The Tabernacle : Shadows of the Messiah

by David M. Levy

See How the Tabernacle Relates to Jesus The Tabernacle: Shadows of the Messiah book explains each part of the Tabernacle-the sacrificial system, and the priesthood-and how they relate to Jesus. This easy-to-understand book helps people understand God's plan for redemption, the holiness of God, worship, and Jesus' priestly ministry. Chapters include topics such as the offerings (burnt offering, meal offering, peace offering, sin offering, trespass offering), the priesthood (the significance of the clothing and the steps necessary to approach a holy God), and Jesus' service and intercession as our great high priest 254-page paperback by David M. Levy of Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry.

Genres: Old Testament, Christian, History, Theology

258 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Greg D · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Tabernacle” by David Levy. I was particularly struck by how much of the Old Testament Tabernacle points to a Messiah. Not just any Messiah, but a Messiah that would redeem the world and atone for all of mankind’s sins. Not a stately Messiah that would triumph over government oppression with military grandeur, but a Messiah consecrated as a kingly-priest who would come to serve and would offer up Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, satisfying all that is required of a holy God.

As a missionary and evangelist, this book has helped better equip me to show people that Jesus Christ was not only prophesied in the Old Testament Scripture, but in the very Tabernacle, the place where Jews worshipped and offered up sacrifices to the Lord Jehovah. The question is begged, how many other things in our lives point to Christ, and yet we remain oblivious to it? This makes for great conversation with non-believers and skeptics alike who may question the deity of Christ.

This book was also instrumental in defining a few theological terms in a very concise and succinct way. Theological issues such as: regeneration, the act of God whereby He renews the spiritual condition of a sinner’s life; propitiation, the turning away of God’s wrath by the shed blood of Christ; justification, the act of having been made righteous in the sight of God’s eyes; reconciliation, having our relationship with God changed; and sanctification, having been set apart for service for God. All of these occur in a believer’s life from the moment of salvation and continues throughout a believer’s life as he/she matures in faith.

However, I caution Christians to read this very carefully. Just because Levy claims something doesn't mean its true. Good research will always include references and sources for which this book seems to lack. Although I enjoyed this book, some of the symbology behind certain elements of the Tabernacle did seem a bit of a stretch. I can certainly see many things contained in the Tabernacle as having pointing to Christ, but not every miniscule detail and every fiber of the Tabernacle. There are no references to some of the author's conclusions. For instance, he claims the white byssus yarn woven into the veil symbolizes the purity and righteousness of Christ. How does the author know this? Isn't this speculative? There are no Biblical or extra-Biblical references to support this. Furthermore, Levy claims the acacia wood overlaid with gold that comprises the various altars and tables within the Tabernacle symbolize the union of Christ's humanity with His divine nature. Again, isn't this speculative? Is there a reference to this either in the Bible or any other material? I'm afraid there is some over allegorizing or over spiritualizing things that occurred in this book. Certainly, many aspects of the Tabernacle indeed points to Christ with Scriptural evidence to support it. But, there are many more that the author simply takes liberty with.

In the end, I highly recommend this book for all of those who have been called to share the Gospel with non-believers because it shows the deity of Christ and points everyone to the need for a Savior. I also highly recommend this book to teachers of the Word, including pastors to solidify the fact that Christ is indeed God and He plays out not only in the New Testament gospels, but all throughout the Old Testament as well. And in particular, this book would be most instrumental to Jews who may be open to seeing how Jesus may really be the Jewish Messiah.

[Amber · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but had a very difficult time with how Mr. Levy presents information. Throughout the book he claims what certain items symbolize without giving the reader any idea how he came to that conclusion, or will only back it up with generalizations. There is a lot of great information in the book, but he could have done a better job putting it together. I would have preferred the author present quotes, historical info, etc. first, and then let the reader come to their own conclusions. A book should make you think and look deeper. It should cause new connections to be made and light-bulb moments. That was not my experience here. I felt like Levy barely touched the surface of the deeper meaning of items, colors, and materials. For example, there was only one small paragraph covering the colors in the priestly garment. I guess I was just expecting more.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have used this book as a resource many times when I teach and preach about the tabernacle and the priesthood. There are amazing insights which Levy gleans from these passages in the Old Testament. Unfortunately, he makes interpretive assumptions about what the elements of the Tabernacle symbolize without having any basis besides his own imagination. I do believe we can make many applications as to what they can teach us, but not dogmatically say "this is what it means" unless there are other passages that clearly back up the interpretation.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not the kind of book you want to read from cover to cover. It's very informative and made me look at the tabernacle, sacrifices and the priests' clothing and duties in a new way. Anything that gives me a clearer understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and makes me appreciate Him more is a worthwhile thing.

[Sheri Hathaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book. I wanted to understand the day-to-day processes that went on in the Tabernacle and I accomplished that here as well as the symbolism to Jesus Christ. I got a full plate, filling in my understanding of the Bible and its cyclical nature as well as a glimpse into the daily life of the Mosaic Israelites.

[Joseph · Rating 1 out of 5]

Repetitive and suspect in some of his suppositions. This book could have been 30 pages shorter and about 10 chapters less if he had not repeated himself so often.
Also, every little thing doesn't need to typify Jesus and although he is Jewish in background he draws too much symbolism from the OT into the NT.

[Andy Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic information that opens the veil to what Tabernacle life was really all about. Each of the chapters ends in predictable speechy tones, but the insight is second to none.

[Terry Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful research source on the tabernacle. Full of helpful illustrations.

[Jasmine Shadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author is very good at showing the picture of the Tabernacle in relation to Messiah. It is a pleasant read, and I appreciate the format. I have always believed that the Tabernacle is more a picture of the Messiah than the Temple. Therefore, I appreciated coming across a book that would give me a deeper lesson in the objects and construction of the Tabernacle. The author has a very pleasant style, and I appreciated the convicting questions that he would ask at the end of the chapters. I liked the format and breakdown.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tabernacle : Shadows of the Messiah (Its Sacrifices, Services, and Priesthood) by David M. Levy
Lots of information and insight (and a few freaky photographs) in this quality hardcover book on this specific topic. ***

[Linda Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started reading this for a second time this year, this time as a study.

[James Owen]

Good and informative.