The Beginning:
After giving instructions for the tabernacle, the LORD calls Israel to build a sacred dwelling place where He will meet with them. Moses gathers the community, reiterates the Sabbath command, and invites freewill offerings for the work. The people respond generously, bringing materials until there is more than enough.
The Middle:
Skilled craftsmen, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, construct the tabernacle and its furnishings exactly “as the LORD commanded Moses.” They make the ark, table, lampstand, altar(s), basin, curtains, frames, and the priestly garments, including the ephod and breastpiece. When the work is finished, the completed items are brought to Moses for inspection, and he confirms that all has been done according to God’s instructions. Moses then sets up the tabernacle, arranges its furnishings, and anoints and consecrates it and the priests for service.
The End:
When everything is erected and ordered for worship, the cloud covers the tent of meeting and the glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle. Moses is not able to enter because of the overwhelming divine presence. From that point forward, the cloud and fire visibly guide Israel: when the cloud lifts they travel, and when it settles they camp.
Building the tabernacle shows that the covenant God is not distant: He chooses to dwell among His redeemed people, providing a holy way to approach Him through ordered worship and consecrated priesthood. The repeated emphasis on doing the work “as the LORD commanded” highlights that God defines the terms of His presence and worship, not human preference. The filling of the tabernacle with God’s glory confirms His acceptance of the covenant community and signals that Israel’s journey is to be lived under His guidance and holiness.
Portable sanctuaries and tent-shrines are attested in the ancient Near East, fitting a mobile people traveling through desert regions. The tabernacle’s design—an inner holy space separated by curtains, with an altar and wash basin in the courtyard—reflects widely recognized ancient temple patterns (graded holiness and controlled access), while presenting Israel’s distinctive focus on the LORD’s covenant presence rather than an image of the deity.
“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” — Exodus 40:34
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. What did Moses gather the community to do at the beginning of the tabernacle project?
2. What prevented Moses from entering the tabernacle after it was erected and ordered for worship?