LIBERATION AND FORMATION OF THE IDENTITY OF THE

PEOPLE OF GOD: A STUDY OF PENTATEUCH

Topic: Tent of Meeting/Tabernacle- (Ex 25-31 & 35-40)

JANDENO MURRY

JERIN TITUS K

JOHN GOODWIN
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 2

1. Tabernacle .......................................................................................................................... 2

1.1. The Tabernacle Elements Arrangement ...................................................................... 2

2. Construction of the Tabernacle: ......................................................................................... 3

2.1. Materias used: ............................................................................................................. 4

2.2. Dimensions:................................................................................................................. 4

3. Function and Purpose: ........................................................................................................ 6

4. Offerings, sacrifices, and other religious ceremonies: ....................................................... 6

4.1. Five Types of Offering: ............................................................................................... 6

5. Symbolism and Foreshadowing: ........................................................................................ 7

5.1. Foreshadowing of Jesus Christ:................................................................................... 7

5.2. The Curtain Symbolizing Separation bridged by Jesus’s Sacrifice: ........................... 8

6. Continued Significance: ..................................................................................................... 8

Conclusion: ................................................................................................................................ 8

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Introduction
The Tabernacle, a sacred and portable dwelling, served as the focal point of worship and
encounter with the divine for the ancient Israelites during their wilderness journey. Constructed
meticulously according to divine instructions by the Lord, it housed sacred artifacts and
facilitated religious rituals central to their faith. From the Ark of the Covenant to the intricate
arrangement of its elements, the Tabernacle symbolized God’s presence among His people and
served as a tangible reminder of their covenant relationship. This paper explores the
construction, symbolism, and significance of the Tabernacle, shedding light on its profound
theological implications and enduring legacy in religious thought and practice.

1. Tabernacle
The Hebrew word mishkan (‫ ) ִמׁשכָּן‬simplies “dwell”, “rest”, or “to live in”. The tabernacle, also
known as the Tent of Meeting, was a portable earthly dwelling used by the Israelites from the
time of the Exodus until the conquest of Canaan. It was constructed according to God’s
instructions, it consisted of an inner sanctuary called the Holy of Holies, which housed the Ark
of the Covenant with its cherubim-covered mercy seat. The outer sanctuary, known as the Holy
Place, contained a golden lampstand, a table for showbread, and a golden altar of incense. The
tabernacle was richly furnished with valuable materials, and it served as a place of worship and
encounter with God during the Israelites’ wilderness journey.

1.1.The Tabernacle Elements Arrangement

According to the Holy text the tabernacle elements mentioned respectively as following:

1. The Ark: The Ark in the tabernacle was a sacred chest containing the tablets of the Ten
Commandments, representing the presence of God among the Israelites.
2. The Ark Cover: The Ark cover in the tabernacle was a sacred, gold-plated lid adorned
with cherubim, symbolizing the presence of God and serving as the seat of atonement
between God and the Israelites according to biblical tradition.
3. The table of showbread: Table with 12 loaves symbolizing God’s provision for the
Israelites, replaced weekly by priests.
4. The candlestick: The candlestick in the tabernacle was a sacred object used for
illumination, symbolizing divine presence and enlightenment in the religious context
of the Old Testament.

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 5. The different curtains: Ten curtains of fine linen for the inner covering of the tabernacle.
Eleven curtains of goats’ hair for the outer covering of the tabernacle. One curtain for
the entrance to the tabernacle. Additional curtains made of ram skins dyed red and fine
leather served as coverings for protection. So, in total, the tabernacle had at least 23
curtains.
6. The boards: The boards in the Tabernacle were intricately constructed wooden panels
overlaid with gold, forming the walls of the sacred structure used for worship in ancient
Israelite religious practices.
7. The bars: In order to give added stability to the boards, bars made of shittim wood
overlaid with gold were placed through gold rings fitted to the boards. Five bars were
made for the three sides of the Tabernacle, north, south, and west.
8. The Vail: The Vail in the tabernacle refers to the curtain separating the Holy Place
from the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the division between God’s presence and the
outside world in Jewish and Christian religious contexts.
9. The offering altar: The offering altar in the tabernacle was a sacred space where
sacrifices were made to honour and commune with God according to ancient Hebrew
religious practices.
10. The tabernacle Court: The Tabernacle Court is an enclosed area surrounding the
Tabernacle structure in biblical times, serving as a sacred space for rituals and offerings.
11. The Priest Cloths: The priestly garments in the tabernacle were ornate vestments worn
by the priests during religious ceremonies, symbolizing their consecration and role as
intermediaries between God and the people.
12. The incense altar: The incense altar in the tabernacle was a sacred vessel used for
burning fragrant incense as an offering to God in ancient Hebrew religious practices.
13. The brass laver: The brass laver in the tabernacle served as a basin for the priests to
ritually cleanse themselves before performing sacred duties.

2. Construction of the Tabernacle:

Bezalel and Oholiab were both skilled craftsmen chosen by God to oversee the construction of
the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Bezalel was from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab was from
the tribe of Dan, Exodus (31:1).They were filled with the Spirit of God and endowed with
wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts necessary for the project. This
included working with gold, silver, bronze, wood, fabrics, and precious stones. They were also

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responsible for overseeing a team of skilled workers who contributed to the construction effort.
Every gifted artisan chosen by God did what the Lord commanded. The detailed instructions
for building the Tabernacle were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, and Bezalel and Oholiab
carried out these instructions with precision and excellence. Their dedication and craftsmanship
ensured that the Tabernacle became a sacred place where the Israelites could worship and
commune with God during their journey in the wilderness.

2.1.Materias used:
The tabernacle, described in the Bible, was constructed using various materials including
gold, silver, bronze, acacia wood, fine linen, blue, linen and scarlet thread, goat hair, ram
skins dyed red, and other textiles. These materials were specified in detail in the book of
Exodus, chapters 25-27.

Gold: Its use in the inner sanctuary emphasized the holiness and divine presence within the
tabernacle, highlighting the sacred nature of the space where God would dwell among His
people.
Silver: Beyond its practical applications, silver symbolized the concept of redemption,
reflecting the Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom and covenant relationship
with God.
Bronze: As a strong and enduring metal, bronze not only served practical purposes but also
symbolized the steadfastness of God's covenant and the stability of His promises.
Acacia Wood: This choice of wood, renowned for its durability and resistance to decay,
underscored the enduring nature of God's presence and His covenant with His people.
Fine Linen and Goat Hair: These materials, used for tapestries and coverings, demonstrated
the Israelites' reverence and humility before God, as well as their commitment to
maintaining the sanctity of the tabernacle.
2.2.Dimensions:
The outer courtyard measured 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide, with a height of 5 cubits.
The tent structure, also known as the Tabernacle proper, was 30 cubits long, 10 cubits wide,
and 10 cubits high. The Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctum, was a perfect cube, measuring
10 cubits in length, width, and height. These measurements were given by God to Moses for
the construction of the tabernacle as a place of worship and encounter with the divine.

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The Division of the Interior of the Tabernacle: The Holy place and the Most Holy Place.

The Holy Place: This was the larger of the two sections, located at the front of the tabernacle.
It contained three significant pieces of furniture.

i) The Golden Lampstand (or Menorah), positioned on the south side, provided light
symbolizing God’s presence and guidance. The golden lampstand, or menorah, was
approximately 7.5 feet tall, had six branches (three on each side), and was made of
pure hammered gold, including almond blossom decorations on each branch and
the central shaft.
ii) The Table of Showbread, situated on the north side, held twelve loaves of bread
representing the twelve tribes of Israel and symbolizing God’s provision. The exact
dimensions of the showbread table, as described in the Bible (Exodus 25:23), were
two cubits in length, one cubit in width, and one and a half cubits in height. In
modern measurements, this would be approximately 3 feet long 1.5 feet wide and
2.25 feet tall.
iii) The Altar of Incense, placed in front of the veil separating the Holy Place from the
Most Holy Place, was where incense was burned, symbolizing the prayers of the
people ascending to God. The dimensions of the altar of incense, as described in
Exodus 30:1-10, were approximately one cubit in length, one cubit in width, and
two cubits in height. In modern measurements, the altar of incense would be
approximately 1.5 feet long, 1.5 feet wide, and 3 feet tall.

The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies): This innermost sanctum was separated from the Holy
Place by a veil. It housed only one item—the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets
of the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God’s covenant with Israel. It was the holiest part of
the tabernacle, representing the presence of God among his people.

The division of the interior into these two sections reflected the sacred hierarchy of access to
God’s presence, with only the high priest permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, and only on
the Day of Atonement. This division emphasized the reverence and awe with which the
Israelites approached God in worship.

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3. Function and Purpose:

The purpose of the Tabernacle was multifaceted. Firstly, it served as a dwelling place for God
among his people, fostering communion between them (Exodus 25:8; 40:34-37). Secondly, it
stood as a constant reminder to the Israelites of their commitment to the true God amidst
temptations of idolatry. The Tabernacle’s structure and rituals demonstrated how sinful
individuals could approach a holy God in worship, offer sacrifices for sin, and receive divine
instruction (Exodus 29:42-45; Leviticus 1-7; 16-17).

Furthermore, the Tabernacle served as a vivid illustration of God’s plan for redemption. Each
element, from the sacrificial altar to the high priest, symbolized aspects of God’s redemptive
program for humanity. This imagery finds fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who, like the Tabernacle,
became a dwelling place for God among his people. John 1:14 describes Jesus as the Word
incarnate, dwelling (or “tabernacling”) among humanity, revealing God’s glory and bringing
grace and truth to the world. Thus, the Tabernacle prefigured the ultimate manifestation of
God’s redemptive plan in Jesus Christ.

4. Offerings, sacrifices, and other religious ceremonies:

In the Tabernacle, offering sacrifices and performing rituals played crucial roles in the religious
life of the Israelites. Sacrifices, such as burnt offerings and sin offerings, symbolized
repentance, atonement, and dedication to God. They served as a means for the people to
approach a holy God and seek forgiveness for their sins. Rituals, including the burning of
incense and the sprinkling of blood, facilitated communion with God and conveyed obedience
to his commandments. These acts of worship and obedience reinforced the covenant
relationship between God and his people, emphasizing the importance of purity, obedience,
and reverence in their religious practices.

4.1.Five Types of Offering:

1. Burnt Offering (Olah): This was a voluntary offering, representing complete surrender
to God. The entire animal was burnt on the altar, symbolizing dedication, commitment,
and atonement for sin.
2. Grain Offering (Minchah): Also known as the meal offering, this offering consisted of
flour mixed with oil and frankincense. It symbolized gratitude to God and
acknowledgment of His provision.

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 3. Peace Offering (Shelamim): This was an offering of thanksgiving and fellowship. It
could be either a voluntary expression of gratitude or a fulfillment of a vow. A portion
of the offering was burnt on the altar, while the rest was shared as a communal meal
between the offeror, the priests, and sometimes others.
4. Sin Offering (Chattat): This offering was made to atone for unintentional sins or
ceremonial impurities. It emphasized the need for forgiveness and restoration of
fellowship with God and the community.
5. Guilt Offering (Asham): Also known as the trespass offering, this offering was made
to atone for specific offenses against God or others. It involved restitution for
wrongdoing and symbolized reconciliation and restoration.

5.Symbolism and Foreshadowing:

5.1 Foreshadowing of Jesus Christ:

Sacrificial Symbolism: The animals sacrificed in the Tabernacle serve as symbols of Jesus’
eventual sacrifice on the cross, providing forgiveness of sins.

High Priest Prefiguration: The role of the high priest in offering sacrifices foreshadows Jesus
as the ultimate High Priest, who offers Himself as the perfect atonement for humanity’s sins.

Representation of God’s Dwelling: The Tabernacle symbolizes God dwelling among His
people, with the Holy of Holies representing His presence. This prefigures Jesus as the
incarnation of God, dwelling among humanity for salvation and reconciliation.

Foreshadowing Redemption: Through its rituals and elements, the Tabernacle hints at Jesus’
pivotal role in redeeming humanity, bridging the gap between God and mankind through His
sacrificial death, priesthood, and presence among His people.

Symbolic Connection: Each aspect of the Tabernacle’s design and function points forward to
Jesus’ work of salvation, offering a tangible representation of God’s plan for redemption
through His Son.

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 5.2 The Curtain Symbolizing Separation bridged by Jesus’s Sacrifice:

Symbol of Separation: The thick curtain, also known as the veil, symbolizes the barrier between
God’s presence and humanity’s sinfulness. It visually represents the divide caused by sin,
preventing direct access to God.

Jesus’ Sacrifice: When Jesus died on the cross, the Gospel accounts record that the veil in the
Temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:45). This
tearing of the veil symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through
Jesus’ sacrificial death.

Access to God: Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides access to God for all people.
Hebrews 10:19-20 describes how Jesus’ sacrifice opens the way for believers to enter into the
presence of God boldly.

6. Continued Significance:

The legacy and impact of the Tabernacle in Exodus are profound. Until the construction of the
First Temple in Jerusalem by King Solomon, the Tabernacle continued to serve as the central
place of worship for the Israelites. It provided a portable sanctuary where they could encounter
God’s presence, offer sacrifices, and seek forgiveness for their sins. The Tabernacle’s
significance extended beyond its physical structure, shaping the religious, cultural, and spiritual
identity of the Israelites. It symbolized God’s dwelling among His people and reinforced their
covenant relationship with Him. The rituals and elements of the Tabernacle also held deep
theological meaning, pointing forward to Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. Even after the
construction of the Temple, the Tabernacle remained a central symbol in Jewish tradition and
continued to influence religious thought and practice. Its legacy as a place of encounter with
the divine and a tangible expression of Israel’s relationship with God endures throughout
biblical history.

Conclusion:

The Tabernacle stands as a testament to the intricate design and divine purpose woven into the
fabric of Israelite worship and religious identity. Constructed with meticulous detail and
imbued with symbolism, it served as a tangible manifestation of God’s presence among His
people during their wilderness journey. Through its elements and rituals, the Tabernacle

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conveyed profound theological truths and foreshadowed the ultimate redemption found in
Jesus Christ. Its legacy extends far beyond its physical structure, shaping the spiritual landscape
of ancient Israel and continuing to inspire reverence and reflection on God’s dwelling among
humanity. The Tabernacle remains a timeless symbol of divine communion and redemption,
echoing through the annals of biblical history.

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7.

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