The story of the building of the tabernacle – तम्बू के निर्माण की कहानी
The story of the building of the Tabernacle is a key narrative in the Book of Exodus, detailing how the Israelites, under God’s command and guidance, constructed a portable sanctuary during their journey through the wilderness. Here’s a summary of the story:
After delivering the Israelites from Egypt, God called Moses to Mount Sinai, where He provided detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, a sacred place where His presence would dwell among His people. The instructions included specific dimensions, materials, and designs for every part of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
God chose skilled craftsmen to lead the construction of the Tabernacle. Bezalel, from the tribe of Judah, was filled with the Spirit of God, giving him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship. Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan, was appointed as his assistant. Together, they led a team of skilled workers.
The materials used for the Tabernacle were provided by the Israelites through voluntary offerings. These included gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins, acacia wood, olive oil, spices, and precious stones. The Israelites gave generously, and soon there were more than enough materials to complete the project.
The workers followed God’s instructions precisely. They made the framework from acacia wood, creating panels and bars to support the structure. Curtains of finely twisted linen with artistic designs of cherubim were woven and hung to form the walls and the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
The outer courtyard was enclosed with linen curtains hung on bronze posts. Inside the Tabernacle, the craftsmen made sacred furnishings, including:
– The Ark of the Covenant: A gold-covered chest containing the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments, topped with the Mercy Seat and flanked by golden cherubim.
– The Table of Showbread: A table made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, holding the bread of the Presence.
– The Golden Lampstand: A solid gold lampstand with seven branches, representing the light of God.
– The Altar of Incense: A small altar overlaid with gold, used for burning fragrant incense.
– The Bronze Altar: A large altar for burnt offerings, made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze.
– The Bronze Basin: A basin for the priests to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle.
Once all the parts were completed, Moses inspected the work and found it to be done according to God’s instructions. The Tabernacle was then set up on the first day of the first month of the second year after the Israelites left Egypt. Moses anointed and consecrated the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, and Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests.
When the work was finished, a cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. The cloud represented God’s presence, guiding the Israelites on their journey. When the cloud lifted, they would set out, and when it settled, they would camp. By day, the Lord’s cloud was over the Tabernacle, and by night, it was a pillar of fire.
This story, primarily found in Exodus chapters 25-40, emphasizes themes of obedience, generosity, skilled labor, and the manifest presence of God among His people. It highlights the importance of following God’s commands and the communal effort in creating a sacred space for worship.
The story of the building of the tabernacle – तम्बू के निर्माण की कहानी
