The Holy Place Furniture: A Blueprint for Worship

/ revjblane

Scripture Focus: Exodus 25:23-40; 37:10-20
Theme: The Doctrine of Worship

In the heart of the Tabernacle, within the sacred space known as The Holy Place, God reveals profound truths about worship. This section of the Tabernacle isn’t just a layout of sacred furniture—it’s a spiritual roadmap, leading the believer from redemption into a life of sanctified worship, all pointing to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

The Tabernacle: Worship’s Blueprint

Worship in the Tabernacle wasn’t random or improvised; it was structured with divine precision. Before entering the Holy Place, the worshiper encountered two vital elements:

  • The Brazen Altar – The place of sacrifice and atonement. Here, sin was dealt with. It represents the Doctrine of Satisfaction, where God’s justice and wrath are satisfied through sacrifice—a foreshadowing of Christ’s atoning death.
  • The Brass Laver – A basin for cleansing before entering the Holy Place. This speaks to the Doctrine of Sanctification, the setting apart of the believer for God’s purposes.

Only through these steps could one enter the Holy Place, reflecting how worship begins with redemption and cleansing.

One Way In

The entrance to the Holy Place had only one door—a powerful symbol of Christ as the only way to communion with God. Jesus Himself said:

“But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
— John 4:23–24

Christ is the doorway. He is the truth. Worship happens in Him and through Him alone.

The Furnishings of the Holy Place: Symbols of Christ

1. The Table of Shewbread – Christ, the Sustainer of Life

Twelve loaves of bread sat continually on this table, symbolizing God’s provision. While manna provided life in the wilderness, shewbread was for sustaining life.

This teaches us that worship involves feeding on Christ, not merely admiring His earthly life, but drawing life from His resurrected and heavenly life.

“His resurrection life is the table for the believers.”

  • Imitating Christ’s earthly life is inspiring.
  • Living by His resurrected life imparts power.
  • Daily communion with Him is essential for spiritual nourishment.

2. The Golden Lampstand – Christ, the Light of the World

This was the only light source in the Holy Place, made from a single talent of pure gold, bearing seven lamps filled with olive oil—symbolizing the Holy Spirit.

“When the Spirit of truth comes… He will glorify me, because he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.”
— John 16:13-14

Here we see a powerful partnership:

  • The Son sends the Spirit.
  • The Spirit illuminates Christ to the believer.
  • Worship is enlightened by the Holy Spirit’s presence and power.

3. The Altar of Incense – Christ, the Intercessor

Placed near the veil, the Altar of Incense represented prayer and praise rising to God. It points to Christ as our Intercessor, constantly praying for us—just as He did in John 17.

In worship, we join in that heavenly communion:

  • Our prayers rise like incense.
  • Christ is our advocate before the Father.
  • He prays for His own, and for all who will believe.

Principles of True Worship

From these sacred furnishings, three foundational truths about worship emerge:

1. Worship is Christ-Centered

  • Jesus is the Sustainer (Shewbread)
  • Jesus is the Light (Lampstand)
  • Jesus is the Intercessor (Altar of Incense)

Worship isn’t about songs or spaces—it’s about the person of Jesus.

2. Worship is for the Redeemed

  • Access to the Holy Place was only for the cleansed.
  • Likewise, true worship is a blood-bought privilege.
  • We worship as those for whom Christ died and rose again.

3. Worship is the Believer’s Pursuit

  • A life sanctified by Christ.
  • A walk illuminated by His Spirit.
  • A journey strengthened by His prayers.

Final Thoughts

The layout of the Holy Place is not just a blueprint of worship in ancient Israel—it’s a timeless picture of the believer’s journey in worship today. At every step, it reveals Christ, and invites us into deeper communion with Him.

May our worship move beyond routine into reverent relationship. May we feed on His life, walk in His light, and rest in His intercession.

Leave a comment