Topical Bible: Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called: Tent of Testimony (R. V.)

◄ Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called: Tent of Testimony (R. V.) ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Testimony, holds a significant place in the history and religious life of the Israelites as described in the Old Testament. Instituted by Moses under divine instruction, the Tabernacle served as the portable earthly dwelling place of Yahweh, the God of Israel, during their journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt.

Biblical Foundation and Construction

The instructions for building the Tabernacle are detailed in the Book of Exodus, chapters 25 through 31, and its construction is described in chapters 35 through 40. God commanded Moses to construct the Tabernacle as a sanctuary so that He might dwell among His people. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I will show you—the pattern of the Tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings."

The Tabernacle was a tent-like structure, designed to be dismantled and transported as the Israelites moved. It was composed of several key components, including the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Most Holy Place housed the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, symbolizing God's covenant and His provision.

Significance and Symbolism

The Tabernacle was central to the religious life of the Israelites, serving as the focal point for worship and sacrifice. It was here that the priests performed their duties, offering sacrifices and burning incense. The presence of God was manifested in the Tabernacle through the Shekinah glory, a visible sign of God's dwelling among His people.

The term "Tent of Testimony" emphasizes the Tabernacle's role as a witness to the covenant between God and Israel. The Ark of the Covenant, housed within the Most Holy Place, was a tangible representation of this covenant, containing the tablets of the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the Tabernacle prefigures the coming of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell among His people. In the New Testament, the Gospel of John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." The Greek word for "dwelling" is "σκηνόω" (skenoo), which is related to the word for "tabernacle," indicating that Christ is the true Tabernacle, God incarnate dwelling among humanity.

Conclusion

The Tabernacle, or Tent of Testimony, instituted by Moses, was a divinely ordained structure that played a crucial role in the spiritual life of the Israelites. It was a place of worship, sacrifice, and divine presence, symbolizing God's covenant and His desire to dwell with His people. Its significance extends beyond its historical context, pointing forward to the ultimate revelation of God's presence in Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 17:7,8
And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.
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2 Chronicles 24:6
And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said to him, Why have you not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?
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