The Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle and Sacred Cubit

[tim_from_pa]

Years back when I was reading my bible and taking notes (I have 6 THICK notebooks of commentaries on the scriptures), I found some fascination in the structure of the tabernacle, the ark, and the measurements.This gets a little into mathematics as well as symbolic meanings (and prophecies) of the tabernacle. I discovered that God is a very mathematical God and some of scripture is geared towards geeks like me that take pleasure in numbers that bore many people. And this requires intelligence to understand unlike the preconceived prejudicial and subjective view that atheists have of Jews or Christians. For many Christians, it would pay to understand at least some of this stuff so that we are not perceived as ding bats.I won't go into detail of the tabernacle, but rather hope that others can contribute and we can maybe all increase our learning of this detailed subject. But I'll mention a few things just to start off with the conversation here.I'll start with the cubit. Although some may not agree, I hold the standard of the sacred cubit of about 25". (Using the Great Pyramid data, it is 25.0265" to be exact). This is 1/10,000,000 the polar radius of the earth just as a meter is 1/10,000,000 the quadrant of the earth (the worldly counterpart and substitute of sacred measure?). If this is true, then an inch (since 25"~one sacred cubit) would have the ratio of 8/PI times the length of the centimeter. Indeed, if we multiply 8/PI times the length of a centimeter, we have very close to one inch showing the earth-based measure of the English system.In that regards, if this cubit was used, that would make the ark of the covenant about the size of a small casket about 5 feet by 3 feet wide and high. I know for sure that neither the tabernacle nor Solomon's temple was based on the 18" cubit, although it is marginally possible that it is based on the royal cubit of 20.628". However, even the royal cubit was related to the sacred cubit and can be derived from it.Another interesting feature is the court of the tabernacle. It measured 50 cubits by 100 cubits. Converting these measurements to inches (using the sacred cubit) and calculating the area, we have virtually 1/2 an acre! This shows the relationship between ancient Egypt (the pyramid measuring standards), Israel, (because of the sacred cubit) and the English system of measure (these measures come out in many ways to agree with units of distance, area and capacity now in the English system). In other words, even if the English measure did not exist, if we took 1/10,000,000 of the polar radius of the earth and divided that measure up by the same divisions now in the English system, we'd have virtually the same land area, lengths and capacities we now have. This makes one take a second look at the idea that the foot was based on King so-and-so's foot length or any other arbitrary measure.For those of you into this type of esoterica and Lost Tribes teaching, let me know any additional thoughts you may have.

 

[Christina]

Well you know I love this stuff Tim not good at figureing the math but understand the signifigance of the results of it God is very exact and never states numbers without having a message and or meaning/reason behind itthe theology of Gods numbers can teach us mysteries or confirm other things God is not the author of confusion everything is exact and has ryhme and reason and numbers prove this fact.And of course you know we agree on the lost tribes I to would like to hear what anyone has to offer about these things.

 

[Christina]

Heres one for you TimIn reading the Bible, many people come across a description of the huge sea at Solomon's Temple, which held 2000 baths of water. They read the description in 1 Kings 7:23-26, and note that this water container was 10 cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and was 30 cubits in circumference, and 5 cubits in height. Skeptics take issue and say that either God didn't know the value for "pi" (3.1415927....) or else it proves that the Bible was written by men, and at the time they had no understanding of the relationship of i = circumference of a circle divided by the diameter = 3.1415927...The following is an exact possible solution:1 Kings 7:23 Now he made the sea of cast metal ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits, and thirty cubits in circumference. (NASB)Skeptics and non-believers, along with many who think the Bible is well worth studying, read the above verse and think to themselves that this is nonsense. Everyone who has completed High School knows that the circumference of a circle is "pi x diameter" or "pi x 2 x radius". So if the circumference were 30 cubits, and the diameter were 10 cubits, then the ancient value of pi was 3.0, which is not very good.What I want the reader to think about is whether the text tells you inside diameter or outside diameter, and whether the circumference given is inside circumference or outside circumference?To get the full picture, we need to know the thickness of the large cast metal container, and that's shown a few verses down in 1 Kings 7:26.1 Kings 7:26 And it was a handbreath thick, and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, as a lily blossom; it could hold 2000 baths.continuedhttp://ad2004.com/prophecytruths/Articles/mathmystery.html

 

[tim_from_pa]

Yes, you are correct with the suggestion that this was the inside circumference which could easily be measured from the cast. The reason the inside circumference was use is because that is the dimension needed to calculate the liquid volume capacity. When the dimensions (in diameter) are given as 10 cubits, It is to the outer edge including all the adornments and rims. Skeptics and atheists are quick to pounce on that, but anyone with an engineering and mathematical mind surely understands that the bowl has to have some thickness to it thus the larger diameter, but again, the circumference is used for the inside measure. In addition, skeptics and atheists take a subjective position without regards to such a possibility that I've mentioned as if it was their gospel truth to "disprove" the bible. However, being open-minded and one that considers all angles, I never place dogma on any assumption if there are other possibilities. To do so would be to show the world that all the considerations were not taken into account.In other words to all skeptics and atheists, your statement that a 10 cubit diameter bowl measuring 30 cubits in circumference as being wrong does not hold water in disproving the bible so-to-speak.

 

[Elias]

Ethiopia: The purest Jews of AllEthiopians, from the beginning of their existence, worshipped the Biblical God. Then, consistent with the Divine Will and Plan, they adapted and practiced Judaism easily and conveniently after the advent of the Ark of the Covenant into their land for their custody. As such, they continued to identify themselves as Bete-Israel or the True Israelites. They confirmed their stature when the majority of the population accepted Christianity, as related in Acts 8:26-39. The minority who chose to remain attached to Judaism came to be known as "Felashas", referred to by the West as "Black Jews of Ethiopia".Ethiopia: Location of the Ten CommandmentsAccording to Ethiopian tradition, Menelik, son of King Solomon and Queen Makeda (Queen of Sheba) together with the first-born sons and daughters of the Israelites, under the will and guidance of God, brought the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments to Ethiopia where it rested and worshipped, initially on an island of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and finally in Axum.

 

[tim_from_pa]

(Elias;51420)
According to Ethiopian tradition, Menelik, son of King Solomon and Queen Makeda (Queen of Sheba) together with the first-born sons and daughters of the Israelites, under the will and guidance of God, brought the Ark of the Covenant containing the Ten Commandments to Ethiopia where it rested and worshipped, initially on an island of Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile and finally in Axum.
Yes, I heard that theory amongst others as to the whereabouts of the Ark. As a matter of fact, I read a book from my brother a few years back regarding this fellow searching for the Ark amongst the Ethiopians. In each place of worship, they had what they called a talbot, a replica of the Ark and/or tablets. Like the author stated, if you wanted to hide a tree, plant it in a forest. There are so many such replicas that there is no certainty where the Ark really is. However, there are rumors as to its location as you pointed out.

 

[Hawkins]

While I believe that the Tabernacle is mirrorred. There's an Earthly image and there's a heavenly image. I also think that there may be an Earthly copy and a Heavenly copy of the Covenant and thus the Ark of the Covenant.Anyway, a/the Ark of the Covenant at this moment is in the Most Holy Place in the Heavenly Tabernacle. And the Second Curtain at this moment is blocking the way to the Most Holy Place.I believe that the Most Holy Place is also the (or one of the) dwelling place of God Himself. I'd like to go further into the subject but I'm afraid that I might have to go abit heretic that way. Hehe...

 

[Hawkins]

Ok, I decided to go abit heretic since I saw another topic here is about paradise.Other than the Tabernacle, Paradise is also mirrorred. The Heavenly Paradise is located in the third Heaven right in front of the Heavenly Tabernacle. This Paradise is commonly referred to as Abraham's Bosom. Those saints without tasting death, including Moses and Elijah, will be living here. From here they can enter the first room of the Tabernacle. And actually from here you can see something else...(a famous one)

While the Earthly paradise is built in Hades. Christians will be here till they are resurrected. They are said to be entering God's rest or sleeping in Christ as God said,Hebrews 4:3Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said, "So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.' "Daniel is put here;Daniel 12:13"As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance."The other part of Hades is reserved for the unsaved/wicked. This part of Hades is called Hell where the wicked are sitting in the darkness waiting for the coming of the final judgment. Thus this place is also called the darkness.Hebrews 3:11So I declared on oath in my anger, 'They shall never enter my rest.'

 

[tim_from_pa]

Well, there is an Ark in heaven so-to-speak. Revelation tells us that. And a student of mine once thought that this was the same one as the earthly Ark and was the reason it could not be found as hard as Indiana Jones may try. I'm open-minded about that since it is veiled in secrecy, but I did point out that if it was the same one, that the description in Revelation is yet future, so that does not indicate where it presently is at.Most scholars indicate that the Ark of the Covenant (and I agree) represents the throne of God surrounded by cherubim. It also points to Christ since the inside and outside was lined with gold (divinity) but the chest itself was made of wood (Humanity) in which inside where the unbroken tablets of the Law. Only Christ could keep the Law perfectly. The first set of tablets were broken when Israel sinned.And as a side note here---- the woman that teaches our class at church said that the two angels in the empty tomb of Jesus formed a sort of Ark when one stood at the head, and the other at the foot where Jesus laid. Interesting comparison.

 

[Hawkins]

(tim_from_pa;51478)
Well, there is an Ark in heaven so-to-speak. Revelation tells us that. And a student of mine once thought that this was the same one as the earthly Ark and was the reason it could not be found as hard as Indiana Jones may try. I'm open-minded about that since it is veiled in secrecy, but I did point out that if it was the same one, that the description in Revelation is yet future, so that does not indicate where it presently is at.Most scholars indicate that the Ark of the Covenant (and I agree) represents the throne of God surrounded by cherubim. It also points to Christ since the inside and outside was lined with gold (divinity) but the chest itself was made of wood (Humanity) in which inside where the unbroken tablets of the Law. Only Christ could keep the Law perfectly. The first set of tablets were broken when Israel sinned.And as a side note here---- the woman that teaches our class at church said that the two angels in the empty tomb of Jesus formed a sort of Ark when one stood at the head, and the other at the foot where Jesus laid. Interesting comparison.
Thanks very much. Your posts here are truly informative. Paul talked about the Tabernacle in Hebrews 9. I think that Hebrews 9 contains information about the Heavenly Tabernacle other than Revelation. And I always think that the information should be more meaningful to the Jews, because they have better understanding about their own culture.

Hebrews 9:11When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not a part of this creation.

 

[tim_from_pa]

I thought I'd revive this topic again to share something that a friend of mine told me yesterday. She teaches 5-6th grade girl's class at her church. You'd think that girls would want to know about relationships, issues, how the bible relates to their everyday life and so forth. But you know what my friend told me they like to hear about? You guessed it! Topics like the ark of the covenant! (Smarter than the boys!

) Cool kids!My friend can easily handle this subject since she's a mathematics teacher at High School.

 

[Christina]

Hey Tim you know math isnt my thing but check this out look at these numbers compared with Rev, 1260 Days ect. The Temple and 1260 days of Bible ProphecyMeasuring the Tabernacle Curtains(Based on Exodus 26)Two "curtains" and two "coverings" covered the tabernacle, (Exodus 26). The total (linen) material used for the first curtain was 1120 (4 x 28 x 10) square cubits. Curtains as 1320 square cubits:In addition to the 1120 square cubits of linen material for the first curtain covering, there was an additional 100, plus 100 square cubits of this same fine linen used for the two entry veils that led into the Holy, and the Holy of Holies. (1120 + 100 + 100 = 1320 square cubits total.) See note about the implied, or at least idealized, size of the 2 veils, as based upon the fact that the front and back of the tabernacle was 10 by 10 cubits. No other definite measurements are given concerning the entrance, so the 10 by 10 area of the curtain is assumed. But the fact that the total amount of linen thereby matches the total amount of material for the next curtain (goat skins), strongly supports this assumption as likely literally correct; but if not, then certainly idealistically speaking, remembering that the tabernacle is saturated with symbolism. Thus, there was 1320 square cubits of fine linen used in the Tabernacle altogether. This is important because, '1320' is the same total as the next layer of "curtain" over the Tabernacle, this time made of goat’s hair; (i.e., 4 x 30 x 11 = 1320 square cubits also)! Moreover, this establishes a pattern for the remaining two coverings, which we can assume likewise had the same measurements since they had basically the same purpose, and no other measurements are given. Only the materials used, (and thus the symbolism), for the remaining two coverings are different; namely, "ram skins dyed red," and "sea cows". Curtains as 1260 square cubits:We just noted that the second (and remaining) curtains had a total area of 1320 square cubits. However, we are told that 60 square cubits of that was folded back. Everything in the Tabernacle is symbolic of something, (see the book of Hebrews). Aside from any practical purpose, why this peculiar folding back of 60 square cubits? This second curtain over the Tabernacle (made of goats hair) is said to have the last of its 11-sectioned curtain folded back. Since each of these 11 sections were 30 by 4 cubits ( = 120 square cubits), the total therefore is: 1320 less 60 (that is, half of 120) = 1260 square cubits (4 x 30 x 10.5 = 1260) (Technical note: I strongly suspect that this half-fold backwards was actual sewn backwards, otherwise it would flop forward since it overhung the entrance to the Tabernacle by 4 (less 2) cubits. The purpose of the overhang appears to be for the purpose of creating an extra thick fold hanging down at the entrance so as to further obscure the interior to possible onlookers when a priest entered.)Since the remaining two coverings were to overlap the first couplet of tent curtains, it follows that they would have used the same dimensions of 1260 square cubits, (i.e., 1320 less 60). Thus we have two sets of coverings. The first two are called "curtains." The second two are simply called "coverings." Because 200 square cubits of the linen material was used for the entrance (veil) to the tabernacle rather than to cover it, and because the last 3 curtains/coverings were folded back 60 square cubits, the following is how we can calculate the four materials (each in 2 sets) used for the tabernacle. (Note: the first curtain was not folded back.)Morehttp://www.1260-1290-days-bible-prophecy.o...le-curtains.htm

 

[Christina]

1260 Days =3 1/2 years or 42 months (based on 30 day lunar mo) 3 1/2years (42mo or 1260 days) is the last half of the tribulation or the time of Antichrist Rev 11:2 But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty [and] two months. Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months. the total of all 5 materials used in the Tabernacle was 6000 from Adam to 2nd coming 6000 years +1000 years of the millenium =7000years (And God rested on the 7th day)Then comes a new heaven and a new earthPretty amazing all these numbers in Rev. are in the measurements of the Curtains/coverings of the Tabernaclehttp://www.1260-1290-days-bible-prophecy.o...0-1290-days.htm

 

[tim_from_pa]

And here I was thinking about the "manly" stuff like the ark and court, but it takes a fine lady to focus on the curtains!

Yes, now that you mentioned this, I noticed that the curtains had these numerical values you mentioned. And not only in the curtains but also the rest of the tabernacle you have reoccurring numbers come up such as 3,5,7,10,14,20,28 and so forth. They are generally multiples of each other and the numbers do fit the 3 1/2 months like that article pointed out.I read that some of these multiples are not only related to end times, but lunar cycles as well.

 

[Christina]

(tim_from_pa;55097)
And here I was thinking about the "manly" stuff like the ark and court, but it takes a fine lady to focus on the curtains!

Yes, now that you mentioned this, I noticed that the curtains had these numerical values you mentioned. And not only in the curtains but also the rest of the tabernacle you have reoccurring numbers come up such as 3,5,7,10,14,20,28 and so forth. They are generally multiples of each other and the numbers do fit the 3 1/2 months like that article pointed out.I read that some of these multiples are not only related to end times, but lunar cycles as well.
LOL

Never underestimate curtains

 

[yaqub]

Talking about the Ark reminds me of an Islamic "prophecy" that al-Mahdi will appear and at some time go to Syria and retrieve the "ark". With it, he will use it to argue against the Jews (presumably using something in or inscriptions on it) and turn some of them to Islam. Careful, everyone.

 

[tim_from_pa]

(yaqub;55288)
Talking about the Ark reminds me of an Islamic "prophecy" that al-Mahdi will appear and at some time go to Syria and retrieve the "ark". With it, he will use it to argue against the Jews (presumably using something in or inscriptions on it) and turn some of them to Islam. Careful, everyone.
That's assuming it's in Syria. I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

Seriously, I think that this could be the Antichrist setting up a false worship in the temple, and that would become the abomination of desolation to deceive some of the elect if that's what you mean.

 

[yaqub]

(tim_from_pa;55295)
That's assuming it's in Syria. I wouldn't hold my breath on that one.

No need to. Really, how difficult is it to have a counterfeit made and then put some kind of old manuscripts inside? For example, one favorite for the gospels if the fraudulent Gospel of Barnabas which contained "prophecies" to Muhammad.Muslims have never allowed anyone to examine the old copies of Qur'an in Samarkand, Kufa and Yemen. They're afraid of textual criticism.
Seriously, I think that this could be the Antichrist setting up a false worship in the temple, and that would become the abomination of desolation to deceive some of the elect if that's what you mean.
I'll think before the AoD.