Learning from the Old Testament: Patterns for the Church Today — Part 6
A Different Kind of Tabernacle
When most people think of Israel’s worship, they picture the elaborate tabernacle of Moses or the grand temple of Solomon. Both had veils, priests, and layers of restricted access. But in David’s day, something unusual happened.
David pitched a simple tent on Mount Zion and placed the Ark of the Covenant inside it — without a veil (2 Samuel 6:17).
It was a startling break from tradition. For centuries, the Ark had been hidden behind curtains. Now, in David’s tabernacle, it was open and accessible. Priests and Levites ministered in continuous worship, singing psalms and playing instruments before the very presence of God.
Prophecy of Restoration
The prophets looked back on David’s tent as a glimpse of God’s heart. Amos declared:
“In that day I will raise up the tent of David that has fallen, and close up its breaches… that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations who are called by my name.” (Amos 9:11–12, WEB)
Centuries later, James quoted this prophecy at the Jerusalem council, applying it to the Church:
“I will return, and I will build again the tent of David… that the rest of mankind may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name.” (Acts 15:16–17, WEB)
David’s tabernacle pointed ahead to a time when Jew and Gentile alike would worship together in God’s presence — without veil or barrier.
Worship in Spirit and Truth
David’s tabernacle foreshadows New Testament worship:
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Open access: The veil is torn in Christ (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19–20).
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Continuous praise: Worship is not occasional but a way of life (Hebrews 13:15).
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Instruments and song: David’s psalms remain the backbone of Christian worship today.
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All nations included: The Church is made up of every tribe, tongue, and people.
Jesus told the Samaritan woman, “The hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23, WEB). This is David’s tabernacle fulfilled in Christ.
Worship Without Veil
For the Church, David’s tabernacle is a reminder that worship is not confined to buildings, rituals, or priestly elites. The Spirit has made every believer a priest, free to draw near to the presence of God.
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We no longer need curtains to hide His glory.
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We no longer stand at a distance.
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Through Christ, we have boldness to enter the Most Holy Place.
This changes everything. Worship is not about going to a place but about becoming a people who host God’s presence.
Lessons for the Church Today
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Keep worship central. David’s reign was marked by music, prayer, and God’s presence at the center of national life.
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Tear down barriers. In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, male nor female — all have access by the Spirit.
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Make worship continuous. True worship is not confined to Sunday services but flows into daily life.
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Welcome God’s presence. David danced before the Ark with abandon. Our worship should be wholehearted, not restrained by fear of man.
Looking Ahead
David’s tabernacle was a prophetic glimpse of what God desires for His people — intimacy, access, and joy in His presence. But God’s plan did not end with a tent. The vision continued in Solomon’s Temple, a picture of the mature, completed Church, filled with glory.
In our next post, we’ll explore Solomon’s Temple — God’s End Goal for the Church.
👉 This is Part 6 of our series “Learning from the Old Testament: Patterns for the Church Today.” In Part 7, we’ll discover how Solomon’s Temple points to God’s final purpose: the Church as His holy habitation.
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