Topical Bible: Israel: The Erection of the Tabernacle

◄ Israel: The Erection of the Tabernacle ►

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The erection of the Tabernacle is a pivotal event in the history of Israel, marking a significant moment in their journey from slavery in Egypt to becoming a covenant people under Yahweh. The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, served as the dwelling place of God among His people during their wilderness wanderings and was central to their worship and community life.

Divine Instructions

The instructions for building the Tabernacle were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. God provided detailed specifications for its construction, emphasizing the importance of obedience and precision. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "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."

Materials and Contributions

The materials for the Tabernacle were gathered from the freewill offerings of the Israelites. Exodus 35:5 records Moses' command: "Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze." The people responded generously, contributing precious metals, fabrics, and other materials necessary for the construction.

Construction and Artisans

The construction of the Tabernacle was overseen by Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled artisans filled with the Spirit of God, as described in Exodus 31:1-6. Bezalel was endowed with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, ensuring that the work was executed according to divine specifications.

Structure and Furnishings

The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, consisting of a courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Holy Place contained the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense. Each element of the Tabernacle had symbolic significance, pointing to aspects of God's covenant relationship with Israel.

Erection and Consecration

The erection of the Tabernacle was completed on the first day of the first month in the second year after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, as detailed in Exodus 40:17 : "So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year." Moses oversaw the assembly, ensuring that every component was placed according to God's command.

Once erected, the Tabernacle was consecrated, and the glory of the LORD filled it, signifying God's presence among His people. Exodus 40:34-35 describes this moment: "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was unable to enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

Significance in Israel's Worship

The Tabernacle served as the center of Israel's worship and sacrificial system. It was the place where the priests performed their duties, offering sacrifices and interceding on behalf of the people. The presence of the Tabernacle signified God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to dwell among His chosen people, guiding them through their journey to the Promised Land.

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Exodus 36:8-38
And every wise hearted man among them that worked the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubim of cunning work made he them.
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Exodus 37:1
And Bezaleel made the ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half was the length of it, and a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit and a half the height of it:
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Exodus 38:1
And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.
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Exodus 39:1
And of the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they made cloths of service, to do service in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as the LORD commanded Moses.
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Exodus 40:1
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,
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Library

Numbers
... dedication gifts that were offered on the occasion of the erection of the tabernacle
(vii ... easily read the unique importance of the ark for early Israel, x.33 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/numbers.htm

Exodus.
... 7. The erection and dedication of the Tabernacle, 35-40. For Study and Discussion.
(1) The preparation of Israel and Moses for the deliverance. ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter ii exodus.htm

Consecration and Dedication
... The erection of the tabernacle, the placing of all the ... the glory of the Lord came
into the tabernacle. ... "Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel that were ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter iii consecration and dedication.htm

'Three Tabernacles'
... and there is no doubt a reference to the Tabernacle in which the divine Presence
abode in the wilderness and in the land of Israel before the erection. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/three tabernacles.htm

Religious Zeal.
... his heart was the glorification of God by the erection of a ... I will not come within
the tabernacle of mine ... he did after he was anointed King over Israel, was to ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxv religious zeal.htm

The Promised King and Temple-Builder
... have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.7. In ... I commanded judges to be over My
people Israel, and have ... process which was intended to end in the erection of a ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture f/the promised king and temple-builder.htm

Results of Transgression
... by those who had to do with the erection of the ... For the construction of the wilderness
tabernacle, chosen men ... "Moses said unto the children of Israel, See, the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... The bright shekinah was seen between the wings of the cherubim which overehadowed
the mercy-seat; and in the tabernacle while Israel journeyed in the wilderness ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

The National Oath at Shechem
... meant; for how could the oak-tree be 'in' the Tabernacle? ... in 'the book of the law';
and the erection of a ... the green oak, a silent witness that Israel, by his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the national oath at shechem.htm

Sacred Institutions of Worship and Seven Great Covenants.
... 2. The Tabernacle, Ex ... and his preparation for it.2 Sam.7:1-2; 2 Chron.28, 29; its
material, erection and dedication ... 4) It is primarily for Israel, but Christians ...
/.../chapter iv sacred institutions of.htm