“Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19: Lesson 52: Exodus 25; 35-40—‘The Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle,’” Old Testament Seminary Student Manual (2026)
Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 4; 16; 19: Lesson 52
Exodus 25; 35-40
“The Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle“
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
The Lord commanded the Israelites to build a tabernacle in the wilderness. This tabernacle was a portable sanctuary. The Lord could dwell there among His people as they traveled. This lesson can help you understand how the symbolism of the tabernacle and of modern temples can teach you about God.
Study the Scriptures
Imagine that a temple will soon be dedicated in your area. You invite a friend to attend the temple open house with you. They agree to come but mention they don’t really know anything about temples. What might you say to help your friend understand the purpose and importance of temples?
While speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, the Lord asked that the Israelites offer their gold, silver, and other valuable materials to build a sanctuary, or tabernacle, for Him. In our time, we have also been asked to build temples to serve as a sanctuary or a place of holiness.
Read Exodus 25:8. Mark why the Lord wanted the Israelites to build a tabernacle.
Pay attention to what the Holy Ghost teaches you about how God’s sanctuaries connect us to Him.
The objects and ordinances in the tabernacle were symbolic. They were meant to teach Israel about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and how to journey through life back to Them.
The tabernacle consisted of three divisions: the outer courtyard, the holy place, and the most holy place. The most holy place (also called the Holy of Holies) is where the ark of the covenant was kept. The most holy place represented the presence of God.
To learn about the objects in the tabernacle use the chart below. Link the object in the verse to the passage that explains the possible symbolism of the object. As you link, remember to also read the verses about the symbolism.
|
Tabernacle Object |
Symbolism |
|---|---|
Tabernacle Object Exodus 38:1. Altar of sacrifice | Symbolism |
Tabernacle Object Exodus 30:18. Laver (basin) of water | Symbolism |
Tabernacle Object Leviticus 24:2. Lampstand (menorah) | Symbolism |
Tabernacle Object Leviticus 24:5–6. Table of shewbread | Symbolism |
Tabernacle Object Exodus 30:1. Altar of incense | Symbolism |
Tabernacle Object Exodus 26:33. Veil | Symbolism |
Tabernacle Object Exodus 25:21. Ark of the covenant and mercy seat | Symbolism |
Choose two or more of the following questions to answer in your notebook:
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How does the altar of sacrifice point you toward Jesus Christ?
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How can the laver of water represent becoming clean through Jesus Christ?
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How is the light from the lamps a good symbol for the Savior? for the Holy Ghost?
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How can the table of shewbread and the sacrament similarly point you to Jesus Christ?
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How is the smoke of incense like our prayers?
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Passing through the veil signified entering God’s presence. How does Jesus Christ help you return to God’s presence?
The commandment the Lord gave the Israelites to build the tabernacle teaches us truths such as:
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The Lord commands us to build temples so He can dwell among us.
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The ordinances and symbols of the temple teach about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
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The temple helps us prepare to return to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Although the tabernacle Moses was commanded to build shared similarities with modern temples (such as priesthood ordinances being performed in both), the tabernacle functioned under the law of Moses and thus differed substantially from modern temples. We do not practice the ritual of animal sacrifice or use incense in temples today.
Like the ancient tabernacle, modern-day temples contain symbols that teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Some of those symbols include:
The phrases “Holiness to the Lord” and “The House of the Lord” are found near the entrance of every temple and remind us that each is a sacred place.
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Temple clothing:Church members who enter the temple go to dressing rooms to change from their everyday clothes into white clothing before participating in temple services. This change of clothing serves as a reminder that patrons are temporarily leaving the world behind and entering a holy place. White clothing symbolizes purity, while being dressed alike in the temple creates a sense of unity and equality.
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Celestial Room:There are no ceremonies performed in this room. Rather, it is a place of quiet peace, prayer, and reflection meant to symbolize heaven, where we may live forever with our family in the presence of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
If available, you could watch the video “Welcome to the Washington D.C. Temple” (11:46).
Both the ancient tabernacle and modern temples are the house of the Lord, where the Lord’s people can feel close to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Respond to the following questions in your notebook:
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How can knowing that temples teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ affect our desire to worship there?
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How have the temple or family history work helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
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Remember the scenario from the beginning of the lesson. What would you share with your friend about the importance and purpose of temples?
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you understand how the symbolism of the tabernacle and of modern temples can teach you about God.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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What specific tabernacle symbol was meaningful to you and what it teaches you about God.
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Your response to your friend about the importance and purpose of temples.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?