The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. It served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The instructions for its construction and the design of its furnishings were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus.

Construction and Layout

The Tabernacle was a tent-like structure made of fine linen curtains, goat hair, ram skins, and other materials. It was divided into two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The entire structure was surrounded by a courtyard, enclosed by linen curtains supported by bronze pillars.

1. The Holy Place: This section contained three key furnishings:
· The Table of Showbread: Made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, it held the Bread of the Presence, which was set before the Lord regularly (Exodus 25:23-30).
· The Golden Lampstand (Menorah): Crafted from a single piece of pure gold, it had seven branches and provided light within the Holy Place (Exodus 25:31-40).
· The Altar of Incense: Also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, it was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God (Exodus 30:1-10).

2. The Most Holy Place: This innermost section housed the Ark of the Covenant, a sacred chest made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. The Ark contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod that budded, and a jar of manna (Hebrews 9:4). The Ark was covered by the Mercy Seat, where the presence of God would appear (Exodus 25:10-22).

The Courtyard

The courtyard of the Tabernacle was an open area where the Israelites could gather for worship. It contained two main items:

· The Bronze Altar: Used for burnt offerings and sacrifices, it was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:1-8).
· The Bronze Basin (Laver): Positioned between the altar and the entrance to the Tent, it was used by the priests for ceremonial washing (Exodus 30:17-21).

Priestly Functions and Symbolism

The Tabernacle and its furnishings were central to the religious life of Israel. The priests, primarily from the tribe of Levi, were responsible for maintaining the Tabernacle and conducting the various rituals and sacrifices. The High Priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, would enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

The design and function of the Tabernacle were rich in symbolism, pointing to the holiness of God, the sinfulness of humanity, and the need for atonement and reconciliation. The Tabernacle served as a foreshadowing of the coming of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the true and greater Tabernacle (Hebrews 9:11-12).

Biblical References

The detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings are found in Exodus chapters 25 through 31 and 35 through 40. The significance and symbolism of the Tabernacle are further expounded in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Hebrews.