From the picture above we can see the overall layout of the Tabernacle, according to Shick's model. The inner booth "Mishkan", is covered by an outer tent "Ohel". All this within the courtyard formed by the white linen curtain. The overwhelming sense given by these words is that of a portable dwelling place, in Exodus 25:8 the LORD said to Moses "let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them." Hence, the Tabernacle was the place where Yahweh dwelt and met with His people after the exodus from Egypt. It later became the prototype of subsequent Jewish temples, because it was not designed by man but by God. Exodus 25:9 says " Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you."
The thing that makes any study of the tabernacle exciting is the thought that not only did God design the tabernacle but that it is a copy and a shadow of what is in heaven. Hebrews 8:5 says "who serve the copy and the shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said 'see that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain'." The earthly tabernacle was therefore a reflection of present realities in heaven.
Many people have heard of the ten commandments, in fact many try to live their lives by them, yet if you asked those same people if they also tried to live by the regulations of the tabernacle, those same people would think you mad. But yet, the fact is when God gave the ten commandments, He also gave instructions for the house of worship. Moses was given detailed plans for a sacred structure designed as a necessary companion to the moral law. God made it clear that the moral demands of the ten commandments and the regulations concerning the architecture, furniture, and offerings of the tabernacle were different sides of one collective rule of life for Israel. The ten commandments revealed the high and holy standards of God. The tabernacle and everything associated with it, on the other hand, set forth Gods plan for living with and loving those who habitually fell short of his perfect rule of life.
Let us continue our study by examining the two areas of architecture and furniture
Before we draw together any conclusions about the object of our study in to the tabernacle and see how it speaks to us about coming into God's presence today. The most comprehensive source of information about the tabernacle is Exodus 25 - 28 where detailed instructions are given for the construction of the sanctuary and its furniture. Yet these details are incomplete, making an accurate reconstruction almost impossible. Exodus 35 - 40 describes the task of building the structure, since the tabernacle was the model for subsequent temples, the specifications given in 1 Kings 6 and 2 Chronicles 3 - 4 are an aid to understanding its function and certain details, as well as Ezekiel 41 - 43. Plus in the New Testament Hebrews 8 - 9 explains the shadow and the substance of the tabernacle.
THE TABERNACLE ARCHITECTURE.
The tabernacle proper was made of 48 acacia wood frames, which were traditionally referred to as boards or planks, these frames were ten cubits (15ft.) long and one and a half cubits (27") wide and one cubit (18") thick. For a long time the frames were thought of as being solid boards. The idea of solid boards is " exegetically and intrinsically inadmissible" according to the Dictionary of the Bible by Grant & Rowley. They explain that Exodus 26:15-17 contains several obscure technical terms but that a better translation of verse 15 would be " and thou shalt make the frames for the dwelling of acacia wood, two uprights (ev tenons) for each frame joined together by crossrails". This view was put forward by A.R.S. Kennedy as is seen in the Hastings Dictionary of the Bible in 1902 and is now generally accepted. However, there is a continuing open discussion as to whether they were solid boards or panels or a wooden framework consisting of skeleton panels or open frames and were plated with sheets of gold (Ex.26:16).
Since acacia trees used for the wood do not grow any great size in the Sinai peninsula, no boards 27" wide would have been obtainable. The view that each side wall consisted of 20 panels or frames 15' x 27" x 9", is preferred. Each frame had two tenons (extensions beyond the bottom crossrail) at its foot to enter sockets made of silver.
The frame of the Tabernacle proper
The acacia wood frame covered with Gold and the silver socket as described by A.R.S. Kennedy
The interpretation of Exodus 26:22-25 has been and remains a problem, but the suggestion of a pair of frames fastened together at each corner of the west side or rear of the frame work. The thought is that they were sloping upward and inward from their own bases to just under the top crossrail. These frames would then form a projecting buttress to strengthen the corners and to take the folds in the curtains. However this is only possible on the assumption that the frames were a half cubit or nine inches in depth ( i.e. 6 x 1.5 = 9 cubits giving the six rear frames, plus 2 x .5 cubits depth of the sides making the 10 cubits in all ). But if the sides were a quarter of a cubit in depth (4.5"), then the eight frames that formed the rear would be like this, six frames identical in size to those on the side, being two and a half cubits wide. This leaves a 4.5" gap at each end at the rear of the tabernacle which would have been fill by a frame end on, therefore forming the buttress, sloping upward and inward as described above. Perhaps the outside sloping upright was double width there by tying off the corner.
The Sanctuary
On the day after Moses returned from Mt. Sinai with the Second Tables, he gathered about him the entire congregation of Israel, and told them that G-d had ordered them to build a place of worship, or a Tabernacle, which was to be a visible emblem of G-d's presence in the midst of Israel. "They shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst " were G-d's words. For this purpose G-d had asked them for voluntary contributions of gold, silver, copper, precious stones, wool, and linen.
When the people heard the good news, they gave freely of everything useful and precious that they owned; the women also spun and wove artistic handicraft. The princes contributed precious stones, fine oil, and rare spices. Day after day the entire community brought rich gifts as their offerings to G-d's sanctuary, until the contributions were more than was necessary for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Moses had to stop the ceaseless flow of contributions.
The Architects
Two men, Bezalel and Oholiav, who were gifted with Divine wisdom and artistic knowledge, were appointed to take charge of the construction of the Tabernacle. They, and with them all those who had any knowledge of art and beauty, wrought and perfected the parts of the holy Tabernacle and its furnishings, according to the picture and plan G-d had shown to Moses on the mountain.
Plan of the Sanctuary
The Tabernacle consisted of a tent that could be taken apart and moved from place to place. An artistically woven curtain, (the "Porochet") embroidered with cherubim, which was held up by four wooden pillars overlaid with gold, separated the tent into two chambers: The front chamber was called the Holy Place, and the inner chamber was called the Holy of Holies.
The walls of the sanctuary were made of wooden boards which rested in silver sockets, and which were overlaid with a fine cover of gold. The roof and outer walls were covered with expensive carpets and skins. Before the entrance into the sanctuary there hung an artistically woven curtain. The tent of the Tabernacle stood in a wide court, enclosed by curtains supported by pillars.
The Holy Vessels
On the south side of the Court, facing the entrance, stood the Altar of Burnt-Sacrifice, made of "Shittim" -- wood, covered with copper. Behind the altar, that is, between the altar and the Tabernacle, stood the Laver of brass, at which the priests had to wash before entering the sanctuary proper.
In the Tabernacle, on its northern side, stood the Table, made of Shittim -- wood, but overlaid with pure gold, and with a crown of gold all around it. On this table lay twelve loaves of unleavened bread, (the "Show-Bread"), which were replaced every Shabbat by fresh ones. In the south, stood the Candlestick, hammered out of pure gold, richly decorated and ornamented with flower-buds, blossoms, and petals; its seven lamps were lighted every evening. In the middle of the room was the Altar of Incense, made of Shittim -- wood and overlaid with gold. On it, the finest spices were offered to G-d, every day, morning and evening.
The two Tablets of Testimony (the "Luchot"), which Moses had brought back from -- Mount Sinai were kept in the Ark of Shittim -- wood. The Ark was overlaid with pure gold from within and from without. The Holy Ark stood in the Holy of Holies. Its lid was made of pure gold, and out of it were beaten two Cherubim, spreading forth their wings, with their faces turned toward each other. Golden rings were attached to the corners of the Ark so that it could be carried on poles when the camp was on the move.
The Priests
G-d selected Aaron and his four sons, Nadab, Abihu, Elazar, and Ithamar, as priests to serve in the Tabernacle, on behalf of the entire Jewish people. The first-born who originally had been destined to be the priests of G-d, had lost this privilege as a consequence of the sin of the Golden Calf, of which sin the entire tribe of Levy was free. Therefore, G-d selected the tribe of Levy and sanctified it to serve Him in the Sanctuary.
The vestments of the common priests consisted of a white linen tunic, trousers, girdle, and a white turban.
The High-Priest shared these garments with the common priests; but he had, besides, other vestments and ornaments which proclaimed his office to be one of higher importance and holiness. These included the plate of pure gold ("Tzitz") which he wore on his brow and which extended right across his forehead. It was held in place by a thread of blue. On this glittering ornament the words, "Holiness to the L-rd" were inscribed. They declared that the wearer was entirely devoted to the service of G-d.
His most characteristic garment was the Ephod, which he wore above the tunic. It was made of the finest texture, not only of blue and crimson fine twined linen, but also of gold threads. It was caught on the shoulders by two onyx-stones set in gold. On these onyx-stones the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were engraved, six on each stone, according to their age; and the High-Priest wore these stones as "stones of memorial" for the children of Israel when he stood before G-d.
Attached to the Ephod, by two chains of gold and resting upon the heart, was the Breast-plate of Decision. On the breast-plate sparkled twelve precious stones in four equal rows; and in the stones the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were engraved. There the Urim and Tummim were placed, which the High-priest consulted on important matters, such as whether or not to declare war, and other questions which concerned the welfare of the whole people. On these occasions, the stones would light up and form words which revealed the answers to the questions.
To complete his attire, the High-priest wore between the Ephod and the tunic -- the Robe, which was of fine blue wool, and which ended in a broad hem of pomegranates of blue, red, and crimson. Between these small pomegranates small golden bells were inserted, the sound of which, when Aaron walked into the Sanctuary, was to impress the minds of the Israelites with deep reverence.
Thus magnificently were the High-priest and the priests attired; yet were they to approach the Sanctuary with uncovered feet, that they might constantly be reminded of modesty and humility.
Aaron and his sons had to take care of the offerings to G-d and to bless the children of Israel with the words (Numbers 6:22): "The L-rd bless you and guard you. The L-rd make his countenance shine upon you and be gracious to you. The L-rd turn his countenance toward you and grant you peace.."
Consecration of the Tabernacle
The rest of the work in the Holy Tabernacle was given over to the members of the other families of Levi.
After the various parts and vessels of the Sanctuary had been finished, Moses set up the Holy Tabernacle and placed each vessel in accordance with G-d's command. Then he arranged a seven-day period for the consecration of the sanctuary and installation of the priests in their holy offices.
On the first day of Nissan of the second year after the exodus from Egypt, the erection of the Holy Tabernacle was completed. When Aaron placed the first sacrifice on the altar, G-d sent a flame of fire which devoured the pieces of meat on the altar. The entire people had watched with awe this sign of G-d's presence in the Tabernacle and worshipped Him, joyously bowing down before His Divine Majesty.
Death of Nadab and Abihu
On the same day, the princes of the twelve tribes, began to bring their dedication offerings. Yet the happiness of the day was marred by a very sad incident. Nadab and Abihu had become so inspired and intoxicated with the joy of their holy task as priests to G-d, that they wanted to do more than G-d had commanded them. They offered incense on the altar, burning it on unconsecrated fire. Suddenly, a flame of fire shot forth from heaven, killing them both. Crushed with grief over the loss of his two eldest sons, but realizing that it was a Divine punishment, Aaron kept silent. The sanctity of the Tabernacle now became even more evident than before.
Cloud the and Pillars of Fire
During the day, the Holy Tabernacle was always covered by a pillar of cloud, and in the night by a pillar of fire. As long as the pillar of cloud rested over the Tabernacle, the children of Israel remained in the same place. When the cloud rose up, it was a sign for them to continue their journey. Thus they camped and traveled according to G-d's command.
When the Holy Ark, containing the Tables of Testimony, was raised upon the shoulders of its carriers, Moses said: "Rise up, 0 G-d, and let Your enemies be scattered; and let them that hate You flee before You." When the Ark was let down to rest, Moses exclaimed: "Return O G-d, unto the ten thousands of the families of Israel."
In order to gain the attention of the vast multitude, whether upon the march or during the encampment, Moses was commanded to use two silver trumpets; their loud and significant blast would be a summons for the people and a "memorial" before G-d; it was to be a signal for the whole community or the chiefs to assemble before the Tabernacle, or to prepare for departure from the encampment; it led the warriors to battle, and proclaimed the holy festivals, the days of gladness and thanksgiving, of solemnity and humiliation. On each occasion there was, of course, a different signal.
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From Our People by Jacob Isaacs published and copyrighted by Kehot Publication Society 1946-1948
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A Brief Biblical History
The Revelation on Mount Sinai
The Golden Calf
The People of the Book
The Tabernacle
Trials in the Desert
The Scouts and Their Evil Report
Korah's Rebellion
Full Index...
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Search Our People: A History of the Jews
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Our People
Our People, originally published in 1946, was the first Jewish history book for the English speaking reader. Read today, it still provides a comprehensive outline of Jewish history, and also a view of the telling of history as it evolved over the last century.
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The Ark of the Covenant (Hebrew: אָרוֹן הַבְּרִית ʾĀrôn Habbərît, modern pron. Aron Habrit), also known as the Ark of the Testimony, is a chest described in Book of Exodus[1] as containing the Tablets of Stone on which the Ten Commandments were inscribed and pieces of manna. According to some traditional interpretations of the Book of Exodus,[2] Book of Numbers,[3] and the Letter to the Hebrews[4] the Ark also contained Aaron's rod, a jar of manna and the first Torah scroll as written by Moses; however, the first of the Books of Kings says that at the time of king Solomon, the Ark contained only the two Tablets of the Law.[5] According to the Book of Exodus, the Ark was built at the command of God, in accordance with the instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai.[6] God was said to have communicated with Moses "from between the two cherubim" on the Ark's cover.[7]
The covered ark with golden staves carried by the priests, and seven priests with rams' horns, at the siege of Jericho, in an eighteenth-century artist's depiction.
The biblical account relates that during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, the Ark was carried by the priests some 2,000 cubits in advance of the people and their army, or host.[8] When the Ark was borne by priests into the bed of the Jordan, water in the river separated, opening a pathway for the entire host to pass through (Josh. 3:15-16; 4:7-18). The city of Jericho was taken with no more than a shout after the Ark of the Covenant was paraded for seven days around its wall by seven priests sounding seven trumpets of rams' horns (Josh. 6:4-20). When carried, the Ark was always wrapped in a veil, in skins and a blue cloth, and was carefully concealed, even from the eyes of the priests who carried it. There are no contemporary extra-biblical references to the Ark
OVERVIEW OF WHAT THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE TABERNACLE SIGNIFIED
TABERNACLE COMPONENT
REFERENCE
MEANING
Outside Those without God - Eph 2v12-13.
Gate Ex 27v16 Christ. - John 10v9; 14v6.
Altar Ex 27v1-8 Christ sacrificed. Heb 9v13-14.
Laver Ex 30v17-21 Cleansing by repentance and baptism. Eph 5v26; Acts 2v3; 22v16.
Holy Place Ex 26v33-35 Believers life now. Heb 9v9 (NIV)
Light Ex 25v31-40 Word of God. Psalm 119v105; 2 Peter 1v19.
Incense Ex 30v1-9 Prayer. Rev 5v8; 8v3-4.
Shewbread Ex 25v23-30 Good works. John 4v32-34.
Veil Ex 26v31-33 The barrier of mortal flesh. Heb 10v20.
Most Holy Place Ex 26v33-35 The immortal state. Heb 6v19-20; 9v8; 10v19-20.
Ark Ex 25. The presence of God. Ex 25v22; Ps 80v1.
