“For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Is 69:10)
The linen used in and around the tabernacle originates from the flax plant, and this plant as well as the process of making the flax material, both bear an important typological significance for the Bride of Christ. In all things the natural pre-empts the spiritual (1 Cor. 15:46).
The first step of the process is marked by a seven-year period of soil preparation ensuring that the flax it will eventually deliver is of the highest quality and thus fit for weaving. Seven is the number of completion and infinity. During this time the flax harvest from the previous season is systematically ploughed back into the soil. This process in which the soil is tilled and reworked is of great importance; the soil being the hearts of all who engage with God (Luke 8:15).
Once this is done, the special seeds are planted. Luke describes it beautifully – “those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience.” Flax seeds are planted in close proximity to one another, mirroring a sense of collective spiritual consciousness that needs to be cultivated.
The plants are harvested individually and by hand to ensure that they retain their fine texture, which speaks of the individual nature of the process of your personal calling and unique gifts. Then the plants are submerged in water, in a sense dying and becoming “alive-separated”, an image that clearly points to the “death” of water baptism and the resurrection of the believer through the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Following this the flax is roughly manhandled in a process of cleaning and combing. “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Through this process of purification we attain the character of Christ.
The flax is processed through different stages of combing where gradually finer and finer combs are used, steadily softening the texture of the plant, a process which we can liken to God’s gradual softening of our hearts, as Rom 5:3-5 attests. The flax fibres are then spun into silk threads, continually moistened with water and Spirit, and placed in the sun to bleach (Mal 4:2). Finally the Master Weaver weaves the linen cloth that forms the outside body of the tabernacle from these very silk threads.
Be amazed at how everything eventually speaks of God and points to Christ. The pattern he laid out is echoed in everything around us.
- Sela: What does it mean if God warns that He will take away His flax? (Hos 2:9)
- Read: 2 Sam 3; Prov 6; Gal 6
- Memorise: Gal 6:6 J
- For a deeper understanding: Read M.S. Schneider’s A Beginner’s Guide to Constructing the Universe: The mathematical archetypes of nature, art, and science.
