Topical Bible: Tabernacle: How Prepared for Removal During the Travels of the Israelites

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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 construction and the procedures for its assembly and disassembly were meticulously detailed in the Scriptures, reflecting its central role in the religious life of the Israelite community.

Divine Instructions for Construction and Transport

The instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The Lord provided specific guidelines not only for its construction but also for its transportation. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I will show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings."

Role of the Levites

The Levites were entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Numbers 1:50-51 outlines their duties: "Instead, appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, along with all its furnishings and everything that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its articles, care for it, and camp around it. Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever it is to be set up, the Levites shall do it."

Specific Duties of the Levitical Clans

The Levites were divided into three clans—Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites—each with specific responsibilities regarding the Tabernacle's transport:

1. Gershonites: The Gershonites were responsible for the transport of the Tabernacle's curtains, coverings, and entrance screens. Numbers 4:24-26 details their duties: "This is the service of the Gershonite clans regarding work and transport: They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with its covering and the outer covering of fine leather, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the gate of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service."

2. Kohathites: The Kohathites were tasked with carrying the most sacred items, including the Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, the altars, and the sacred utensils. Numbers 4:4-6 describes their role: "This service of the Kohathites at the Tent of Meeting regards the most holy things. Whenever the camp sets out, Aaron and his sons are to go in and take down the veil of the screen and cover the Ark of the Testimony with it. They are to place over this a covering of fine leather, spread a cloth of solid blue over it, and insert its poles."

3. Merarites: The Merarites were responsible for the structural components of the Tabernacle, such as the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases. Numbers 4:31-32 specifies their duties: "This is the duty for all their service at the Tent of Meeting: to carry the frames of the tabernacle with its crossbars, posts, and bases, the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes, including all their equipment and everything related to their use."

Orderly Process of Disassembly and Reassembly

The process of disassembling and reassembling the Tabernacle was conducted with great care and reverence, ensuring that the sanctity of the holy objects was maintained. The Levites followed a precise order, as outlined in the Scriptures, to ensure that each component was handled according to divine instructions. This meticulous process underscored the holiness of the Tabernacle and the presence of God among His people.

Significance in Israelite Worship

The Tabernacle was central to the worship and religious life of the Israelites, serving as the focal point of their community and the place where sacrifices and offerings were made. Its portability allowed the Israelites to maintain their worship practices and the presence of God in their midst, even as they journeyed through the wilderness toward the Promised Land.

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Numbers 1:51
And when the tabernacle sets forward, the Levites shall take it down: and when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up: and the stranger that comes near shall be put to death.
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Numbers 4:5-15
And when the camp sets forward, Aaron shall come, and his sons, and they shall take down the covering veil, and cover the ark of testimony with it:
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Library

The Immaculate Conception
... The killing of the fish, the removal of its heart ... a vision of her womb opening like
a tabernacle to enclose ... We had just prepared these disclosures for the press ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/ii the immaculate conception.htm