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Patriarchs and Prophets
being not more than fifty-five feet in length, and eighteen in breadth
and height. Yet it was a magnificent structure. The wood employed
for the building and its furniture was that of the acacia tree, which
was less subject to decay than any other to be obtained at Sinai. The
walls consisted of upright boards, set in silver sockets, and held firm
by pillars and connecting bars; and all were overlaid with gold, giving
to the building the appearance of solid gold. The roof was formed of
four sets of curtains, the innermost of “fine twined linen, and blue, and
purple, and scarlet: with cherubim of cunning work;” the other three
respectively were of goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and sealskins,
so arranged as to afford complete protection.
The building was divided into two apartments by a rich and beau-
tiful curtain, or veil, suspended from gold-plated pillars; and a similar
veil closed the entrance of the first apartment. These, like the inner
covering, which formed the ceiling, were of the most gorgeous colors,
blue, purple, and scarlet, beautifully arranged, while inwrought with
threads of gold and silver were cherubim to represent the angelic host
who are connected with the work of the heavenly sanctuary and who
are ministering spirits to the people of God on earth.
The sacred tent was enclosed in an open space called the court,
which was surrounded by hangings, or screens, of fine linen, suspended
from pillars of brass. The entrance to this enclosure was at the eastern
end. It was closed by curtains of costly material and beautiful work-
manship, though inferior to those of the sanctuary. The hangings of the
court being only about half as high as the walls of the tabernacle, the
building could be plainly seen by the people without. In the court, and
nearest the entrance, stood the brazen altar of burnt offering. Upon this
altar were consumed all the sacrifices made by fire unto the Lord, and
its horns were sprinkled with the atoning blood. Between the altar and
the door of the tabernacle was the laver, which was also of brass, made
from the mirrors that had been the freewill offering of the women of
Israel. At the laver the priests were to wash their hands and their feet
whenever they went into the sacred apartments, or approached the altar
[348]
to offer a burnt offering unto the Lord.
In the first apartment, or holy place, were the table of showbread,
the candlestick, or lampstand, and the altar of incense. The table of
showbread stood on the north. With its ornamental crown, it was
overlaid with pure gold. On this table the priests were each Sabbath to