Topical Bible: Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called: Sanctuary

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The Tabernacle, as instituted by Moses, holds a significant place in the religious and cultural history of the Israelites. It served as the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God among His people during their journey through the wilderness. The term "Sanctuary" is often used to describe this sacred structure, emphasizing its role as a holy place set apart for divine presence and worship.

Biblical Foundation and Construction

The instructions for building the Tabernacle were given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. The detailed blueprint for the Tabernacle is found in Exodus 25-31, where God commands Moses, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). This directive underscores the purpose of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God, highlighting its sanctity and importance.

The construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, involving the contributions and skills of the entire Israelite community. Skilled artisans, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, were appointed to oversee the work, ensuring that every detail was crafted according to the divine specifications (Exodus 31:1-11). The materials used—gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and acacia wood—reflected the splendor and holiness of the structure.

Structure and Components

The Tabernacle was a portable tent-like structure, designed to be dismantled and transported as the Israelites journeyed through the desert. It consisted of three main areas: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies).

1. The Outer Court: This area contained the Bronze Altar for burnt offerings and the Bronze Basin for ceremonial washing. It was accessible to all Israelites and served as the site for sacrifices and offerings.

2. The Holy Place: Entered only by the priests, this section housed the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand (Menorah), and the Altar of Incense. These elements symbolized God's provision, light, and the prayers of the people ascending to Him.

3. The Most Holy Place: Separated by a veil, this innermost chamber contained the Ark of the Covenant, which held the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments. The Ark was the focal point of God's presence, and only the High Priest could enter this sacred space once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:2-34).

Theological Significance

The Tabernacle served as a tangible representation of God's desire to dwell among His people, illustrating His holiness and the need for atonement and mediation. It foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the ultimate High Priest and the true Tabernacle (Hebrews 8:1-2). The Tabernacle's design and rituals pointed to the greater reality of Christ's redemptive work, as He became the mediator of a new covenant, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin.

Legacy and Transition

The Tabernacle remained the center of Israelite worship until the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, which became the permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant. Despite its temporary nature, the Tabernacle's legacy endures as a profound symbol of God's presence, holiness, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 25:8
And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The New Covenant.
... The earthly Canaan may pass from one race to another ... the book of the law, on the
tabernacle, and on ... of all the arrangements and ordinances instituted by Moses ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

Exodus
... an event in connexion with which the passover was instituted. ... xxv.-xxxi., which describe
the tabernacle to be erected ... of the divine Being, and thus one of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/exodus.htm

Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ...
... Law, as observed above [2116](A[2]; Q[100] , A[12]; Q[101], A[2]), was instituted
that it ... Now the tabernacle was divided into two parts: one was called ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sufficient reason can be.htm

The Blood of the Testament
... You will start afresh like one that is born tonight ... yet made manifest, while as the
first tabernacle was yet ... what was needed even when God instituted them, for ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 58 1912/the blood of the testament.htm

Scriptural Types.
... cannot be clearly announced when the type is instituted. ... Surrounding the tabernacle
was a court one hundred cubits ... The tabernacle itself was divided by a vail ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... 669] "Visible sacraments were instituted for the ... is so far from having, as they pretend,
one particle of ... indeed, a great part of the ancient tabernacle, and of ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

In his Temple
... from the original purpose of the service instituted by God ... The burden was so heavy,
one said; but I have ... became the minister of the "true tabernacle, which the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 16 in his temple.htm

God's Law Immutable.
... ever before the minds of men, that God instituted the Sabbath ... God, to blaspheme His
name, and His tabernacle, and them ... And, says the prophet, "I saw one of his ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /25 gods law immutable.htm

God's Law Immutable
... ever before the minds of men, that God instituted the Sabbath ... God, to blaspheme His
name, and His tabernacle, and them ... And, says the prophet, "I saw one of his ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 25 gods law immutable.htm

At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple.
... not of Biblical origin, but had been instituted by Judas ... to which the making of the
Tabernacle had been ... Let one example suffice: Blessed be the Merciful Who ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xiv at the feast.htm