The Meridian Idaho North Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites you to tour this full-scale replica of the tabernacle of Moses.
All are welcome to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. Many religions around the world celebrate the story of the Exodus found in the Old Testament and we hope you’ll join us in this historic tour.



August 12-24, 2019
Scentsy Commons, 2901 E. Pine Avenue in Meridian, Idaho MAP
Presentations, displays & guided tours:
August 12-24
8:00am-8:40pm
Ticketed Tours for Individuals and Families
Walk-ins are welcome
Spanish speaking tour on 8/22 @ 8:30pm
August 17
8:00am-2:00pm
Private Event
4:00pm-8:40pm
Ticketed Tours for Individuals and Families
Walk-ins are welcome
August 18
12:00pm-8:40pm
Ticketed Tours for Individuals and Families
Walk-ins are welcome
Tickets
Choose a day:
FAQ
Who’s invited?
The Meridian Idaho North Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites ALL to come and see this once in a lifetime opportunity. Many religions around the world celebrate the story of the Exodus found in the Torah and Bible. As descendants of Abraham, we invite you to join us in learning more about the sacred tabernacle that was the central focus of the children of Israel during their 40-year journey in the wilderness and for over 400 years after they entered the Holy Land.
What is the tabernacle?
The tabernacle exhibit is a full-scale replica of the ancient Israelites’ portable sanctuary, as described by the book of Exodus in the Torah or Bible. The tabernacle was built in the time of the prophet Moses, and served as the center of Israelite worship until the building of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem approximately 400 years later.
See: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bd/tabernacle?lang=eng
What will I see?
Tour guides will lead visitors through a full-scale replica of the tabernacle’s three main areas: The Outer Courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. Also displayed are representations of sacred and symbolic objects, such as the Tabernacle Gate, Altar of Sacrifice, Laver, Menorah, Table of Shewbread, Altar of Incense, Veil, and Ark of the Covenant. The exhibit will include informational posters and videos pertinent to the tabernacle.
How can I come and see the Tabernacle?
There will be three ways to see the tabernacle. First, all religious denominations will be invited to schedule tours for their congregations. Individuals are invited to attend with their congregation during their scheduled time. Second, individuals and families will be allowed to secure complimentary tour tickets on a first come first served basis by visiting the website www.tabernacle2019.com beginning July 19, 2019. Third, guests without tickets are invited to come weeknights between 4:00pm and 8:40pm and will be accommodated as space allows. Depending upon demand, other tour times may be added. Please check the website www.tabernacle2019.com for up to date tour information.
How will the tours work?
Each complimentary guided tour accommodates up to 50 people and lasts about an hour. During tour hours, a new tour will begin every 20 minutes.
Can I preview it?
Yes, take a virtual tour using this link: https://youtu.be/1mFGsLEpKKk
Where is it located, and where should I park?
The tabernacle replica will be located on the grounds of Scentsy Commons located at 2901 E. Pine Avenue in Meridian, Idaho. Visitors may park in any available stall on the campus. All tours will begin in the Lobby of the Scentsy Office Tower.
Why did we build this replica?
The Lord commanded Moses to build the tabernacle to teach and bless his covenant people, the children of Israel, through sacred rites, sacrificial offerings and symbolic imagery. For Christians, many symbols in the tabernacle point to Jesus Christ and his divine mission. The instructions for building the tabernacle are very detailed, helping us understand that the Lord is involved in the details in the construction of holy structures. The Lord teaches important lessons and inspires His people through these detailed instructions.
This replica tabernacle allows teachers and leaders an opportunity to teach others valuable lessons in a unique way. This replica is the ultimate classroom ‘object lesson’, helping all who wish to take their biblical study to a new experiential level. As we ‘experience’ the tabernacle together, we can each learn valuable principles of religious life from both Jewish and Christian perspectives. Jews have significant understandings of the tabernacle that point us to God. Christians have interpretations that are focused on Jesus Christ. Building on common principles, all can be enriched by a study of the tabernacle. These principles include Sacrifice (Exodus 20:24), Unity (Numbers 15:15), Order (Exodus 40:4), Covenants (Exodus 24:7-8), Temples (Exodus 25:8), Sanctity (Leviticus 11:44), Atonement (Leviticus 1:10; 9:7), Holiness (Leviticus 10:10-11), Priesthood (Exodus 40:15), and the Sabbath (Exodus 31:13, 16-17). We hope this ‘grand object lesson’ helps others feel a greater ‘sense of the sacred’.
See: https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2004-11-05-a-sense-of-the-sacred?lang=eng
How did you build it?
Many people donated their time and means to make this replica possible. This project followed, as much as was reasonably possible, the Lord’s instructions to Moses about its design, scale and materials, as described in the scriptures.
Who can I contact for more info?
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 208-869-4021
Photos
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Map
For those interested in learning more about the wonderful tabernacle of Moses from the Old Testament please see research papers and videos below:
Research Papers
In preparation for the tabernacle display at Scentsy Commons, the Meridian Idaho North Stake Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints requested that several members of the Stake write research papers on various subjects relating to the ancient tabernacle revealed to Moses in the Old Testament. The authors of these nine papers are not Bible scholars, but spent significant time, effort, and prayer as they studied their subjects and honed their messages. Their hope was to provide meaningful information for readers of all faiths and backgrounds who want to gain a deeper understanding of the doctrine and symbolism of Jesus Christ surrounding the tabernacle. The authors’ intent was for the writings to be from a Christian perspective, yet free from bias towards any one Christian religion. Further, the facts and opinions represented in these papers are the work of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the doctrine and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or its leaders.
The following are links to each of the nine tabernacle research papers. For an overview of each topic, please see the executive summary at the beginning of each paper.
We welcome your questions or feedback on how we can improve the content of these research papers: [email protected]
- Children of Israel – a brief history of God’s chosen people. By Jane Johnson
- Sacred space and the tabernacle. By Kathy Baker
- Tabernacle Sacrificial Offerings. By Justine Powell
- Tabernacle items: bronze altar, laver, altar of incense. By Cordell Moon
- Tabernacle items: table of shewbread, menorah, ark of the covenant. By Monte Moore
- Symbolism and representation of incense, water, and oil. By Mark Miller
- Tabernacle items: tablets, jar of manna, rod of Aaron, and blood. By Debbie Davidson
- The role of Priests and High Priests in Biblical times. By Vince Covino
- Sacred vestments – Clothing of the Priest’s and High Priest. By Daniel Smith