Tabernacle: The Temple of Time

 

The Tabernacle curtains
 are 1260 x 2 square cubits,
and the paneling is 360 x 2 square cubits!

 

(This article is my reply to an interesting letter
 received Dec. 30, 2002.)

 

March 10, 2003

Greetings!

This is what I, too, have discovered about the curtains that covered the Tabernacle built by Moses. Perhaps they are the same as you have discovered already. Perhaps you can add to it.

Two "curtains" and two "coverings" covered the Tabernacle, (Ex. 26). The total (linen) material used for the first curtain was 1120 (4 x 28 x 10) square cubits, (i.e., 1260 x 2 square feet as you noted). (A cubit is c. 18 inches.) 

 

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). 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 dried 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 is to be 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: Upon close reading, 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.)

 

Tabernacle measurements in original square cubits
 (Ex. 26)

(This chart is repeated after this,
 except with the meaning of each number included)

 

Thus we have two sets of figures that represent a divided 7-year period. With the first curtain, as you pointed out, especially symbolical of this 7-yar period. This is because the first curtain can be perceived as 1260 x 2 square feet from one perspective, and 1320 square cubits from the other, (inclusive of the linen entry curtains). 

 

• Temple Numbers and Time

Same chart as above, except with terse hints
 about the meaning of each number;
expanded explanations follow.

Area (in Cubits) is symbolic of days and years

Meaning of curtains as 1320 square cubits:

Before we look at the more striking figure of '1260 square cubits' for the curtains, (for that is what they can also add up to), let us quickly look at the meaning of the '1320.'

The measurement of '1320' is an interesting number in the study of the 360 bible calendar. For example, let us say that 1320 square cubits symbolically represents 1320 years. The total of all 4 curtain material is thus 1320 x 4 = 5280 symbolic 'years'. 

Now, every 480 years in the 360 calendar accumulates exactly 84 leap months, (which is 1260 x 2 days, or, 7 years of 360 days). A seven-year period is an important length of time in the bible, (Rev. 11-12.)

---Every 40 years accumulates 7 leap-months (210 days).
and 40 years times 12 = 480 years.
---Therefore, there are 84 leap months (2520 days) per 480-year period.

The total said figure of 5280 (square cubits) as years can be divided into 11 480-year units. (480 x 11 = 5280). Therefore, every 5280 years accumulates 77 years of leap months.

---7 years per 480 years, x 11 cycles of 480 = 77 years

The number '77' continues the theme of the 7’s, and in the context of the Tabernacle reminds us of the message of forgiveness. Jesus said: "How often shall I forgive my brother, till 77 times (or 70 x 7)?" This, in turn, agrees with the general meaning of the curtain coverings, that is, "a covering (forgiveness) for sins by sacrifice." 

Meaning of curtains as 1260 square cubits:

(Note the area of the curtain is 30 by 4: There are '30' days in a month, and '4' seasons in a year.) 

The first two "tent curtains," therefore, can be said to be 1320 + 1260 (2640) square cubits. This yields an average of 1290 square feet per curtain. (1290 x 2 = 2640, Daniel 12:11, and is 430 x 6 (= 2640) of Ezekiel 4:4-10, as well.)

Hence, the first two curtains (which the bible itself groups together) are called, "tent curtains" and therefore symbolize one seven-year period (2 x 3.5 years), whereas the outer two coverings (called simply "coverings") likewise represent a divided seven year period, (just as the bible divides it, Dan. 9:24-27; 12:11, Rev. 11: 2-3; Rev 12:6). 

The fact that the 1120 of the first covering of fine linen (without the 200 square cubits for the two entrances) is also 1260 x 2 square feet (as you said) probably implies prophetically that the Gentiles would be graciously ushered into the very presence of God, since units of feet are Gentile in origin, and likely trace back to ancient Babylon. It might also imply "the abomination of desolation" (Matt. 24; cf., Dan 9:24-27) of 1260 days since the material that covered the Holy of Holies was thus 1260 square feet.

Total Material Used

The total material used can be viewed several ways. One way is this:

• The material visible as it was placed piece by piece over the Tabernacle: 1120 + 1260 + 1260 +1260 = 4900 square cubits, which is 70 squared, which is akin to the Dan. 9 figure of 490, (70 x 7). (Recall Jesus' words, "How often shall I forgive my brother, till seven times? No, but until 70 x 7 times, (or, 77)." These are fitting words for atonement coverings/curtains.) All these figures directly relate to the temple/Tabernacle in the prophecies to do with the 7, 430, 1260, 1290, 77 and 490 (70 x 7). Even the '1120' of the first curtain is (for some reason) one month short of the '1150' of Dan. 8:14. '1120' is also, four-squared times 70.
  
  
• Alternatively, the actual total covering material used was, 1120 + 1320 + 1320 + 1320 = 5080 square cubits, which is 1270 square cubits average, (4 x 1270 = 5080). "1270" is a three-and-a-half-year period on the lunar (moon) Jewish calendar, where as '1260' is based on the solar (sun). Hence, we have the testimony of both sun and the moon to the Messiah, Jesus. Also, the first three curtains, as, 1320 + 1260 + 1260 = 3840, which is the first major cycle of the 360 calendar. 

• The final way the Tabernacle-covering material can be reckoned is in regard to the grand total of all material used, including the two curtains used for the entrance: 1320 x 4 = 5280; which works out to 11 x 480, and hence signifies 77 years, as said earlier. ("...Forgive your brother 77 times...")

The Breakdown of the Dimensions
 of Each Curtain/Covering 

First layer: The linen (first layer) curtain that covered the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place was an exact 1260 square feet for the Holy Place, and another 1260 for the Most Holy Place! (As you pointed out in your informative letter).

Next three layers: There is another important symbolic breakdown of actual material used for the other three curtains/coverings: 600 square cubits covered the "Most Holy Place," and 660 (+ 60) square cubits covered the adjacent "Holy Place." The number ‘6’ is being emphasized, which signifies the number of man. (Note: 1320 is 660 + 660). Moreover, these last three coverings are the same in area. Thus, they can be totaled together: '600' times 3 = 1800 [= 5 x 360], and '660' + '60' (= 720) times 3 = 2160 [6 x 360], a total of 11 x 360. Thus, again, we have numbers associated with time since there are '360' days in a prophetic year.

One final point: We said before that the average material used for the two curtains over top the Tabernacle (and the entrances) was 1290 square cubits. The Tabernacle itself was divided into two compartments: One-third was for the Most Holy Place, and the remaining two-third occupied the Holy Place. This implies that the 1290 (and, or, 1260/1320) can also be split up into the same one-third and two-third segments. 

[430 x 1] + [430 x 2] = 1290

Now it happens that they were, in like pattern, 430 years in Egypt, and 430 x 2 more years till they returned back again into Babylon and Egypt, (1876, 1446, 586 BC respectively).  This is significant because the Tabernacle dimensions were given to Moses by God in 1446 BC, and the temple was destroyed by God in 586 BC. (See, "The Writing on the Wall," for more. There are 1290 years between when they entered Egypt in 1876 BC, and when they entered Egypt again at the fall of Jerusalem in 586 BC, Jer. 41-44.) 

 

The Ark of the Covenant

A quick note: The cubit volume, perimeter area, and surface areas of the all-important Ark of the Covenant (1½ x 2½ x 1½ cubits), placed within the Most Holy Place, can be divided evenly into 360. 

For example: 

• The perimeter of the atonement cover over the ark was (1½ + 2½ x 2) 8 cubits. And 8 times 45 equals 360.
• The area of the atonement cover over the ark was (1½ x 2½) 3.75 square cubits. And 3.75 times 96 equals 360.
• The volume of the Ark equals (1½ x 2½ x 1½) 5.625 cubic cubits. And 5.625 times 8 squared (64) equals 360.
• The perimeter of the top and sides of the Ark equals 36. (36 x 10 = 360.)
• The area of all four sides of the Ark equals 12. (12 x 30= 360.)
  

The dimensions of the Ark of the Covenant are thus tailor-made for the symbolism of the '360'-day circuit of the sun, and hence, of the 360 calendar. (We have already shown how that the area of the Tabernacle curtains likewise interact with the number 360.) This leads me to conclude that the ' shekinah' glory of God that appeared over the Ark and lit the room of the Most Holy Place has it’s parallel in the sun, which He created for His glory. Jesus said that He was the light of the world that Tabernacled amongst us. Jesus is the shekinah glory of God! There will come a day when He will replace the light of the sun (i.e., the shekinah glory of Most Holy Place), and of the moon (i.e.,  the lamp of the Holy Place) with Himself; for Jesus is the Lamp reflecting His Fathers glory forever and ever. Amen! (Rev. 21:22-23; 22:5.)

***

I have noticed other things to do with the temple, as it relates to time and the 360-calendar, which the Spirit opened my mind to see a couple of weeks ago. I have posted them already in this document.

It is interesting that many (most?) ancient temples were coordinated with the sun and moon and stars--- a counterfeit of the true Tabernacle? Or positively, perhaps, vestiges of a previous God-centered understanding of the cosmos? --- Therefore, if pagan temples align to the motions of the sun and moon (however corrupted over time), it is reasonable to conclude that the precise dimensions of the Tabernacle given to Moses by God were also related to the physical heavens. As a matter of fact, the book of Hebrews repeatedly declares that the Tabernacle is indeed a shadow and type of the highest heavens, (Heb. 3-10).

So then, what are your own thoughts and conclusions? Did you come up with basically the same things? How is your construction of the Tabernacle replica coming along? Any other thoughts that you would like to add that I can post on the Net? 

May God richly bless you,
and all that love our Lord with an undying love.

Dean Coombs

---

 

Passover-Tabernacle Blood-Moon Tetrads

 

Also see, The Solar Eclipse of 2017

Launches the 490^th “Shmita-Cycle”

(Because, 70 jubilees elapse from the Conquest to AD 2025)

Home Page