Topical Encyclopedia The term "Tabernacle" holds significant importance in biblical theology and history, serving as a central place of worship and a symbol of God's presence among His people. The Tabernacle, also known as the "Tent of Meeting," was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. It is described in detail in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.Biblical Description and Construction The instructions for building the Tabernacle were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai. According to Exodus 25:8-9 , God commanded, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the Tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings." The Tabernacle was constructed with precise specifications, using materials such as gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and acacia wood, contributed by the Israelites as freewill offerings (Exodus 25:1-7). The structure of the Tabernacle consisted of three main parts: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). The Outer Court contained the bronze altar for burnt offerings and the bronze basin for ceremonial washing. The Holy Place housed the table of showbread, the golden lampstand, and the altar of incense. The Most Holy Place, separated by a veil, contained the Ark of the Covenant, which held the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:3-4). Symbolism and Function The Tabernacle served as the focal point of Israelite worship and the dwelling place of God's presence, symbolized by the Shekinah glory cloud that rested above the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 40:34-35). It was the place where God met with Moses and communicated His laws and commandments to the people (Exodus 33:7-11). The Tabernacle also functioned as the center for sacrificial offerings and priestly duties, as outlined in the Levitical laws. The design and function of the Tabernacle foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. The book of Hebrews draws parallels between the Tabernacle and Christ, emphasizing that Jesus is the true High Priest who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all by His own blood, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:11-12). Historical Significance The Tabernacle accompanied the Israelites throughout their 40-year journey in the wilderness and into the Promised Land. It was eventually replaced by the Temple in Jerusalem, built by King Solomon, which became the permanent dwelling place for God's presence among His people (1 Kings 6:1-38). The transition from the Tabernacle to the Temple marked a significant development in Israel's religious life, yet the Tabernacle's legacy continued to influence Jewish worship and theology. Theological Implications The Tabernacle's emphasis on holiness, sacrifice, and divine presence underscores key theological themes in the Bible. It highlights the necessity of atonement and the holiness required to approach God. The Tabernacle also serves as a reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people and His provision for a means of reconciliation and fellowship with Him. In the New Testament, the concept of the Tabernacle is expanded to include the Church as the dwelling place of God through the Holy Spirit. Believers are described as "living stones" being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5), and the Church is seen as the body of Christ, where God's presence resides (Ephesians 2:19-22). Nave's Topical Index Exodus 26:1Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubim of cunning work shall you make them. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 26:11 Joshua 22:19 Psalm 15:1 Psalm 61:4 Psalm 76:2 Hebrews 8:2,5 Hebrews 9:2,11 Revelation 13:6 Revelation 21:3 Library The Church Intermediate Between the Shadows of the Law and the ... On the Holy Eucharist The First Sermon in the Tabernacle Early Plymouth That the Church which Before had Been Barren Should have More ... The Tabernacle of the Most High The Temple Spoken of by Christ is the Church. Application to the ... Psalm XLIII. The Church Tested The Tabernacle of God with Men. Resources What are appropriate reasons for missing church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the church? | GotQuestions.org What is meant by High Church and Low Church? | GotQuestions.org Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Church and State: Attempted Usurpation of Ecclesiastical Functions by Civil Authorities, Reproved Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Appoints Kings Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Directs Administration Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Reproves Rulers Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Church and State: Manasseh, in Subverting, and Afterward Restoring, the True Religion Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Ahaz, in Transforming the Altars Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Hezekiah, in Reorganizing Temple Service Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jehoash, in Supervising the Repairs of the Temple Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jeroboam, in Subverting the Jewish Religion Church is Clothed in Righteousness Church of Israel in Covenant With God Church of Israel was Relatively Holy Church of Israel: A Type of the Church of Christ Church of Israel: Admission Into, by Circumcision Church of Israel: All Israelites Members of Church of Israel: Attachment of the Jews To Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of Israel Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of the Lord Church of Israel: Established by God Church of Israel: Had: A Spiritual Church Within It Church of Israel: Had: An Appointed Place of Worship Church of Israel: Had: An Ordained Ministry Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Feasts Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Ordinances Church of Israel: Had: The Divine Presence Manifested in It Church of Israel: Members of Excommunicated for Heavy Offenses Church of Israel: Members of Required to Attend Its Worship Church of Israel: Members of Required to Keeps Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Required to Know Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Separated From, While Unclean Church of Israel: Persons Excluded From Church of Israel: Privileges of Church of Israel: Proselytes Admitted Into Church of Israel: Supported by the People Church of Israel: The Depository of Holy Writ Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Praise Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Prayer Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Preaching Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Reading God's Word Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Sacrifice Church: Assembly of the Saints Church: Assembly of the Upright Church: Baptized (Immersed) Into by One Spirit Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord Church: Branch of God's Planting Church: Called the Congregation in the O. 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