WE NOW come to a most interesting part of the tabernacle — the boards. They were made of shittim wood, overlaid with gold. This wood was no doubt chosen of God for its strength and durability, and when we consider that the tabernacle was in use for nearly 500 years, we may imagine how very enduring this wood must have been. Made of the same material as the ark and the table of showbread, the boards too must refer to Christ. The shittim wood speaks to us of the perfect humanity of the Lord Jesus who was “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners” (Heb. 7:2626For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; (Hebrews 7:26)).
But since the house of God is now composed of all believers, these boards picture to us all believers of the present time. We are a part of a fallen race and our humanity is fallen. However, we notice that the wood was not seen at all; it was overlaid with gold. Although we were ruined through the fall, yet God in His matchless grace has saved us, and now we are “made the righteousness of God in Him [Christ].” 2 Cor. 5:2121For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21). So perfect is the work of Christ upon the cross, that God does not see us merely as forgiven sinners, but looks upon us as though we had never sinned at all, and as clothed in all the loveliness and beauty of the best robe (Christ) which He has put upon us. “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isa. 61:1010I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. (Isaiah 61:10). Our standing before Him is as perfect as the Lord Jesus Himself, for we are “in Him.” “As He is, so are we in this world.” 1 John 4:1717Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17).
The length of each board was ten cubits. As in the ten commandments, the number ten speaks to us of responsibility toward God. The Lord Jesus perfectly answered to God for all that He required of man. Because we are sinners, we could never keep God’s holy law or measure up to the requirements of His glory, but as saved ones now we are accepted in Him, the beloved One. As individual Christians, we should remember that we are responsible to God for all that we do, since we form part of His house.
There were 48 boards used in the framework of the tabernacle — 12 Times 4. Twelve in Scripture speaks of administrative completeness in government, while four gives.us completeness on earth — “four winds,” “four corners of the earth,” etc. In the coming day when the Lord Jesus reigns there will be perfect government and administration in the earth. This perfection is also displayed in the house of God, the Church, who will reign with Him.
ML-07/12/1970