When it comes to the tabernacle, there are great similarities to it when compared to New Jerusalem. First of all, every high priest in the tabernacle wore a special type of linen apron that held twelve stones. These stones represented the twelve tribes of Israel’s birth months. Therefore, their birthstones were found and added to the piece of clothing they wore. It is written, “and thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave on them the names of the children of Israel: Six of their names on one stone, and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth. With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel: thou shalt make them to be set in ouches of gold. And thou shalt put the two stones upon the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memorial unto the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a memorial.” (Exodus 28:9-12) God has put much importance into the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, which you will also find out next.
Reading about the New Jerusalem, which will come down to the New Earth, there are twelve gates. Upon these gates are the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. It is upon the foundations of the walls that we again see the birthstones of these important individuals. It is written, “and had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.” (Revelation 21:12) “And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.” (Revelation 21:19,20) The tabernacle and the New Jerusalem are very similar. Those who are saved because of their faith in Christ will be able to enter through the gates of the New Jerusalem. God, His angels, and His elect will be there. I can’t wait for that day.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, help me and others in the faith know and understand Your words in the Bible. Not just the teachings of the New Testament, but what was taught in the Old Testament as well. I have found so many parallels with the tabernacle and the New Jerusalem today while studying Exodus, chapter 28, and Revelation, chapter 21. I am blessed to have Your wisdom in seeing how important the twelve tribes of Israel are. What this does, God, is help me respect the Jewish people that much more. They are Your chosen people and I am sorry for anything I’ve said contrary in the past. For any person to degrade the people of Israel, I rebuke them and ask them to repent of their false judgments. I am just grateful to be adopted into Your fold with Israel. You didn’t have to allow me in, but You heard my cries and had compassion upon my soul. Because You love me so much, You died for me and washed all my sins away through Your blood. Thank You, Jesus. I owe You everything. There is nothing I have now that I will not sacrifice for Your cause. I love You, Lord. Have Your way in my life. I trust in You, God. Amen.
