Tabernacle/Tent of Meeting

The Israelites’ sacred tent for worship. The tabernacle was a symbol to the people of God’s presence with them. They used it during their wanderings in the wilderness on their exodus from Egypt. It was used for worship and sacrifice until it was replaced by King Solomon’s temple.

The tabernacle was about forty-five feet long and fifteen feet wide. It was made from cloth drapes and animal skins held up by acacia wood supports. Only the priests entered the tabernacle. A heavy curtain embroidered with red, purple, and blue cherubim divided the tabernacle into two smaller rooms.

The room nearest the entrance was called the Holy Place. It had an altar for incense. It also had golden candlesticks with seven branches and a table for special bread.

The room beyond the Holy Place was called the Holy of Holies or the Most Holy Place. It was the most sacred place in the tabernacle and temple. Only the high priest could enter this area, and only on the Day of Atonement. The ark of the covenant was kept in this section.

When the tabernacle was taken apart for moving, the ark and the two altars were carried by Levites.