Why was the tabernacle of the LORD in Gibeon according to 1 Chronicles 21:29? Historical Timeline of the Tabernacle • Wilderness construction (Exodus 25–40). • Settlement at Shiloh under Joshua (Joshua 18:1). • Destruction/abandonment after Philistine capture of the Ark (1 Samuel 4). • Relocation to Nob in Saul’s reign (1 Samuel 21:1). • Transfer to Gibeon sometime after Saul’s massacre of the priests (1 Samuel 22:18–19) and before David’s bringing the Ark to Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17; 1 Chronicles 16:39). From Nob to Gibeon: Providential Reasons 1. Security and neutrality: Gibeon, a Benjaminite city just north-west of Jerusalem (modern el-Jib), was outside Philistine pressure zones yet within Israel’s tribal heartland. 2. Priestly continuity: surviving sons of the slain high priest Ahimelech (Abiathar and Zadok) could minister without political interference (1 Samuel 22:20; 2 Samuel 8:17). 3. Covenant integrity: the Gibeonites had a sworn treaty with Israel (Joshua 9). Housing the tabernacle there honored Israel’s oath-bound obligations, reinforcing Yahweh’s faithfulness. Gibeon: Geography and Archaeology Excavations at el-Jib (James Pritchard, 1956-62) uncovered massive water systems, silos, LMLK-type jar handles bearing “GBʿN,” and late Bronze-Iron Age cultic pottery—affirming a significant cult-administrative center compatible with tabernacle service logistics. The site’s elevation (~2,400 ft / 732 m) fits the “high place” description. Levitical & Priestly Logistics The Mosaic altar and brass laver (2 Chronicles 1:5–6) remained functional in Gibeon. Daily sacrifices (Exodus 29:38-42) required abundant water and fuel—both available through Gibeon’s engineered pool and oak-covered highlands (cf. 1 Kings 3:4). The Ark–Tabernacle Separation David relocated only the Ark to a tent in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17), leaving the Mosaic altar and holy furnishings (minus the Ark) at Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39). Reasons: • Immediate need to centralize royal worship near the capital. • Respect for Mosaic prescription that atonement blood be sprinkled before the mercy seat—impossible until the new temple. • Divine accommodation: God accepted sacrifices at Gibeon (1 Kings 3:4-5) while granting Davidic covenant grace in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 7:1-17). Why Not Yet Jerusalem? Jerusalem, freshly conquered, still contained Jebusite structures, potential ritual defilement, and no divinely sanctioned temple site (2 Chronicles 3:1). Gibeon thus served as the lawful worship center until the chosen threshing floor of Ornan (Moriah) was purchased (1 Chronicles 21:18-30) and the temple foundations laid by Solomon. 1 Chronicles 21:29 in Immediate Context David’s census sin triggered judgment; the angel paused at Jerusalem. David, instructed by Gad, built an emergency altar on Ornan’s threshing floor. The text then explains why he did not go to Gibeon: fear of the angel’s sword (v.30). The chronicler clarifies that normal sacrifices belonged in Gibeon because the Mosaic altar was still there—highlighting the extraordinary nature of David’s new altar and foreshadowing the temple site. Theological Implications 1. God’s presence is mobile yet holy—anticipating Immanuel (John 1:14). 2. Separation of Ark and sanctuary prefigures Christ’s torn veil, reconciling heavenly mercy seat and earthly worship (Hebrews 9:11-12). 3. Divine patience: despite Israel’s fragmented worship geography, covenant grace endured. Messianic Echoes Gibeon’s high place hosted Solomon’s dream of wisdom (1 Kings 3:4-15), leading to building the temple typological of Christ (John 2:19-21). The move from transient tent to permanent house mirrors the progression from old covenant shadows to the resurrected Lord’s eternal priesthood. Practical & Devotional Lessons • Obedience even amid imperfect circumstances honors God. • Locations change; God’s requirement for a contrite heart remains (Psalm 51:16-17). • God weaves covenant fidelity, historical contingencies, and human failure into His redemptive plan. Answer Summarized The tabernacle remained in Gibeon because, after Shiloh’s downfall and Nob’s tragedy, it offered a geopolitically safe, oath-protected, resource-rich, centrally located Levitical site for lawful sacrifices until Solomon would build the temple. 1 Chronicles 21:29 records this to explain David’s exceptional altar at Jerusalem and to trace God’s unfolding plan toward the permanent house where the ultimate Son of David would be revealed. |
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