November 11, 2003
David's Tab
Being part of the charismatic movement for many years (and I never left), I feel a certain familiarity with it; and with that a certain authority with which to criticize it. One of the things that's always weird is interpretations of things (whether they be "words," dreams, visions, prophecies). I like the concept of: The prophet's job is to speak the truth, share the prophecy, but don't apply the prophecy. Let pastors and teachers do that. For (crazy) example: "I had a dream: This orange tree blossomed and then a few oranges fell off the ground and rolled away, spreading an orange fragrance everywhere..." And then, "Okay, brother, those oranges are your two jobs, now you're supposed to....yada yada yada."
If it's a dream from the Lord, don't apply it for the person. Let 'em work it out. I've always been suspicious of interpretations I've heard, too; or how certain verses are applied to mean certain things.
But, with all my discomfort, the Bible doesn't do much to help me out. There are some verses that interpret themselves in what I would consider odd or unexpected ways. One such instance is Acts 15:16. In this context, there is a special council that has convened in Jerusalem to discuss the sudden influx of Gentiles into the church of believers (up to that point, strictly Jewish). After Paul and Barnabas told of the wonders and mighty work of God amongst the Gentiles, James stood up and said,
"Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself. The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: 'After this I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things that have been known for ages.'"
The Old Testament passage James quoted was Amos 9:11. A study of what "David's fallen tent (or tabernacle)" was (check out 1 Chronicles) reveals that it was a giant tent with the Ark of the Covenant in the center. Levite priests would enter it in large numbers, surrounding the Ark with musical instruments (cymbals, harps, lyres, trumpets) and worship before the Lord. Certainly some of the priests were old enough to remember the order of the Tabernacle of Moses. That was where one guy, the high priest, and that only once a year, would enter the "Holy of Holies," the inner-most part of the temple where the Ark of the Covenant was.
In many ways, the Ark of the Covenant represented God's presence. Inside of it were the two tablets of law, a jar of manna, and Aaron's rod that budded. On top of this "box" was the "mercy seat." This object was not to be touched (or death would be swift, just ask Uzzah). This concept of several priests inside David's Tabernacle (which was like one big "Holy of Holies") all at the same time must have blown their minds.
What kind of picture must have been in their minds?
'You mean, I have access to God's presence? Not just the High Priest once a year?'
This is quite the revelation. Since this is what was referenced in James' speech at the Jerusalem council about Gentiles being legitimate members of the church, we can probably safely interpret the Tabernacle of David as a type of example or foreshadowing of what was to come with Jesus, the freeing Gospel message, and the worldwide access to the Holy of Holies -- God's very presence. Who knows? Maybe there's something to that...
