Tabernacle (Mishkan)

Liveology
Mar 18, 2025
3 min read

The portable sanctuary that God commanded the Israelites to build during their journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt.

The Tabernacle, or מִשְׁכָּן (mishkan) in Hebrew, was the portable sanctuary that God commanded the Israelites to build during their journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. It served as the physical dwelling place of God's presence among His people, a sacred space where they could offer sacrifices, seek guidance, and experience divine communion.

Detailed instructions for its construction are given in the Book of Exodus , emphasizing precise measurements, materials, and sacred furnishings. The Tabernacle was designed with three main sections: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), reflecting increasing levels of sanctity. The Holy of Holies, separated by a veil, contained the Ark of the Covenant, which held the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments and represented God’s covenant with Israel.

Exodus 26:1 Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted linen, and blue, purple, and crimson yarns; you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them. 2 The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains shall be of the same size. 3 Five curtains shall be joined to one another; and the other five curtains shall be joined to one another. 4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set; and likewise you shall make loops on the edge of the outermost curtain in the second set.

15 You shall make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a frame, and a cubit and a half the width of each frame. 17 There shall be two pegs in each frame to fit the frames together; you shall make these for all the frames of the tabernacle.

31 You shall make a curtain of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen; it shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it. 32 You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, which have hooks of gold and rest on four bases of silver. 33 You shall hang the curtain under the clasps, and bring the ark of the covenant in there, within the curtain; and the curtain shall separate for you the holy place from the most holy. 34 You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant in the most holy place. 35 You shall set the table outside the curtain, and the lampstand on the south side of the tabernacle opposite the table; and you shall put the table on the north side.

36 You shall make a screen for the entrance of the tent, of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen, embroidered with needlework. 37 You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, and you shall cast five bases of bronze for them.

Every element of the Tabernacle had deep symbolic meaning. The materials—gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and acacia wood—reflected purity and divine glory. The sacrifices and rituals performed by the priests pointed to atonement and reconciliation with God. The menorah (golden lampstand) symbolized divine light, while the altar of incense represented prayers rising to heaven. The Tabernacle’s portability signified God’s constant presence with His people, guiding them as they wandered in the desert. It was not just a physical structure but a theological statement: God desired to dwell among His people, and worship required holiness, obedience, and reverence.

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