Exo 25:8, Lev 26:11-12, 2Cor 6:16, Rev 21:3 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 8. Let them make me a sanctuary ] mikdash , a holy place , such as God might dwell in; this was that part of the tabernacle that was called the most holy place, into which the high priest entered only once a year, on the great day of atonement. That I may dwell among them. ] "This," says Mr. Ainsworth, "was the main end of all; and to this all the particulars are to be referred, and by this they are to be opened. For this sanctuary, as Solomon's temple afterwards, was the place of prayer, and of the public service of God, ; and it signified the Church which is the habitation of God through the Spirit, ; and was a visible sign of God's presence and protection , ; and of his leading them to his heavenly glory. For as the high priest entered into the tabernacle, and through the veil into the most holy place where God dwelt; so Christ entered into the holy of holies, and we also enter through the veil, that is to say his flesh. See the use made of this by the apostle, ; . Thus the sanctuary is to be applied as a type, 1. To Christ's person, . 2. To every Christian , . 3. To the Church ; both particular , ; and universal , : and it was because of the very extensive signification of this building, that the different things concerning this sanctuary are particularly set down by Moses, and so variously applied by the prophets and by the apostles."- See Ainsworth . As the dwelling in this tabernacle was the highest proof of God's grace and mercy towards the Israelites, so it typified Christ's dwelling by faith in the hearts of believers, and thus giving them the highest and surest proof of their reconciliation to God, and of his love and favour to them; see .

‏ Exodus 25:8

Verse 8. Let them make me a sanctuary] mikdash, a holy place, such as God might dwell in; this was that part of the tabernacle that was called the most holy place, into which the high priest entered only once a year, on the great day of atonement.

That I may dwell among them.] "This," says Mr. Ainsworth, "was the main end of all; and to this all the particulars are to be referred, and by this they are to be opened. For this sanctuary, as Solomon's temple afterwards, was the place of prayer, and of the public service of God, Le 17:4-6; Mt 21:13; and it signified the Church which is the habitation of God through the Spirit, 2Co 6:16; Eph 2:19-22; Re 21:2,3; and was a visible sign of God's presence and protection, Le 26:11,12; Eze 37:27,28; 1Ki 6:12,13; and of his leading them to his heavenly glory. For as the high priest entered into the tabernacle, and through the veil into the most holy place where God dwelt; so Christ entered into the holy of holies, and we also enter through the veil, that is to say his flesh. See the use made of this by the apostle, Heb 9:1-28; Heb 10:1-18. Thus the sanctuary is to be applied as a type, 1. To Christ's person, Heb 8:2; 9:11, 12; Joh 2:19-21. 2. To every Christian, 1Co 6:19. 3. To the Church; both particular, Heb 3:6; 1Ti 3:15; and universal, Heb 10:21: and it was because of the very extensive signification of this building, that the different things concerning this sanctuary are particularly set down by Moses, and so variously applied by the prophets and by the apostles."-See Ainsworth. As the dwelling in this tabernacle was the highest proof of God's grace and mercy towards the Israelites, so it typified Christ's dwelling by faith in the hearts of believers, and thus giving them the highest and surest proof of their reconciliation to God, and of his love and favour to them; see Eph 1:22; 3:17.

‏ Leviticus 26:11-12

Verse 11. I will set my tabernacle among you] This and the following verse contain the grand promise of the Gospel dispensation, viz. the presence, manifestation, and indwelling of God in human nature, and his constant in dwelling in the souls of his followers. So Joh 1:14 the WORD was made flesh, καιεσκηνωσενενημιν, and MADE HIS TABERNACLE among us. And to this promise of the law St. Paul evidently refers, 2Co 6:16-18 and 2Co 7:1

‏ 2 Corinthians 6:16

Verse 16. What agreement hath the temple of God with idols] Nothing could appear more abominable to a Jew than an idol in the temple of God: here, then, could be no agreement; the worship of the two is wholly incompatible. An idolater never worships the true God; a Christian never worships an idol. If ye join in idolatrous rites, it is impossible that ye should be Christians.

Ye are the temple of the living God] God intends to make the heart of every believer his own house.

I will dwell in them, and walk in them] The words are very emphatic: ενοικησωεναυτοις. I will inhabit in them. I will not be as a wayfaring man, who turns aside to tarry as for a night, but I will take up my constant residence with them; I will dwell in and among them.

I will be their God] They shall have no other God, they shall have none besides me; and if they take me for their God, I will be to them all that an infinite, eternal, and self-sufficient Being can be to his intelligent offspring.

They shall be my people.] If they take me for their GOD, their supreme and eternal GOOD, I will take them for my people; and instruct, enlighten, defend, provide for, support, and bless them, as if I had none else to care for in the creation.

‏ Revelation of John 21:3

Verse 3. The tabernacle of God is with men] God, in the most especial manner, dwells among his followers, diffusing his light and life everywhere.