The service of the Tabernacle, as outlined in the Old Testament, was a divinely ordained system of worship and sacrifice that played a central role in the religious life of the Israelites. The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was a portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among His people during their wilderness journey and until the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Divine Instructions and Construction

The instructions for the construction and service of the Tabernacle were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Book of Exodus. God provided detailed specifications for the Tabernacle's design, materials, and furnishings, emphasizing the importance of holiness and precision in worship. 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."

Priestly Duties and the Role of the Levites

The service of the Tabernacle was primarily conducted by the Levitical priesthood, a tribe set apart for this sacred duty. Aaron and his sons were appointed as priests, with Aaron serving as the first high priest. The Levites, who were not priests, assisted in various tasks related to the Tabernacle's maintenance and transportation.

The priests were responsible for offering sacrifices, maintaining the sacred fire on the altar, and performing rituals of atonement and purification. Leviticus 6:12-13 instructs, "The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not be extinguished. Every morning the priest is to add wood to the fire, arrange the burnt offering on it, and burn the fat portions of the peace offerings on it. The fire must be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished."

Sacrificial System

The sacrificial system was central to the service of the Tabernacle, symbolizing atonement, thanksgiving, and communion with God. Various offerings were prescribed, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Each type of sacrifice had specific regulations and purposes, as detailed in the Book of Leviticus.

The Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur, was the most solemn day in the Tabernacle's calendar, during which the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the nation. Leviticus 16:29-30 describes this observance: "This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you must humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD."

The Presence of God

The Tabernacle was the focal point of God's presence among the Israelites. The Most Holy Place, or Holy of Holies, housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Law. The presence of God was manifested as a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, guiding and protecting the Israelites on their journey. Exodus 40:34-35 recounts, "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."

Symbolism and Typology

The service of the Tabernacle is rich in symbolism and typology, foreshadowing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The sacrifices pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The high priest's intercession prefigured Christ's role as our eternal High Priest, who mediates on our behalf before the Father (Hebrews 4:14-16).

In summary, the service of the Tabernacle was a complex and divinely instituted system that underscored the holiness of God, the sinfulness of humanity, and the necessity of atonement and reconciliation with the Creator. Through its rituals and symbols, it pointed forward to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan in Jesus Christ.