Question

What is the furniture of the tabernacle? Where is it in the Old Testament?

Answer

This is a very brief answer, as a more extensive explanation - covering entire chapters of the Bible - may be seen in our online Bible notes below.

The furniture of the Tabernacle:

Ark of the Covenant

(Exod 25:10-22)

In the Ark, Israel kept a copy of the Ten Commandments, which summarized the whole covenant.

Bronze Laver

(Exod 30:17-21)

One had to be pure before entering the presence of God, so it was to the laver of bronze that priests would come for cleansing.

Altar of Burnt Offering

(Exod 27:18)

Animal sacrifices were offered on this altar (the blood of the sacrifice was sprinkled on the four horns of the altar) - located in the court in front of the tabernacle.

Gold Lampstand

(Exod 25:31-40)

The gold lampstand held seven lamps, flat bowls in which a wick lay with one end in the oil of the bowl and the lighted end hanging out.

Table of Showbread

(Exod 25:23-30)

Here the offerings were placed. The 12 loaves of bread represented the 12 tribes.

Altar of Incense

(Exod 30:1-10)

The altar of incense was a perfume of a sweet-smelling aroma.

Related Links:

God's Tabernacle: Moses the Builder - Exodus 25:1-40:38
Tabernacle Instructions - Exodus 25:1-31:18
The Tabernacle: Its Priests - Exodus 25:1-30:10
The Tabernacle: Its Furnishings - Exodus 25:1-27:19
Collection of Materials - Exodus 25:1-9
The Ark - Exodus 25:10-22
The Table - Exodus 25:23-30
The Gold Lampstand - Exodus 25:31-40
The Tabernacle - Exodus 26:1-37
The Inner Curtain - Exodus 26:1-6
The Second Curtain - Exodus 26:7-13
The Outermost Covering - Exodus 26:14
The Tabernacle Framework - Exodus 26:15-30
The Curtain of Separation - Exodus 26:31-35
The Entrance - Exodus 26:36-37
The Altar - Exodus 27:1-8
The Courtyard - Exodus 27:9-19
The Priests and Their Services - Exodus 27:20-30:10
Collection of Oil - Exodus 27:20-21
The Priestly Garments - Exodus 28:1-43
The Priests and their Garments - Exodus 28:1-5
The Ephod - Exodus 28:6-14
The Breastplate - Exodus 28:15-30
Other Priestly Garments - Exodus 28:31-43
The Consecration of Priests - Exodus 29:1-46
The Consecration Materials - Exodus 29:1-3
Consecration Washing and Anointing - Exodus 29:4-9
Installation Sacrifices - Exodus 29:10-28
The High Priest's Garment Regulations - Exodus 29:29-30
The Ordination Meal - Exodus 29:31-34
The Seven Day Ritual - Exodus 29:35-37
The Duties of the Priests - Exodus 29:38-46
The Altar of Incense - Exodus 30:1-10
Atonement Money - Exodus 30:11-16
The Bronze Basin - Exodus 30:17-21
Anointing Oil - Exodus 30:22-33
Incense - Exodus 30:34-38
Appointment of Craftsmen - Exodus 31:1-11
The Sabbath: Its Observance - Exodus 31:12-18

There are additional Bible notes covering Exodus 32:1-40:38 in our Commentary on Exodus.

Answer by Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr.

Dr. Joseph R. Nally, Jr., D.D., M.Div. is the Theological Editor at Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill).

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