Experiencing the Tabernacle
Posted on Thursday, June 12, 2014 by
A guest post by Gretchen M. Garrison
For seven more days, the tabernacle is resting at Lincoln Youth for Christ in Lincoln. Now before you think that you missed some grand archeological expedition, this is just a replication of the Tabernacle that can be found in the Biblical Old Testament. Attending this event was extremely significant for my family, and I guarantee that if you attend, the experience will have a lasting impact on you as well. Here are some of the details that you need to know in advance.
This Tabernacle Experience was created using the dimensions and guidelines found in the Old Testament of the Bible. In case you are unfamiliar with this part of history, the Tabernacle was a specially built tent with sectioned corridors that traveled with the Israelites after they left Egypt during the time of the Exodus. As a Theocratic society, this Tent of Meeting guided Israelite life as they met with God here. This was the centerpiece of Israelite life. By reading through the early books of the Old Testament, particularly Exodus 25-27, you can read the descriptions of the Tabernacle and all that was entailed with its set-up.
For traveling and logistical purposes, this reproduction has ten foot walls for the outer courtyard boundaries, rather that the original fifteen foot walls. Additionally as the original tabernacle contained ornate tapestries as well as a plethora of gold, more common materials were utilized due to practicality. Yet with the courtyard width dimensions being maintained and the biblical specifications being followed, you can get a picture of what the Israelites would have experienced as they camped around this Tent of Meeting.
This is the sign that greets you before you enter. To take pictures of the interior is not permissible. Experiencing the Tabernacle can only happen without distractions. Walking through in pairs, each person is given a set of headphones that guide you through the experience. Both an adult version and a kid version of the tour is available. For children, this involves the dramatization of the Old Testament prophet Samuel as a child “telling” about his experiences. The adult version contains more details of the biblical account and the significance of each of the Tabernacle components.
This experience is recommended for school age children and above. If you have wandering toddlers or preschoolers, bringing them along might be stressful. Yet as you move along to ten different stations, if you young children who are easily engaged, they could still benefit from the experience even if they did not understand all of the significance.
To cover transportation and other expenses, the cost of the “Tabernacle Experience” is $5 per person or $20 per family. Spending that amount on an event of spiritual significance is less than the cost of a trip to the