Jewish tradition (Originating from Maimonides writing ‘Guide for the Perplexed’) holds that YHVH intended that He should dwell in the hearts of the people of Israel, however after the incident of the golden calf; YHVH chose to instead dwell in a tabernacle. According to tradition, YHVH recognized that mankind wanted physical things to see, touch, and feel (as man was always turning to idols). YHVH would use the tabernacle and the Aaronic Priesthood to teach the people of Israel how to live until a time should come that YHVH would dwell in us. Those in the New Covenant know this to be true:
Heb 8:7 For if that first PRIESTHOOD had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
Heb 8:13 In that he saith, A new PRIESTHOOD, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.
Heb 9:1 Then verily the first PRIESTHOOD had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
Heb 9:11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
Heb 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
YHVH used the tabernacle in many ways to teach his people how to be holy, including in the way He instructed the people to build the tabernacle. Look at the order in which YHVH instructed Moses to build the tabernacle.
1. Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-22)
2. Table of Showbread (Exodus 25:23-30)
3. Lampstand (Exodus 25:31-40)
4. Sanctuary/Tabernacle around the holy place (Exodus 26:1-6)
5. Curtains/Boards/Bars surrounding the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:7-30)
6. Veil to separate the Holy of Holies and Holy Place (Exodus 26:31-35)
7. Screen for the door of the Sanctuary/Tabernacle (Exodus 26:36-37)
8. Alter of Burnt Offering (Exodus 27:1-8)
9. Complete the Courtyard (Exodus 27:9-19)
Notice that the people of Israel were instructed to build the tabernacle from the inside-out. The key to spiritual maturity must begin from within and working your way out. The outward things are added as you learn.
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