In addition to the Law, the Lord also gave Moses instructions for constructing the Tabernacle (also known as the Tent of Meeting). The Israelites would gather there to worship the Lord and offer sacrifices (Ex. 25–30). The Tabernacle consisted of three parts, namely:

The Courtyard, where animals were sacrificed and burnt on the altar. There was also a bronze basin so that the priests could wash their hands (Ex. 27:1–19, 30:17–21).

The Holy Place, which contained a table, a golden lampstand, and an altar on which incense was burnt. The altar and the table were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Special bread, known as the Showbread, was placed on the table. Twelve round loaves, one for each tribe of Israel, must be placed on the table every Sabbath (day of rest), and only designated priests may eat them (Lev. 24:5–9). The lampstand was made of gold and had seven branches curving upwards. A burning oil lamp was placed on each branch (Ex. 25:31–40). This candlestick has seven branches, perhaps because seven is a sacred number symbolising the Sabbath, the seventh day of the week (the day on which God rested after creating the world, Gen. 2:1–2).

The Holy of Holies, the place where the Lord is present and where the Ark of the Covenant, containing the tablets of the law, is placed. The Ark of the Covenant is overlaid with gold, measuring 113 cm in length, and 68 cm in width and height. Golden rings were fitted to each side, so that the Ark could be carried when moving from one place to another (Ex. 25:10–22). The mercy seat was the place where the Lord would dwell amongst His people, to receive their sacrificial offerings and meet with their representatives (Ex. 26:34). Only Moses, and later the High Priest, were permitted to enter this Holy of Holies. This place was separated from the rest of the tabernacle by a curtain (Ex. 27:21) and within the Holy of Holies there was a lamp that had to remain lit (Ex. 27:20).

Each section of the Tabernacle was separated from the others by a curtain. A framework consisting of forty acacia wood planks supported the entire Tabernacle, which measured approximately 4.5 x 2.25 metres. The people carried the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant with them during their journey. When they finally entered Canaan, they divided the land amongst the twelve tribes of Israel. At that time, there was no leader or government to take responsibility for them. What they shared was their faith in the Lord, which was reaffirmed by their tribal leaders at the centre of worship in Shechem (Joshua 24:1–28).

Source: Study Edition Bible