MORE ON THE TABERNACLE OF DAVID
Today we will speak more of The Tabernacle of David. This seems to be a very relevant topic for our times. Our study takes us right into the heart of its beginning. I find this to be an exciting study.
Like me, it is possible you too grew up not knowing much about The Tabernacle of David. In all my years of attending church, I was taught there were only two tabernacles. One was the Tabernacle of Moses. It was the tabernacle which God designed. He commanded it to be built in the wilderness. The other tabernacle was simply the same remains of that tabernacle. We learn it was parked in Shiloh and used until the time of Solomon’s Temple. Honestly, I was not aware of The Tabernacle of David until all these many years later.
The lessons of The Tabernacle of David were never brought up in my church’s sermons. Nor was it discussed in the Sunday School teachings. I assumed “The Tabernacle of David” spoke of the original wilderness tabernacle. I imagined it to be that tabernacle after it was settled in the Promised Land. Out of ignorance, I assumed it was called The Tabernacle of David once it had been parked in Shiloh. Not so. David’s Tabernacle was a completely separate tent.
HIDDEN THINGS REVEALED
I never knew The Tabernacle of David became a significant and different place of worship. Not only that, but this Tabernacle of David carries deep prophetic significance for all the children of God. I feel the need to explain the stories of this tabernacle as we study its founder, King David. It is a fascinating and exciting study.
I’m writing this lesson in the month of Adar when hidden things are usually destined to be revealed. I love the patterns that always prove out in God’s calendar. The truth of The Tabernacle of David is one of those magnificent hidden things. God keeps revealing its significance as His perfect timing continues to unfold.
TWICE REPEATED BUT HARDLY RECOGNIZED
1 Chronicles has increased in relevance since I’ve discovered the existence of the Tabernacle of David. The scriptures clearly state all that was going on within the Book of 2 Samuel. Then, 1 Chronicles repeats the same story.
How odd that many of us have skipped right through these passages and not realized their full significance. I’ve come to believe that God was waiting on this current generation. He wanted The Tabernacle of David to let His truth shine through to us. This tabernacle and all of its concepts seem to carry a strong message for our generation about worship.
Today I can see a beautiful passion for worship rising up. It’s essence comes forth from the shadows of The Tabernacle of David. God seems to be placing an emphasis on this particular type of worship. The feeling is that the Glory of God has passed up through the ages.
This is something God showed David, yet it seems to be something He is also showing each of us today. The significance is great. People with discernment can feel God’s Holy Spirit spreading the use of this type of worship. It travels joyfully across the landscape where faithful hearts dwell today. We all have much to learn from this phase of David’s devotion to God.
LEARNING FROM DAVID’S WORSHIP
And what was and still is so significant? Through the style of David’s worship God was and still is establishing a new form of worship for His people. It is different from the original worship found in the days of Moses. What is so different? We are going to explore that explanation in our next few lessons.
David is now leading God’s people into a whole new direction. Much is the same. God never changes. Everything is still Torah-based. The Word of God is the same. It never changes. God’s Holy Spirit is the same sweet Presence as before. God’s promises are still the same as before. Yet, something is very different. In the days to come we are going to explore what that “something” is.
The first thing to notice is the obvious change of location. This tent where David placed The Ark of The Covenant is now more strategically centered in Jerusalem. The tent of God’s Throne is right in the center of God’s people. There is no more wondering through foreign lands hoping to find God’s throne with mankind. The location of the Ark is stationary and known by all. Now the Ark is located close to David’s palace in Zion, deep within the City of David.
SOMETHING WAS DIFFERENT
The scriptures teach us that David was “a man after God’s own heart.” These important facts surrounding The Tabernacle of David can not and should not be overlooked. They matter if we are to understand God’s heart as David did.
Our next lesson explores how David’s worship was different from the worship in the wilderness tabernacle. One thing is very different and new. It is a joyful change bringing happiness to David and all of his followers. Hopefully it will bring a whole new sense of happiness to your thoughts too. So much comes to the surface as we unwrap the facts surrounding David’s way of worship.
DAVID LIVES INTO HIS PURPOSE
The throne of God is finally coming into its rightful home – Jerusalem. I believe this moment is a huge part of David’s life purpose. God’s plans for David are more than just being a King. Of course, God has much more in store for David’s whole life. Yet, without this first purpose reaching fruition, the fulfillment of the rest of his purpose would not happen.
More details of this thought are laid out in further studies. For now, understand the importance of the location of the Ark being in Jerusalem. All that happened here has been God’s plan from the very beginning. David knew. Now we know too. We have seen hints of this all along the way. This is something we will also explore deeper as we continue studying through the lessons on 2 Samuel.
WHAT BROUGHT THIS ALL TOGETHER?
The first thing to discover about The Tabernacle of David is how the plan for this amazing new tent transpired. What made David decide to create this tabernacle for God? Also, why did God not just locate His throne in Jerusalem in the first place? Why did we have to build up to this time? Also, why do we need this new place of worship which David introduced to God’s people?
Why all the wondering through the dessert? Also, why the great details of the wilderness tabernacle? Why didn’t God just make The Tabernacle of David happen first? Did it have to come during David’s lifetime? Do scriptures hint further of this tabernacle’s type of worship during the last days?
THE MEANINGS BEHIND THE MEANINGS
Were all of those temporary resting places of The Ark meaningful? Why? What should all of this teach us? How does The Tabernacle of David affect our lives today? It is time to dig further into this tabernacle and all of its wonder. There are so many facts we need to explore.
If we want to be “a people after God’s own heart” like David, we need to know more. Most of these details will continue to unravel as we walk deeper into our study of 2 Samuel. If you haven’t subscribed to our blog yet, now would be the perfect time. Go up to the very top of this page and leave your information. That way you will not miss any of the lessons to come.
Next week we will discover how David is guided by God to bring the ark into its home in Jerusalem. Then we will explore more of The Tabernacle of David’s meaning for today. These lessons will matter if you want to experience joyful worship while living in a world full of chaos. Come walk with us. All are welcomed.
PRAYER: Father, thank you for guiding David in your ways. Thank you for showing us an imperfect man, like us, who knows how to worship with all of his heart. Teach us to see how that matters to You. Help us to learn how to experience this same deep, meaningful worship in our own congregations. Help your Bride to rise up and worship You in wondrous ways. Hear our praises fill your ears as we await the return of our Beloved. Amen.
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