THE LOST TABERNACLE

THE LOST TABERNACLE

        The Tabernacle in the Bible, in the Hebrew Bible, the Tabernacle was a portable place of worship used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It's described in detail in the book of Exodus. There were other ancient tabernacles in history, such as the one mentioned in ancient Greek or Roman texts. 

       The Tabernacle in the Hebrew Bible, also known as the "Mishkan" in Hebrew, was a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their 40-year journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The Tabernacle's design and construction are detailed in Exodus 25-31 and 35-40. It was made of materials like gold, silver, bronze, and fine linens. The Tabernacle served as a dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites and a central location for worship, sacrifice, and atonement. The Tabernacle was central to priestly rituals and sacrifices, with the High Priest entering the Holy of Holies once a year on Yom Kippur.

     Ancient tabernacles were portable places of worship used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Contained the altar of sacrifice, where burnt offerings were made to symbolize repentance and atonement. Contained the table of shewbread, representing the 12 tribes of Israel and their covenant with God; the menorah, symbolizing the light of God; and the altar of incense, representing prayer and worship.

      The tabernacle was used by the Israelites from the Exodus until the conquest of Canaan, after which Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem superseded it as the dwelling place of God. The tabernacle's design was influenced by ancient Near Eastern structures, with its curtains and wooden boards overlaid in gold. 

      The Tabernacle is described in the book of Exodus, serving as a central theme in the Hebrew Bible. The Tabernacle's design and rituals have been used symbolically in literature to represent spiritual themes, such as redemption and divine presence. Tabernacle has been depicted in various forms of art, including paintings, sculptures, and stained-glass windows, often symbolizing divine presence and worship. The Tabernacle's design has influenced architectural styles, with some buildings incorporating elements reminiscent of the ancient structure.

     The Tabernacle has been referenced in sacred music, hymns, and choral works, often symbolizing worship and devotion. Theatrical and Dance Performances: The Tabernacle's story has been retold through theatrical and dance performances, exploring themes of faith, redemption, and community.

      During King David's time, there were two significant tabernacles in Israel, The Tabernacle of the Congregation located at the high place in Gibeon, about six or seven miles northwest of Jerusalem, this tabernacle housed five of the original seven furnishings, excluding the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat. The Tabernacle of David this was a tent pitched in Zion, the city of David, where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. The Ark's presence in Zion symbolized God's presence and war against Satan. King David, after capturing Jerusalem from the Jebusites, decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to his city, Zion. However, the Tabernacle of the Congregation remained in Gibeon. David's decision to separate the Ark from the Tabernacle was seen as a prophetic portrayal of God's plan to draw out a warrior-first fruits group from the Christian churches.

       The separation of the Ark from the Tabernacle represents the difference between experiencing God's gifts and experiencing God's presence. The Tabernacle of the Congregation symbolizes the ordinary aspects of Christian worship, while the Tabernacle of David represents a deeper hunger for God's presence and a willingness to engage in spiritual warfare. The separation of the Ark from the Tabernacle represents the difference between experiencing God's gifts and experiencing God's presence. The Tabernacle of the Congregation symbolizes the ordinary aspects of Christian worship, while the Tabernacle of David represents a deeper hunger for God's presence and a willingness to engage in spiritual warfare.

        The Ark of the Covenant was a sacred wooden chest gold-plated and adorned with cherubim, housing the Tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. According to biblical accounts, it was constructed by Moses following God's instructions and played a pivotal role in the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and battles.

       Archaeological discussions surrounding the Ark of the Covenant involve debates about its historical existence, design influences, and final resting place. Some scholars suggest Bedouin or Egyptian influences on the Ark's design, while others argue that the ancient Egyptian Solar barque is a more plausible model due to similarities in structure and function.

        The Ark's existence is supported by biblical accounts, but archaeological evidence is still a topic of debate among scholars. Some scholars propose that the Ark's design was influenced by Egyptian artifacts, such as the Solar barque, which had a similar structure and function. Others suggest that the Ark may have been influenced by Bedouin chests, although this theory is less convincing due to differences in structure and function. Excavations at Kiriath-Jearim, where the Ark was kept for 20 years, have revealed a large elevated podium that may have been a shrine, sparking debate about the Ark's movement and significant. According to tradition, the Ark may have been hidden by King Josiah or Jeremiah in anticipation of the Temple's destruction, with possible locations including a cave on Mount Nebo or underground tunnels beneath the Temple.

         The Tabernacle's current location is unknown, and there are different theories some believe the Tabernacle was destroyed or lost during the Babylonian exile or other historical events. Others speculate that it might have been hidden or preserved, potentially in a secret location. Tabernacle's last mention in the biblical record is during King Josiah's reign (2 Kings 23:1-25). After Solomon's Temple was built, the Tabernacle's significance may have diminished. Some Ethiopian traditions claim to have preserved elements of the Tabernacle or its furnishings. Various groups and individuals have made claims about the Tabernacle's remains or artifacts. Without conclusive evidence, the Tabernacle's current location remains a topic of speculation and debate.