Topical Bible: Tabernacle was Set Up: Finally at Gibeon

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Tabernacle, a central element of Israelite worship, was a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. It was initially constructed under the leadership of Moses, following the divine instructions given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31). The Tabernacle served as the focal point for worship and sacrifices, housing the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's presence with His people.

Historical Context

After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, the Tabernacle was set up at several locations. Initially, it was established at Gilgal (Joshua 4:19), then moved to Shiloh, where it remained for a significant period (Joshua 18:1). Shiloh served as the religious center during the time of the Judges, but due to the Philistine threat and the capture of the Ark, the Tabernacle's location became less stable.

The Tabernacle at Gibeon

The final setting of the Tabernacle before the construction of Solomon's Temple was at Gibeon. This relocation is noted in 1 Chronicles 16:39-40, where it is recorded that David appointed Zadok the priest and his fellow priests to minister before the Tabernacle of the LORD at the high place in Gibeon. The Tabernacle's presence at Gibeon is further confirmed in 1 Chronicles 21:29: "The tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses had made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering were at that time on the high place at Gibeon."

Gibeon, a city of the Hivites, was located in the territory of Benjamin, northwest of Jerusalem. It became a significant site for worship during the reign of King David and into the early years of Solomon's reign. The high place at Gibeon was considered a legitimate site for worship, as it housed the original Mosaic Tabernacle and the bronze altar.

Religious Significance

The Tabernacle at Gibeon played a crucial role in the religious life of Israel during this transitional period. It was here that Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings, and the LORD appeared to him in a dream, granting him wisdom (1 Kings 3:4-5). This event underscores the continued importance of the Tabernacle as a place where God communicated with His chosen leaders.

The presence of the Tabernacle at Gibeon also highlights the continuity of worship practices from the wilderness period into the settled life of Israel in the Promised Land. Despite the absence of the Ark, which David had brought to Jerusalem, the Tabernacle remained a vital center for sacrificial worship until the completion of the Temple.

Transition to the Temple

The establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem by Solomon marked the end of the Tabernacle's role as the central place of worship. The Temple, a permanent structure, was designed to replace the temporary and portable nature of the Tabernacle. Upon the completion of the Temple, the sacred furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant, were transferred from the Tabernacle to the Temple (1 Kings 8:4).

The setting up of the Tabernacle at Gibeon represents a significant phase in Israel's religious history, bridging the period from the nomadic worship of the wilderness to the centralized worship in the Temple at Jerusalem.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 16:39
And Zadok the priest, and his brothers the priests, before the tabernacle of the LORD in the high place that was at Gibeon,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 21:29
For the tabernacle of the LORD, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of the burnt offering, were at that season in the high place at Gibeon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"The Time of Trouble. "
... They have opened prison doors, and set free the servants of ... hosts, in that day when
I make up My jewels ... His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /39 the time of trouble.htm

The Time of Trouble
... They have opened prison doors and set free the servants of ... of hosts, in that day
when I make up My jewels ... His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 39 the time of.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... both hands indifferently, and always ready to set out on ... extreme age to annoy those
who came up to worship ... the women who "served at the door of" the tabernacle. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Historical Books.
... The introductory part takes up the history of the ... which took the place of the ancient
tabernacle constructed by ... His aim was simply to set forth the course of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm