The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Its design and construction were divinely revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The Tabernacle was central to Israelite worship and symbolized God's presence with His people.

Divine Instructions and Construction

The instructions for the Tabernacle's construction are detailed in Exodus 25-31 and its actual construction is described in Exodus 35-40. God commanded Moses, "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 meticulous detail in these chapters underscores the importance of the Tabernacle as a holy place.

The Outer Court

The Tabernacle was surrounded by an outer court, which was a rectangular area enclosed by linen curtains supported by bronze pillars. The dimensions of the court were 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide (approximately 150 feet by 75 feet). The entrance was on the east side, symbolizing the direction of the rising sun and new beginnings. Within the court stood the bronze altar for burnt offerings and the bronze basin for ceremonial washing.

The Tabernacle Proper

The Tabernacle itself was a tent-like structure divided into two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The entire structure was approximately 30 cubits long, 10 cubits wide, and 10 cubits high (about 45 feet by 15 feet by 15 feet).

1. The Holy Place: This section was the larger of the two and contained three significant pieces of furniture: the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand (Menorah), and the Altar of Incense. The Table of Showbread held twelve loaves of bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The Golden Lampstand provided light, symbolizing God's guidance and presence. The Altar of Incense was used for burning incense, representing the prayers of the people ascending to God.

2. The Most Holy Place: Separated from the Holy Place by a veil, the Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was a gold-covered wooden chest containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a jar of manna. The Ark's cover, known as the Mercy Seat, was flanked by two cherubim and was considered the earthly throne of God. Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Materials and Symbolism

The materials used in the Tabernacle's construction were of the finest quality, including gold, silver, bronze, acacia wood, fine linen, and various precious stones. Each material and color held symbolic significance, reflecting aspects of God's nature and His covenant with Israel. Gold symbolized divinity and purity, silver represented redemption, and bronze denoted judgment and strength.

Theological Significance

The Tabernacle was not merely a physical structure but a profound theological symbol. It represented God's desire to dwell among His people and foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). The layout and furnishings of the Tabernacle pointed to the holiness of God and the need for atonement and mediation, themes that are fulfilled in the New Testament through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.