Visual Elements in Tabernacle Design and Symbolism
The Tabernacle, a portable tent-temple constructed by Moses according to a divine pattern, was rich in visual elements, each imbued with symbolic meaning [2, 11]. Its design, materials, and furnishings were meticulously detailed, serving to represent God's presence and the means of approaching Him [2, 7].
One of the most prominent visual elements was the structure itself, referred to as mishkan, meaning "dwelling-place" [2]. The Tabernacle was a movable tent, contrasting with a permanent dwelling, and was intended as the place where God would meet with His people [2]. The overall structure included the tent, its covering, clasps, frames, bars, pillars, and bases [3].
Within the Tabernacle, several key visual components stood out:
The Veils and Curtains: The Tabernacle featured multiple hangings and veils. A "hanging for the door of the tent" served as the entrance [11]. This is sometimes referred to as the "first veil" [11]. A more significant visual barrier was the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies) [1, 11]. This "second veil" was made of the same materials and workmanship as the inner covering of the Tabernacle [11]. The tearing of this veil in the New Testament is understood by some traditions to symbolize the removal of the barrier between God and humanity through Christ's sacrifice [9].
The Ark of the Covenant: Located within the Most Holy Place, the Ark of the Covenant was a central symbol of God's presence [6]. It was considered the earthly copy of a heavenly design [6].
The Menorah (Lampstand): In the Holy Place, the golden lampstand was a significant visual element [8, 10]. It symbolized God's purity, holiness, and the light of His revelation [8]. The lampstand was placed on the south side of the Holy Place, outside the veil [10].
Materials and Colors: The construction of the Tabernacle involved costly and specific materials [11]. While the sources do not detail all colors, the use of white linen for priestly garments, for example, symbolized purity [9].
Symbolic Imagery: Although the Tabernacle itself did not feature extensive carved imagery like later temples, the broader tradition of sacred architecture in Israel included symbolic depictions. For instance, Solomon's Temple, which followed the Tabernacle, was paneled with wood and decorated with palm trees and cherubim [4, 5]. These cherubim, often depicted with faces of a lion and a human, were traditional symbols of judgment, while palm trees symbolized blessing [4, 5]. While these specific carvings are from the Temple rather than the Tabernacle, they illustrate the use of visual symbolism in Israelite sacred spaces.
The Cloud of God's Presence: Beyond the physical structure, a crucial visual element associated with the Tabernacle was "the cloud" [7]. This mystic cloud was the well-known symbol of the Divine Presence [7]. Its descent and covering of the Tabernacle signified God's dwelling among His people and brought immense joy [7]. This cloud was not merely a meteorological phenomenon but a visible manifestation of God's active presence and guidance [7].
The visual elements of the Tabernacle were not merely decorative; they were integral to its function as a sacred space and a representation of theological truths. The precise instructions for its construction, down to the smallest detail, underscored its divine origin and purpose [2, 11]. The Tabernacle's design served as a tangible reminder of God's holiness, His desire to dwell with His people, and the prescribed means by which they could approach Him.
Sources
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Veil Of The Tabernacle And Temple — [[1261]Tabernacle; [1262]Temple]”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Tabernacle — (1.) A house or dwelling-place (Job 5:24; 18:6, etc.). (2.) A portable shrine (comp. Acts 19:24) containing the image of Moloch (Amos 5:26; marg. and R.V., "Siccuth"). (3.) The human body (2 Cor. 5:1, 4); a tent, as opposed to a permanent dwelling. (4.) The sacred tent (Heb. mishkan, "the dwelling-place"); the movable tent-temple which Moses erected for the service of God, according to the "pattern" which God himself showed to him on the mount (Ex. 25:9; Heb. 8:5). It is called "the tabernacle of the congregation," rather "of meeting", i.e., where God pr”
- Exodus “Exodus 35:11 (LEB) — The tabernacle, its tent, and its covering; its clasps and its frames; its bars, its pillars, and its bases;”
- Ezek (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezek 41:15: 41:15-20 The Temple building was all paneled with wood and decorated with palm trees and cherubim. The cherubim were like those described in Ezekiel’s earlier visions of judgment (see 1:5-12; 10:2-14). But where those real-life cherubim had four faces, the carved two-dimensional models are depicted with only two faces—that of a lion, the highest of the wild animals, and a human, the pinnacle of the created order. Cherubim also adorned Solomon’s Temple (1 Kgs 6:32); they were traditional symbols of judgment that complemented the palm trees, traditional symbols of bl”
- Ezekiel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezekiel 41:15: 41:15-20 The Temple building was all paneled with wood and decorated with palm trees and cherubim. The cherubim were like those described in Ezekiel’s earlier visions of judgment (see 1:5-12; 10:2-14). But where those real-life cherubim had four faces, the carved two-dimensional models are depicted with only two faces—that of a lion, the highest of the wild animals, and a human, the pinnacle of the created order. Cherubim also adorned Solomon’s Temple (1 Kgs 6:32); they were traditional symbols of judgment that complemented the palm trees, traditional symbols of”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 11:19: 11:19 This verse provides a dramatic conclusion to the first half of Revelation and a link to the second half. • In this scene, the Temple and the Ark are symbols of God’s presence; the earthly Ark was the copy of the design of the Ark in heaven (see Exod 25:40; Heb 8:5).”
- Exodus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Exodus 40:34: a cloud--literally, "The cloud," the mystic cloud which was the well-known symbol of the Divine Presence. After remaining at a great distance from them on the summit of the mount, it appeared to be in motion; and if many among them had a secret misgiving about the issue, how the fainting heart would revive, the interest of the moment intensely increase, and the tide of joy swell in every bosom, when that symbolic cloud was seen slowly and majestically descending towards the plain below and covering the tabernacle. The entire and universal concealment ”
- Zechariah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Zechariah 4:2: 4:2-3 gold lampstand: The golden menorah of the Tabernacle (Exod 25:31) was duplicated in the new Temple as a symbol of God’s purity and holiness and the light of his revelation. • The two olive trees represent the offices of priest and king in Israel; they are emblems for Jeshua and Zerubbabel. The golden oil (see also Zech 4:12-14) represents God’s Holy Spirit.”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 15:5: 15:5-6 God’s Tabernacle implies God’s presence (see John 1:14); even the plagues have their source in God’s presence. Christ’s sacrifice (Matt 27:51; Mark 15:38; Heb 6:19-20; 10:19-20) removed the veil between God and humanity (see Exod 26:31-35; Lev 16). Now those who do not belong to Christ experience the full force of God’s presence (see Rev 20:11-15; Isa 13:4-12; Zeph 2:1-3; Mal 3:2-3). • white linen: Linen, a symbol of purity, was also worn by the priests when performing their duties (see Exod 28:39-43; Lev 16:4, 23; see also Ezek 9:2-3; Dan 12:6-7). The ”
- Hebrews (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Hebrews 9:2: For there was a tabernacle made,.... By the direction of Moses, according to the pattern showed him in the Mount: the first; that is, the first part of the tabernacle, called the holy place, in distinction from the holy of holies, which was the second part of the tabernacle; for otherwise there were not a first and a second tabernacle; there never was but one tabernacle: wherein was the candlestick; that this was in the tabernacle, and on the south side of it, and without the vail, where the apostle has placed it, is plain from Exo 26:35. This was wanting in the s”
- Exodus (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Exodus 26:36: A hanging for the door of the tent - This may be called the first veil, as it occupied the door or entrance to the tabernacle; the veil that separated the holy place from the holy of holies is called the second veil, Heb 9:3. These two veils and the inner covering of the tabernacle were all of the same materials, and of the same workmanship. See Exo 27:16. 1. For the meaning and design of the tabernacle see Clarke's note on Exo 25:40 : and while the reader is struck with the curious and costly nature of this building, as described by Moses, let him consider how pur”