Catholic Architecture by Schloeder Steven

Author:Schloeder, Steven [Schloeder, Steven]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Catholic Truth Society
Published: 2017-09-18T04:00:00+00:00

The Meaning of the Tent and Temple

We can now begin to understand why the dominant architectural forms and liturgical settings for the Jewish people were the Tent of Dwelling and later the Temple of Solomon.

The basic arrangement of the Tabernacle - which was to be the dwelling place of God - was a tent divided into two rooms: the “Holy” wherein was kept certain liturgical objects, and the “Holy of Holies” to house the Ark of the Covenant. The defining feature of the Ark was the “Mercy Seat” (kapporeth) flanked by two angels as the place of God’s dwelling. This tent was surrounded by a large rectangular courtyard screen for the altar of burnt offerings and the ceremonial wash basin (laver). The whole complex was set in the midst of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The main message of this arrangement was that this portable temple complex, moving about as the Israelites followed the Lord through the desert, was the place of encounter between God and his people. Great care was given to this Tabernacle, and Moses was given exacting specifications as to the size, materials, patterns and textures, ornaments, and arrangement of the parts (Ex 25). The tent served not only as the place of presence, but as the place of liturgy and of the ongoing renewal of the Israelites through the yearly practice of the Day of Atonement, which was a sacrificial ritual performed by Aaron and the Levites (Lv 16).

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