of the Old Testament
Youth Guides
Thank you for serving as a guide at the Tabernacle. Your service will bless your life and the life of others as you teach about the symbolism of the Tabernacle and its relationship with our modern-day temples.
Prayerfully study the nine different stations of the tour and learn the part for your station by heart if possible so you can have confidence in explaining it to visitors. You may be a little nervous when you first start (everyone is) but after a couple of groups, it becomes much easier.
Wear Sunday dress when you serve at your station and arrive 30 minutes early so we have time to get organized and get your name tag.
We’ve heard so many positive comments from the thousands of teens who have volunteered in the tabernacle tours. They say the experience has strengthened their testimonies and helped them understand modern temples in a more meaningful way.
Your Role
As a Youth Guide, you will serve at one of the nine stations. You may teach alone or with others, depending on needs and youth availability.
Tours begin in a Welcome Room and move through grouped stations as follows:
• Brazen Serpent, Camp of Israel, Coverings.
• Old Testament displays including Priest’s Clothing.
• The Courtyard including the Gate, Altar of Sacrifice, and Laver of Water.
• The Holy Place and Holy of Holies.
• Final displays focused on Christ and the temple, ending with a Christus statue and video of Temples around the world.
Each group spends about 3 minutes per station with groups moving 10 minutes apart. From start to finish each tour takes about an hour.
The following pages provide the scripts for each station. More detailed information is provided under the Study Guide tab.
1. The Brazen Serpent
Message:
Welcome to the replica of the brazen serpent. This story is told in Numbers 21 in the Old Testament. While the children of Israel were wandering through the wilderness, they became discouraged and “spake against God, and against Moses.” Because of their complaining the Lord sent fiery serpents (poisonous snakes) among the people, and “they bit the people; and many people died”. The people realized that they had sinned, and they asked Moses to pray for the Lord to take away the poisonous snakes. Rather than taking away the serpents, the Lord told Moses to make a brazen serpent and set it upon a pole. The people that were bitten were told to look up at the brazen serpent and they would be healed. Those that looked up to the pole were healed. Because it seemed too easy there were many who would not look, and they were not healed.
What do you think the Lord wanted the children of Israel to learn through this experience?
Possible Answer: To be humble and trust the Lord. To recognize that the brass serpent did not heal them but that it was the Lord who healed them.
How was the serpent on the pole a symbol of Christ?
Possible answer: It is similar to Christ’s crucifixion where he was nailed to the cross.
The symbol of the brass serpent is explained in John 3:14-15 “as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish”.
Testify:
Bear witness of how looking to Christ we can be saved from our sins and healed.
2. The Camp of Israel
Message:
Welcome to the Camp of Israel.
After the Israelites escaped Egypt, the Lord commanded them to build a Tabernacle so He could dwell with them. The Lord gave Moses every detail on how the Tabernacle was to be built. It was about 150 feet by 75 feet and was constructed of the finest materials which the Israelites carried with them out of Egypt or could be found in the wilderness. The fence around the courtyard of the Tabernacle was about seven and a half feet tall with curtains that separated the sacred space from the world. The Tabernacle was divided into areas that became more sacred as you moved inward:
•First, the courtyard,
•then, the Holy Place, and
•then the Holy of Holies, which represented God’s presence.
The Tabernacle was placed in the center of the camp with the 12 tribes pitching their tents around it. The doors of their tents faced the Tabernacle.
What symbolism do you see in how the Camp of Israel was set up?
Possible answer: The Lord should be at the center of our lives. We can look to Him for guidance and protection.
The Lord showed that He was with the Israelites by a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night that rested over the Tabernacle. The prophet Isaiah taught that the cloud and fire were meant to protect the people—like shade from the heat and shelter during a storm. This shows how the Savior watches over and helps us.
When the cloud moved, the Israelites packed up their camp and followed it. This is how the Lord guided them on their journey through the wilderness. The tribe of Levi was in charge of caring for and moving the Tabernacle.
The Tabernacle was like a portable temple. The Israelites used it for about 400 years, until Solomon’s Temple was built and the Ark of the Covenant was placed inside it (957 BC).
Testify:
We can feel close to the Savior when we turn to Him and worship Him, especially as we prepare to go to the temple.
3. Tabernacle Coverings
Message:
Welcome. The Tabernacle had walls and columns like a building, but because it was portable, the top was a tent with four layers or coverings. As we talk about the coverings, think about how they symbolize Jesus Christ.
As you can see, there were four coverings.
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The outermost covering was made of animal skin. Exodus refers to it as badger skin, but scholars aren’t certain of the translation. It is believed to be some type of durable leather. It provided protection from the weather.
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The next layer was ram’s skin and was dyed red. It symbolized the sacrifice of our Savior and His blood that was shed for us.
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The third layer was made of goat hair, which was often used by Bedouin people for warmth.
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The innermost layer was made of fine linen. These beautiful colors and cherubim remind us of Jesus Christ. When you go in the tabernacle you will see the ceiling is made with the colors blue, scarlet, and purple. You will learn later in the tour how these colors represent Christ.
Testify:
Just as the layers of the covering provided protection, Jesus offers us protection from the world around us and our sins are "covered" by His sacrifice.
4. The Priest's Clothing
Message:
Welcome. Please gather around. We are standing before the High Priest’s clothing. The High Priest was given sacred clothing when he was set apart to serve the Lord. This sacred clothing helped identify him as the Lord’s representative. The High Priests served as mediators on behalf of the people by performing sacrifices that made atonement for all of Israel.
Why do you think the High Priest wore sacred clothing?
Possible Answer: Sacred clothing has always been worn to set the person wearing it apart from the world.
Possible Answer: Today the way we dress should be an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow Jesus Christ. In this way we “put on” the Armor of God. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who have been endowed “put on Christ” each day by wearing a sacred garment.
Let me point out some special details of the clothing.
The colors you see in the High Priest’s clothing are similar to the colors you will see in other places on the tour today. Listen for the description when you go to the gates of the Tabernacle.
The breastplate had 12 stones. Each was inscribed with the name of one of the 12 Tribes of Israel. It’s worn over the heart to symbolize closeness to the Lord. He knows and loves His children. Behind the breastplate was a pouch that held the Urim & Thummim.
On each shoulder was an onyx stone with the names of six tribes. They symbolize that the Lord helps bear our burdens.
On the front of the bonnet was a gold plate with the words “Holiness to the Lord.” These same words appear on modern temples today, reminding us to dedicate our lives to God.
Testify:
Just as the Israelites had priesthood leaders who officiated in sacred ordinances, we also are led by inspired priesthood leaders that point us to Jesus Christ.
5. The Tabenacle Gate
Message:
Welcome to the gate of the Tabernacle. In ancient times, the gate was located on the East side of the courtyard. When Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, they departed eastward away from God’s presence. Here at the Tabernacle, the Lord was inviting the Israelites to symbolically enter back into His presence.
How many colors do you see?
What do you think each color might represent?
Possible answers:
• Blue - Heaven
• Scarlet (red) - Atoning blood of Christ
• Purple - Royalty
• White - Purity
Each color represents a role of Christ in our lives.
Just like temples today, being outside the gate represents being in the world. When someone passes through the gate, they leave the world behind and move closer to God.
There was only one gate into the Tabernacle courtyard.
Why do you think that is important?
Possible answer:
Jesus Christ is the only way back to our Heavenly Father. As Jesus taught, “I am the gate; whosoever enters through me will be saved” (John 10:9).
Today as we are “recommended to the Lord” (Elder Rasband Oct 2020) we can enter holy temples and be taught more about Jesus Christ and His ways.
Testify:
Jesus is the gateway back to God’s presence. The Temple helps us become holy and provides the ordinances we need to return our Heavenly Father.
6. The Altar of Sacrifice
Message:
Welcome to the Altar of Sacrifice. Unlike our replica, the original was made of wood covered with brass. This is where the Israelites offered up the firstlings of their flocks to the Lord. Back then, a sacrifice was a way to show faith, obedience, gratitude and repentance. People gave their best to God to show that He came first in their lives.
Prophets taught that these sacrifices were meant to point people forward to Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who would one day make the ultimate sacrifice for everyone.
The altar had horns on each corner, which symbolized strength and power. In the scriptures, Jesus is even called the “horn of salvation,” meaning He has the power to save us.
How a Sacrifice Worked
Imagine you lived in that time and were bringing a sacrifice:
•You would bring an animal to the gate of the tabernacle.
•A priest would check to make sure it was perfect—no injuries or defects.
•You would dedicate the animal to God. It represented you.
•You—not the priest—would kill the animal. This made the sacrifice very personal.
•The priest would place some of the animal’s blood on the horns of the altar. Just like the blood covered the horns of the altar, the Savior’s blood covers our sins.
•Part or all the animal was burned on the altar.
•Sometimes the rest was shared as a meal with priests, families, and worshippers.
This practice continued until Jesus Christ gave His life, making animal sacrifices no longer necessary.
Testify:
Jesus sacrificed His life for us and paid the price for our sins if we repent. We remember His sacrifice when we take the sacrament each week.
7. The Laver of Water
Message:
The Laver of Water was a large bowl made of brass. It held water that priests used to wash themselves before serving in the Tabernacle.
Water is important, it cleans things and keeps us alive. In the same way, the laver reminded people that they needed to be clean and prepared before coming into God’s presence.
Before entering the Tabernacle, priests were:
• Washed with water
• Anointed with holy oil
• Dressed in special clothing
This showed that they were being set apart to serve God. The oil was kept in a ram’s horn, which represented strength and authority.
The laver also teaches us something important today. Just as water washes dirt away, Jesus—who is called the Living Water—can wash away our sins and help us become spiritually clean.
Outside the Tabernacle, items were made of bronze or brass. Inside, everything was gold and silver. This shows a journey: as we move closer to God, we are changed and become more pure.
Later, in King Solomon’s temple, the laver rested on the backs of twelve oxen. Today, this same design is used in temple baptismal fonts, reminding us that baptism is about cleansing and new beginnings.
Testify:
Jesus Christ is the Living Water. When we follow Him, are baptized, and listen to the Spirit, we can be forgiven, changed, and made clean again.
8. The Holy Place
Message:
Welcome to the Holy Place. Priests and Levites served in the Tabernacle, but only priests were allowed to enter this first room of the Tabernacle.
You can see three sacred objects in the Holy place.
On the right is the Table of Shewbread. You can see a pitcher of wine and 12 unleavened loaves of bread, one for each of the 12 tribes. At the end of the week these loaves were eaten by the Priests on the Sabbath. To the ancient Israelites it represented a sacred meal or communion with Jehovah.
Jesus later taught, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35) and at the last supper, Jesus said the bread represents His body. (Matt 26:26)
On the left side was the candlestick with seven branches. In Jewish tradition, it symbolized God’s presence, as when He appeared in the burning bush.
It was likely shaped like an almond tree, the first tree to bloom in spring—symbolizing new life.
The lamps were kept burning all the time using olive oil.
Jesus taught that He is the Light, and He asks us to reflect that light in our own lives: “I am the light which ye shall hold up” (3 Nephi 18:24)
In the center was the Altar of Incense. Twice a day, priests burned incense there. The smoke rising upward symbolized prayers going up to God.
The Bible says: “Let thy prayers be set forth before thee as incense, and by THE LIFTING UP OF MY HANDS”.
Behind the altar is the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The veil has the same special colors we saw at the gate and at the entrance to the Holy Place with two angels (cherubim) guarding the entrance. The Apostle Paul taught that the veil represents Jesus Christ. Christ stands between us and God’s presence—and through Him, we can return to God.
Testify:
Christ is the light of the world and leads us back to God’s presence. I can see where some of our ordinances came from in what I have learned about the Tabernacle; prayers, the sacrament, washing with water, and anointing with oil.
9. The Holy of Holies
Message:
Welcome to the Holy of Holies. To the Israelites, this was the holiest place on earth where God’s presence was. The room was shaped like a perfect cube—15 feet by 15 feet by 15 feet—which symbolized perfection and completeness. Only one person, the High Priest, was allowed to enter this room, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement.
The Ark of the Covenant, sometimes called the Ark of Testimony, held three important items that testified of how the Lord worked in the lives of the Israelites:
• The Stone Tablets (God’s Law)These tablets contained the Ten Commandments, written by God and given to Moses on Mount Sinai. They showed the covenant— or promise—between God and His people.
• Aaron’s Budding Rod
Many men wanted the authority to serve as priests. To show whom He had chosen, God had Moses place each tribe leader’s staff in the Tabernacle overnight. In the morning, Aaron’s rod had blossomed, showing that Aaron and his sons were chosen by the Lord.
• A Pot of Manna
Manna was the food God provided for the Israelites every day while they traveled in the wilderness. It reminded them that God cares for us daily and meets our needs.
The lid of the Ark was called the Mercy Seat. On top were two angels, called cherubim, with wings stretched out over the Ark to protect it. This represented God’s throne—the place where God met with His prophet.
On the Day of Atonement, the High Priest sprinkled sacrificial blood on the Mercy Seat. This symbolized how, through sacrifice, God’s mercy covers sin and makes forgiveness possible.
Summary:
As you go back out through the Holy Place, turn to the right to see the rest of the visitor’s center where it talks about Christ and the Temple.
We hope you have learned how the Tabernacle taught the people about Jesus Christ long before he came to earth.
Testify:
Every detail of the Tabernacle points to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Through His sacrifice, mercy and justice are balanced, making it possible for us to be forgiven, changed, and made clean.