Book Review: J. V. Fesko - Christ and the Desert Tabernacle

Every part of the Bible has significance.

When trying to read through the whole bible, most people get stuck at one of two places - the tabernacle in Exodus or the book of Numbers. 


For years, I have tried to get my hands on every book I could find concerning the tabernacle.  28 years ago, as a young Christian, I felt like I was starving for more understanding of God's word. When I picked up my first book detailing the tabernacle, I knew I had found gold.
 
Why would God spend multiple chapters detailing the exact measurements and materials of a tent in the wilderness? What does a tent in the desert have to do with our lives in the 21st century? Fesko gives us those answers.
 
There is more to the tabernacle than just a tent. The Old Testament, as a whole, leads up to a series of events - the birth, death, resurrection, and return of Jesus Christ the Messiah. When we read the stories in the OT, many details shadow the realities that are in Christ. Jesus said when we read the scriptures (OT) they speak of Him.Why did God tell Israel to build a tent to perform animal sacrifices? He gave it to teach them that sin has consequences.  He wanted to show that sin had to be punished - either by the sinner or an innocent substitute. 

When a sacrifice was made, it did not truly cover sin. It just illustrated the forgiveness of sin that Jesus brought through His sacrifice on the cross. 

Knowledge of these things can make the bible come alive. Bible study will never be the same. Both Testaments will make more sense when we understand the tabernacle. If we do not understand why God ordained sacrifice, we will never fully understand the death of Christ.

Fesko does a great job of taking a complicated subject and explaining it in terms even a new believer can understand.  The book is short and to the point. 

If you are new to the tabernacle, this is a great start. Fesko describes each piece of furniture and the structure using simple and understandable language.

The only thing I felt was missing from this book was illustrations. I don't always agree with the old saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words" (read "Amusing ourselves to Death" by Neil Postman), but most people can not fully understand what the tabernacle looks like without a picture of it.

Over all, I really enjoyed this book. If you are new to the tabernacle - Grab a copy, search the Internet for a few pictures, and read it.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

*I received this book for free from Evangelical Press and Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for an honest review