Mishkan To Mikdash. Everything you need to know

The Mishkan: Its History and Future Restoration

The History of the Mishkan

The Mishkan (Tabernacle) stood for 480 years before the First Temple (Beit HaMikdash) was built by King Solomon, as recorded in:

• I Kings 6:1 – “And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt… that he [Solomon] began to build the house of the Lord.”

Where Was the Mishkan During These 480 Years?

1. 40 years in the wilderness

• Exodus 40:17 – “And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was erected.”

• The Mishkan traveled with the Israelites, being dismantled and reassembled as they moved.

2. 14 years in Gilgal (during Joshua’s conquest and division of the land)

• Joshua 4:19–20 – Describes Israel’s first encampment in Gilgal after crossing the Jordan.

• Talmud, Zevachim 118b – States that the Mishkan remained in Gilgal for 14 years while the land was conquered and distributed.

3. 369 years in Shiloh (the first semi-permanent site)

• Joshua 18:1 – “And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled at Shiloh, and set up the tent of meeting there.”

• Talmud, Zevachim 118b – Explains that the Mishkan in Shiloh had stone walls but retained a tent roof.

• I Samuel 1:3 – Mentions Eli the High Priest officiating in the Mishkan at Shiloh.

• I Samuel 4:10–11 – Describes the Philistines capturing the Ark and the destruction of Shiloh.

4. 57 years in Nov and Givon (after Shiloh’s destruction)

• I Samuel 21:2 – King Saul visits the priests of Nov, where the Mishkan was temporarily relocated.

• I Chronicles 16:39–40 – The Mishkan was at Givon while the Ark was in Jerusalem.

5. Final destination: Jerusalem

• II Samuel 6:12–17 – King David brought the Ark to Jerusalem.

• I Kings 3:4 – Solomon offered sacrifices at Givon, indicating that the Mishkan was still there before the Temple was built.

What Happened to the Mishkan?

When King Solomon completed the First Temple, the Mishkan was not physically integrated but its function was transferred:

• Some holy vessels (Menorah, Shulchan, Mizbeach HaKetoret) were either moved into the Temple or replaced with new versions.

• The Aron HaBrit (Ark of the Covenant) was placed in the Holy of Holies (I Kings 8:6).

• The Mishkan structure, including its curtains and beams, was likely stored or respectfully buried, as noted in Midrash Tanchuma, Beha’alotcha 12, which states that sacred items no longer in use must be hidden.

Thus, the Mishkan was not merged into the Temple but was superseded by a permanent stone structure—the Beit HaMikdash, which became the central place of worship for Israel.

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A Vision for the Future: Restoring the Mishkan on Mount Moriah

For nearly 3,000 years, the Beit HaMikdash stood as a beacon of divine presence and human aspiration. Yet before the Temple, there was the Mishkan—the Tabernacle and Tent of Meeting—a sacred place where the people of Israel first encountered the Divine in the wilderness. Built by the hands of all “whose heart moved them” (Exodus 35:21), it was a testament to faith, unity, and voluntary contribution.

Now, as Israel enters a new era, we must revive this national vision—not as an exclusive endeavor, but as a universal mission of peace, justice, and shared faith.

As President, I will work to restore a Mishkan and Tent of Meeting according to the divine design described in the Book of Exodus, to be established upon Mount Moriah in Jerusalem. This will not replace the Temple, nor interfere with the current sacred sites, but rather serve as a spiritual center—a place of reflection, prayer, and reconciliation among nations.

An International Effort for a Universal Sanctuary

This will be a collective effort. Just as the original Mishkan was built from the freewill offerings of all, so too will this new sanctuary be constructed with the support and contributions of all who wish to take part—Jews, Christians, Muslims, and all people of faith who recognize Jerusalem as the heart of divine calling.

The Prophet Isaiah envisioned a time when: