Restoration of the tabernacle of David (Acts 15:16-18)
In Acts 15:1-29, the question arises of whether Gentiles can be accepted as Christians without submitting to the Law of Moses. Peter responded, making note that neither the Jews of his time, nor their fathers had been able to support the weight of the Law; therefore, they should not think to ask the Gentiles to submit to it, "on the contrary, we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we are saved, as are they (the Gentiles) also" (verse 11). James confirmed Peter's declaration, citing the passage in Amos in which God promised to rebuild "the tabernacle of David...that the rest of men might seek the Lord" (Acts 15:16,17).
The tabernacle of David is mentioned in many other places in the Scripture, although this name is not always used. Frequently the term "Zion" is used, the mountain of Jerusalem where the tabernacle was erected, the place where God dwelled alongside his people.
Joel 2 begins with an emotional calling, "Play the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain". Hebrews 12:22 says, "You must come to Mount Zion". In both cases, the reference is to the tabernacle of David. An understanding of the concept of the divine restoration of that tabernacle is essential, because it allows a clear biblical vision of the Church today.
The tabernacle of David: origin and description
The tabernacle of David was established shortly after David succeeded Saul as king. The ark of the covenant, which represents the presence and power of God, had been captured by the Philistines. After a series of plagues, they returned it to Kirjath-jearim, where it was brought to the house of Abinidab (I Sam. 4:1-7:1). David yearned to have it by his side and near the people of Israel, so that God's presence would be manifested. He had the ark returned to Jerusalem, placing it in a tent on Mount Zion (II Sam. 6; I Chron. 13-16).
Before its capture, the ark had been situated in the tabernacle of Moses, resting in its most sacred habitation, the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest could come near it, and only he sprinkled its cover, once a year, with the blood of a sacrificed animal (Heb. 9:1-7). The people could only approach the outer patio of the tabernacle in order to present their sacrifices and worship God.
The tabernacle of David marked a revolutionary change in this practice that separated the people from God. Without violating the spirit of the Law of Moses, David cultivated intimate relationships between the people and their Lord.
Significance of the restoration of the tabernacle of David
The great significance of the tabernacle rested on the fact that the ark, representative of God's presence, occupied a central place among the people of Jerusalem. David taught the people to worship God with praises, thanksgiving and rejoicing. Some 16 ministers were ordained to cover the 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week. None of them were associated with guilt or condemnation; they all expressed recognition of God's grace and mercy, and their unconditional acceptance of all who approached Him with faith.
The restoration of the tabernacle of David nowadays means to discard formality, legalism and condemnation, and bring the suffering people of the Church and the world back into the arms of a loving God. (Heb. 10:1-25). The Lord invites all to return to Him, to cast their sins behind them, and to receive the refreshing that comes from being in his presence (Acts 3:19).
GodsJude, So glad that you found it of interest dear sister. I have wondered what ever became of the ark of the covenant. When they speak about a rebuilding of the temple, I think they are planning that in the physical, when it may in fact be in the spiritual also the restoration of Israel, could be spiritual vs. physical when others are looking for the literal interpretation of these prophecies.
I agree Shalom�the Word says the Temple will be Re-built [ Physical ] and to a Born Again Christian we know that the Temple that Yahsuha~Christ Jesus raised after 3 days is Truly Spiritual�not Built with Hands�and the Ark of the Covenant I wondered where it went to�then the Lord�s Spirit showed me these verses in Scripture�beginning with the 2nd tables/tablets�
Deut 10:2 ~And I will write on the tables the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest, and thou shalt put them in the ark.
Ezek ~ 36:27 ~ And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Heb 10:16 ~ This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
2 Cor 3:2 ~ � Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:�
