Tabernacle, in OT

A prefabricated portable structure that was used for worship from the wilderness period until Solomon built the Jerusalem temple.

The tabernacle was the place of God's presence

Exodus 33:9–10 See also Exodus 25:8, Exodus 40:34–35

As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent.

The construction of the tabernacle

It was built at God's command

Exodus 25:9 See also Exodus 25:40, Exodus 39:32, Exodus 39:43

You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I show you.

The materials used in its construction

Exodus 25:3–7 Many of these materials were available in the desert. Others, such as gold, would have been obtained from the Egyptians (Exodus 12:35–36); Exodus 35:21–24

The plan for its construction

Exodus 26:1, Exodus 26:7, Exodus 26:14–15, Exodus 26:26

The skilled labour employed in its construction

Exodus 31:1–6 parallel Exodus 35:30–35 See also Exodus 35:10, Exodus 35:26, Exodus 36:1–2

Then the LORD said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft. Moreover, I have selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, as his assistant. I have also given skill to all the craftsmen, that they may fashion all that I have commanded you:

The tabernacle courtyard and its contents

The tabernacle's Holy Place and its contents

Its construction

Exodus 26:36–37

The incense altar

Exodus 30:1, Exodus 30:5

The lampstand

Exodus 25:31

The golden table for the bread of the Presence

Exodus 25:23, Exodus 25:30, Exodus 26:35

The tabernacle's Most Holy Place and its contents

It was separated from the Holy Place by a curtain

Exodus 26:31–33 It was designed as a perfect cube with sides of 10 cubits (4.5 metres).

It contained the ark of the covenant

Exodus 26:33–34

The Levites were responsible for the tabernacle

Numbers 1:50–51

The non-religious functions of the tabernacle

As a reference point for locating the different tribes in camp

Numbers 2:1–2 Symbolising that God was central to the life of the nation.

Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron: “The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting at a distance from it, each man under his standard, with the banners of his family.

The movement of the cloud of glory showed when it was time to make or break camp

See also Exodus 40:36–38

Places where the tabernacle was sited

The tabernacle was dedicated at Sinai: Exodus 40:1–2, Exodus 40:9–11; Joshua 18:1; 1 Samuel 1:3; Psalm 78:60; 1 Samuel 21:1 Nob; 1 Chronicles 16:39 Gibeon; 2 Chronicles 5:2–6 Jerusalem