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A replica of the tabernacles which God instructed
Moses and the Israelites to build and take with them on their exodus journey from
Egypt to the Promised Land. The tabernacle was an elaborate portable tent that served as God's “home” when the Israelites were in the
wilderness. In it were the ark of the covenant and other holy items. |
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Opposite the menorah was the table of showbread (above right). Built of acacia wood and overlaid with solid gold, the table had a surface of 3 x 1.5 feet. 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. |
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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. |
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There were priests that took care of the
tabernacle and performed certain duties. Aaron was the first high priest. The high priest wore a beautiful breastplate that had twelve stones on it. He wore bells around the bottom of his robe that rang when he went behind the vail. The continuous ringing of the bells helped the people know that he was still alive. The tribe of Levi camped on all sides of the tabernacle, while the other tribes had their special area where they were to camp. The twelve tribes of Israel were placed around the tabernacle in tents. Each tribe had a specific location around the outside of the wall that surrounded the
tabernacle. |
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