The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a portable sanctuary built by the Israelites during their time in the desert following the Exodus from Egypt. Constructed around 1446 BC under the leadership of Moses, the Tabernacle served as the primary location for the worship of God and housed the Ark of the Covenant. The Tabernacle was eventually replaced by Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem around 957 BC. Notable people associated with the Tabernacle include Moses, Aaron, and Joshua.

Background of The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle was designed according to the instructions given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31). Its construction was primarily carried out by skilled craftsmen, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God (Exodus 31:1-6). The Tabernacle was made of various precious materials such as gold, silver, and acacia wood, and its construction was financed by voluntary offerings from the Israelites (Exodus 25:1-9).

Artifacts in The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle housed several important artifacts that held deep religious significance for the Israelites. These sacred objects represented different aspects of the Israelites’ relationship with God and played essential roles in the worship and ceremonies that took place within the Tabernacle.

Ark of the Covenant: A gold-covered wooden chest containing the two stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff that budded, and a golden jar holding the manna; symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites (Exodus 25:10-22, Hebrews 9:4).
Mercy Seat: The gold lid covering the Ark of the Covenant with two cherubim facing each other; represented the throne of God and was the place for atonement on the Day of Atonement (Exodus 25:17-22, Leviticus 16).
Table of Showbread: A gold-overlaid acacia wood table holding twelve loaves of bread representing the twelve tribes of Israel; symbolized God’s sustenance and provision (Exodus 25:23-30, Leviticus 24:5-9).
Golden Menorah: A seven-branched candelabrum made of pure gold, providing light inside the Holy Place; symbolized the light of God’s presence among His people (Exodus 25:31-40, Leviticus 24:1-4).
Altar of Incense: A small, gold-covered altar in the Holy Place; the burning incense represented the prayers of the Israelites ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10, Psalm 141:2).
Bronze Altar: Also known as the Altar of Burnt Offering, located in the outer court; the place for various animal sacrifices (Exodus 27:1-8).
Bronze Basin: A large basin filled with water, used by priests for cleansing before entering the Holy Place or performing sacred duties (Exodus 30:17-21).
The Veil: A large curtain separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies; symbolized the separation between God and His people due to sin, with only the high priest allowed to pass through once a year (Exodus 26:31-33, Leviticus 16).

Structure of the Tabernacle

The Curtains and Coverings

The Tabernacle itself was composed of multiple layers of curtains and coverings that enclosed the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies (Exodus 26:1-14). The innermost layer, made of finely twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, featured cherubim designs. The other layers were made of goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and hides of sea cows. These curtains and coverings provided both protection and privacy for the sacred space within the Tabernacle.

The Boards and Framework

The Tabernacle’s structure was primarily composed of acacia wood boards overlaid with gold and connected by gold-covered crossbars (Exodus 26:15-30). The boards were held in place by silver sockets and formed the walls of the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. The framework provided a stable and portable structure for the sacred space.

The Outer Court and Pillars

Surrounding the Tabernacle was the Outer Court, an enclosed area formed by linen curtains hung on pillars (Exodus 27:9-19). The Outer Court contained the Bronze Altar and the Bronze Basin and was the area where the Israelites would gather to participate in worship and observe the rituals performed by the priests.

Worship at The Tabernacle

The Tabernacle was the central place of worship for the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness and their early years in the Promised Land. It was a place where they could offer sacrifices, seek God’s guidance, and maintain their relationship with the Lord.

Offerings and Sacrifices

A significant aspect of worship at the Tabernacle involved the offering of various types of sacrifices to God. Some of the key sacrifices included:

Burnt offerings (Leviticus 1): These were whole animal sacrifices, usually bulls, sheep, or goats, offered to symbolize complete dedication to God.
Grain offerings (Leviticus 2): These offerings were made of fine flour, oil, and frankincense, representing the dedication of the fruits of one’s labor.
Peace offerings (Leviticus 3): These were animal sacrifices, such as cattle, sheep, or goats, offered to express gratitude, fulfill vows, or celebrate special occasions.
Sin offerings (Leviticus 4): Offered to atone for unintentional sins, these sacrifices usually involved animals such as bulls or goats.
Guilt offerings (Leviticus 5-6): Similar to sin offerings, guilt offerings were presented to atone for specific transgressions, often involving restitution.

Priestly Duties

The priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron, played a crucial role in the worship at the Tabernacle. They were responsible for:

Performing various sacrifices and offerings on behalf of the people.
Maintaining the sacred objects within the Tabernacle, including the Menorah, the Table of Showbread, and the Altar of Incense.
Teaching the Israelites about God’s laws and commandments.
Pronouncing blessings upon the people.

Annual Feasts and Holy Days

Several annual feasts and holy days were observed by the Israelites at the Tabernacle, including:

The Passover (Exodus 12, Leviticus 23:4-8): Commemorating the Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt, the Passover was followed by the Feast of Unleavened Bread.
The Feast of Weeks, or Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-22): Celebrated fifty days after the Passover, this feast marked the wheat harvest and the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
The Feast of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25): This holy day marked the beginning of a ten-day period leading up to the Day of Atonement.
The Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16, 23:26-32): The most solemn day of the year, it was marked by fasting, prayer, and the high priest entering the Holy of Holies to atone for the sins of the people.
The Feast of Tabernacles, or Booths (Leviticus 23:33-43): This week-long celebration commemorated the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness and God’s protection during that time.

The Tabernacle served as the focal point for worship, providing a place for the Israelites to come together as a community, submit their offerings to the Lord, and receive guidance and instruction from the priests.

Tithes and Offerings

Tithes and other offerings were brought to the Temple to support the priests and Levites, as well as to provide for the poor and needy. These included the firstfruits of the harvest, portions of the produce, and a tenth of the annual income (Numbers 18:21-32; Deuteronomy 14:22-29; 26:1-15).

Notable Events

The consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests: Aaron and his sons were anointed and consecrated as priests, beginning their service in the Tabernacle. (Leviticus 8)
The inauguration of the Tabernacle: After its construction, the Tabernacle was dedicated with offerings and sacrifices as a symbol of God’s dwelling among the Israelites. (Leviticus 9)
The death of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu: Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, were struck dead by God at the Tabernacle for offering unauthorized fire before the Lord, an act that violated the sanctity of the holy place. (Leviticus 10:1-3)
The ordination of the Levites: The Levites were set apart as assistants to the priests in the Tabernacle, responsible for the maintenance and transportation of the sanctuary during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. (Numbers 8)
The intercession of Moses: After the Israelites’ refusal to enter the Promised Land, Moses interceded on their behalf before the Lord at the entrance of the Tabernacle, pleading for God’s mercy and forgiveness. (Numbers 14:10-20)
The rebellion of Korah: The Tabernacle was the site of the confrontation between Moses, Aaron, and the rebellious Korah and his followers, who were ultimately swallowed by the earth as a divine judgment. (Numbers 16)
The distribution of the Promised Land: The Tabernacle, located at Shiloh, served as the center for the distribution of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel, as they cast lots before the Lord. (Joshua 18:1-5)
The story of Hannah and the birth of Samuel: Hannah, a barren woman, prayed fervently at the Tabernacle in Shiloh for a son, promising to dedicate him to the Lord. Her prayer was answered, and she gave birth to Samuel, who became a significant prophet and leader in Israel. (1 Samuel 1-2)
The capture and return of the Ark of the Covenant: When the Israelites brought the Ark of the Covenant from the Tabernacle into battle against the Philistines, it was captured. The Ark was later returned to Israel after causing calamities among the Philistines and was placed in a temporary location until its return to the Tabernacle. (1 Samuel 4-6)
The anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel: Samuel gathered the Israelites at the Tabernacle in Mizpah to anoint Saul as their first king, chosen by God. (1 Samuel 10:17-24)
David eating the consecrated shewbread: David was fleeing from King Saul and sought refuge at the Tabernacle in Nob. The priest, Ahimelech, provided David and his men with the shewbread, which was typically reserved only for the priests (Leviticus 24:5-9). This event is later referenced by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 12:3-4, Mark 2:25-26, Luke 6:3-4) to illustrate the importance of mercy over strict adherence to religious law. (1 Samuel 21:1-6)
The judgment of the Benjamite tribe: After the horrific incident involving a Levite’s concubine, the Israelites gathered at the Tabernacle in Shiloh to seek God’s guidance and to bring judgment upon the tribe of Benjamin. (Judges 20-21)
David moves the Ark of the Covenant: King David, who brought the Ark to Jerusalem, expressed his desire to build a permanent house for the Ark, which would eventually lead to the construction of Solomon’s Temple and replace the Tabernacle as the central place of worship. (2 Samuel 7)
The End of the Tabernacle era: The Ark of the Covenant was transferred from the Tabernacle to Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, marking the end of the Tabernacle’s function as the primary place of worship for the Israelites. (1 Kings 8:1-9)

Biblical Timeline

Construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 25-31, 35-40)
The Tabernacle set up at the foot of Mount Sinai (Exodus 40:17)
The Tabernacle travels with the Israelites during their 40 years in the desert (Numbers 10:11-36)
The Tabernacle set up in Gilgal after crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:19, 5:10)
The Tabernacle moved to Shiloh (Joshua 18:1, Judges 18:31)
The Tabernacle relocated to Nob (1 Samuel 21:1-6)
The Tabernacle transferred to Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39, 21:29)
The Ark of the Covenant brought to Jerusalem by King David (2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 15-16)
Solomon’s Temple constructed, replacing the Tabernacle (1 Kings 5-8, 2 Chronicles 2-7)