§. 5. Of the Tabernacle typifying Christs body.
THe other particular place whereof Christ is said to be a Minister, is thus exp•…•…∣sed, The true Tabernacle, &c. Herein the Apostle hath reference to that •…•…∣cle* 1.1 which Moses was commanded to make, Exod. 26. 1. &c. There it is largely de∣scribed. This tabernacle is that which is called the a 1.2 first tabernacle, Heb. 9. 2. This was the place of Gods worship till the Temple was built. Then it was ca•…•… into the Temple and there laid up, 1 Kings 8. 4.
It is called b 1.3 a Tabernacle because it was made as a tent of such materials; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after such a manner, as after it was set up might be taken down again, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without prejudice thereunto. It is differenced from an house made of stone, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, timber, or other like substantiall materials, which is set upon a foundation and •…•…∣maineth firm and stable, 2 Cor. 5. 1.
In this did the Priests offer incense, and did sundry other services.
Great question there is about the meaning of the word here. Some ta•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 same thing here to be meant that was before by sanctuary; namely, heaven. T•…•…y say that heaven answereth to all the places which were used by the Priests under 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Law.
But questionlesse the Apostle doth intend two distinct things by these two 〈◊〉〈◊〉 places.
Others therefore do apply this to the body of Christ: and that upon these gro•…•…▪* 1.4
- 1. These two metaphors, Sanctuary, Tabernacle are thus better distinguished 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from the other.
- 2. By this interpretation, the ground of the Apostles inference in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 verse concerning Priests sacrifices, is better cleared. For this Tabernacle being put for Christs body, it sheweth what was the sacrifice which Christ offered up: even his •…•…∣dy. If the sacrifice be not implyed under this word, to what shall it be applyed▪
- 3. The body of man is in other places set down by this metaphor of a Taber•…•…, 2 Cor. 5. 1. 2 Pet. 1. 13.
- 4. These two metaphors, Sanctuary, and Tabernacle are else-where put for hea∣ven, and the body of Christ. Note especially for this purpose, Chap. 9. v. 11, 12. and withall mark the correspondency betwixt these two places.
- 1. In both places both metaphors are expressed in the same words.
- 2. The Tabernacle is here said to be true: there to be a greater and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 perfect. All in opposition to the typicall and earthly tabernacle in •…•…he Law.
- 3. Here this Tabernacle is said to be pitched not by man: There not to be made with hands.
- 4. Here Christs body is implyed to be the sacrifice of this Tabernacle. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his own blood.
- 5. The body of Christ is set out in other places, by other metaphors like to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of a Tabernacle; As, by the Temple, John 2. 19. and by a way, Heb. 10. 20.
- 6. As the Sanctuary was a type of heaven, so the Tabernacle was a type of Chri•…•… body. That this may more evidently appear, I will endeavour to set out the cor∣respondency betwixt that Tabernacle and the body of Christ.
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1. God sanctified the Tabernacle as a place to dwell in, Exod. 29. 44, 45. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christ dwelleth all the fulnesse of the God-head bodily, Col. 2. 9.
This phrase the word c 1.5 dwelt among us, (Joh. 1. 14.) in the Greek, •…•…∣eth