Topical Encyclopedia The Dedication of the Tabernacle is a significant event in the history of Israel, marking the establishment of a central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This event is detailed primarily in the book of Exodus and further elaborated in Leviticus and Numbers.Biblical Context The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was constructed according to the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It served as the dwelling place of God among His people and was the focal point of Israelite worship and sacrificial practices. The dedication of the Tabernacle is recorded in Exodus 40, where Moses sets up the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month in the second year after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. Ceremonial Dedication The dedication involved a series of specific rituals and ceremonies. Moses, following God's commands, anointed the Tabernacle and all its furnishings with holy oil, consecrating them for sacred use (Exodus 40:9-11). Aaron and his sons were also consecrated as priests, marking the beginning of the Levitical priesthood (Exodus 40:12-15). The Book of Leviticus provides additional details on the offerings made during the dedication. Leviticus 8 describes the ordination of Aaron and his sons, which included sin offerings, burnt offerings, and fellowship offerings. These sacrifices were essential for atonement and symbolized the purification and sanctification necessary for approaching a holy God. Divine Presence A pivotal moment in the dedication was the manifestation of God's presence. "Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the Tabernacle" (Exodus 40:34). This visible sign of God's glory signified His approval and His dwelling among the Israelites. The cloud by day and the fire by night over the Tabernacle guided the Israelites throughout their wilderness journey (Exodus 40:36-38). Tribal Offerings Numbers 7 provides a detailed account of the offerings brought by the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel during the dedication. Each leader presented identical offerings over twelve days, including silver plates, gold bowls, grain offerings, and various animals for burnt offerings, sin offerings, and peace offerings. These offerings underscored the communal participation and unity of the tribes in dedicating the Tabernacle to the LORD. Significance The Dedication of the Tabernacle was a foundational event for the Israelite community, establishing a pattern of worship and sacrifice that would continue throughout their history. It emphasized the holiness of God, the necessity of atonement, and the centrality of divine presence in the life of the covenant community. The Tabernacle served as a precursor to the Temple in Jerusalem and foreshadowed the ultimate dwelling of God with His people through Jesus Christ, as described in the New Testament. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 7:1And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them; Nave's Topical Index Library Consecration and Dedication And First, of the Phials Generally. The Temple and Its Dedication Exodus. Scriptural Types. The Dedication At the Feast of the Dedication of the Temple. Let the Bodies Rejoice which the Evil one had Made Naked, that in ... What is Sanctification? Results of Transgression Resources What is Hanukkah? Should a Christian celebrate Hanukkah (Christmaskah)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a solemn assembly in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was Zerubbabel's temple/the second temple? | GotQuestions.org Dedication: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dedication by Idolaters in Setting up Idols Dedication of Property often Perverted Dedication of Samuel by his Mother Dedication of Self: Feast of Dedication Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem Dedication: Consecration of a Place of Worship Dedication: Devoting Any Thing to Sacred Uses Dedication: Illustrated of Devotedness to God Dedication: Law Concerning Dedicated Things Dedication: Must be Without Blemish Dedication: Offering Must be Voluntary Dedication: Solemn Confirmation of a Covenant Dedication: Subjects of Houses when Built Dedication: Subjects of Persons Dedication: Subjects of Property Dedication: Subjects of Second Temple Dedication: Subjects of Spoils of War Dedication: Subjects of Tabernacle Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon Dedication: Subjects of Tribute from Foreigners Dedication: Subjects of Walls of Cities Dedication: Things Dedicated to God for Support of Priests Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Applied to the Repair and Maintenance of the Temple Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Esteemed Holy Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Given to Propitiate Enemies Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Law Respecting the Release of Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Levites Place Over Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Placed With the Treasures of the Lord's House Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Special Chambers Prepared For Related Terms Dedication-offering (3 Occurrences) Dedication-gift (3 Occurrences) Dedication-song (1 Occurrence) |