THE SIGNIFICANCE OF TABNITH IN THE CONTEXT OF CORRESPONDENCE OF HEAVENLY AND EARTHLY SANCTUARY IN EXODUS 25:9, 40

Abstract

The picture of the heavenly sanctuary/temple is that of a model for the construction of the earthly counterpart. This understanding is conveyed mainly by the concept of תינבתּ, “pattern, form, or model” in Exod 25:9, 40 or σκιά, “shadow” in Heb 8:5, or ὑπόδειγμα, “copy” in Heb 9:23, 24. It reveals that the heavenly sanctuary/temple functions as the archetype of the earthly temple. In the context of the book of Exodus, תינבתּ functions as the model of the sanctuary Moses was to build on the earth. Moses was probably shown the heavenly sanctuary and a “model” of what he had to build upon the earth. The תינבתּ thus presupposes an original reality and, at the same time, also suggests an idiomatic correspondence  between the heavenly sanctuary and its earthly counterpart.