The meaning of "Tabernacle" in the Old Testament

    The meaning of "tabernacle" in the Old Testament of the Catholic Bible is a portable sanctuary used to worship and meet with God during the Israelites' journey. It consisted of an outer tent and an inner tent with the inner tent being the most sacred place, called the "Holy of Holies". Where the Ark of the Covenant and images of cherubim were kept. The construction and use of the tabernacle required strict adherence to God's rules and instructions. That including special sacrifices, rituals and the priesthood system.

    In the Old Testament, the tabernacle was a symbol of the relationship between God and the Israelites. It was in the tabernacle that God revealed his will to them and instructed them how to live, worship and rely on him. The tabernacle was also the centre of the Israelites' activities, where they offered sacrifices, worshipped and gathered to express their reverence and love for God. In this sense, the tabernacle also symbolised the Israelites as God's chosen people and their covenant with Him.

    The following are chapters and detailed content related to the Old Testament Tabernacle in the Catholic New American Bible:

Exodus:

• Chapters 25-27: Record God's instructions to Moses on how to build the Tabernacle, including the materials, size, style, and decorations.
• Chapter 30: Records the making and use of the incense altar and holy oil inside the Tabernacle.
• Chapter 40: Records that after the Tabernacle was built, God descended upon it and filled it with His glory.

Leviticus:

• Chapters 1-7: Record the details of various ceremonies and sacrifices performed inside the Tabernacle, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, and sin offerings.
• Chapters 8-10: Record Aaron and his sons becoming priests and the details of their sacrifices.

Numbers:

• Chapters 1-4: Record the duties and services of the Tabernacle and the Levites, including the transportation and maintenance of the Tabernacle, as well as the tasks and responsibilities of the Levites.
• Chapter 9: Records the transportation and use of the Tabernacle during the first celebration of Passover.
• Chapter 10: Records the dismantling and transportation of the Tabernacle before the Israelites departed.

Deuteronomy:

• Chapters 12-26: Record the regulations for worship and ceremonies in the Tabernacle after the Israelites arrived in the land of Canaan, as well as instructions and commandments related to ritual, law, and morality.

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