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Hebrews 8:5 – Pattern Theology
Pattern Theology
The Hebrew writer quotes God commanding Moses to build according to the pattern (Hebrews 8:5). This pattern for Moses copied Heaven in some way to be imitated in the Tabernacle. Admittedly, to me that is incredible, bordering on incredulous for the tangible to take on the intangible. God who is greater than I, knew He was speaking the possible – even if not completely fathomable by us. God had His idea of Heaven on Earth.
One way to better understand “Pattern Theology”, in my opinon, is better understanding Torah. Like the Hebrew writer we too need to go back to the ancient writings.
The Hebrew word, better translated as torah, is usually translated “law”. Now that would not be a problem if we didn’t understand law from our modern perspective and instead understood it Jewishly. The first 5 books of the OT are often referred to as the “Law Of Moses” by Christians. Jews also use the term Torah. Now how did the Torah teach? It is mainly a narrative with “laws” rather than “laws” with a story.
The same is true within the NT. God teaches through stories and stories are examples. Now this doesn’t actually leave us with trying to decide which examples are binding – I don’t think any are. But it does leave us asking what are we supposed to learn from this story? It is easier than we think if we are willing to see God’s truths within patterns without trying to trivialize for the purpose of argument.
For example, Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper during Passover; not to set a pattern of meals but because He was and is the Passover. Acts 20 can’t be teaching upper room theology because God removed location as part of worship. I don’t teach we observe the Communion every Sunday because Troas did; I teach we observe the LS every Sunday because of why Troas did. That reason is even implied within that story recording another parallel story – the resurrection.
We can more easily find the pattern if we are willing to look at intent and not only details. Details matter only when intentional.
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