Lesson
4
The
Holy Place
VI. The Holy
Place
In the Holy Place was
the golden candlestick, the altar of incense, and the table of shew/bread.
A. The Golden
Candlestick
The candlestick was of
pure gold, with seven branches coming forth from the stand. The candlestick
provided the only light in the tabernacle. Jesus is the Light, just as the
candlestick was of beaten gold, so Christ was first beaten, before we could
receive His light. The priest had to have the light to guide him in his
priestly duties, just as we must be led by the Light of the Spirit in true
worship (Exodus 25:31-40).
B. The Table of
Shewbread
The table of shewbread
was approximately 3' x 15" and was 27" high. It was made of shittim
wood overlaid with pure gold. On the table of shewbread were twelve loaves of
unleavened bread which were to be eaten by the High Priest and his sons in the
Holy Place. The shewbread provided the source of sustenance for the priest.
Jesus is the Bread of Life. His Word is food for the soul, just as the table
was to exhibit the bread, the Christian life shows forth Jesus to a dying
world. (See Exodus 25:23-30.)
C. The Altar of
Incense
The altar of incense represents prayers to God
(Revelation 5:8). The incense was offered to God each morning and evening. Each
day should begin and end with prayer. The aroma of the incense went forth when
the incense was put on the fire. God hears the "effectual fervent
prayer" (James 5:16) of the righteous man. Before there can be true prayer
and praise (worship) there must first be death to sin and self. The fire for
the altar of incense came from the brazen altar of sacrifice. The altar was
located before the vail which separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
Prayer is the beautiful experience that draws mankind into the very presence of
God. (Exodus 30:1-10).