Was the Tabernacle and its furniture a copy of things in heaven?

The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them during their journey through the wilderness. It was a place where they could worship God and make offerings to Him. The Tabernacle was designed by God Himself and was built according to His specifications. Many people wonder if the Tabernacle and its furniture were a copy of things in heaven.

According to the book of Hebrews in the Bible, the Tabernacle and its furniture were a copy and a shadow of heavenly things. Hebrews 8:5 says, "They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: 'See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.'"

This verse suggests that the Tabernacle was not an exact replica of what is in heaven but instead served as a representation or a shadow of the heavenly things. The Tabernacle and its furniture were designed to help the Israelites understand the heavenly reality that they were participating in through their worship.

For example, the Ark of the Covenant, which held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, was a representation of the throne of God. The mercy seat, which was the lid of the Ark, was where God's presence dwelt. The cherubim on top of the mercy seat were a representation of the heavenly beings who worship God.

The Tabernacle and its furniture were also designed to point to Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews explains that the high priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people. However, Jesus Christ, who is the High Priest, entered into the heavenly sanctuary to make atonement for our sins once and for all.