The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle, according to the Old Testament, was the portable dwelling place in which God resided from the time of the Exodus from Egypt through the conquering of the land of Canaan. Below are some descriptions and visual representations.
As you look at the picture to the right, the front gate is facing west and the width would be seventy-five feet from left to right. The depth was 150 feet. The outside curtains were seven and one-half feet (7.5’) high. The Holy place and Holy of Holies sat in the back part of the Tabernacle yard. The twelve tribes were divided and completely surrounded the Tabernacle. This provided the children of Israel with a constant visual reminder that God was in their midst and that he was equally accessible to all tribes (Exodus 25.8).
The Outer Court Of The Tabernacle
The Bronze Altar
The altar was 4.5’ high and 7.5’ long and wide. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. It was the first thing inside the open air part of the Tabernacle. It symbolized atonement as demonstrated by Exodus 27.1-8; 38.1-7. It is described in Exodus 27.1-4.
Laver
The Laver was a large basin filled with water. The priests washed themselves outwardly to be physically pure while ministering in the Tabernacle. It is described in Exodus 30.17-21.
The Holy Place: The Table Of Showbread
The Table of Showbread was set on the north side of the Holy Place. It was made of acacia wood overlaid with fine gold. It was as high as the Ark of the Covenant, but not as long or wide, and was decorated with a gold molding. On it were displayed a dozen loaves of unleavened bread, which were replaced each Sabbath. The old loaves were only eaten by the priests.
Lampstand
The Lampstand was on the south side of the Holy Place. It was made with a talent of gold (approximately 224.6 grams). It is described in Exodus 25.31-40 as having six branches, three on either side of the main shaft. It provided light for the Holy Place.
Altar Of Incense
The Altar of Incense was three feet high and one and one-half (1.5) feet long and wide. It was also made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. It was located in the Holy Place in the Tabernacle. It is described in Exodus 30.1-10.
