What are the three biblical tabernacles?

I. The Tabernacle of Moses

This first structure, also called the “Tent of Meeting,” appears prominently in Exodus. According to the Berean Standard Bible, God instructs Moses, “They are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings” (Exodus 25:8–9). This blueprint includes intricate details about its measurements, materials, and furniture—including the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Altar of Incense (see Exodus 25–30).

The Tabernacle of Moses was portable, enabling the Israelites to dismantle, transport, and reassemble it while wandering in the wilderness. Scriptural accounts place its initial construction around the time of the Exodus, often dated by those holding a more literal biblical chronology to around 1446 BC. Consistency among manuscripts, validated in part by the discoveries among the Dead Sea Scrolls, demonstrates that these details have been faithfully preserved across centuries.

Archaeologically, while remains of a portable tent structure are not something typically uncovered, researchers have found evidence for worship sites in the Sinai region from ancient eras. These align with biblical claims that reverent worship was central to Israel’s identity. The consistent ancient testimony in Exodus indicates that this first tabernacle was not merely a place but a divine invitation to covenant relationship.

II. The Tabernacle of David

Unlike the more elaborate Tabernacle of Moses, David’s tabernacle was set up in Jerusalem when King David brought the Ark of the Covenant there. First Chronicles records David’s effort: “They brought the ark of God and set it inside the tent that David had pitched for it, and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God” (1 Chronicles 16:1). This tabernacle differed in form from the Mosaic structure but carried the same sacred significance: the Ark—symbol of the Most High’s covenant and presence—was central.

The Tabernacle of David stood as a transitional dwelling place for the Ark before Solomon built the Temple. Many see it referenced by the prophet Amos when he foretells that the “fallen shelter (tabernacle)” of David will be restored (Amos 9:11). The New Testament likewise cites this promise in Acts 15:16, applying it to the broader purpose of God welcoming the nations. Such references underscore that David’s tabernacle was deeply related to worship, covenant, and the future expectation of restoration for all peoples.

Historically, David’s reign is often dated around 1010–970 BC. Archaeological findings in the ancient City of David—such as the partial excavation of structures that could belong to the fortress and administrative buildings—support the existence of a strong, centralized hub during David’s time. While direct evidence of David’s tabernacle itself is not uncovered, the location and cultural context are strongly corroborated by other discoveries from that era. Manuscript traditions in Samuel and Chronicles are harmonized in a way that presents a coherent testimony to the events involving the Ark and this simpler, yet significant, structure for divine worship.

III. The Heavenly Tabernacle

Scripture also speaks of a greater, eternal dwelling place of God often described as the heavenly tabernacle. The book of Hebrews highlights how the earthly tabernacle served as a copy of a heavenly reality: “They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: ‘See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain’” (Hebrews 8:5). This indicates that the Tabernacle of Moses was modeled upon God’s true sanctuary in the heavens.

Revelation likewise alludes to a sanctuary in heaven, describing “the temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony” (Revelation 15:5). It shows the culmination of God’s salvific work as He dwells eternally with His people. John’s Gospel includes a related concept when it says of the Son: “The Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us” (John 1:14), illustrating that this ultimate meeting place between God and humanity is fully realized in Christ.

Through resurrection, Christ’s redeeming work secures for believers a long-foretold restoration of God’s presence: “Behold, the dwelling place [tabernacle] of God is with man, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God” (Revelation 21:3). In this final vision, the faithful see that the ultimate purpose of any earthly tabernacle points to direct communion with Him—unveiled and everlasting.

Across these three tabernacles—Moses’, David’s, and the heavenly—Scripture depicts a theological narrative: God’s desire to dwell with His people. Moses’ tabernacle showed the holiness and covenant relationship established in the wilderness. David’s tabernacle highlighted both continued worship and the promise of broader inclusion under the covenant. And the heavenly tabernacle is both the original pattern and the fulfillment wherein relationship with God finds its eternal consummation.