Exodus 26: The Tabernacle

A tabernacle is literally a tent, a movable structure.  When we talk about THE Tabernacle in the Old Testament, it designates a special place of meeting between the people and God.  It is to be the symbol of God's presence in the midst of His people (the Tabernacle will be set up in the very middle of the camp.)  When Moses is to inquire of the Lord, it will be at the Tabernacle.  After all, the people cannot take Mount Sinai with them on their journey!  Instead, God gives Moses very detailed instructions on how to build a tent of meeting - and of worship.