Learn the Story of God and of the Old Testament
Season 3
After rescuing Israel from slavery, God instructed His people to build the Tabernacle—a sacred place where His presence would dwell among them. The Tabernacle reminded Israel that they were never alone on their journey.
The Tabernacle stands at the center of the Israelite camp in the wilderness while a pillar of cloud rests above it, symbolizing God’s presence among His people.
3.5 The Tabernacle: God Dwells Among His People
After rescuing His people from slavery and giving them the Ten Commandments, God revealed something extraordinary.
He wanted to live among them.
The God who created the universe, parted the Red Sea, and thundered from Mount Sinai desired a close relationship with His people.
To make this possible, God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle—a sacred tent where God’s presence would dwell among Israel during their wilderness journey.
The Tabernacle became the center of worship, sacrifice, prayer, and covenant life.
More importantly, it pointed forward to Jesus Christ and God’s desire to dwell with His people forever.
Scripture References
Exodus 25–40
Key Passages:
Exodus 25:8–9
Exodus 29:45–46
Exodus 40:34–38
Related Reading:
John 1:14
Hebrews 9:1–15
Revelation 21:3
The Story
While Moses was on Mount Sinai, God gave detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle.
God said:
“Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them.” (Exodus 25:8 NASB)
The Tabernacle was a portable place of worship designed for a people constantly on the move.
Every part had meaning.
The people contributed materials such as gold, silver, bronze, fine fabrics, and precious stones.
Skilled workers carefully constructed the Tabernacle according to God’s instructions.
The Tabernacle included several important areas:
The Courtyard
The outer area where sacrifices were offered.
The Bronze Altar
A place of sacrifice and atonement.
The Bronze Basin
Used for ceremonial cleansing.
The Holy Place
Contained sacred furnishings used in worship.
The Table of Bread
Represented God’s provision.
The Golden Lampstand
Represented God’s light and presence.
The Altar of Incense
Represented prayer rising before God.
The Most Holy Place
The innermost room where God’s presence was symbolically revealed.
The Ark of the Covenant
Contained the stone tablets of the Law and represented God’s covenant with His people.
When the Tabernacle was completed:
“The glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34 NASB)
God’s presence was with His people.
Understanding the Story
God Desires Relationship
The Tabernacle reveals one of the most important truths in Scripture.
God desires to be with His people.
The story of the Bible is not simply about rules or religion.
It is about relationship.
God’s Presence Is Holy
The Tabernacle taught Israel that God is both loving and holy.
People could not casually enter God’s presence.
The sacrifices and rituals reminded them of God’s holiness and humanity’s need for forgiveness.
Worship Matters
The Tabernacle became the center of Israel’s worship.
It taught the people how to approach God with reverence, gratitude, and faith.
God Travels With His People
Unlike many ancient religions that connected gods to specific locations, Israel’s God traveled with His people.
The cloud by day and fire by night reminded them that God remained present throughout the journey.
Why This Story Matters
The Tabernacle teaches important truths for believers today.
Does God want a relationship with His people?
Yes. The Tabernacle demonstrates God’s desire to dwell among His people.
Why was worship so important?
Worship helped God’s people remember God’s holiness, grace, and faithfulness.
What does the Tabernacle teach about God?
God is both holy and loving.
How did the Tabernacle help Israel?
It reminded them that God was present and guiding them.
Connecting to Jesus
The Tabernacle points directly to Jesus Christ.
John writes:
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14 NASB)
The word “dwelt” literally means “tabernacled.”
Just as God’s presence dwelt in the Tabernacle, God’s presence came to dwell among humanity in Jesus.
The sacrifices pointed to Christ’s sacrifice.
The priests pointed to Christ as our High Priest.
The lampstand pointed to Jesus as the Light of the World.
The bread pointed to Jesus as the Bread of Life.
The Tabernacle was a preview of God’s ultimate plan to dwell with His people through Christ.
Living the Message
The Tabernacle reminds us that God desires to be present in our lives.
This week:
Spend intentional time with God in prayer.
Remember that worship is about relationship, not merely routine.
Thank Jesus for making a way into God’s presence.
Look for evidence of God’s presence throughout your day.
Approach God with both reverence and gratitude.
Reflect and Discuss
Why did God instruct Israel to build the Tabernacle?
Possible answers:
So He could dwell among His people and provide a place for worship.What does the Tabernacle teach about God’s character?
Possible answers:
God is holy, loving, faithful, and desires relationship.How does the Tabernacle point to Jesus?
Possible answers:
Jesus became God’s presence among humanity and fulfilled the purpose of the Tabernacle.Why is God’s presence important?
Possible answers:
God guides, strengthens, comforts, and transforms His people.GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Exodus 25–40 reveals God’s desire to dwell among His people and establish a place of worship.
Reasons We Believe
The Tabernacle demonstrates God’s faithfulness and His desire for relationship with humanity.
Obedience in Action
Prioritize worship, prayer, and time in God’s presence.
Walk It Out
Look for ways to recognize and respond to God’s presence in your daily life.
Season 3 Review: Rescue
In Season 3 we have learned:
Moses and the Burning Bush — God calls an unlikely leader.
The Passover — God provides salvation through the lamb.
Crossing the Red Sea — God makes a way where there seems to be no way.
The Ten Commandments — God teaches His people how to live.
The Tabernacle — God chooses to dwell among His people.
Together these stories reveal God’s power, faithfulness, holiness, and desire for relationship.
The God who rescued Israel did not leave them alone. He remained with them every step of the journey.
Related Pages
Season 4: Wilderness Adventure
Prayer and Worship Preparation
Closing Invitation
The Tabernacle was more than a tent.
It was a visible reminder that God was with His people.
Throughout the wilderness journey, the cloud and fire reminded Israel that they were never alone.
The same truth remains today.
God continues to guide, strengthen, and dwell with His people.
The rescue is complete.
Now the journey of learning to trust God begins.
Continue to Season 4: Wilderness Adventure.
