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The Tabernacle in the

Wilderness

By FFOZ's Israel Team

Once again the Tabernacle is standing in the wilderness of Israel! In a joint venture of a
private investor and Israel's Ministry of Tourism, a replica of the Tabernacle constructed by the
Israelites, according to God's explicit instructions to Moshe [Moses], has been erected in Timna
Park. The park is situated 20 kilometers north of Eilat, in an area filled with stunning cliffs, can-
yons and wadis carved out of granite and different colored sandstone.

A small group of us decided to visit the site and investigate the resurrected Tabernacle. On
entering Timna Park, we were immediately impressed by the grandeur of the scenery. As we
rounded a bend in the road that brought us to Solomon's Pillars, the most breathtaking edifice in the
park, our attention was immediately drawn to the snow-white curtains that formed the enclosure of
the Mishkan. [Mishkan is a Hebrew name for the Tabernacle. It is derived from the word shachan
meaning "dwell" and indicates God's purpose for the Tabernacle -- that it be a dwelling place for
His Presence in the midst of His people. "Let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among
them." Exodus 25:8] The starkness of the white enclosure against the subdued brown and red hues
of the desert certainly serves to draw one's attention to the structure, and ensures it will be noticed
even from a distance.

The Entrance

Once up close one cannot see over the white curtains, as they are five cubits, or some nine
feet high. The pure white linen is a reminder of the purity and holiness of the Holy One of Israel
and of His Dwelling Place. Man could not naturally enter this holiness, but He made the way, by
means of a wide and beautiful gate. As we approached to enter, I realized the gate was on the East,
symbolizing God's mercy, and I was immediately reminded of Yeshua's words: "I am the way!"
and "I am the door, by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved" (John 10:9). The door is gener-
ously wide (20 cubits, close to 40 feet) made of woven curtain, thus easily drawn aside, not made
of wood or metal which could be difficult to open. It is beautifully patterned, woven in the four
colors of white, blue, purple and scarlet.

These colors are echoed in the curtains of the tabernacle itself, and in the sash of the
Levites and the garments of the High Priest. The white, as mentioned, represents purity and right-
eousness. The blue represents the heavens, the One Who came from heaven to earth, the Word, the
living water reflecting the heavens, the t'chelet of the tzitzit on the tallit. The purple is associated
with royalty and riches. It is a reminder that Mashiach ben Yoseph, the simple, humble servant
represented by the outwardly unimposing Mishkan in the wilderness, would also return as

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