Jewels of Worship
The Tabernacle of David
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Acts 15:15-17 (KJV)
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the Lord that doeth this. 13 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. 14 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. 15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God. Amos 9:11-15 (KJV)
Sabbath is the beginning of our participation in rebuilding the Tabernacle of David in our region during our time.
What is the Tabernacle of David?
The Tabernacle of David is the name given to the tent that King David set up on Mount Zion in Jerusalem to house the Ark of the Covenant (I Chronicles 16:1-4). It was the center of a new order of worship which stood in sharp contrast to the solemn worship of Moses Tabernacle. Instead of the sacrifices of animals, the sacrifices offered at David's Tabernacle were the sacrifices of praise, joy and thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2,100:4, 141:2). The Tabernacle of David is a type of worship for the Church (called out ones). Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant by His death on the cross (Hebrews 1:3, 7:27, 9:12, 9:24-28). The sacrifices of His Church, the New Covenant priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), are the sacrifices of praise, joy and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15, 1 Peter 2:9). In addition to the worship of the Church, the Tabernacle of David points to the proclamation and authority of Christ through His Church, thus foreshadowing the priestly, kingly and prophetic ministries of the Church (Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 19:10, Acts 2:17, 1 Corinthians 14:1,3-5, 24-25, 29, 39).
The ministry to the Lord that took place combined Worship (Psa. 42, 150), Warfare (Psa. 2, 47, 149), and Intercession (Psa. 41, 43); all of which were done with a Prophetic nature. (Psa. 22). Most importantly, upon establishing this ministry to the Lord, David learned an invaluable lesson: With God’s Presence comes transformation.
As a result of David’s zeal to properly entertain the presence of God, all of Israel experienced God’s favor and blessings in the form of military victories, prosperity, and spiritual revival.
What does the Tabernacle of David have to do with us today?
The prophet Amos spoke of the Church (called out ones) – when he said "In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old." (Amos 9:11) This prophecy was interpreted by the leaders of the first century Church as being fulfilled in their day (Acts 15:15-17).
The Apostles knew that the Church was the restored Tabernacle of David, the place where Christ is worshiped.
What are the Key Scriptures concerning the Tabernacle of David?
The establishment of David’s Tabernacle is described in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13-16. From these passages we see that David prepared a place for the Ark/Presence of God (1 Chr. 15:1), the Levites (see special note at the end of this discussion) sanctified themselves for their ministry (1 Chr. 15:14) which was to carry the Ark/Presence of God and minister to the Lord (1 Chr. 15:2). All Israel joined in the procession (1 Chr. 15:3) which was marked by joyful instrumental and vocal music (1 Chr. 15:16-21), and dancing (2 Sam. 6:14, 1 Chr. 15:29). Despite all of this, the celebration was not without its detractors (2 Sam. 6:16, 1 Chr. 15:29).
The majority of the Psalms were originally sung as prophetic songs in David's Tabernacle. They account in detail the expressions of worship offered by the priest before the Ark/Presence of God. In addition, they describe the full range of human emotions revealed in the presence of God, from deepest despair to highest joy.
The righteous kings of Israel that followed David’s reign, re-established Davidic worship within the context of Temple worship. These revivals of Davidic worship paved the way for spiritual renewal and military victory. These times of revival and victory were under :
Solomon (2 Chr. 5-7) - 101 B.C.,
Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. 20) - 896 B.C.,
Joash (2 Chr. 23-24) - 835 B.C.,
Hezekiah (2 Chr. 29-30) - 726 B.C.,
Josiah (2 Chr. 35) - 623 B.C.,
Ezra (Ezra 3:10-13) - 536 B.C.
Nehemiah (Neh. 12:28-47) - 446 B.C.
The Old Testament prophecies that specifically mention the Tabernacle of David are Isaiah 16:5 and Amos 9:11-12. There are numerous additional prophecies concerning the coming of Messiah and His kingdom that refer to Zion, the mountain of the Lord, the glory of the Lord and other images that are obvious references to the Tabernacle of David. See especially Isaiah 2:2-5, Isaiah 9:2-7, Isaiah 35, Isaiah 40:1-5, Isaiah 60:1-3, Isaiah 61, Isaiah 62, Jeremiah 33:10-22, Micah 4:1-2, and Haggai 2:6-7.
Scriptures referring to Davidic worship are not limited to the Old Testament. The New Testament tells us to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16), to sing in the spirit (1 Cor. 14:15), to lift holy hands in prayer (1 Tim. 2:8) and to offer to God the sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15). The book of Revelation records scene after scene of heavenly worship that includes shouting (Rev. 19:1), "Hallelujahs" (Rev. 19:7), singing the new song (Rev. 5:9), and bowing (Rev. 4:10).
Is the restoration of the Tabernacle of David a sign that we are in the Last Days?
The Bible refers to the time of the Old Covenant as the former days and the time of Messiah, the New Covenant era, as the latter times. The First century Christians understood that they were living in the last days, the age of Messiah's kingdom. Jesus came to build His Church, to gather a people out of every nation to worship and serve Him. Jesus continues to build His Church, the restored Tabernacle of David, and we continue to live in the last days.
The restoration of David's Tabernacle has received renewed emphasis during the second half of the 20th century, we must remember that there have been those throughout Church history who have embraced the principles of Davidic worship, proclaimed the word of the Lord and worked to advance His kingdom. God has always had a people who ministered as prophets, kings and priests.
Is this restoration something all Christians can participate in?
Absolutely! The restoration of David's Tabernacle is not the exclusive property of Charismatics, Pentecostals or Messianic Jews. It is for Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Nazarene, Nondenominational, Orthodox and Presbyterian churches. It is for Jews and Gentiles, Africans and Caucasians, Asians and Hispanics - Christians from every race. Davidic worship is not for only one culture or ethnic group - Jesus has redeemed us from "every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9) to be a kingdom of priests to serve Him and minister to Him in worship. Raising hands in worship is not a Charismatic style of worship it is a Biblical style of worship (Ps. 134:2). Spirit-filled worship is not a Pentecostal way of worship, it is a Biblical way of worship (Eph. 5:18-20). The Father seeks worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). The restoration of the Tabernacle of David is a restoration of worship in spirit and truth.
And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
Acts 15:15-17 (KJV)
In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old: 12 That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the Lord that doeth this. 13 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. 14 And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. 15 And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God. Amos 9:11-15 (KJV)
Sabbath is the beginning of our participation in rebuilding the Tabernacle of David in our region during our time.
What is the Tabernacle of David?
The Tabernacle of David is the name given to the tent that King David set up on Mount Zion in Jerusalem to house the Ark of the Covenant (I Chronicles 16:1-4). It was the center of a new order of worship which stood in sharp contrast to the solemn worship of Moses Tabernacle. Instead of the sacrifices of animals, the sacrifices offered at David's Tabernacle were the sacrifices of praise, joy and thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2,100:4, 141:2). The Tabernacle of David is a type of worship for the Church (called out ones). Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant by His death on the cross (Hebrews 1:3, 7:27, 9:12, 9:24-28). The sacrifices of His Church, the New Covenant priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), are the sacrifices of praise, joy and thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15, 1 Peter 2:9). In addition to the worship of the Church, the Tabernacle of David points to the proclamation and authority of Christ through His Church, thus foreshadowing the priestly, kingly and prophetic ministries of the Church (Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 19:10, Acts 2:17, 1 Corinthians 14:1,3-5, 24-25, 29, 39).
The ministry to the Lord that took place combined Worship (Psa. 42, 150), Warfare (Psa. 2, 47, 149), and Intercession (Psa. 41, 43); all of which were done with a Prophetic nature. (Psa. 22). Most importantly, upon establishing this ministry to the Lord, David learned an invaluable lesson: With God’s Presence comes transformation.
As a result of David’s zeal to properly entertain the presence of God, all of Israel experienced God’s favor and blessings in the form of military victories, prosperity, and spiritual revival.
What does the Tabernacle of David have to do with us today?
The prophet Amos spoke of the Church (called out ones) – when he said "In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old." (Amos 9:11) This prophecy was interpreted by the leaders of the first century Church as being fulfilled in their day (Acts 15:15-17).
The Apostles knew that the Church was the restored Tabernacle of David, the place where Christ is worshiped.
What are the Key Scriptures concerning the Tabernacle of David?
The establishment of David’s Tabernacle is described in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13-16. From these passages we see that David prepared a place for the Ark/Presence of God (1 Chr. 15:1), the Levites (see special note at the end of this discussion) sanctified themselves for their ministry (1 Chr. 15:14) which was to carry the Ark/Presence of God and minister to the Lord (1 Chr. 15:2). All Israel joined in the procession (1 Chr. 15:3) which was marked by joyful instrumental and vocal music (1 Chr. 15:16-21), and dancing (2 Sam. 6:14, 1 Chr. 15:29). Despite all of this, the celebration was not without its detractors (2 Sam. 6:16, 1 Chr. 15:29).
The majority of the Psalms were originally sung as prophetic songs in David's Tabernacle. They account in detail the expressions of worship offered by the priest before the Ark/Presence of God. In addition, they describe the full range of human emotions revealed in the presence of God, from deepest despair to highest joy.
The righteous kings of Israel that followed David’s reign, re-established Davidic worship within the context of Temple worship. These revivals of Davidic worship paved the way for spiritual renewal and military victory. These times of revival and victory were under :
Solomon (2 Chr. 5-7) - 101 B.C.,
Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. 20) - 896 B.C.,
Joash (2 Chr. 23-24) - 835 B.C.,
Hezekiah (2 Chr. 29-30) - 726 B.C.,
Josiah (2 Chr. 35) - 623 B.C.,
Ezra (Ezra 3:10-13) - 536 B.C.
Nehemiah (Neh. 12:28-47) - 446 B.C.
The Old Testament prophecies that specifically mention the Tabernacle of David are Isaiah 16:5 and Amos 9:11-12. There are numerous additional prophecies concerning the coming of Messiah and His kingdom that refer to Zion, the mountain of the Lord, the glory of the Lord and other images that are obvious references to the Tabernacle of David. See especially Isaiah 2:2-5, Isaiah 9:2-7, Isaiah 35, Isaiah 40:1-5, Isaiah 60:1-3, Isaiah 61, Isaiah 62, Jeremiah 33:10-22, Micah 4:1-2, and Haggai 2:6-7.
Scriptures referring to Davidic worship are not limited to the Old Testament. The New Testament tells us to sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16), to sing in the spirit (1 Cor. 14:15), to lift holy hands in prayer (1 Tim. 2:8) and to offer to God the sacrifice of praise (Heb. 13:15). The book of Revelation records scene after scene of heavenly worship that includes shouting (Rev. 19:1), "Hallelujahs" (Rev. 19:7), singing the new song (Rev. 5:9), and bowing (Rev. 4:10).
Is the restoration of the Tabernacle of David a sign that we are in the Last Days?
The Bible refers to the time of the Old Covenant as the former days and the time of Messiah, the New Covenant era, as the latter times. The First century Christians understood that they were living in the last days, the age of Messiah's kingdom. Jesus came to build His Church, to gather a people out of every nation to worship and serve Him. Jesus continues to build His Church, the restored Tabernacle of David, and we continue to live in the last days.
The restoration of David's Tabernacle has received renewed emphasis during the second half of the 20th century, we must remember that there have been those throughout Church history who have embraced the principles of Davidic worship, proclaimed the word of the Lord and worked to advance His kingdom. God has always had a people who ministered as prophets, kings and priests.
Is this restoration something all Christians can participate in?
Absolutely! The restoration of David's Tabernacle is not the exclusive property of Charismatics, Pentecostals or Messianic Jews. It is for Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Lutheran, Methodist, Nazarene, Nondenominational, Orthodox and Presbyterian churches. It is for Jews and Gentiles, Africans and Caucasians, Asians and Hispanics - Christians from every race. Davidic worship is not for only one culture or ethnic group - Jesus has redeemed us from "every tribe and language and people and nation" (Rev. 5:9) to be a kingdom of priests to serve Him and minister to Him in worship. Raising hands in worship is not a Charismatic style of worship it is a Biblical style of worship (Ps. 134:2). Spirit-filled worship is not a Pentecostal way of worship, it is a Biblical way of worship (Eph. 5:18-20). The Father seeks worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24). The restoration of the Tabernacle of David is a restoration of worship in spirit and truth.
- Special Note: