The tabernacle as a type of the cosmos, and the timing of John's conception

And to show that this is not our own speculation but that the tabernacle was constructed as a type of the whole world, listen to what Paul says when he speaks of Christ ascending into heaven: “For Christ did not enter a holy place made by hands, antitypes of the true ones” (Hebrews 9:24). He shows that the things here were antitypes of the true ones. And that the veil separated the Holy of Holies from the holy places outside, just as this heaven walls off the things above it from all that is here among us—listen to how he hinted at this too, calling heaven a veil. For when he speaks of hope, saying that we have it as an anchor of the soul, sure and firm, he adds: “and entering into the inner side of the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, above the heaven” (Hebrews 6:19-20). Do you see how he called heaven a veil? Outside the veil, then, were the lampstand, the table, and the bronze altar that received the sacrifices and burnt offerings. Inside the veil was the ark, covered all around with gold, holding the tablets of the covenant, the golden jar, and Aaron’s rod that budded, along with a golden altar—not for sacrifices or burnt offerings, but for incense alone. And the outer things all were permitted to walk in, but the inner things only the high priest alone. And of these very things I will again provide testimony, as Paul says in this way: “Now the first tabernacle had regulations for worship, and the worldly holy place” (Hebrews 9:1-2). He calls the outer tabernacle the worldly holy place because the whole world was permitted to enter it. “In it were the lampstand and the table and the presentation of the bread. Behind the second veil was the tabernacle called the Holy of Holies, having a golden censer and the ark of the covenant covered all around with gold, in which was a golden jar holding the manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat” (Hebrews 9:2-5). Now these things being so arranged, into the first tabernacle the priests entered continually, performing the services; but into the second, once a year, only the high priest alone, not without blood, which he offers for himself and for the ignorances of the people (Hebrews 9:6-7). Do you see that only the high priest enters, and only once in the whole year?

“What does all this have to do with the day before us?” someone says. Wait a little, and do not be troubled. For we are digging the spring from its source, and we are hurrying to reach the very summit, so that everything may become clear to you with ease. Or rather, so that the word may not remain shadowed for long, nor being unclear make you give up at the length of what is said, I will now tell you the reason for which I have stirred up all these things. What then is the reason? When Elizabeth had John in her womb for six months, Mary began to conceive. If therefore we learn which month that sixth month was, we will also know when Mary began to conceive. Then, having learned when she began to conceive, we will also know when she gave birth, counting nine months from the conception.