Park of Bible Stories

Probably most appealing to visitors are the strikingly realistic reconstructed models of the Tabernacle of the Covenant (the portable Temple in the desert) and of the Yehoshua Bin Nun's altar, which he set up on Mount Ebal.

The Greek word “tabernacle” refers to what in Hebrew is called “Mishkan” and means “dwelling place”, “abode”, and in this particular case — “Tabernacle of Revelation” as the place of God's revelation on earth.

The Pentateuch says:

“Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. "

This means that the Tabernacle was the place of worship where God revealed His presence and where ceremonies and sacrifices were carried out regularly.

Around the Tabernacle there was a courtyard behind a net fence made of spun byssin.

In the courtyard of the Tabernacle were an altar and a washbasin, similar to those recreated in full size in the park.

The altar was made of wood called "shittim" in Hebrew, however the tree species remains unidentified.

Some commentators of the Scriptures believe these to be cedars, while others hold "shittim" to mean acacia trees.

The wooden altar was copper-plated and had a ramp for the priests to ascend to the top of the altar and perform the sacred rites.

The brass wash basin was intended exclusively for the priests, who were commanded to wash their hands and feet before approaching the altar.

Among the ritual attributes inside the Tabernacle, several essential ones should be mentioned separately.

Firstly, the golden table for the so-called "Shewbread".

Twelve loaves, according to the number of the tribes of Israel, were laid out on this table weekly to call blessings upon the people.

They had a rather unusual shape: they resembled open boxes or baking sheets consisting only of the bottom part of and two sidewalls.

Making of these loaves required special knowledge and skills and was the privilege of a few well-trained cohens (priests).

Once a week, every Sabbath, the priests replaced the old bread with the newly made.

The second key attribute of the Tabernacle's Room was the solid gold Menorah, whose shape is also worthy of a separate mention.

It is an established fact that seven of its branches were adorned with flowers and goblets, but the experts still can't quite agree whether these branches were straight or curved. 

The third key attribute of the Tabernacle's Room was another altar, made of gold.

It was used to burn a special mixture of eleven fragrances.

Twice a day, morning and evening, the priests filled the altar with incense, its scent filling the Tabernacle.

The object of utmost importance in the Temple hierarchy — the Ark of the Covenant — was placed behind the Veil separating the Holy of Holies from the Sanctuary.

It contained the Tables of the Covenant, which Moshe received directly from the Almighty, as well as several other sacred objects.

It was this Ark that the people of Israel took with them in the days of war to battles, while in times of peace it was kept in the Temple, hidden from view.

From the days of the wilderness wandering of the Jews and until the construction of the Jerusalem Temple, the Tabernacle served as a gathering place for the whole people and as keeping place for its most sacred relics.

Later, all the functions of the Tabernacle, as well as its equipment and construction principle, were inherited by the Temple.

During an excavation in 1983, Professor Adam Zertal unearthed Yehoshua bin Nun's altar on the north-eastern slope of Mount Ebal.

It is known from the Book of Yehoshua bin Nun that after the Israelites had crossed the Jordan, Yehoshua went up to Mount Ebal and built an altar there, commanded to do so by the Lord.

The construction of this altar, in a way, symbolized that Jews have finally found their national home.

Its discovery is no less symbolic today.

The four corners of the altar are traditionally decorated with horns.

Nearby there are cages for cattle, intended for sacrifice.

A special ramp is attached to the altar, which only the priests were permitted to use.

A reconstructed model of Yehoshua bin Noon's altar is also on display in the Park of Bible Stories in Ariel.