Tabernacle Constructed

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: Exodus 35-40
• Summary: The Israelites build the Tabernacle — a portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelt among them.

Details

After the golden calf incident, God gave detailed instructions for building a tabernacle. The people brought abundant offerings — gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins, acacia wood, and olive oil. The offerings were so generous Moses had to tell them to stop.

Bezalel and Aholiab were appointed as chief craftsmen, filled with the Spirit of God. They built:

• The Ark of the Covenant with mercy seat and cherubim
• The table of showbread
• The golden lampstand
• The altar of incense
• The bronze altar
• The courtyard with hangings
• The tabernacle tent itself

On the first day of the first month (Abib), the tabernacle was erected. The cloud of the LORD covered it, and God’s glory filled the tabernacle. Whenever the cloud lifted, Israel journeyed.

Key People Involved

• Moses — Oversaw construction
• Bezalel — Chief craftsman
• Aholiab — Craftsman

Important Verses

• “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Let the children of Israel take me an offering… and let them make me a sanctuary; and I will dwell among them.” — Exodus 25:8-9
• “And the cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” — Exodus 40:34

Cross-References

• Hebrews 9:1-7 — The tabernacle as a type
• John 1:14 — “We beheld his glory, as the glory of the only begotten of the Father”
• Revelation 21:3 — “The tabernacle of God is with men”