In this series of articles we’ll take a gander at both, simple and complex, terms found within the literature of the Old Testament. The purpose of this study is to have a richer understanding of God’s people in the ancient times and how that directly correlates with us as 21st century Christians. For this article in particular, we’ll be studying the tabernacle.

The tabernacle played a significant role in the timeline of the Jews. For the first time since Eden, God told His people that He wanted to “dwell in their midst” (Ex. 25:8). This was going to become the location in which the heavenly and the earthly met in harmony with one another. In the following chapters God proceeds to give specific instructions regarding the architecture of the tabernacle, including its furnishings. This is also the context where the ark of the covenant originated. It is at the ark in which God will meet with Moses (Ex. 25:22).

Since the Israelites were not yet in the promised land, they needed a tent of meeting that could be transported as they journeyed along their way. The tabernacle consisted of a total of ten curtains, along with the outer coverings. These primary fabrics were blue, purple, and scarlet in color. Precious metals such as bronze, silver, and gold were utilized in the construction. Tanned leather of goats and rams served as the outer covers. Needless to say, this tabernacle was unlike any other tent in existence at the time. Despite it being a collapsible place of meeting, it was extravagant in appearance.

The presence of the Lord was seen by way of a cloud covering the tabernacle and no one would enter it at that time (Ex. 40:34). The cloud guided the people by day, and the fire in the sky guided by night (Ex. 40:38). The Levites were the ones in charge of transporting the tabernacle. They set it up whenever they settled and broke it down whenever they journeyed (Num. 1:50).

This transportable tent became the focal point of prayer and sacrificial offerings. It was the dwelling place of God among the people before the temple was constructed. To the Jewish mind, there was an inexpressible joy of coming to a place where God dwelt. This tent was the main way for man to commune with the divine until the construction of the temple began in Jerusalem (1 Chron 22:1ff).

In 1 John 3:24, John enlightens his readers by telling them, “whoever keeps His commandments abides in God, and God in him.” What’s better than God abiding with man? Simply the opportunity for man to abide with God. We have the privilege to dwell with God while traveling through this wilderness we call life.

Tyler King