A Tent Fit for the King

Exodus 26 describes the structure of the tabernacle. The inner layer was made of ten linen curtains in blue, purple and scarlet, with cherubim skillfully woven in. Looking up from inside, the priests would see a ceiling of heavenly beings, a reminder of God's throne. Fifty gold clasps made the curtains one tabernacle (26:6). Protective layers of goat hair, red-dyed rams' skins and fine leather covered the outside.

The frame was made of upright boards of acacia wood overlaid with gold, each set in two silver sockets, and held firm by bars. The tabernacle could be taken apart and carried, a portable dwelling for a God who traveled with His people through the wilderness. In the New Testament, John 1:14 says the Word became flesh and lived among us, using a word that means He tabernacled or pitched His tent among us.

The veil divided the holy place from the most holy place (26:33). Cherubim on the veil recall the cherubim who guarded the way to the tree of life after Eden (Genesis 3:24). Access to God's nearest presence was restricted because of sin. In the New Testament, at Jesus' death the temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Mark 15:38). Christians have read this as God Himself opening the way. Hebrews 10:19-22 invites believers to draw near with a sincere heart through the veil, which Hebrews calls his flesh.