The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary accompanies Israel. Exodus describes its construction and the glory of the Lord filling it.
Read Exodus 40 →Explore Scripture / Sacred spaces
From the wilderness
to the house of God.
Explore the Tabernacle, trace the story of the Temple, and study the passages that give these sacred spaces their meaning.
01 / Explore the furnishings
A place to meet with God.
Select a furnishing to see its purpose and Scripture reference.
TABERNACLE COURTYARD · WEST TO EAST →
EAST ENTRANCE
Original teaching diagram, not to scale. Furnishing positions are simplified. The purple divider represents the veil between the Holy Place and Most Holy Place.
02 / Follow the biblical story
One theme. A developing story.
Solomon’s Temple
A permanent house is built in Jerusalem. Solomon’s dedication prayer acknowledges that even heaven cannot contain God.
Read 1 Kings 8 →Christ and his people
John connects temple language with Jesus’ body. Ephesians describes believers being built together as a dwelling for God.
Read John 2:19–22 →Read Ephesians 2:19–22 →
03 / Watch & reflect
The Temple theme
A video overview by BibleProject, played here within Bible Atlas Press. After watching, consider how the theme of God dwelling with people develops across Scripture.
Video & study resources: BibleProject ↗BibleProject retains ownership of its video. External stream; internet connection required. This study page is free and noncommercial.
For your next study
Read closely. Ask good questions.
What does the text say about God’s presence? Who may enter each space? How do the New Testament writers use temple language?
Historical description and Christian interpretation are distinguished throughout this study. Original study text and diagram by Bible Atlas Press; no Temple Institute material is used.