The construction of the Tabernacle was Moses' way of creating a suitable housing for the Ark, ensuring its continued reverence and proper usage among the Israelites.
Transport of the Ark of the Covenant
50 Instead, appoint the Levites to be in charge of the tabernacle of the covenant law—over all its furnishings and everything belonging to it.
They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings; they are to take care of it and encamp around it.
51 Whenever the tabernacle is to move, the Levites are to take it down, and whenever the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall do it. Anyone else who approaches it is to be put to death.
Imagine the tabernacle as an ancient, highly sophisticated alien energy device central to the Israelites.
The Levites were like specialized engineers tasked with the tabernacle’s assembly, maintenance, and transport.
Thus, the tabernacle was not just a religious artifact but a crucial conduit for energy and guidance.
53 The Levites, however, are to set up their tents around the tabernacle of the covenant law so that my wrath will not fall on the Israelite community.
The Levites are to be responsible for the care of the tabernacle of the covenant law.”
7 They are to perform duties for him and for the whole community at the tent of meeting by doing the work of the tabernacle.
8 They are to take care of all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, fulfilling the obligations of the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle.
The "sanctuary" mentioned in this context refers to the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, which were central places of worship for the Israelites.
In the wilderness during the Exodus, the Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary designed for the specific purpose of housing the Ark of the Covenant and other holy objects.
23 The Gershonite clans were to camp on the west, behind the tabernacle.
25 At the tent of meeting the Gershonites were responsible for the care of the tabernacle and tent, its coverings, the curtain at the entrance to the tent of meeting,
26 the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, and the ropes—and everything related to their use.
29 The Kohathite clans were to camp on the south side of the tabernacle.
35 The leader of the families of the Merarite clans was Zuriel son of Abihail; they were to camp on the north side of the tabernacle.
36 The Merarites were appointed to take care of the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment, and everything related to their use,
38 Moses and Aaron and his sons were to camp to the east of the tabernacle, toward the sunrise, in front of the tent of meeting. They were responsible for the care of the sanctuary on behalf of the Israelites.
Considering the ancient use of durable leather, such as that from sea cows, as a cover for the Tabernacle, it's interesting to explore the idea metaphorically in relation to modern concepts like electromagnetic radiation (EMR) shielding.
In the context of the Tabernacle, the layers of coverings, including thick, durable leather, provided physical and symbolic protection, intended to encapsulate and safeguard the holiness and divine presence within.
This metaphorical interpretation allows us to see the ancient practice of using specific materials for the Tabernacle’s coverings in a new light: as an early form of managing and containing a "divine energy" or power.
Just as modern EMR shields are designed to protect and enhance the functionality of electronic devices by controlling electromagnetic energy, the coverings of the Tabernacle were meant to concentrate and maintain the sacred "energy" or presence, ensuring it remained potent and uncontaminated by external elements.
He is to be in charge of the entire tabernacle and everything in it, including its holy furnishings and articles.”
25 They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, that is, the tent of meeting, its covering and its outer covering of durable leather, the curtains for the entrance to the tent of meeting,
26 the curtains of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and altar, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard, the ropes and all the equipment used in the service of the tent.
31 As part of all their service at the tent, they are to carry the frames of the tabernacle, its crossbars, posts and bases,
Golden objects
In the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, this was a pure gold lampstand with seven lamps (Exodus 25:31-40).
Located in the Tabernacle and the Temple, it was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold (Exodus 30:1-5).
Used in the Tabernacle and Temple for various purposes (Exodus 25:29; Numbers 7:13-89).
Used in the Tabernacle and the Temple for burning incense (Hebrews 9:4).
In some translations and interpretations, certain garments or cloth used in the Tabernacle or worn by priests are described as being made with gold or golden threads (Exodus 28:6-8).
In the Tabernacle or Temple, some interpret the fine linen or coverings as interwoven with gold, symbolizing the divine glory and presence (Exodus 26:1, though the text doesn't explicitly say gold).
For example, bulls were often used as sacrifices in religious ceremonies, such as in the Tabernacle or Temple worship.
The arc of the covenant
The Ark was housed in the Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctum of the Tabernacle, and later in Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem.
Central Role in Worship: Placed in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and later in Solomon's Temple, central to Israelite worship and sacrificial system (Exodus 26:33-34, I Kings 8:6).