The Old Covenant Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a portable earthly dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice, symbolizing God's presence and covenant with His people. The instructions for its construction were given to Moses on Mount Sinai and are detailed in the Book of Exodus.

Biblical Description and Construction

The Tabernacle's design was divinely revealed to Moses, as recorded in Exodus 25-31. 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" (Exodus 25:8-9). The Tabernacle was constructed using materials contributed by the Israelites, including gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and acacia wood.

The structure consisted of three main areas: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (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.

Priestly Functions and Sacrifices

The Tabernacle was the center of Israelite worship and sacrificial system, overseen by the Levitical priesthood. The priests, descendants of Aaron, performed daily rituals and sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people and maintain the covenant relationship with God. The high priest entered the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to offer blood sacrifices for the sins of the nation, as described in Leviticus 16.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The Tabernacle symbolized God's desire to dwell among His people and His holiness, which required separation from sin. The detailed instructions and sacred rituals underscored the seriousness of approaching a holy God. The Tabernacle also foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and the prophets. The Gospel of John states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us" (John 1:14), using the Greek word "σκηνόω" (skenoo), meaning "to tabernacle."

Historical Context and Transition

The Tabernacle served as the focal point of Israelite worship from its construction at Mount Sinai until the building of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. During the conquest of Canaan and the period of the Judges, the Tabernacle was set up at various locations, including Shiloh. With the establishment of the monarchy and the eventual construction of the Temple, the Tabernacle's role diminished, yet its legacy continued as a foundational element of Israel's religious identity.

The Old Covenant Tabernacle remains a profound testament to God's covenantal faithfulness and His desire to dwell with His people, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ.