The Tabernacle

• Found: Exodus chapter 25-40

God Gives Moses Instructions (Exodus 25-40)

While Moses was receiving instructions from God, he was told what was right and what was wrong in God's eyes. He was also told what to do when the people did wrong. This centred around a structure God instructed Moses to build, called the tabernacle.

The Brazen Altar

The brazen altar was the place where the animals were brought to be sacrificed and burnt. This was to pay for Israel's sins.

The Laver

The laver was a big basin made of brass. The priests used it to wash themselves on their approach to the tabernacle.

The Candlestick

The candlestick was kept forever lit and was the only light provided in the tabernacle.

The Table of Shewbread

The table was the place where the sacrifices were prepared. It also the various implements used in the preparation.

The Altar of Incense

The priests offered up sweet smelling incense to God on the altar of incense.

Ark of the Covenant

The ark of the covenant was the central piece of the tabernacle. It was kept in the holy of holies, where once a year the high priest came before the Lord. The ark's top, the mercy seat, was sprinkled with blood on this occasion. It was covered with gold, with two golden angels spreading their wings over it. The ark contained three objects:

• The stone tablets with the law of God written on them.
• The pot of manna Moses kept from the days in the wilderness.
• Aaron's budding rod, which proved he was the rightful high priest when others objected.

The Israelites were given full instructions on what to sacrifice and when, the offerings to be made and how to go about them. The descendents of Levi were to be the priests in Israel, and the other tribes contributed to their upkeep.

When Moses came back to the people, they started to build the tabernacle and all its acoutrements. When they had built it, the pillar of cloud rested over the holy of holies. Whenever the Jews had to move, they packaged the various parts of the tabernacle up and carried them, in the order and the manner in which God had ordered.

The Israelites would use the tabernacle for many years, while travelling through the wilderness and when they got to the promised land. It was only when Solomon was made king that the tabernacle was replaced by a permanent temple.

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