The Tabernacle

Israels portable temple

And let [the children of Israel] make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them (Exodus 25: 8).
When Israel was camped at Mount Sinai, the Lord commanded them to build the Tabernacle where they could worship him through sacrifice and other ordinances. The Tabernacle could be broken down and carried as Israel journeyed in the wilderness; after the conquest of Canaan, it was set up permanently in Shiloh, and later moved to Nob and then Gibeon. The Tabernacle was Israels worship center for at least 300 years; it was replaced by Solomons temple circa 990 B.C. The Lord chose Aaron and his descendants as priests to serve at the Tabernacle and perform the sacrificial ordinances. Aaron was chosen by the Lord as high priest over all Israel; this calling was typically handed down from father to eldest son, although there were some exceptions (as in the case of Samuel).

The Priests Clothing (Exodus 28:143; 29:49, 2930; 39:131) All priests wore the basic garments of white linen: A. Breeches (trousers) that covered their thighs to the knee, to cover their nakedness (Exodus 28:42) during the performance of their duties. B. The broidered coat of a skillfully woven plaid or checker pattern. C. The mitre (turban). D. The girdle (belt), worn outside the coat around the waist. The high priest wore the priests vestments (AD), plus: E. A blue sleeveless robe, drawn over the head. On the hem were sewn pomegranates and golden bells, so that the high priests sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out (Exodus 28:35). F. The ephod, a waistcoat of finely woven gold, blue, purple, and scarlet. On each of the shoulder-straps was an onyx stone engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, six on one stone and six on the other, making the high priest a representative of the children of Israel (Exodus 28:12). G. A pouch, nine inches square, made of the same material as the ephod. It was ornamented on the outside with twelve jewels set in four rows, with each stone engraved with the name of a tribe. The Urim and Thummim were kept in the pouch formed by folding up the embroidered panel behind the stones. Because the Urim and Thummim were used to declare the will of the Lord, the pouch was called the breastplate of judgment (Exodus 28:15). H.On the front of the high priests mitre was a plate of pure gold, fastened with blue lace and engraven with the phrase HOLINESS TO THE LORD (consecrated to Jehovah). With this the high priest consecrated and sanctified all the sacrifices brought by the children of Israel to the Tabernacle, that they may be accepted before the Lord (Exodus 28:38). I. All the clothing AH constituted the golden garments of the high priest.

Source: Hugh Nibley, Temple and Cosmos (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co. and FARMS, 1992), pp. 9899. J.R. Dummelow, A Commentary on the Holy Bible (New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1908), pp. 7778.

The Ark of the Covenant and Mercy Seat (Exodus 25:1022; 26:34; 37:19; 40:2021) Size: 45" L 27 " W 27 " H The ark was made of acacia wood overlaid with gold inside and outside. A crown made of gold adorned the top. Gold cast rings were placed on the four corners to affix staves, overlaid with gold, that were not to be removed. Inside were placed the tablets of testimony, a golden pot of manna, and Aarons rod that budded (Hebrews 9:4). A separate top piece, the Mercy Seat, was made of beaten gold and displayed two cherubim, one on each end, facing each other. Their heads were tilted downward toward the Mercy Seat and their wings (probably a representation of power to move and actD&C 77:4) stretched toward each other. The Ark was placed in the Most Holy Place and hidden by the veil. Once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) the high priest would enter the Holy Place and make atonement for all of Israel (Leviticus 16; cf. Hebrews 9).

75'
The Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:110; 30:3438; 37:2528; 40:2627) Size: 18" L 18" W 27" H The incense altar was made of acacia wood completely overlaid with gold. There were four horns on the corners. Two rings of gold (perhaps one each side) were made to hold staves for transport. The altar was positioned in front of the veil between the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. A sweet incense was burned upon it each morning and each evening when the lamps were trimmed. It was not to be used for any other offering, except on the Day of Atonement, when the horns were covered with blood from the sin offering. The Lampstand (Exodus 25:3140; 26:35; 27:2021; 37:1724; 40:2425) The lampstand (menorah) was beaten from one talent (5880 lbs.) of solid gold. It featured a center upright stick with three branches extending from each side. On top there were seven lamps that were filled with oil and lit with wicks. The lamps were filled with a special olive oil (beaten, not pressed) and burned continuously. A priest serviced the lamp twice daily. The lampstand was set in the Holy Place on the south wall. Table of Shewbread (Exodus 25:2330; 26:35; 37:1016; 40:2223) Size: 36" L 18" W 27" H The table of shewbread (presence) was made of acacia wood covered with gold. A crown was placed around the edge of the table, and another gold crown one hand-width wide inside the outer crown. Four gold rings were affixed to the four legs at the corners below the table surface, and staves, overlaid with gold, were made to carry the table. On the table were placed platters, pitchers for a drink offering, and sacrificial cups and bowls made of pure gold. Unleavened bread was always on the table and changed weekly. The table was set on the north wall of the Holy Place. The Laver (Exodus 30:1721; 38:8; 40:3032) The laver (basin) and its base (stand) were made of bronze. The basin was filled with water and placed between the altar and the door of the Holy Place. Priests washed their hands and feet before entering the door of the tent or working at the brazen altar. The Brazen (Brass) Altar (Exodus 27:18; 38:17; 40:29) Size: 90" L 90" W 54" H The altar was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze and decorated with horns on all four corners. Sacrifices were burned on a bronze grate over a hollow center. Pans to collect ash, shovels, basins, forks, and coal pans were all made of bronze. Four rings were installed on the corners of the grate and four on the outer shell (eight rings total); staves were inserted into the rings to move the altar. The staves were made of of acacia, overlaid with bronze. The altar was placed inside the door of the Tabernacle.

150'

15' 45' Most Holy Place / Holy of Holies

Holy Place

Courtyard

Door of the Tabernacle (faces east, toward the sunrise)