THE TENT OF MEETING - MISHKAN (TABERNACLE)

In Exodus we are shown instructions for the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. 'Mishkan' meaning 'He Dwells' is also forms the root word of 'Shekinah' translated into 'God's Divine Presence' and 'Dwelling' or 'Settling'. The Mishkan served as a transported temple whilst taking possession of the promised land eventually resting and standing at 'Shiloh'. The details of the sanctuaries' construction is contained within 13 chapters of the book of Exodus. In contrast there is only one chapter explaining the creation of the universe, of which there has been so much written its inexhaustible.

“Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. According to all that I show you, the pattern of the Tabernacle, and the pattern of all of its furniture, even so you shall make it.” Exodus 25:8-9

Moses was given a glimpse of the heavenly tabernacle in vision to building the earthly one which in contrast is a lower dimensional shadow. Superstring theory tells us our whole world is but a shadow of the higher realm. The Mishkan's purpose as was the temple's was in joining God and man back together. In Eden there was no temple Adam walked in God's presence. Due to the sin of man it was necessary to introduce a system of atonement thus drawing the Shekinah into the world.

The following shows a pattern of construction involving the creation of the universe and the making of the Mishkan:

“…It is written, ‘Who stretches out the heaven like a curtain (Ps. 104:2), while of the Tabernacle it is written, And you shall make curtains of goat’s hair for a tent over the Tabernacle, etc. (Ex 26:7). It is written in connection with the second day, ‘Let there be a firmament… and let it divide, etc.’ (Gen. I, 6), and of the Tabernacle it is written. ‘The veil shall divide unto you’ (Ex. 26:33). Of the third day we read, ‘Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together’ (Gen. 1:9), and of the Tabernacle it is written, ‘You shall also make a laver of brass, and the base thereof of brass, whereat to wash, etc.’ (Ex. 30:18). On the fourth day, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven’ (Gen. 1:14), and of the Tabernacle, ‘You shall make a candlestick of pure gold, etc.’ (Ex. 25:31). On the fifth, ‘Let fowl fly above the earth, etc.’ (Gen. 1:20), and of the Tabernacle , ‘The cherubim shall spread out their wings’ (Ex. 25:20). On the sixth day man was created, and in connection with the Tabernacle it says, ‘Bring near to you Aaron your brother’ (Ex. 28:1). Of the seventh day we have it written, ‘And the heaven and the earth were finished’ (Gen. 2:1), and of the Tabernacle, ‘Thus was finished all the work of the Tabernacle, etc.’ (Ex. 39:32). In connection with the creation of the world it is written, ‘And G-d blessed’ (Gen. 2:3), and in connection with the Tabernacle, ‘And Moses blessed them’ (Ex. 39:43). On the seventh day G-d finished (Gen. 2:2), and in connection with the Tabernacle, ‘It came to pass on the day that Moses had made an end.’ ‘On the seventh day He sanctified it’ (Gen. 2:3), and in connection with the Tabernacle he ‘sanctified it’ (7:1).”

- Numbers Rabbah 12:13, Soncino Press Edition