The Tabernacle

Psalm 61:4

4  I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings.

The Old Testament Tabernacle, also known as the “Mishkan”, served as a portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. “MIshkan” comes from the Hebrew root Shaken which means “to dwell”. The Tabernacle (Mishkan) was designed according to specific instructions given to Moses, featuring a central area known as the Holy of Holies, where God's presence was believed to dwell above the mercy seat. The Tabernacle was constructed with various materials, including gold, silver, and fine fabrics, reflecting the holiness and majesty of God. It played a crucial role in Israelite worship, facilitating sacrifices and rituals that allowed the Jewish people to maintain their relationship with God.

And of important note here, the “Mishkan”, or Tabernacle was also referred to as the “The Tent of Meeting” and served as a sacred space where the presence of God could dwell among the Israelites. In other words, the “Tent of Meeting” was a place where God and man could meet or dwell together in prayer. In prayer (and presence), we meet (or dwell) with God. This intimate dialogue allows us to express our hearts, share our burdens, and seek guidance. As we quiet our minds and open our spirits, we create a space for His Divine presence, experiencing God’s love, comfort, and insight. The act of prayer transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary encounters, where our vulnerabilities meet God's grace and wisdom.

Interestingly enough, Sukkot, (also known as the Feast of Tabernacles) is a week-long Jewish festival that occurs in the fall, following Yom Kippur. It commemorates the Israelites' journey through the wilderness and their reliance on God for protection and sustenance. When Sukkot begins, families build temporary shelters (called sukkahs) which serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of faith and prayer. During Sukkot, a unique ceremony takes place called the “Water Drawing Ceremony” where a priest draws water from the Pool of Siloam and then ascends to the Temple Mount and pours out the water on the Temple Altar. This tradition comes from Isaiah 12:3 “With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation”. This ”Water Drawing Ceremony” which was a central part of “The Feast of Tabernacles” illuminated an important fact that water, or lack of it was a matter of life or death in an arid land.

Most importantly, the Hebrew word for salvation, "Yeshuah," (or “Jesus”) symbolizes the profound spiritual sustenance and redemption that comes through a relationship with Jesus. This well is not merely a source of physical refreshment but represents an endless supply of grace, hope, and healing available to all who seek it. In times of spiritual drought or emotional turmoil, the well invites us to draw deeply from its depths, reminding us that salvation is a transformative experience that quenches the thirst of the soul. Through faith and trust in Yeshuah, believers find comfort and strength, as this well offers renewal and restoration in their journey of life.

Prayerful Thought….

37  On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. John 7:37

And Remember…….

“ Our hearts shape our vision, defining what our eyes perceive.” -Dr Lee