In this passage we can read about the sacrificial service of the Old Testament: a foreshadowing of the sacrifice of Christ. Moses had to build a tabernacle according to the pattern shown to him on the mountain. Even the valuable Jewish priesthood - clearly described in the laws - was just meant to prepare humankind for the priesthood of all believers.
Of course, the tabernacle that was shown on the mountain was of a total different value than the material version that was made here on earth. In Revelation we read, ‘The one who is victorious, I will make a pillar in the temple of my God’ (Revelation 3:12a). And Peter wrote, ‘You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house’ (1 Peter 2:5a).
The whole shadow-service of the Old Testament points towards the tremendous eternal worship where Jesus Himself is the High Priest. Believers of all ages serve there in an eternal priesthood which surpasses our earthly understanding.
The prophet Jeremiah said that - when God will renew His eternal covenant with His people Israel - another ark of the covenant will not be made, it will not even be remembered. This seems contradictory to what Ezekiel said. ‘Then the nations will know that I, the Lord, make Israel holy, when My sanctuary is among them forever’ (Ezekiel 37:28).
But not the shadow-service will be restored, but the glory of the Lord Himself will descend! The new, heavenly Jerusalem will descend on earth. ‘There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever’ (Revelation 22:5).