The Tabernacle Of David: Back To The Future
By: John Eckhardt
http://www.impactnetwork.net
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, AFTER THIS I WILL RETURN, AND WILL BUILD GAIN THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID, WHICH IS FALLEN DOWN; AND I WILL BUILD AGAIN THE RUINS THEREOF, AND I WILL SET IT UP: THAT THE RESIDUE OF MEN MIGHT SEEK AFTER THE LORD, AND ALL THE GENTILES, UPON WHOM MY MANE IS CALLED, SAITH THE LORD, WHO DOETH ALL THESE THINGS. Acts 15:15-17
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this. Amos 9:11-12
It There is great need for local churches to have prophetic presbyteries that will strengSimeon (Peter) was stating that what was happening in the church-the large numbers of Gentiles accepting Christ-was in agreement with the prophetic word of Amos. The salvation of the Gentiles was the result of the rebuilding of the Tabernacle of David. In order to understand the plan of God for today, we must go back to the time of David. We must go back to the future. Amos prophesied concerning the present day. We are now seeing the restoration of the Tabernacle of David. God will build it AS IN THE DAYS OF OLD.
What is the Tabernacle of David? Many believers are surprised to hear that David had a tabernacle. Many are familiar with the tabernacle of Moses and the temple of Solomon, but are unfamiliar with David's tabernacle. God has not promised to restore the tabernacle of Moses or the temple of Solomon, but he has promised to restore the Tabernacle of David. We need a revelation of the Tabernacle of David in order to understand what is taking place in the church today.
And they brought in the ark of the LORD, and set it in his place, in the MIDST OF THE TABERNACLE THAT DAVID had pitched for it . . . 2 Sam. 6:17
The tabernacle of David was a temporary resting place for the ark of the LORD. It was simply a tent erected by David in which to place the ark. The ark was the most important article in the tabernacle of Moses. It represented the presence of God that dwelt in the midst of his people. The ark is referred to by many different titles in the Old Testament:
1. The Ark of the Testimony, Exod.25:22
2. The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord, Num.10:33
3. The Ark of the Lord God, 1 Kings 2:26
4. The Ark of the Lord, the Lord of All the Earth, Joshua 3:13
5. The Ark of God, 1 Sam.3:3
6. The Holy Ark, 2 Chron. 35:3
7. The Ark of Thy Strength, Psa.132:8
8. The Ark of the Covenant of God, Judg.20:27
9. The Ark of the Covenant, Josh.3:6
10. The Ark of the Lord, Josh.4:11
11. The Ark of God the God of Israel, 1 Sam.5:7
12. The Ark of Shittim Wood, Exod.25:10
The Ark was made of shittim wood, overlaid with gold within and without. Moses was commanded to make this Ark (Exod.25:10). There is an ark in heaven (Rev.11:19). The ark made by Moses was an earthly representation of one that is in heaven. The ark represents the throne of God in the earth. It was upon the Ark that the High Priest sprinkled the blood of Atonement once a year (Leviticus.16 and Hebrews 9:7). God dwelt between the cherubims (upon the Ark- Psalm 80:1). The ark represents Jesus Christ who is the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Col.2:9). Kevin Conner states:
The Ark of the Covenant is the most important piece of furniture in the Old Testament. God places such a great importance on it that there are more references to the Ark than to any other piece of furniture. For this reason a closer study of the history of the Ark is warranted. In fact, it will be seen that the history of the Ark is prophetic of the history of the New Testament Ark, the Lord Jesus Christ. As the Ark was first and foremost in Israel's history, so Jesus Christ is first and preeminent in all things before the Father and in the Church (Col.1:17-19). The journeying of the Ark speaks of the Lord Jesus Christ in His birth, anointing, life, ministry, death, resurrection, glorification and second coming.
SHILOH
And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in SHILOH. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD were there.
1 Sam. 1:3
After the wilderness journeying the tabernacle was set up in Shiloh. This is the place where Hannah prayed and made a vow to the Lord. Shiloh is the place where the young prophet Samuel began to hear the voice of God.
The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were wicked and corrupt priests. They despised the holy things of God and would bring judgment upon the house of Eli.
And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us today before the Philistnes? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies. So the people sent to SHILOH, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hohni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. And when the ark of the covenant of the LORD came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again . . . And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter: for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. And the ARK OF GOD WAS TAKEN: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. 1 Sam. 4:3-5,10-11
The ark was taken by the Philistines. This was one of the most tragic defeats for Israel. The Israelites presumed that the ark would assure them victory. They lost the battle and the ark. Eli fell and broke his neck when he heard the news. His daughter in law went into travail with child upon hearing the news. She named her son ICHABOD, meaning, the glory is departed from Israel (1 Sam.4:22).
The ark of God represents the glory of God. When the ark departs, so does the glory (Ichabod). Israel was ordained to be the keepers of the ark. They were chosen by God to be blessed with his presence. No other nation had this privilege. The Philistines were not ordained to be the keepers of the ark. When they brought the ark to their land, tremendous judgments followed.
The ark of God would never return to Shiloh. It would end up in the Tabernacle of David. The Philistines would return the ark after experiencing the judgments of God (see 1 Samuel chapters 5-6).
KIRJATHJEARIM
And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it unto the house of Aminadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the LORD. And it came to pass, while the ark abode in Kirjath-jearim, that the time was long; for it was TWENTY YEARS: and all the house of Israel . .
1 Sam. 7:1-2
The ark remained in Kirjath-jearim for twenty years. It remained there all the days of Saul.
Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of wood. Arise, O LORD into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Psa. 132:6,8
Lo at Ephratah we (first) heard of (the discovered ark); we found it in the fields of the wood - at (Kiriath) Jearim. (Amplified)
David desired to bring the ark from Kirjathjearim to Zion. David Swan states:
King David knew the importance of the Ark of God. To have the Ark close to him in Jerusalem meant having the blessing, protection, and presence of God. The Ark is symbolic of God's throne upon the earth.
David's first attempt to bring the Ark ended in failure with the death of Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:8). David carried the Ark aside into the house of Obededom (2 Samuel 6:10). The Ark remained in the house of Obededom for six months. God blessed the house of Obededom because of the Ark.
And it was told king David, saying, The LORD hath blessed the house of Obededom, and all that pertained unto him, because of the ark of God. So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obededom into the city of David with gladness (2 Sam. 6:12).
David brought the ark of God and placed it under a tent in Zion. The ark would remain in Zion although the tabernacle of Moses was still in Shiloh. God forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh (Psa.78:60). He chose instead the tribe of Judah and Zion (Psa.78:68). This is an important transition. God was no longer dwelling in the midst of animal sacrifices (Shiloh), but in the midst of praise (Zion).
For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest FOR EVER: HERE WILL I DWELL; for I have desired it. Psa. 132:13-14
Zion is God's dwelling place for ever. The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings (tabernacles) of Jacob. Why did the Lord love David's Tabernacle in Zion? BECAUSE THE PRAISE AND WORSHIP ORDAINED BY DAVID AROUNDTHE ARK MANIFESTED THE SAME ATMOSPHERE OF WORSHIP FOUND IN HEAVEN! ZION WAS THE EARHLY EXPRESSION OF THE HEAVENLY WORSHIP IN WHICH GOD CONTINUALLY DWELLS. GOD THEREFORE "INHABITED" THE PRAISES OF EARTHLY ZION JUST AS HE DWELLS IN THE WORSHIP OF THE HEAVENLIES (Psa.22:3). David Swan states:
Praise and worship is the main activity around the throne of God. It is also the activity that takes place closest to the throne. Worship is throne room ministry (Rev.4-5). The worship established by King David on Mount Zion is a type of worship in heaven. In every subsequent restoration and revival during the time of Joash, Hezekiah, Josiah, Ezra and others, the Israelites always returned to the form of worship that was established by King David. I believe Davidic worship will continue to be the form of worship in the Millennium.
WORSHIP IN HEAVEN
The book of Revelation contains more worship than any book in the New Testament. It is also the most prophetic book in the New Testament. There are at least seven major references to worship in heaven found in this book (Rev.4; 5:9-14; 7:9-17; 11:15-19; 14:3-7; 15:3-8; 19:1-10). This book is an unveiling of the worship found in heaven. It is a book of victory over wickedness and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth. We are to pray that the kingdom and will of God will be done on earth as it is in heaven. People who worship devils are judged (Rev.9:20:21).
And they sung a NEW SONG, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book . . . (Rev. 5:9).
And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a NEW SONG before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the
elders . . . Rev. 14:2-3
The worship in heaven is filled with NEW SONGS. The tabernacle of David reflects this on the earth. God continually dwells in the midst of praise and worship. This is seen throughout the book of Revelation. Angels and men worship before the throne twenty-four hours a day. David was able to establish on the earth, the reality that is in heaven.
Sing unto him a NEW SONG; play skillfully with a loud noise . . .
Psa. 33:3
And he hath put a NEW SONG in my mouth, even praise (tehillah) unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Psa. 40:3
O sing unto the LORD a NEW SONG: sing unto the LORD all the earth. Psa. 96:1
O sing unto the LORD a NEW SONG . . . Psa. 98:1
I will sing a NEW SONG unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises (zamar) unto thee.
Psa. 144:9
There were NEW SONGS continually birthed by the prophetic spirit in the Tabernacle of David. There should be NEW SONGS continually birthed in the church today. Newness represents freshness. The prophetic spirit constantly refreshes us and our worship. Worship in heaven is never dull and ceremonial. Worship on the earth must never become routine and boring. New songs are a part of the worship of heaven (Rev.14:3). New songs will be sung throughout eternity. The Tabernacle of David released heavenly worship on the earth.
New songs are important for several reasons. New songs release us to be creative in our praise and worship. It is easy to become stagnant and end up in rut. New songs help us understand the new things that God is doing in His Church. God is always releasing new understanding and revelation to the Church. We tend to sing on the level of our revelation. New songs expand our vocabulary of worship. New songs help release us to worship God with new sounds. There is no limit to the number of songs that can be birthed through the Holy Spirit. In other words, new songs help break limitations. New songs help release us into new spiritual realms and breakthroughs.
Worship precedes the breaking of the seals in heaven (Rev.5-6). There are things that are not released until there is worship. Seals represent that which is closed. Worships opens up the things that have been sealed (closed). There is also worship before the trumpets are sounded (Rev.7-8). Trumpets represent voices, messages and judgments. These trumpets declare judgments against wickedness. Trumpets represent angelic messengers. The book of Revelation is filled with worship, angels, and judgments and finally the establishment of the kingdom of God. Praise and worship on earth and in heaven is an important part of establishing the kingdom of God (see Revelation 11:15-19). The mystery of God will not be finished until there is adequate worship and prayer (see Rev.10:7). It is possible that when great things are happening on the earth, it affects the worship in heaven (see Rev.15:4-8).
.CHENANIAH, ASAPH, HEMAN, JEDUTHUN
Chapters fifteen and sixteen of First Chronicles records the individuals that were set in the tabernacle to praise and worship the LORD.
And CHENANIAH, chief of the Levites, was for song, because he was skillful. 1 Chron. 15:22
And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ARK OF THE LORD, and to record, and to thank and praise the LORD GOD of Israel: ASAPH the chief . . . So he left there before the ARK OF THE COVENANT OF THE LORD . . . So he left there before the ark of the covenant of the LORD ASAPH and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, s every days work required . . . And with them HEMAN and JEDUTHUN, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy endureth for ever; And with them HEMAN and JEDUTHUN with trumpets and cymbals for those that should make a sound, and with musical instruments of God . . .
1 Chron. 16:4,37,41-42
Moreover David and the captains of the host separated to the service of the sons of Asaph, and of JEDUTHUN, who should PROPHESY with harps, with psalteries, and with cymbals . . . Of the sons of ASAPH . . . the sons of ASAPH under the hands of ASAPH, which PROPHESIED according to the order of the king. Of JEDUTHUN, the sons of JEDUTHUN . . . under the hands of their father JEDUTHUN, who PROPHESIED with a harp, to give thanks and to praise the LORD. Of Heman . . . All these were the sons of HEMAN the king's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. 1 Chron. 25:1-5
Chenaniah was the leader of the singers in the Tabernacle of David. He was called the "master of the song." This phrase in the Hebrew is hasar hammasa, meaning literally, "The prince of bearing the burden." The word "burden" (Hebrew, massa) is used elsewhere in Scripture as a technical term of the prophetic burden of the prophets (see Habakkuk 1:1, Malachi 1:1, and Nahum 1:1). David Blomgren states:
Chenaniah "instructed about the song . . . " (1 Chron. 15:22). The word "song" in both cases in this verse is this Hebrew word (massa or hamassa) as used for the prophetic burden. Chenaniah was skillful in the prophetic anointing and instructed others how to birth the prophetic spirit and flow in new prophetic songs. We need to instruct, with systematic teaching, the musicians as well as the congregation, so that they understand how to operate in that anointing to the lifting up of God's people . . . The word (burden, massa) in this sense had the concept of "carrying" in grave responsibility the prophetic spirit as a heavy weight. The singers and worshippers are responsible to bear the prophetic burden, to bring it into corporate gathering.
Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun were the leaders of the musicians in the Tabernacle of David. They were to prophesy with the instruments. They were called seers (1 Chron. 25:5). They operated in a prophetic revelatory mode in seeing a message from God and releasing it through prophecy. Asaph was appointed by David to minister before the ark continually (1 Chron.16:37). The name Asaph means "rereward." This word has the meaning in the Hebrew "to gather in order to destroy or consume." God's glory is our rereward (Isa.58:8). As we minister in Tabernacle of David worship, God's glory is revealed as our rereward.
We become a gathered company whose worship becomes warfare to destroy the enemy (David Blomgren).
Heman means "faithful." It is from the root word "aman" meaning to build up or support, to render firm or faithful, to be permanent, to establish. Aman refers to a "firm" place, a place into which a peg will be driven so that it will be immovable. The peg will remain firmly anchored, even though it is pushed so hard that it breaks of at the point of entry (Isa.22:23). Prophetic worship helps to build up the church. It helps to establish us in the things of God. Worshippers must be faithful to the Tabernacle of David. Tabernacle of David worship will yield a harvest of faithful "Heman" who are established in the word of God.
Jeduthun means "laudatory." It is from the root word "yadah" meaning to give thanks, laud, praise. It means to worship or revere with extended hands. We lift our hands in the Tabernacle of David. The name Judah comes from this root word "yadah." God is establishing many "Jeduthuns" in the Tabernacle of David that will worship with outstretched hands.
The worship in David's tabernacle was PROPHETIC. It was ordained by the prophets David, Gad and Nathan (see 2 Chron. 29:25).This is a picture of New Testament worship. David, was an Old Testament king who received a New Testament Revelation. What he established in Zion becomes the pattern for the church. The songs in the tabernacle of David were birthed in a prophetic atmosphere. The book of Psalms is the most prophetic book in the bible. There are more scriptures quoted from the Psalms in the New Testament than from any other Old Testament book.
The singers and musicians in the Tabernacle of David prophesied in song and music. The primary Hebrew root word for prophecy is Naba meaning to prophesy, to speak or sing by inspiration, to boil up, to gush forth, and to praise God while under divine influence. Worship causes the spirit of prophecy to be released (Rev.19:10). New songs and prophetic words begin to "gush" forth as the spirit of prophecy comes. David Swan states:
Prophetic worship synergizes the elements of music, singing, dance, mime, prayer and the voices of the congregation to create a powerful corporate expression and release. It is much like the ingredients in the incense, finely blended in balanced proportions to produce a fragrance that is pleasing to the Lord. When these elements of worship are so combined and beautifully blended together, there is an amplification of the spiritual power released.
Prophetic worship transcends all cultural boundaries and limitations because it is heavenly worship. Prophetic worship flows out of the born again spirit, not out of the flesh or culture. It is meant for all nations, tribes, and families of the earth. It is worship that flows beyond tradition. It is worship from another realm. The Tabernacle of David is designed to draw all the nations to serve and worship the KING. Prophecy also has an effect upon unbelievers.
But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 1 Cor. 14:24-25
Paul is exhorting the church to desire to prophesy. Prophecy edifies, exhorts and comforts the church. It also convicts and draws sinners. The benefits of prophecy should cause us to desire it and incorporate it into our worship. There is a strong evangelistic and missionary spirit in the Tabernacle of David. The Psalms are filled with the command for all nations to worship the King. David looked beyond the nation of Israel and had an understanding that God was the Lord over all nations. All the gods of the nations were idols. The God of Israel was the one and only God. The church must have a desire to see the kingdom of God established throughout the whole earth. The gospel will be preached in every nation. The glory of the Lord will cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Vivien Hibbert states:
In the Hebraic tradition, all worship ministers, from the reign of King David on, were trained in the prophetic realm. Young men and women were trained under their fathers to prophesy both in song and with their instruments. Thus they were able to minister prophetically at the command of the King (1 Chron. 25:1-8).
It appears that there was no such thing as a temple musician who was not skilled in both music and the prophetic realm. This should serve as an example to those who would minister in worship.
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THE THRONE OF GOD
The LORD reigneth; let the people tremble: he sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The Lord is great in Zion; and he is high above all the people. Psa. 99:1-2
He sits (enthroned) above the cherubim, let the earth quake! (Amplified)
The LORD shall send the rod of thy strength out of Zion: RULE THOU IN THE MIDST OF THINE ENEMIES. Psa. 110:1
You who sit ENTHRONED upon the cherubim (of the ark of the covenant) shine forth. Psa. 80:1 (Amplified)
The Tabernacle of David was not only a place of his presence, but also a place of his rule. 2 Samuel, Chapter 8, records the victories of David over his enemies after he set up this tabernacle. David walked in a new level of dominion after he established the tabernacle. The Tabernacle of David in Zion became God's earthly throne. God was ruling in the midst of his enemies. This was the greatest time of worship and dominion for the nation of Israel. Solomon, who inherited the throne, eventually departed from the LORD. Israel began a slow and steady decline with the rule of ungodly kings. The Tabernacle of David began to fall. Eventually, it would lay in ruins. Israel's worship once again became ceremonial and hypocritical (see Isa.1:13). God rejected it and allowed them to go into captivity. Amos prophesied during this decline that the LORD would once again raise up the Tabernacle of David. We are seeing the fulfillment of this in our day.
And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness. Isa. 16:5
Churches that have the Davidic pattern will be filled with glory. God will enthrone himself in our praise and worship. Principalities and powers will be subdued through his judgments. The Psalms are filled with references to God's judgments. We will see the judgments of God in our cities and nations as the tabernacle of David is restored. There will be judgments against witchcraft, idolatry, occultism, perversion, false religion, poverty, and sin.
DAVID'S MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
And the priests waited on their offices: the Levites also with INSTRUMENTS OF MUSIC OF THE LORD, which David the King HAD MADE TO PRAISE THE LORD . . . 2 Chron. 7:6
Moreover four thousand were porters; and FOUR THOUSAND PRAISED THE LORD WITH THE INSTRUMENTS I MADE, said David, to praise therewith. 1 Chron. 23:5
Instruments are an important part of the Tabernacle of David. David prepared instruments for the tabernacle. Anointed minstrels are an important part of the tabernacle. We must have musicians that can prophesy on the musical instruments. David Swan states:
Psalm 150 is a scriptural injunction to praise the Lord with different musical instruments. Each type produces a unique sound and flavor, and evokes different responses from our emotions and spirit . . . Music helps to quicken and inspire the prophetic flow. The early school of the prophets used musical instruments extensively. The company of prophets whom Saul met as they were coming down from the high place, were playing various types of musical instruments and prophesying (1 Sam.10:5).
We can cannot build the Tabernacle of David unless we have leaders like David. Churches should invest heavily in musical instruments. We should offer the King extravagant praise. There should be no lack of instruments in the church to praise and worship our King.
I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp. Psa. 49:4
God opens his "dark sayings" to us through music. Dark saying is the word "chidah" meaning a puzzle, a maxim, hard question, proverb, or riddle. Prophetic music is a key to revelation. Music opens our spirits. This gives our spirits the ability to comprehend God's secrets and mysteries. The level of revelation in an assembly will be proportionate to the level of worship. We need anointed minstrels. We need prophetic musicians in the Tabernacle of David. Satan hates anointed music. He does everything in his power to corrupt the music in the house of the Lord. The restoration of anointed and prophetic music is a part of the restoration of the Tabernacle of David. Minstrels have the ability to move the hand of God (see 2 Kings 3:15). Prophetic musicians can also activate people into their callings and destinies (see 1 Sam.10:5-6). The minstrels bring refreshing and deliverance as well (see 1 Sam.16:23).
DANCING
And David danced before the LORD with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod. 2 Sam. 6:14
Praise him with the timbrel and dance . . . Psa. 150:4
David brought the ark into the city with dancing. He put on a linen ephod. This was symbolic of the priesthood. He was acting as a worshipping priest although he was not from the tribe of Levi. Dancing is an important part of the Tabernacle of David. We are seeing the restoration of the dance in churches. Dance teams are being formed and released to express our love for dance in dancing. Dancing is an expression of joy. Dancing is also a prophetic declaration of victory. Miriam led the women in dancing to declare Israel's victory over Pharaoh (Exod.15:20). Dancing has a powerful affect upon kingdoms (Mark 6:22-23). Ruth Heflin states:
The Lord spoke to me concerning the time David returned to Jerusalem dancing before the Lord. When he came back into the city, bringing the Ark of God, he danced along the entire route. The Lord showed me that if we wanted to bring in the Ark of God we would have to dance too.
After David had successfully returned the Ark to its place, he rewarded all the men and women who had helped him with a piece of meat, a loaf of bread and a flagon of wine (2 Sam.6:19). He thus became the only one in the Scripture to ever feed a nation. The Lord said to me, "If you want to feed a nation, and if you want to feed a triple portion, you must dance." He was letting me know that dancing brings an anointing that feeds nations the outpouring of the Holy Ghost.
SHOUTING AND SHOFARS
So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the LORD with SHOUTING, and with the sound of the TRUMPET.
2 Sam. 6:15
God is gone up with a SHOUT, the LORD with the sound of the TRUMPET. Psa. 47:5
The ark was brought into Zion with shouting and trumpets. This is what we do at the arrival of the King. Jesus the king shall descend from heaven with a shout and a trumpet (1 Thess.4:16). God goes up with a shout. The trumpet is the shofar. We are seeing the restoration of shofars to the church. Many churches are developing shofar teams. All believers are human shofars. We can all lift up our voices like trumpets.
TIMBRELS (TAMBOURINES)
And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out with timbrels and with dances. Exod. 15:20
And in every place where the staff of punishment passes, which the Lord lays on him, it will be with TAMBORINES and harps; and in battles of brandishing He will fight with it. Isa. 30:32
Tambourines are powerful instruments. They help release judgments against our spiritual enemies. Music is prophetic and can be used in spiritual warfare. When dancers go forth with tambourines they are demonstrating the qualities of the warrior bride. They are doing prophetic acts demonstrating the defeat of the enemy. Miriam led the women in dancing with a timbrel. They declared the defeat of Pharaoh and his army in the sea.
BANNERS
We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our BANNERS . . . Psa. 20:5
Honour and majesty are before him: strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. Psa. 96:6
Banners help release the majesty of a king and his army. Banners are also a part of pageantry. Banners declaring the majesty and glory of the king are visible objects that stir us to worship the King of Glory. Processionals are another way of declaring the glory and majesty of the King. We are seeing banners that are full of beauty. These banners honor the King. They represent his majesty and glory.
KINGS AND PRIESTS
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Rev. 1:6
The Tabernacle of David was established by King David. He had the authority to establish it in Zion. The priests were the ones set by him in the tabernacle to worship. It will take both kings and priests to establish the tabernacle today. We have all been made kings and priests. The kingly dimension reflects the dominion aspect of the believer's life. The priestly aspect is one of worship. We are worshipping kings. We must cast our crowns before the King of Kings.
THE GLORY OF GOD (SHEKINAH)
Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Psa. 24:7
. . . but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates praise.
Isa. 60:18
And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
Isa. 40:5
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Eph. 3:21
The glory of God is connected to the ark. The SHEKINAH glory of God dwelt between the cherubim. It was hidden behind a veil. There is no veil in the tabernacle of David. We now come face to face with the glory of God. Jesus is the Lord of Glory. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Glory and the Father is the Father of Glory. The glory of God is his very essence. Our God is a God of glory. We are commanded to make his praise glorious (Psa.66:2). The earth is to be filled with the knowledge of his glory (Hab.2:14). We encounter his glory through worship. Heaven is filled with his glory. There is constant worship in heaven. This should also be seen upon the earth. We are to open the gates for the king of Glory. Praise is a gate. As we praise, the gates are opened for the king of Glory to come into our midst. His glory cause us to rise and shine (Isa.60:1). His glory can be seen upon us (Isa.60:2). This causes the nations to be drawn to us (Isa.60:3). This releases great prosperity and blessing (Isa.60:5-6).We speak of his glory (Psa.29:9) We see his glory (Psa.97:6). David desired to see his power and glory in the sanctuary (Psa.63:2). The Tabernacle of David is filled with God's power and glory. There is salvation, deliverance and healing in this tabernacle. Vivien Hibbert states:
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Worship, evangelism, and missions are related at every turn. The eternal destiny of everyone on earth depends upon the obedience of believers to this call to worship God and be changed into his likeness. Through our compliance, we gain the heart and will of God for all mankind, and the wisdom, grace and strength to execute His purposes in the earth. When we are changed into the likeness of His glory, we become more able ministers of His glory to those around us.
THE DESOLATION AND DESTRUCTION OF ZION
And he hath violently taken away his tabernacle . . . Lam. 2:6
. . . her prophets also find no vision from the LORD. Lam. 2:9
The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their music. Lam. 5:14
The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning.
Lam.5:15
The Lamentations of Jeremiah speaks of the destruction of Zion by the Babylonians. David's Tabernacle began to fall with the apostasy of his son Solomon. The majority of the kings after Solomon were ungodly. A few godly kings (Hezekiah, Josiah) brought temporary restoration, but the decline continued until captivity. David's Tabernacle laid in ruins. Amos prophesied the restoration of this tabernacle during Israel's decline.
Zion, the place of David's Tabernacle, became desolate. The prophetic ministry ceased. Music was no longer heard. Dancing and joy ceased from Zion. It was a time of weeping and sadness.
The prophets prophesied about the destruction of Zion. They also prophesied Zion's restoration. We are now in a time of restoration. God is rebuilding and restoring the Tabernacle of David. He is rebuilding it as in the days of old. There is a restoration of prophetic worship and kingdom authority in the house of the Lord. We are seeing the restoration of prophecy, psalmists, minstrels, new songs, dancing, shouting, clapping, rejoicing, banners, shofars, and beauty. God has promised that the Gentiles will seek after him. This Tabernacle will result in the harvesting of the nations. Zion will once again become great among the nations (Lam.1:1). Zion will once again be filled with worshippers. All nations will come and worship the King.
Jesus declared, "I am the ROOT and the OFFSPRING of David . . . " (Rev.22:16). Jesus was the ROOT of everything that grew in David's ministry: his WORSHIP and PRAISE, his VICTORIOUS WARFARE, his DOMINION and KINGDOM. Everything David was came originally from Jesus. And since Jesus is the source of everything in the church as well, then both David and the church have the same ROOT: JESUS CHRIST THE SAME ROOT PRODUCES THE SAME FRUIT! Therefore the church is to manifest the same worship and praise, the same victory in warfare and the same kingdom and dominion as occurred in the life of David (David E. Fischer).
The Tabernacle of David is a pattern for worship and the church that was established by King David thousands of years ago. David established praise in Zion by separating the Levites to offer the sacrifices of praise. There are seven key Hebrew words that are translated "praise" in the Old Testament. These words help us understand the biblical way to "praise" the Lord:
· BARAK (baw-rak') meaning to kneel, bless, praise, salute. To remember joyfully- He is the source of all your blessings. In the King James Version barak is translated "praise in Judges 5:2 and Psalm 72:12-15.
· YADAH (yaw-daw') meaning to confess with outstretched arms. To revere or worship with raised hands. Judah comes from this root word. (see Psa. 9:1; 28:7; 43:4; 11:1; 138:1)
Let the people praise extend hands unto thee, O God Elohim; let all the people praise extend hands unto thee.
(Psalm 67:3 - EXEGESIS BIBLE)
I will praise shall extend hands unto thee, O Lord Adonay my God Elohim, with all my heart: and I will glorify shall honour thy name for evermore eternally. (Psalm 86:12 - EXEGESIS BIBLE)
I will praise Yadah thee, O LORD, among the people: I will sing praises zamar unto thee among the nations. (Psalm 108:3)
· TOWDAH (to-daw') meaning to offer a thanks. To offer the sacrifice of praise in faith for what God is going to do. (see Psa.50:23; 69:30; 107:22; Isa.51:3)
And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving extended hands, and declare scribe his works with rejoicing shouting (Psalm 107:22 - EXEGESIS BIBLE)
· ZAMAR (zaw-meer') meaning to touch the strings. To make a melody, instrumental praise. (see Psa.47:7; 57:7; 68:4; 144:9; 147:7; 149:3)
· SHABACH (shaw-bakh') meaning to commend or laud. To shout or address in a loud tone. To give glory or triumph in praise (see Psa. 35:27; 63:3; 117:1; 145:4; 147:12)
Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise (Shabach) thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness: and my mouth shall praise (Halal) thee with joyful lips. (Psalm 63:3-5)
· HALAL (haw-lal') meaning to make noise. To shine or make glorious. To rave, celebrate, boast, to be clamorously foolish. This is the most commonly translated word for praise in the Old Testament. Hallelujah is a combination of halal and Jah. (see Psa.22:23, 26; 34:2; 35:18; 44:8; 56:4; 63:5; 69:30, 34; 74:21; 84:4; 99:3; 148:1-7; 150:1-6)
Praise ye the LORD Halalu Yah.
Praise God Halal El in his sanctuary holies: praise halal him into the firmament expanse of his power strength. Praise Halal him for his mighty acts might: praise Halal him according to his excellent abundant greatness. Praise Halal him with the sound blast of the trumpet: praise halal him wit the psaltery bagpipe and harp. Praise Halal him with the timbrel tambourine and round dance: praise halal him with stringed instruments strummers and organs woodwinds. Praise Halal him upon the loud hearkening cymbals.
Let everything that hath breath all that breatheth praise ye the LORD halal Yah, Praise ye the ORD Halalu Yah. (Psalm 150:1-6)
· TEHILLAH (teh-hil-law) meaning to sing, to laud, sing 'hallals'. To give extravagant praise. To give high praise. When we praise (tehillah) the Lord, He begins the very process of His inhabiting (see Psa.22:3). This is when the "new song" begins to come forth (Psa.40:3). Tehillah is the doorway between praise and worship (Psa.100:4). This is the praise the heathen need to hear (Isa.42:10). Praise (tehillah) becomes the gate (Isa.60:18). Tehillah becomes a garment (Isa.61:3). God has formed us to declare his praise. (Tehillah - Isa.43:21)
Sing forth the honor of his name: make his praise (Tehillah) glorious. (Psalm 66:2)
Praise (Halal) ye the LORD: for it is good to sing praises (Zamar) unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise (Tehillah) is comely. (Psalm 147:1)
Praise (Halal) ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise (Tehillah) in the congregation of the saints. (Psalm 149:1)
Praise is a major part of the Tabernacle of David. David was from the tribe of Judah which means "praise." We are commanded to declare his glory among the heathen. Praise is evangelistic. One of the ways we confess the Lord before sinners is through singing (see Rom.15:9). Praise draws souls into the kingdom. Judah (praise) reaps a harvest (Hosea 6:11). Through praise we are witnessing to the world the greatness of our God. Judah (praise) plows (Hosea 10:11). Praise opens the hearts of people by breaking up the fallow ground. This makes it easier to sow the Word in the hearts of people.
HIGH PRAISE (PSALM 149:6)
This is the only reference to "high praise" in the Bible. This type of praise releases vengeance and punishments on the powers of darkness. This praise is a weapon against the haters of the LORD. This shows us that there are different levels of praise. We can ascend in praise. This "high praise" is also a reference to the praise that occurs in heaven. We can praise him in the "heights" (Psa.148:1). Angels are connected to this kind of praise (Psa.48:2). We can prophetically enter into this "high praise" when the praise on earth is harmonizing with the praise in heaven. High praise releases people from the powers of darkness by releasing God's judgments against Satan's kingdom. The veil that blinds the nations is destroyed on Mount Zion (Isa.25:7).
MIGHTY THUNDERINGS (Rev.19:6)
Thunder is loud. Praise in heaven is like mighty thundering. Thunder represents the power and glory of God. The God of Glory THUNDERETH (Psa.29:3). Our praise becomes like thunder when the God of Glory comes in our midst. When God thunders in our midst great deliverances occur (Psa.18:13-17). We can be delivered from strong enemies. Thunderings proceed out of the Lord's throne (Rev.4:5). We can expect the level of praise to become like thunder when the Lord enthrones our praise. Thunder comes from heaven. This is what will happen when our praise enters the heavenly realm.
There are instruments that make the sound of thunder. Thunderous praise can be accompanied by thunderous music. We cannot be afraid to enter into this realm. Great power is released when our praises become thunderous. God thunders upon his enemies (1 Sam.7:10). This discomfited (confused) the enemy. The church we experience greater victories as we go forth in thunderous praise.
PSALM 117
Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in the book of Psalms. It is an admonition to the nations to praise the Lord. Paul quotes this Psalm in Romans 15:11 concerning the gospel being received by the Gentiles. Psalm 117 reveals the heart of David. His desire was for all the nations to participate in the praise of Zion. This represents the missionary spirit that is the foundation of the Church. The Great Commission included all the nations. This is what should drive and motivate us to reach the lost. Psalm 117 speaks of his merciful kindness being great toward us. We who have experienced salvation have experienced his merciful kindness.
David did not limit praise to Israel. he included all the nations. This is the power of the tabernacle of David. It has the ability to reach all nations and people. It has the power to break down cultural and nationalistic walls. It destroys the wall between Jew and Gentile. The praise and worship in Zion is not limited to our culture. It is heavenly and prophetic. The God of Israel will come and dwell in any nation that sees the Tabernacle of David restored.
WORSHIP AND PROPHECY (The Power of Davidic Worship)
. . . WORSHIP GOD! For the testimony of Jesus is the SPIRIT OF PROPHECY. Rev. 19:10
The book of Revelation has more worship than any other New Testament book. The book of Revelation is prophecy. This shows us the connection between prophecy and worship. The transition between praise and worship occurs when we move in "tehillah" praise. The new song then comes forth. We begin to "prophesy" in song. This is the testimony of Jesus. In other words, Jesus himself, through the Holy Spirit, begins to sing in the midst of the church.
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Psa. 22:22
Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church, will I sing praise unto thee. Heb. 2:12
The joy of our heart is ceased; our dance is turned into mourning.
Lam.5:15
The New Testament interprets David's prophecy to mean Jesus singing in the midst of the church. Psalm 22 is a Messianic Psalm that speaks of the Lord Jesus. Jesus is the one speaking in the first person in Psalm 22:22 according to the writer of Hebrews (Heb.2:12). Bob Sorge states:
One very beautiful form that prophetic worship can take is when a singer, under the prophetic anointing of the Spirit, will sing forth the 'song of the Lord,' or prophetic song, so that all the saints can actually listen to and participate in that song which Jesus is singing among is people.
This is one of the most awesome blessings we can experience-to have Jesus singing in our midst. This is how we worship the Father. It is the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of Christ) singing through us. Jesus uses our lips to testify in our midst. Sinners encounter Jesus through our singing. What a powerful evangelistic tool! This is what we can expect in the Tabernacle of David. This is Jesus (the ARK) in our midst. Jesus is in our midst. His testimony comes when we worship prophetically. The witness (testimony) of God is greater than the testimony of men (1 John 5:9). There is no greater witness than the witness of God.
The book of Revelation is the testimony of Jesus (Rev.1:2). Revelation means an "unveiling." The veil is drawn back and we come into contact with heaven. Worship causes the veil to be pulled back. We come into contact with the heavenly realm. This is the realm of glory. It is the realm of angels and heavenly worship. When we touch this realm our spirits are changed. We go from glory to glory. We go from strength to strength. We encounter the holiness and the power of God. The heavens are opened and we are able to touch the highest realm. We taste the powers of the age to come (Heb.6:5). David Swan states:
The Church of Jesus Christ will experience the most
glorious worship at the close of this end-time. There will be a greater joining, merging, blending and harmonizing of the worship of this generation with the worship in heaven. It is going to happen more and more. When the worship of the earth reaches a point where it begins to harmonize and symphonize with the worship in heaven begins to touch the worship on earth, powerful and dynamic spiritual connections will be made. When this happens, greater transmissions and impartations will flow. Greater anointing and power will be conducted and released. Greater glory will be manifested and there will be more signs, wonders and miracles!
