The Jewish Tent Encampments Around the Tabernacle and Its Courtyard.
The Placement of the 12 Tribes of Israel around the Tabernacle and Its Courtyard.
The Tabernacle as a Forerunner of the Christian Church
One may consider the Jewish Tabernacle the first of three forerunners of today’s Church. Although, strictly speaking it was not a church, yet it served functions similar to those that are served by the church today. It was a gather place for the people of God for worship, was said to be God’s house, was Holy and had many implements, articles and formalities intended to reflect and engender reverence for God and the place itself.
The Tabernacle was a portable tent referenced first in the Book of Exodus and made according to specifications given to Moses by God. As the Children of Israel traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea, they unpacked and setup the Tent when they had lengthy stays at any location along their 40 year journey. Then, when their journey resumed, they packed the Tent and carried it on their continuing journey.