Lesson 13.The Tabernacle A Place of God’s Presence and Salvation
After the exodus from Egypt, God did not lead His people only into freedom but also into deeper fellowship with Himself. The Tabernacle was the expression of His desire to dwell among His people — in the midst of the camp, at the very center of their lives. It was a place of worship, forgiveness, and encounter with the holy God. Every curtain, every piece of furniture, and every ritual carried symbolic meaning and pointed forward to the coming work of Jesus. This lesson shows how God’s plan of salvation was revealed through the earthly sanctuary and how it continues today in Christ. The Tabernacle thus stands as a living testimony to God’s nearness, grace, and redemption.
Content: 13.1 The Sabbath of the Lord Celebrating God’s Presence – Creation, Redemption, and Fellowship
The Sabbath was never merely a Jewish commandment, but a gift of God to humanity from the very beginning. Even before Sinai, it was sanctified and observed — as a reminder of God’s creation and as a sign of His saving grace. In connection with the construction of the Tabernacle, the Sabbath is emphasized again, because it carries the same message as the sanctuary itself: God dwells among His people. The Sabbath directs our gaze toward God — as Creator, Redeemer, and King. It is not merely a day of rest, but a sacred space in time in which God desires to meet us. For God’s people, the Sabbath remains a weekly expression of trust, worship, and identity.
13.2 Offerings and the Spirit Giving with Joy – Serving Filled with the Spirit
In the building of the Tabernacle, the power of a willing and Spirit-filled community became visible. The Israelites gave not only material goods generously, but also their time, creativity, and skills — all out of love and gratitude toward God. It was the Holy Spirit who equipped people like Bezalel and Oholiab with wisdom and craftsmanship so that God’s work could be done precisely and beautifully. This shows that the Holy Spirit works not only through the supernatural but also through practical gifts in daily life. God’s work succeeds when people offer themselves joyfully and wholeheartedly. Even today, God calls us to use our gifts — whether spiritual, creative, or organizational — in service to His kingdom.
13.3 The Tabernacle Built God’s Plan in Detail – A Place of Redemption and Encounter
The construction of the Tabernacle was carried out with extraordinary care and according to exact divine instructions. This attention to detail shows how important every single element of God’s plan of salvation is. Nothing was arbitrary — every piece of furniture, every fabric, and every ritual in the sanctuary served to make the gospel tangible and understandable. The daily and annual services revealed God’s dealing with sin and His grace toward the repentant sinner. Thus, the Tabernacle became the visible center of God’s presence, righteousness, and forgiveness. Even today, God invites us to honor His holiness — with hearts ready to meet Him in every area of life.
13.4 God’s Presence in the Tabernacle A God Who Dwells Among His People
The dedication of the Tabernacle marked the solemn climax of God’s journey with Israel — His presence visibly descended in the form of the cloud by day and the fire by night. This Shekinah glory showed the Israelites that the Almighty God truly dwelt in their midst. The Tabernacle was not only a place of worship but also a sign of God’s nearness, guidance, and faithfulness. As in creation, the work was completed — and God Himself filled the space. This connection between creation and sanctuary points forward to God’s ultimate dwelling among the redeemed. Even today, God desires to dwell in the midst of our lives — through His Spirit, His Word, and our communion with Him.
13.5 Jesus Tabernacled With Humanity God Becomes Human – and Lives Among Us
When Jesus became human, the symbolic meaning of the Old Testament Tabernacle was fulfilled in a unique way: God dwelt among His people. John describes this with the verb “tabernacled” or “pitched His tent” among us — a direct reference to the Tabernacle, showing that God’s nearness was now made real in the person of Jesus. In Christ we meet Immanuel — God with us — visible, tangible, full of grace and truth. Even today, He dwells in and among us through the Holy Spirit and invites us into fellowship with Himself. In Revelation this promise reaches its fulfillment: God will dwell among His people forever. This hope strengthens our faith and gives us courage to persevere in trust until the end.
13.6 Summary God’s Plan: To Dwell Among His People
The Tabernacle was more than just a tent — it was a visible sign of God’s desire to dwell among His people. It was built with great dedication, through voluntary offerings, and by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, with every detail reflecting God’s plan of redemption. The Sabbath, the sacrificial system, and the manifestation of God’s presence in the cloud all revealed how closely God was connected with His people. Everything pointed to Jesus, who eventually “tabernacled” among us as a human being and revealed the glory of God. In Him, the symbolic promise of the Tabernacle is fulfilled: forgiveness, presence, and fellowship. The Bible concludes with the ultimate fulfillment of this hope — that God will dwell with the redeemed forever in the New Jerusalem.
