Inside The Outer Court
"And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation" - 2 Cor. 5:18.

THE one entering the outer court would note, in addition to the inside of the white curtained wall that separated the Sanctuary from the outside world, that there were the Tabernacle structure, the Brazen Altar for the burnt sacrifices, and the Brazen Laver for the washing of the priests.

Three materials were to be seen and each was significant.

First there was Brass (or Bronze). This was used for the posts that supported the outer wall and for the sockets upon which the posts rested. It also covered the shittim wood of the Altar (Exod. 27:1-8; 38:1-7). The Brazen Laver was made of this metal (Exod. 38:8).

Next the shittim wood used for the boards of the Altar (Exod. 27:1,6;38:l,6).

Thirdly, silver was used as chapiters upon the tops of the brazen posts; as hooks for the fillets and cords; and as fillets which, like fence rails, connected the upright posts and carried the curtains.

A closer look at each will make obvious the significance of their use:

Brass represents human nature, or flesh that is "of the earth, earthy". It was taken out of the earth (the "world") and subjected to the cleansing affliction of the heat of the "fiery trial" for the removal of its dross (the elements of the earth).

Shittim wood was obtained from the Shittah tree which belonged to the acacia species. The tree has a pleasant green foliage, gold-like yellow flowers, and a delightful aroma. Hidden beneath, however, is black bark and thorns. Its wood is orange or clay-colored and though found in barren places, is very durable. What a natural illustration of human nature!

Though this wood was especially chosen for use in the Divine plans, all outward display had to be removed. Leaves and branches were removed and the trees cut down so that the selected wood could be cut to the size and pattern that was shown to Moses in the mount. Then it was completely covered. In the case of the altar of burnt offering, brass formed the covering plates. Thus we have an illustration of human nature, or flesh, changed from its inherent natural characteristics to that which would carry out acceptable service in Yahweh's purpose: a change which necessitates affliction and trial.

Silver was the metal of atonement (See Exod. 38:25-27; ch. 30:12-15). It was used in conjunction with the atonement of males in Israel. It was also the metal used for the redemption of Joseph when he was saved from the pit (Gen. 37:28). It even was associated with the redemption that Christ has wrought for us (Matt. 26:14-15).

The lesson of the outer court taught the need of those called to the Truth, to develop in maturity in the things of God. They must progress beyond a mere mental acceptance of the Truth, to a correct display of its principles in their lives, so building into their characters the Divine attributes. The Altar and Laver of the Court, together with the forms of worship associated therewith, taught what this development required.

A People For The Name The most wonderful thing in human history is the fact that Yahweh took hold of a nation to be for Him, as He says (Jer. 13:11), "for a people and for a name and for a praise and for a glory." He brought the people out of Egypt, established a Covenant with them, and by means of the form of worship He established, sought to draw them unto Him. Unfortunately, it is said of them, "but they would not hearken". We stand in Israel's place today; let us heed the lesson taught.