History of the Jewish Temple

 Tabernacle of Moses

The history of the Jewish Temple is as old as the wandering days of the Israel in the desert. Israelites were marching from Egyptian slavery towards freedom and the land of Canaan. On the way, Moses went up the Mount Sinai to meet God. The incident is recorded in Exodus 25. On the Mount Sinai, Moses received the two Tables of the Law. He also received instructions to construct the Tabernacle. Chapters 35 to 40 of the same book record the execution of the work and at its completion.

Tabernacle is called in Hebrew Mishkan, meaning “dwelling”. The Tabernacle of Moses was a simple tent within which, God manifested his presence and communicated his will. It was considered to be the earthly dwelling place of God; a visible emblem of God's presence in the midst of Israel. It represented God's throne on the earth and typified God dwelling in His people. Wherever the people went, the Tabernacle went with them. It was dismantled as they moved and re-erected at the new camp.