The children of Israel willingly brought offerings for the construction of the sanctuary, following the commands given through Moses.
Moses identified Bezaleel, from the tribe of Judah, and Aholiab, from the tribe of Dan, as leaders for the work of the sanctuary. God had endowed them with wisdom, understanding, and craftsmanship to carry out the tasks and teach others.
The artisans, guided by Bezaleel and Aholiab, started the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. Materials such as gold, silver, fine linen, and precious stones were used, with donations exceeding the needs for the work.
The tabernacle's main structure featured ten curtains of fine linen with cherubim designs, joined by loops and gold clasps, along with additional coverings of goat’s hair, ram’s skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins.
The frame of the tabernacle was built using boards of shittim wood overlaid with gold, connected with silver sockets and gold rings.
The interior furnishings included:
The Ark of the Covenant, made of shittim wood overlaid with gold, with a mercy seat and cherubim on its top.
A table for the shewbread, overlaid with gold, and its accompanying vessels made of pure gold.
A golden candlestick with six branches, almond-shaped designs, and accompanying lamps.
An altar of incense, made of shittim wood and overlaid with pure gold, with rings and staves for transport.
The outer courtyard involved:
An altar of burnt offering, constructed of shittim wood and overlaid with brass, with accompanying tools.
A laver made of brass for washing, sourced from polished brass mirrors of women who assembled at the tabernacle.
The priests’ garments, including the ephod with onyx stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, a breastplate with twelve engraved gemstones, a robe with pomegranates and bells at the hem, and a golden plate inscribed with "Holiness to the LORD," were crafted according to God’s instructions.
Once the work was complete, Moses inspected the tabernacle and its furnishings, confirming that all had been carried out as instructed by the LORD. He blessed the people for their efforts.
Moses erected the tabernacle on the first day of the second year since the Exodus. He placed the ark, table, candlestick, altar of incense, altar of burnt offering, and laver in their designated positions and anointed them with holy oil to sanctify them.
Aaron and his sons were brought forward, washed, clothed in their priestly garments, and anointed to serve as priests.
The congregation witnessed the consecration as the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle, signified by a cloud during the day and fire at night. This became a constant signal for when the children of Israel should journey or remain encamped.