manger and why would this be a sign unto the shepherds?

Swaddling an infant in ancient times was a common practice, showing a child was properly cared for. Ezekiel 16 symbolically describes the birth of Israel, and how because of her wickedness was not properly cared for, or swaddled. It reads: "And as for thy nativity, in the day thou wast born thy navel was not cut, neither wast thou washed in water to supple thee; thou wast not salted at all, nor swaddled at all" (Ezekiel 16:4).

From this verse we learn several things about birth in ancient times. First, the umbilical cord was cut, then the infant would be washed with water. This washing was to cleanse the child of the amniotic fluid and blood present during birth. The baby was then rubbed with a small amount of salt, combined likely with olive oil, [1] to help clean and disinfect the child. Salt was also added to every offering at the altar of sacrifice in the Tabernacle and at the temple, and it is likely that Israelite mothers saw the salting of their infant as a way to symbolically offer their child to the service of the Lord.

After being washed and salted, the infant was then wrapped with long strips of linen or cotton swaddling bands. These bands helped to provide comfort to the child, the tight bands replicating the feeling of the womb. "It [also] is possible that swaddling bands were, at least on some occasions, marked in some way … in order to identify whose baby it was." [2] Some writers, because of later Jewish traditions, have also suggested that these bands were embroidered with symbols of the infant's ancestry, such as a lion, or a branch or stem, for those of the lineage of David. [3]

The second part of the sign unto the shepherds is that the infant would be found lying in a manger. Since most cared for infants would be swaddled, this actual sign would help the shepherds recognize the baby, as he would be lying in a manger. Despite what we have seen in almost every Nativity scene, mangers in ancient Israel were actually built of stone instead of wood. Because of the abundance of stone in Israel, most construction used stonework, reserving the scarcer resource of wood for items such as roof timbers and doors. These mangers were of various sizes and generally were about six to eight inches deep. The scriptures tell us that once the shepherds found the infant lying in a manger, they knew, because of the uniqueness of the situation, that they had found the promised Messiah.

It is remarkable that water, salt, oil, and linen were all likely present at the birth of Christ. Each of these items point to ancient sacrifice and temple worship. Water was used both for the purification of the priests and for washing the sacrifices. Salt, as mentioned, was added to all sacrifices, symbolizing "the lasting nature of the covenant." [4] Olive oil was used in some sacrificial offerings such as for the grain offering, for the anointing of priests, and for lighting the menorah in the temple. White linen was used to clothe and dress the priests. In addition, the Savior laying in a feeding manger may have been a type and shadow for how we each must symbolically partake of His sacrificed flesh and blood. How appropriate that the true lamb of God, the infinite and eternal sacrifice, was salted, anointed, wrapped in cloth, and laid in a manger symbolically pointing to his sacrifice, of which if we partake, we will have eternal life!

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[1] The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia pg. 670
[2] What on Earth are Swaddling Clothes? by John W. Welch
[3] Beloved Bridegroom by Donna B. Nielsen pgs. 35-36
[4] CES Law of Moses slideshow

Tabernacle of Moses Youth Camp and Open House

During the first two weeks of August 2016, a historic Tabernacle Youth camp and public open house were held by members of the Huntington Beach and Murrieta Stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The two stakes collaborated on the project, building one of the most accurate and beautiful replicas of the ancient Tabernacle of Moses. The replica was used to teach youth and adults about this significant, first portable temple.

The first week of events was devoted to helping the youth of the two stakes learn about the importance of the ancient Tabernacle. Youth from the Huntington Beach Stake, as part of their Youth Conference, first were divided into twelve tribes, and then marched into camp, with their tribe leaders and banners leading the way. For the next several days, they then camped as tribes around the Tabernacle, and took a variety of classes to help them learn about the Tabernacle of Moses, ancient sacrifices, and in particular, how these Old Testament ordinances and practices pointed to the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. The classes included teachings about the symbolism of water, the tree of life, olive oil, incense, sacred clothing, and bread in ancient times. Perhaps the two most meaningful classes were on the process of making olive oil. During the class the youth first crushed olives by hand, and then placed the crushed olive mash beneath a replica ancient press, harvesting the olive oil as it oozed out into a container. Youth then learned that the word Gethsemane in Hebrew means olive press, and of how the symbolism of the olive press typify the suffering of the Savior in Gethsemane.

Altar of Sacrifice

For lunch on the first day of the camp, the youth gathered together and broke bread and ate a meal the way it might have been like in ancient times. They took turns washing hands, ate with their hands while seated on the ground, and learned of the importance of communal meals in ancient times. During the camp, the youth also enjoyed swimming, diving, boating, and sliding down the slides at the huge pool. They also participated in various activities and relay races to help create teamwork and establish unity and friendships among the youth. At night the Tabernacle was lit up, with a huge pillar of light, representing the pillar of fire by night as found in scripture. Interestingly, on several mornings the Tabernacle was also covered with a beautiful layer of fog, reminiscent of the cloud by day.

The Holy Place of the Tabernacle of Moses

On the second and last day of the camp, the youth from both stakes toured the Tabernacle. They started in the outer court, learning about the beautifully colored outer gate, the bronze altar of sacrifice with its four horns, the laver for ritual washing, and about the various outer layers of the tabernacle structure. They also learned about the garments of the high priest, and how the clothing pointed to and symbolized Jesus Christ, the Great high priest. They then entered the Holy Place and learned about the golden seven branched menorah, the table of showbread with its 12 loaves of bread, and the altar of incense that was placed before the veil of the temple, repressing the prayers of the saints ascending to heaven. As the last part of their tour, they entered the Holy of Holies and looked into the ark of the covenant. They learned of how the high priest entered this room only once a year on the day of atonement, and how this symbolized Christ entering the presence of God and interceding on our behalf.

The ark of the covenant in the Tabernacle replica

On the Sunday after the last day of the youth camps, the Murrieta stake held there Stake Priesthood training meeting in the outer court of the Tabernacle. From Monday through Thursday of the second week, a public open house was held with over 3,000 attendees touring the Tabernacle. Guests were taken on a 45 minute tour where they learned of how the Tabernacle pointed to Christ, and of how learning about these ancient practices, can better help us understand the atonement of Jesus Christ. Over the two week period, over 3,500 people were able to experience the Tabernacle and witness with their own eyes this unique and sacred structure!

The pillar of fire at night

The Tabernacle and the Temple

The text for this video is modified from the OT Student Manual on Exodus 25-30; 35-40.

"Out of the thunders of Sinai the Lord revealed a glorious plan by which He could redeem the children of Israel. The Lord opened the heavens to Moses and through him [taught Israel how to come back into the presence of the Lord through the atonement of Jesus Christ as represented by the symbolic progression of the tabernacle].

"Deep meaning is associated with the physical dimensions and plan of the tabernacle. They were meant to reflect spiritual patterns that are also reflected in [Latter-day Saint] temples today.

The Tabernacle of Moses

"The tabernacle and its court became a school in which the things of heaven were to be revealed to the Lord’s people. It was originally intended [that all Israelites would be able to progress from the outer court, to the holy place, and then into the holy of holies, symbolically reentering the presence of God]. … This symbolic journey, however, was denied Israel because of her pride and rebellion. Israel lost these higher blessings and became dependent [instead] on the officiating priests who acted as proxy [on their behalf].

"But that loss of privilege in no way implies that the tabernacle lost its significance for Israel. … Though the fulness of [temple blessings were] withheld from Israel, the layout and construction of the tabernacle itself symbolized our progress toward perfection.

"There are three major divisions or areas in the tabernacle: the outer courtyard; the first room of the tabernacle proper, or holy place; and the inner room, or holy of holies. In modern temples three levels of life are also depicted by rooms in the temple: the world, or telestial, room; the terrestrial room; and the celestial room.

"'[The world] room depicts the world in which we live and die. Here instruction is given regarding man’s second estate and the manner in which he may overcome the obstacles of mortality.

"'The terrestrial room is symbolic of the peace that may be attained by men as they overcome their fallen condition through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.

"'The celestial room symbolizes the eternal joy and peace found in the presence of God.'

"If we compare the three divisions of the tabernacle with these three levels of spiritual life, we find some interesting parallels and insights.

A comparison of the courts of the Tabernacle with the layout of modern-day temples

The outer courtyard (the world or telestial room)
"The first thing encountered as one entered the main gate [of the tabernacle] was the altar of sacrifice. Here the various animals and other offerings were slain and offered to the Lord [representing the sacrifice of the only begotten Son]. Strict obedience and sacrifice were thus required as the first step in the symbolic progression towards perfection and entry into God’s presence. This first step could be likened to having faith in Christ and repentance. Jesus taught the Nephites that He had fulfilled the law of Moses, and now the sacrifice required of them was 'a broken heart and a contrite spirit,' which would lead to the baptism with 'fire and with the Holy Ghost' (3 Nephi 9:20).

The lavar in front of the tabernacle

"Directly in line next in the courtyard was the laver, or basin of water, which was used for washing and cleansing. …When Solomon built a permanent temple, he placed the laver on the backs of twelve oxen, a symbolism carried on in modern temples. Since the baptismal font itself is a 'similitude of the grave,' where the 'old man' of sin is buried, the symbolism of the laver seems clear. Once the natural man is sacrificed ([or] put to death through a broken heart or sincere and deep repentance), he is cleansed by both the waters of baptism and the fires of the Holy Ghost. Once this cleansing is done, he is prepared to leave the world, or a telestial way of living, and be born into a higher state of spiritual life.

The holy place (the terrestrial room)
"Three articles of furniture were found in the first room of the tabernacle: the table of shewbread, the sacred candlestick, and the altar of incense. Each article had its own significance. The table of shewbread, which had the bread and wine changed each Sabbath day, was a symbol similar to the sacramental emblems of today. They typified the body and blood of the Son of God, of which the spiritual person partakes consistently so that he can have spiritual life in Christ. The candlestick, or lampstand, with its seven branches and its olive oil symbolized the perfect light of the Spirit through which the spiritually reborn person sees all truth.

Furniture found in the holy place

"The third article in the holy place was the altar of incense … which stood directly in front of the veil [representing the prayers ascending to heaven before the veil of the temple]. This altar suggests the third dominant aspect of the person living by the principles and ordinances of the gospel, that is, consistent seeking of the Lord’s power and revelation through prayer.

The Holy of Holies (the celestial room)
"Just as the celestial room in modern temples symbolizes the kingdom where God dwells, so did the holy of holies in the ancient tabernacle. The only article of furniture in this inner room was the ark of the covenant, which the Lord Himself said was the place where He would meet Moses and commune with the people. Both on the veil, separating the holy place from the most holy, and on the lid to the ark were cherubim, or angels. This use of angels provided a beautiful representation of the concept taught in latter-day scripture that one passes by the angels on his way to exaltation (see D&C 132:19).

The ark of the covenant found in the holy of holies

"In summary, the tabernacle and its plan and the ordinances thereof illustrate the grand and glorious symbolism of mankind’s progress from a state of being alienated from God to one of full communion with Him [where we enter back into His presence through the Atonement of Jesus Christ]."

Tabernacle of Moses Camp

Here are some of the pictures I took at the young men's Tabernacle Camp. It was an experience I will never forget, and I hope there will be many more like it in the future. The chance of a lifetime!

The outer courtyard with the altar of sacrifice, the bronze laver, and the sanctuary

The outer gate with the altar of sacrifice

A closeup of the horn of the altar of sacrifice

The Tabernacle bronze laver

The bronze laver with the Tabernacle sanctuary in the background

The Holy Place with menorah, altar of incense, table of shewbread, and the High Priest

The table of shewbread in the Holy Place

The bread and wine pitcher on the table of shewbread

The menorah and altar of incense

The menorah oil lamps lit within the Holy Place

Incense burning on the altar of incense before the veil of the Tabernacle

Altar of incense and the clothing of the High Priest

The ark of the covenant with the veil of the Tabernacle in the background

The two cherubim on the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant with the ten commandments in the background

Inside the ark of the covenant showing the blossomed rod of Aaron, the ten commandments, and the pot of manna

A pillar of fire by night lights the sky above the Tabernacle of Moses

Jesus Christ The Great High Priest

One of the many titles given to Jesus Christ is that of the Great High Priest (see Hebrews 5). To understand this Messianic title, we first must understand the role and significance of the High Priest in ancient times. During the exodus, as the Israelites were camped at the base of Mount Sinai, the Lord desired that all his children be able to enter into his presence within the walls of the Temple or Tabernacle. However, because of their sinfulness in creating a golden calf, God instead had the High Priest take the place of Israel, becoming the intercessory on their behalf. To help symbolize his important role as a mediator and as a type of Christ, each piece of the clothing of the High Priest pointed to the Messiah.

"The high priest wore eight holy garments. Of these, four were of the same type worn by all priests, and four were unique to the High Priest." [1]

The four garments worn by all priests were, first, the priestly undergarments or breeches. These linen pants were made to "cover the nakedness" of the priests and covered them from the waist to the knees (Exodus 28:42). Second, was the priestly tunic or robe, which was likewise made of white linen, was seamless, and covered most of the body of the priest (Exodus 28:39-40). Third, was the priestly sash, made of white linen for the normal priest, and an embroidered sash made of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and white for the High Priest, and was used as a type of belt around the tunic or robe. Fourth, is the priestly turban, bonnet, or cap, which was a long strip of white linen wrapped around the head of the priest.

The blue robe with alternating golden bells and pomegranate-shaped tassels  

The four golden garments worn by only the High Priest were, first the priestly blue robe, which was a sleeveless and seamless robe that was about a hand breadth shorter than the white full-length robe. On the bottom of the blue robe were alternating golden bells and pomegranate-shaped tassels made of blue, purple, and scarlet wool. Second, was the ephod, "a richly embroidered vest or apron with two onyx engraved gemstones on the shoulders, on which were engraved the names of the tribes of Israel." [2] Third, was the breastplate, which had twelve different stones in gold settings, fastened to the breastplate, each engraved with one of the names of the tribes of Israel. The breastplate was folded in half to create a pocket where the Urim and Thummim was stored. The fabric for both the ephod and the breastplate were woven from gold thread, blue, purple, and scarlet wool, and white linen. The breastplate was fastened on the top by gold-twisted chains attached to the two shoulder stones, and on the bottom by blue ribbons tied to the ephod. The last of the golden garments of the High Priest was the crown, worn over the front of the turban and attached to the forehead by two blue ribbons, the crown being inscribed with the words "Holiness to the Lord" (Exodus 28:36-38).

The white robe and turban used by all priests

Each of the pieces of clothing, including their materials and colors, pointed to Jesus the Messiah, the Great High Priest. First, we'll discuss the four white linen vestments. White in the Bible represents purity, while the Hebrew word that was often used for linen means 'separation.' [3] Purity and separation from the world are both perfect symbols of the life of Christ. [4] John, remembering the white seamless robe worn by the priests, tells us that at the cross Jesus likewise wore a seamless robe (see John 19:23).

On the blue outer robe were attached alternating bells and pomegranate tassels. As the High Priest would walk around the bells would ring, reminding everyone around him, that they were in the presence of the High Priest, the representative of the Lord. The pomegranate in the scriptures represents fruitfulness, posterity, and prosperity, as there are literally hundreds of seeds in a single fruit. It is through the atonement of the Messiah that we are all made children of Christ, and heirs of his kingdom.

"In the scriptures ... the forehead represents what a person’s thoughts dwell on and therefore what he loves or desires. ... For the same reason, the Mosaic high priest wore an engraved gold signet on his forehead that read ‘Holiness to the Lord’ (see Exodus 28:36-38). This was a reminder that his thoughts should always be holy, with the result that his actions would follow suit." [5]

The clothing of the High Priest

Perhaps the most significant and expensive part of the High Priest's clothing was the ephod and the breastplate. According to the Bible, the stones on the two shoulders, engraved with the twelve tribes of Israel, were to represent that the High Priest was to symbolically bear or carry Israel upon his shoulders at all times. The twelve stones on the breastplate, likewise, represented that he was to carry Israel against his heart (see Exodus 28:12, 29-30). As Christ atoned in the Garden of Gethsemane, and died on the cross of Calvary he literally carried all of the world on his shoulders and against his heart.

Close-up of the breastplate showing the five colors

The blue robe, the ephod and the breastplate were all made of linen and wool, and of the same five colors; gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and white. Linen again represents 'separation' from the world, while wool can be connected to the sheep that were used in so many of the temple sacrifices.

Gold in the scriptures represents wealth, power, the celestial realm, and the divine. [6] Blue represents all things heavenly, being the color of the sky. The priest's outer robe being entirely blue "emphasized the fact that his authority was of heavenly origin and his life was the typifying of God and Christ." [7] The color purple represents royalty, power, wealth, and majesty. Producing purple dye in ancient times was extremely costly and difficult, meaning that only the wealthiest could afford to wear the color purple. [8] It is interesting to note that Christ, according to Mark and John, was clothed in a purple robe by the soldiers before his crucifixion in an effort to mock him as the King of the Jews (see Mark 15:17 and John 19:2-3). The color scarlet, or red represents sin, mortality, death and resurrection. [9] In the same account of the mocking soldiers, Matthew tells us that the robe was scarlet (see Matthew 27:28). In addition, the book of Revelation depicts Christ at His Second Coming wearing a robe dipped in blood, making it the color red (see Revelation 19:13). As was already mentioned, white represents purity and typifies the type of life that Christ lived.

The breastplate of the High Priest

Just as the five colors were fully interwoven and united into one single piece of cloth, so too the attributes of Christ (typified by each of the colors), were combined into one, to demonstrate the saving grace of Christ, the number five representing God's grace in the scriptures. [10] Each attribute on its own is powerful, but only when they are all interwoven together is the true power of the atonement realized. The fact that the twelve precious stones, representing Israel, were fastened to the breastplate, which symbolizing the attributes of Christ, teaches us that we, as Israel, are each bound to Christ and made one with him because of his perfect life and infinite atonement.

As Paul wrote, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16). [11]

[1] High Priest of Israel, Wikipedia
[2] High Priest of Israel, Wikipedia
[3] Linen, BibleStudyTools.com
[4] Revelation 15:6 speaks of the seven angels being likewise clothed in white linen
[5] The Lost Language of Symbolism, by Alonzo L. Gaskill, page 39 (see Forehead)
[6] The Lost Language of Symbolism, page 91-93 (see Gold)
[7] The Lost Language of Symbolism, page 89-90 (see Blue)
[8] The Lost Language of Symbolism, page 96-99 (see Purple), also see Esther 6:7-8, 8:15 when Mordecai is dressed in a purple robe to represent the royal favor of the king.
[9] The Lost Language of Symbolism, page 99-102 (see Red/Scarlet)
[10] The number 5, The Bible Study Site
[11] The book of Hebrews mentions the term 'high priest' 20 times, and is by far the best scriptural source for teaching about the relationship between the High Priest and Jesus Christ.