The tabernacle (lit., "dwelling"; cf. Exodus 40:2 marg.) was an earthly sanctuary divinely designed to represent God's dwelling among His people (Exodus 25:8; 29:43; Hebrews 9:1). It served Israel as a "tent of meeting" (Numbers 4:25) with God and portrayed the proper way for man to approach and relate to God (Exodus 25:8-9; Hebrews 8:1-10:22). The tabernacle included three main areas, each of which was separated by a doorway with a curtain or veil (Exodus 26:31-35; 36:35, 37; 40:8, 28; Hebrews 9:3. The outermost area was the court enclosed with curtains (Exodus 27:9-19; 38:9-20). The tabernacle proper consisted of the holy place and the inner sanctuary (or holy of holies) that contained only the ark of the covenant (see also ARK, ark of the covenant) (Exodus 26:33-34; Hebrews 9:2-7). Once a year on the day of atonement, the high priest entered the holy of holies to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat of the ark for his own sins and for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:1-34; Hebrews 9:7, 25). The tabernacle was the primary place where God manifested His presence and gave revelation to His people (Exodus 25:8). His presence and guidance were indicated through the cloud by day and the fire by night associated with the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-38; Numbers 9:15-23). The shekinah glory cloud distinguished Israel's tabernacle and later their temple from all other religious structures. Also, it was the place where people could approach God through sacrificial offerings and express or restore their relationship with God in response to His blessings and offer of forgiveness (see also OFFERINGS).
This topic is from the Lockman Foundation.