The tabernacle was a sacred place where God met the Israelites during the forty years they lived in the desert. It represented His throne on the earth and symbolized His dwelling among His people. It was here the Israelites came together to worship God and offer sacrifices. The tabernacle was a tent-like structure covered by animal skins surrounded by a white linen fence.
The tabernacle itself was divided into two places – the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies – and only the priests could enter these areas. All the furniture in the Holy Place was made of gold, just as God instructed. It was the job of the Levites to carry the tabernacle and set it up wherever the Israelites pitched camp. When the Levites erected the tabernacle, they placed it in the center of the camp. Moses, Aaron, and the priests camped on the east side next to the entrance, and the other tribes of Israel were grouped into four camps around the tabernacle’s outer fence.
Fun Tabernacle Facts:
- The Israelites followed a special cloud that showed when it was time to move the tabernacle. When the cloud lifted, they knew it was time to pack up and travel. When the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they knew to remain in place.
- The Holy of Holies was where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This golden chest held the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna, and Aaron's staff.
- Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and he did this just once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make a special offering for the sins of the people.
- The tabernacle was portable, meaning it could be taken down, packed up, and carried to a new location. The Israelites moved the tabernacle over 40 times during their journey through the desert! The Israelites used different animal skins, like ram’s skins dyed red and fine leather, to cover the tabernacle and protect it.
Read Exodus 26:1-31:18. Can you answer the questions below?
- What was the purpose of the tabernacle?
- Which two men were put in charge of building the tabernacle?
- What oil was used to keep the lamps burning in the tabernacle?
- What was the purpose of the brazen altar?
- Where was the mercy seat located?
