Our study of the Tabernacle Treasury seems to be leading us to the concept that there is a deficiency, not for the requirements of building the pattern of the physical structure as given to Moses, but for the offering or contribution made by man himself. Let us compare the overall monies collected with the total of men numbered in the census.
The shekels collected totalled 603,270. This is almost one shekel per person of the 603,550 people numbered in Israel at the census, and represents almost double of the requirement of half a shekel per person. On the surface of things this looks good - it seems to suggest that the people willingly gave a double portion of what God required of them to satisfy the atonement or ransom moneys. There were:
If each person had contributed one whole shekel (twice the amount required), then 603,823 shekels would have been collected. From this we can deduct the actual amounts collected, not only in silver atonement moneys, but including the gold and brass collection.
We have already seen that the number 555 is the number for "the face of the sanctuary" and that it refers to "Our Lord and His Christ (anointed)". The minus 2 indicates that man falls short of God's sevenfold requirement for the building of His sanctuary. It is only through the Revelation and acceptance of Jesus Christ that man receives atonement for his sin. The offering of money and material things to God is not sufficient - we must offer ourselves. God searches the hearts of man, and requires man's total willingness and commitment so that man may be filled with the Spirit of God and become His anointed.
Bible Chronology Measure the Temple CONTENTS |
