At the end of the exodus, with Israel still at Mount Sinai, God graciously filled the tabernacle with his presence. This reminds us of the beginning of the Bible’s story, when God dwelt with humanity in Eden. Adam and Eve were like priests, made to know and worship God. In this way the tabernacle is a symbolic Eden. The tabernacle also anticipates the end of the Bible’s story, when God will once again dwell with his people, this time forever. Israel’s tabernacle is a symbol and foretaste of God’s restored presence with his people.

God also gives Israel instructions for how this holy God could remain with them in the tabernacle. One way is through various offerings and sacrifices. Some of these sacrifices function in ways similar to the Passover lambs in the exodus story—as substitutes. The priest puts his hands on the animal to symbolize the transfer of the people’s sins to the animal, and then the animal dies so that the people may live. These acts point forward to the true and greater sacrifice to come, the sacrifice of Jesus.