Tabernacle (biblical)

A reconstruction of the tabernacle

The Tabernacle is known in Hebrew as the Mishkan ( משכן "Place of Divine dwelling"). It was to be a portable central place of worship for the Hebrews from the time they left ancient Egypt following the Exodus, through the time of the Book of Judges when they were engaged in conquering the land of Canaan, until the time its elements were made part of the final Temple in Jerusalem about the 10th century BC.

The English word "tabernacle" is derived from the Latin word tabernaculum meaning "tent, hut, booth." Tabernaculum itself is a diminutive form of the word taberna, meaning "tavern". The word Sanctuary is also used as its name.

Contents

The detailed outlines for the Tabernacle and its leaders are enumerated in the Book of Exodus:

• Chapter 25: Materials needed, the Ark, the table of showbread for the Twelve Tribes, the Menorah.
• Chapter 26: The Tabernacle, the beams, partitions.
• Chapter 27: The copper altar, the enclosure, oil.
• Chapter 28: Vestments for the priests, ephod garment, ring settings, the breastplate, robe, head-plate, tunic, turban, sashes, pants.
• Chapter 29: Consecration of priests and altar.
• Chapter 30: Incense altar, washstand, anointing oil, incense.

Also, in a later tradition, from Hebrews:

• Chapter 9: which includes the enshrined leftover manna, the stone tablets of the Commandments, and the Rod of the Patriarch Aaron; the latter confirming the legitimacy of the Levitical priesthood.

Physical description

A 19th century illustration of the Ark of the Covenant

The tabernacle of the Israelites during the Exodus was a tent draped with colorful curtains. The outside was draped with rams'-hair curtains, and the roof was made from rams' skins. It was divided into two areas, separated by a curtain: the outer room, containing the seven-branched candelabrum, and the inner room, also known as the "Holy of Holies" (kodesh hakodashim), and containing the Ark of the Covenant (aron habrit). More detail on the description can be found in Exodus, chapters 36, 37, and 38.

Transplantation into the Temple at Jerusalem and utilization

When King David conquered Jerusalem and his son King Solomon built the first temple, known as Solomon's Temple, all the elements of the tabernacle were incorporated into the newly built permanent temple.

The Levitical Priests would use the tabernacle to speak to God. Twice a day a priest would stand in front of the golden prayer altar and burn fragrant incense. Other procedures were also carried out in the Tabernacle.

External link

• Wikipedia:Tabernacle