Tabernacle Model

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In the Wilderness

At Timna Park, 20 miles (32 km) north of Eilat in the Arabah, a life-size replica of the biblical tabernacle has been constructed.  While no original materials (e.g., gold, silver, bronze) have been used, the model is accurate in every other way based upon the biblical description. 

 

The Outer Court

The bronze laver and bronze altar were located in the outer court.  The altar was 7.5 feet (2.3m) square and 4.5 feet (1.37m) high, was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, and had a horn on each corner.  The fire on the altar was to be kept burning at all times and the daily sacrifices were offered in the morning and afternoon.

Tabernacle with altar

 

Tabernacle holy place with objects

The Holy Place

This sacred area was occupied by the golden lampstand, incense altar and table of showbread.  The lampstand (menorah) was beaten and fashioned out of a single block of gold and had three branches coming out of each side of the central shaft.  The seven lamps on top of the branches were likely round saucers with pinched rims which held the wick and olive oil.

 

The Table of Showbread

Opposite the menorah was the table of showbread.  Built of acacia wood and overlaid with solid gold, the table had a surface of 3 x 1.5 feet (0.91m x 0.45m).  

Twelve loaves of bread were placed on the table on Shabbat and were replaced by fresh bread the following Shabbat.  The high priestly line would eat the replaced bread.

Tabernacle table of showbread

 

Tabernacle altar of incense

The Altar of Incense

Also known as the "golden altar" or the "inner altar," this three foot high altar was the location of regular incense offerings.  Every morning and evening when tending the light of the menorah, the priests would offer a mixture of frankincense and other aromatic gums.  On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle blood on the horns of this altar.

 

Ark of the Covenant

The only object in the Holy of Holies, the sacred ark contained the two tablets with the Ten Commandments, the rod of Aaron that blossomed and the pot of manna.  The ark was covered by the "mercy seat" on which the high priest sprinkled the blood of the goat seven times on the Day of Atonement.  The ark represented the footstool of God's throne.

 

 Ark of Covenant with cherubim

See all of the tabernacle model pictures and more information about them...

Related Websites

TABERNACLE MODEL KIT This is a 21 inch by 12 inch plastic and cloth Tabernacle Model kit ready to assemble from the folks at eBibleTeacher.com. Includes a free CD-ROM with both children & adult lessons, graphics, printable coloring pages & instructions. (Contains small parts, not for small children.) 

Tabernacle Links (eBibleTeacher.com)  This is the place to start for online tabernacle research.  Contains many great links to photos, models, and information.

Life-Size Tabernacle on View in Negev (Israel MFA)  Describes why the Timna Valley is the perfect place to house the Tabernacle replica.

Timna Tabernacle (Israel Yesterday and Today)  Briefly describes the biblical role of the Tabernacle.  Photographs of the tabernacle and surrounding area.

Timna Valley (BiblePlaces.com) More photographs of the beautiful wilderness area where the tabernacle model is located.

 

Other Tabernacle Models

Biblical Tabernacle (The Mennonite Information Center, Lancaster, PA)  Information page about the Tabernacle tour designed by the Mennonites, including hours of operation and a link to their collection of related teaching/study materials.

Tabernacle Model at Glencairn Museum   Includes beautiful photographs of a miniature model in Pennsylvania.

Wilderness Tabernacle at Kibbutz Almog - This model has been dismantled and its website removed. (Formerly: A full-scale replica of the tabernacle in the Judean desert conceived by Dr. Randall Smith and Christian Travel Study Programs.)

Tabernacle Model to Make (Amazon.com)  A unique presentation of the Tabernacle for children, this book is unfortunately out of print with limited availability.

The Virtual Tabernacle (Fluvanna Community Church)  A virtual model of the tabernacle that allows you to travel in and around the various sections.  Requires a downloadable plugin.

Moses' Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple (The 3D Bible Project) These two models use virtual reality technology to enable the viewer to take oneself on a tour.  These models are beautiful and instructive models.  Requires a downloadable plugin. 

The Tabernacle Place  Features Sunday School lessons about the significance of the tabernacle as well as a build-it-yourself scale model of the tabernacle available for purchase.

Images of the Tabernacle of Moses (TempleBuilders.com) Includes several dozen reconstruction drawings and images of a tabernacle model.

Tabernacle Model  Photos of a plastic model taken from various angles with relevant Scripture references and discussion.

Build Your Own Tabernacle in an Hour (GospelHall.org) Your family or class can quickly create a simple cut-out paper tabernacle model using this free pdf file (or direct link).