“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” – Exodus 25:8
Bible Verses About The Tabernacle
The Purpose of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle served as a vital point for God’s presence among His people. This portable sanctuary demonstrated God’s longing to be with us, to guide us and to offer us a way to approach Him. It embodied His steadfast commitment to dwelling amongst His people, highlighting the special relationship He desires with each of us. In our lives today, we learn that the presence of God is not confined to a physical structure but can fill our hearts, guiding our steps in love and service toward one another.
Exodus 25:8
“And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst.” – Exodus 25:8
Exodus 29:45
“And I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God.” – Exodus 29:45
Leviticus 26:11-12
“I will make my dwelling among you, and my soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” – Leviticus 26:11-12
Psalm 84:1-2
“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord.” – Psalm 84:1-2
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
The Design of the Tabernacle
The intricate details of the tabernacle’s design point to God’s careful planning and intention. Every element, from the materials used to the layout of the space, was symbolic and significant. As we look at the design of the tabernacle, we see how it reflects God’s holiness and the need for order in our worship. This serves as a reminder for us to approach God with reverence and to cultivate our spiritual lives with intention and care. Like the tabernacle’s design, our lives should mirror God’s holiness in the way we live and love.
Exodus 25:9
“Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and all its furniture, so you shall make it.” – Exodus 25:9
Exodus 26:30
“Then you shall erect the tabernacle according to the plan for it that you were shown on the mountain.” – Exodus 26:30
Exodus 36:1
“Bezalel and Oholiab, and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and understanding to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.” – Exodus 36:1
Exodus 39:32
“Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was finished.” – Exodus 39:32
Hebrews 8:5
“They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, ‘See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.'” – Hebrews 8:5
The Furnishings of the Tabernacle
The furnishings within the tabernacle were not mere items; they each had deep meanings and were significant for worship. From the Ark of the Covenant to the altar of incense, every piece played an important role in maintaining a relationship with God. These items symbolize different aspects of our faith journey, representing sacrifice, holiness, and communion with God. Now, we can consider this as we reflect on our lives and the spiritual “furnishings” we keep, such as faith, prayer, and acts of love towards others. Each can draw us closer to God and enhance our experience in His presence.
Exodus 25:10
“They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Two cubits and a half shall be its length, a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height.” – Exodus 25:10
Exodus 30:1
“You shall make an altar on which to burn incense; you shall make it of acacia wood.” – Exodus 30:1
Exodus 25:31
“You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. The lampstand shall be made of hammered work.” – Exodus 25:31
Exodus 27:1
“You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long and five cubits broad; the altar shall be square, and its height shall be three cubits.” – Exodus 27:1
1 Chronicles 28:11
“Then David gave Solomon his son the plan for the vestibule of the temple, and of its houses, and of its treasuries, and of the upper rooms, and of the inner chambers, and of the room for the mercy seat.” – 1 Chronicles 28:11
The Sacrifices in the Tabernacle
Sacrifices were a significant part of the tabernacle, where the people of Israel were instructed to offer their gifts and offerings to God. These sacrifices reflected their remorse for sin and their desire for forgiveness. When we look at these practices, it deepens our understanding of the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. Each offering made in the tabernacle reminds us of the grace that has been bestowed upon us through Christ, who sacrificed Himself once for all. As we acknowledge our own areas of brokenness and sin, we can freely come to God, knowing He offers eternal forgiveness and restoration.
Leviticus 1:3
“If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer a male without blemish; he shall bring it to the entrance of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the Lord.” – Leviticus 1:3
Leviticus 4:31
“And all the fat shall be removed from it, as the fat is removed from the peace offerings; and the priest shall burn it on the altar for a pleasing aroma to the Lord.” – Leviticus 4:31
Leviticus 5:5
“When he realizes his guilt in any of these and confesses the sin he has committed, he shall bring his guilt offering to the Lord.” – Leviticus 5:5
Hebrews 9:22
“Indeed, under the law, almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” – Hebrews 9:22
Romans 12:1
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” – Romans 12:1
The Glory of God in the Tabernacle
The glory of God filled the tabernacle, signifying His holy presence. This moment was pivotal as it marked the divine acceptance of the tabernacle as a place of worship. Today, we too can experience the glory of God, not in a tent but in our hearts. We often forget that we are called to be vessels of God’s glory, reflecting His light in our everyday lives. Whenever we gather in His name, whether alone or with fellow believers, we should strive to bring His glory into those moments, making them sacred and holy.
Exodus 40:34
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” – Exodus 40:34
Leviticus 9:23
“And Moses and Aaron went into the tent of meeting, and when they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people.” – Leviticus 9:23
1 Kings 8:10-11
“And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the Lord, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.” – 1 Kings 8:10-11
2 Chronicles 7:1
“As soon as Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.” – 2 Chronicles 7:1
Revelation 21:23
“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” – Revelation 21:23
The Significance of the Tabernacle Today
The tabernacle is more than a historical structure; it serves as a metaphor for our relationship with God today. It teaches us about God’s holiness, His desire for community, and the importance of coming to Him through Jesus. Just as the tabernacle was central to Israelite worship, we also have the opportunity to make God central to our lives. Our lives can reflect the teachings and sacrifices represented in the tabernacle, reminding us to live in gratitude and always seek to honor Him. Let’s take those principles into our everyday actions, sharing love and hope with the world around us.
Hebrews 10:19-20
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh.” – Hebrews 10:19-20
1 Corinthians 6:19
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.” – 1 Corinthians 6:19
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
John 4:24
“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” – John 4:24
Romans 8:9
“You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” – Romans 8:9
Final Thoughts
The tabernacle played an essential role in showing God’s desire to dwell with His people throughout history. Its purpose and design convey how we are invited to experience God’s presence and holiness in our lives. The furnishings reveal deeper meanings for our relationship with Him, while the practices of sacrifice guide us towards understanding grace and forgiveness given to us through Jesus.
As we reflect on the glory of God filling the tabernacle, let us remember that He longs to fill our lives with His love and light. The significance of the tabernacle transcends time, inviting us to make God the central part of our lives, just as the tabernacle was central to the Israelites’ worship. Our hearts can also be places of remembrance, worship, and devotion toward God.
Let this journey through the tabernacle inspire us to explore our relationships with God and each other. We may find additional insights and teachings about His dwelling presence through scripture, such as in Exodus 40:34-38 and Exodus 39:10. May we continually seek to dwell in His presence and shine His light in our lives.