Mysteries of The Tabernacle of David
“In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:” (Amos 9:11, KJV)
Many commentaries like the ESV, NET, and Hermeneia equate the Tabernacle of David with David’s kingdom. While this is true, there is more to it than the Davidic empire. The most striking aspect of the Tabernacle of David is not the kingdom itself but the prophetic worship that took place there. Let’s explore not only the theology but also the practical, devotional application of this truth in our lives today.
Let’s start with a brief history. There is a fascinating account of the relocation of the Tabernacle of Moses and its separation from the Ark of the Covenant. During Eli’s time, the Philistines captured the Ark and left the rest of the Tabernacle in Shiloh (1 Samuel 4:10-11). The Tabernacle was later relocated to Nob (1 Samuel 21:1) and then to Gibeon (1 Chronicles 16:39-40). Meanwhile, the Ark was brought by the Philistines to Beth-Shemesh, then to Kirjath-Jearim, to Obed-Edom’s house (likely near Jerusalem), and finally to the tent David built for it in Jerusalem.
When David became king, the Tabernacle of Moses was in Gibeon, and the Ark was in Kirjath-Jearim. Upon becoming king, David did something astonishing: he built a simple tent for the Ark in the City of David and instituted a system of worship not present in the elaborate Tabernacle of Moses (1 Chronicles 15:1; 1 Chronicles 16:4-6). Here lies the mystery: God did not command David to establish this worship; David initiated it because he “read God’s heart” without being explicitly told. This demonstrates David’s prophetic insight by the Spirit into the heart of the Father. This is partly why God calls him “a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will”( Acts 13:22).
With this history, let’s explore the relationship between the Tabernacle of David, the Tabernacle of Moses, the Temple, and the House of David. The Hebrew word for the Tabernacle of David is sukkah, meaning “booth,” “hut,” or “tent,” often associated with temporary shelters like those used during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). This differs from mishkan, the word for the Tabernacle of Moses, which means “dwelling place” or “tabernacle.” The Tabernacle of David was a fragile, temporary structure, lacking the grandeur of the Tabernacle of Moses, yet it housed something the Father deeply desired. Isn’t it amazing that God did not instruct Moses to establish worship in the Tabernacle, despite it being something He longed for?
Things become even more intriguing when we consider the relationship between the Tabernacle of David and the House of David, which symbolically represents David’s kingdom. The House of David is not a physical structure that David built but a kingdom God established for David, as promised: “I will build you a house” (2 Samuel 7:11-16). This house is clearly the Davidic kingdom. In contrast, the Tabernacle of David is what David built for God—a simple hut that later inspired Solomon’s more elaborate Temple. Yet, God’s promise to raise up the fallen Tabernacle of David shows His special interest in this modest dwelling.
Consider this: the Tabernacle of David illustrates our role as God’s kings and priests today. It signifies more than just a dual role; it represents a triple role: kings, priests, and prophets! The worship in the Tabernacle of David was not merely singing; the Levites prophesied through their songs(1 Chronicles 25:1). It was prophetic worship! Today, under the New Testament, God is raising the Davidic kingdom fulfilled in Christ, elevating us as priests who offer spiritual sacrifices that please Him and bring Him glory.
May the Lord raise and establish the Tabernacle of David in every believer, home, church, street, and nation!
Meditate
There is much depth in the discussion above. Consider this: What is the significance of the Tabernacle of David to you today?
Apply the Word
Remember, you are God’s king and priest. If you want to see God’s kingdom flourish in your world, establish the Tabernacle of David in your life: reign, offer spiritual sacrifices, and prophesy!
Pray
Ask the Father to help you fully grasp the mysteries of the Tabernacle of David and what it means for us today.
Recommended Read
- How to Offer the Sacrifice of Praise
- How to Minister to God Himself
- Two Lessons from Messianic Jewish Worship
- Four Key Insights to Help You Understand the Kingdom of God
- Read all Deshen Daily Devotionals
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