The Hidden Beauty of the Tabernacle

Take note of the rich variety of materials used in the construction and furnishings of the tabernacle and the priestly garments, also note the multiplicity of skills required to bring it all together. Moses appointed Bezaleel to oversee the work (Ex.35:30-35; 36:1-2). The description of making the tabernacle is described (Ex.36:1-39:43). The skills required to do this were immense, requiring - carpenters, metallurgists, smelters, engravers, jewelers, seamstresses, embroiderers, dyers, apothecaries, tanners and so on. Now identify the many different materials used – precious and base metals, 12 precious jewels, silver, gold, linen, various animal skins, curtain materials, various timbers, various dyes, coloured threads and so on. What an amazing project in which all skilled workers could be involved. The breath taking beauty and the skill of the crafts-persons could only be seen from the inside and therefore it was only the priests and God himself who got to see this internal beauty of the tabernacle, to sense its atmosphere, see its living light from the seven branched candle stick and gently inhale its subtle fragrances, this truly was a holy sanctuary where God dwelled. A higher perimeter fence prevented anyone from seeing inside the compound and when the tabernacle was dismantled for transit it was carefully packed and concealed from view. The ark had never been seen nor handled by anyone except the priests assigned to pack it in the curtains and then to carry it in wraps, thus ensuring its holiness (Num.4:5-15).