The structure of the Tabernacle was divided by curtains and boards into three areas, which represented a threefold hierarchy of sacred power. The tent itself housed two rooms, namely the holy of holies (kodesh ha-kodashim) and the holy place (ha-kodesh). The third area, the court (hatser), was a much larger space surrounding the Tabernacle. The materials used in constructing and furnishing these three areas varied according to their value, with the most precious materials being used in the holy of holies, the less precious materials in the holy place, and the least precious in the court.

The only piece of furniture placed in the most sacred space of the holy of holies was the Ark of the Covenant (aron berit). It was made of acacia wood and overlayed with pure gold. A solid plate of gold, the mercy seat (kaporet), was placed over the ark, and two winged cherubim (khruvim) made of gold rested on its surface (See Exodus 25:10-22 & Exodus 37:1-9). Inside the ark Moses placed the covenant, written on two stone tablets, as a permanent record of the contractual relationship between God and Israel (Exodus 25:16). Many traditions believe two more articles were placed in the ark with the stone tablets: a jar of manna and the rod of Aaron.

"Take a jar, and put an omer of manna in it, and place it before the Lord, to be kept throughout your generations." As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron placed it before the covenant, for safekeeping. (Exodus 16:33-34)

And the Lord said to Moses, "Put back the staff of Aaron before the covenant, to be kept as a warning to rebels, so that you may make an end of their complaints against me..." (Numbers 17:10)

In order to separate the holy of holies, an elaborately woven veil was hung before the ark. It was made from yarn dyed blue, red and purple, woven with white linen into designs of cherubim. No one was allowed beyond this veil, as the presence of the Lord was too powerful for such direct contact. Only once a year, on Yom Kippur, the sacred day of atonement, was the high priest alone permitted to enter the holy of holies. In fact, the ark was so powerful that anyone who touched it died instantly (see 2 Samuel 6:6-7). Its carrying poles were kept permanently in place, so as to avoid direct contact when transporting it.

The Holy Place | The Court | The Boards and Curtains
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