The Tabernacle of Moses, the Temple, and Aliyah: God’s Faithful Journey with Israel 

By: Howard Flower, ICEJ Aliyah Director

The first mass Aliyah of the children of Israel crossing the Jordan is celebrated each year on Nissan 10, this year on April 8 and called “Aliyah Day.” They brought with them the tabernacle of Moses—the portable sanctuary built according to God’s specific instructions given to Moses at Mount Sinai. It would accompany them throughout their conquest and settlement. 

The initial establishment of tabernacle worship in the promised land first occurred at Gilgal, where Israel renewed their covenant and celebrated Passover on the plains of Jericho. This first site represented their initial foothold—the spiritual beachhead in the land God had promised. 

The tabernacle of Moses points Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of its purpose. John 1:14, says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us.” Just as the tabernacle was the place where God’s presence resided among the Israelites, Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God’s presence among believers.  

As Israel secured more territory, they moved the tabernacle to Shiloh, a hill town that would serve as their spiritual center for over three centuries. The tabernacle of Moses remained at Shiloh for nearly 400 years, spanning most of the period of the Judges. Here, the most sacred object in Israelite worship, the ark of the covenant, dwelled in the innermost sanctuary called the Holy of Holies. 

The prophet Jeremiah later referred to Shiloh as the place “where I first caused my name to reside” (Jeremiah 7:12), highlighting its significance in Israel’s spiritual history. For these centuries, Shiloh—not Jerusalem—was the center of Israelite worship. 

The tabernacle, as described in the book of Exodus, is far more than a historical artifact or a mere place of worship for the Israelites. It is a profound symbol of God’s plan for the salvation of mankind and ultimate desire to gather His people—both physically and spiritually—into His presence.  

The tabernacle not only served as a temporary dwelling place for God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey but also foreshadowed the future ingathering of the exiles, the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom, and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ.  

Challenging Times: The Era of Judges 

The period when the tabernacle of Moses stood at Shiloh corresponds with the turbulent era of the Judges. This time was characterized by spiritual inconsistency, with cycles of faithfulness and unfaithfulness recurring throughout the nation. Despite this instability, God’s presence remained among His people—a testimony to His commitment to His covenant. 

Young Samuel served at this tabernacle, opening its courtyard doors each morning. By this time, the original curtain walls had likely been replaced with stone walls, giving the structure a more permanent character while maintaining its original design. 

Divine Discipline and Continued Presence 

The ark’s time in Shiloh ended during Samuel’s service. When Israel faced defeat against the Philistines, they removed the Ark from its proper place, treating it as a talisman that would guarantee victory. Instead, they suffered a catastrophic defeat, and the ark was captured. 

Though the Philistines returned the ark after seven months due to the plagues it brought upon them, it never returned to Shiloh. God had “forsaken the tabernacle of Shiloh” (Psalm 78:60), and the city was devastated by enemies. This painful chapter teaches us that God’s presence isn’t a guarantee against consequences when we stray from His ways. 

Yet even in discipline, God didn’t abandon His people. The tabernacle itself was relocated first to Nob and later to Gibeon, while the ark found temporary housing in Kiriath-jearim in Abinadab’s house for 20 years. 

When David established Jerusalem as his capital, he brought the ark to Mount Zion with great celebration, placing it in a special tent. However, this created a curious spiritual division: the ark resided in Jerusalem, while the ancient tabernacle with its altar remained at Gibeon. Israel worshipped at both sites. 

This division troubled David, who conceived a plan to build a permanent dwelling for the ark—not a tent of fabric and skins but a magnificent structure of cedar and stone. Though God spoke through Nathan the prophet that David, as a man of war, was not to build this house, the promise shone forth that David’s son would construct it.

David, though prohibited from building, gathered abundant materials—gold, silver, bronze, and timber—and organized the Levites and priests into divisions for service. Everything was prepared for his son to implement the divine architectural vision. 

Solomon’s accession brought unprecedented peace and prosperity. In the fourth year of his reign—exactly 480 years after the exodus from Egypt—construction began on Mount Moriah. For seven years, this magnificent structure rose, maintaining the tabernacle’s design but doubling its dimensions. 

The dedication coincided with the Feast of Tabernacles, connecting the permanent structure to its portable predecessor. Solomon assembled all Israel—elders, tribal heads, and the entire congregation. The priests transported the ancient tabernacle of Moses with all its sacred vessels from Gibeon to Jerusalem, while Levites carried the ark from its temporary dwelling on Mount Zion. 

As the ark entered the temple and the priests withdrew, the glory of God filled the house as a cloud, so overwhelming that the priests could not stand to minister. The Eternal’s words through Nathan had been fulfilled: the son of David had built a house for the Divine Name. 

The Message for Today’s Aliyah 

As we anticipate Aliyah Day 2025, this ancient journey from Gilgal to Jerusalem teaches us profound lessons about God’s faithfulness to Israel. The first Aliyah—the initial ascent into the promised land under Joshua—began a pattern that continues today. On Sinai God promised Moses 

Just as ancient Israel faced challenges, setbacks, and even periods of exile from their inheritance, so, too, has modern Israel walked a difficult path. The establishment of the modern State of Israel and the continuing ingathering of Jewish people from the four corners of the earth mirrors that ancient journey—a people returning to their divine inheritance. 

What stands out most powerfully in this narrative is God’s unwavering commitment despite human failings. Throughout the tabernacle’s journey, Israel often strayed from faithful worship. During the period of the Judges, “Every man did what was right in his own eyes.” Even as the magnificent temple was dedicated, shadows of future apostasy loomed. 

Yet God remained faithful. This is grace—unmerited favor—displayed across millennia of Jewish history. The same grace that brought Israel across the Jordan continues to bring Jewish people home today. 

The modern Aliyah is not merely a political phenomenon but the fulfillment of ancient prophecies: “I will take you from among the nations, gather you out of all countries, and bring you into your own land” (Ezekiel 36:24). When we support Aliyah today, we participate in this divine restoration program that began thousands of years ago. 

From Portable Tabernacle of Moses to Glorious Temple in Jerusalem 

God’s plan has not changed. The mistakes of ancient Israel—and even modern challenges—have not altered His commitment to His people. From the portable tabernacle of Moses to the glorious temple to Israel’s modern return, the same faithful God orchestrates Israel’s story. 

As Christians who love Israel, we recognize in this narrative our calling to stand with the Jewish people as they continue their historic return. Just as the tabernacle’s journey culminated in the glory-filled temple, we anticipate with hope the complete restoration promised by the prophets. 

This Aliyah Day, may we be reminded that we serve a God who keeps His promises across generations, whose grace transcends human failings, and whose plans for Israel remain as steadfast as they were when Joshua first crossed the Jordan. May we continue to support, pray for, and stand with Israel as they fulfill their divine calling in our generation. 

Help more Jewish families return home to their promised land—give to the ICEJ Aliyah fund today. 

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