Tabernacle, also called the Tent of Meeting, was the center of worship of the Israelites during early Biblical times. According to the Book of Exodus, the Hebrews built the Tabernacle during their wanderings in the desert. Its purpose was to provide a symbolic dwelling place for God in the midst of the Israelite camp or settlement. Other places of worship are sometimes called tabernacles.
While on Mount Sinai, Moses received instructions for building the Tabernacle. The materials were provided by the free offerings of the people. The Tabernacle was dedicated on the first day of the second year after the Israelites fled from Egypt on their way to the Promised Land (modern Israel).
According to the Bible, the place of worship was 45 feet (14 meters) long and had a height and width of 15 feet (4.6 meters). Its framework of acacia wood was overlaid with fine gold. The ceiling was of white linen with figures of blue, purple, and scarlet angels woven into it. The structure was covered with a curtain of goat’s hair and a layer of skins. A veil of linen divided the inside into the Holy of Holies and the Holy Place. The Holy of Holies contained the Ark of the Covenant, which held the Tables of the Law—the Ten Commandments.
The Ark was called the Ark of the Covenant because it was a symbol of the Jews’ covenant (agreement) with God. Above the Ark was a cover of gold with a figure called a cherub at each end. In the Holy Place were the table of the shewbread (bread made without yeast), the altar of incense, and a candleholder with several branches, all made of gold.
The Tabernacle stood within a court, enclosed by rich curtains and brass pillars. It opened toward the east and faced the altar where the people brought their sacrifices to be offered by the priests. The court also contained a laver (basin), where the priests washed their hands and feet before entering the Holy Place.
The Tabernacle could be carried from place to place. The Bible reports that it was moved from the desert to Gilgal, then to Shiloh after the Israelites conquered Canaan. Later, it was moved to Jerusalem, where its relics were preserved in Solomon’s Temple.
