The Tabernacle of David was a unique structure in the Old Testament that King David established to house the Ark of the Covenant and facilitate continuous worship and praise.

In modern Christian theology, the restoration of the Tabernacle of David is often seen as a metaphor for the restoration of true worship and intimacy with God. It signifies a return to authentic, heartfelt worship that is not bound by legalism or tradition but is characterized by a genuine connection with God.

The concept of the restoration of the House of God can be interpreted in various ways by different Christian denominations and movements, but at its core, it emphasizes the importance of spiritual renewal, revival, and a deepening relationship with God.

The Tabernacle of David, as described in the scriptures, refers to the tent that King David erected on Mount Zion in Jerusalem to house the Ark of the Covenant. This tabernacle symbolized a new era of worship characterized by joy and praise, contrasting with the more solemn worship practices of Moses' Tabernacle.

Instead of animal sacrifices, the offerings at David's Tabernacle consisted of praise, joy, and thanksgiving, as mentioned in Psalms 95:2, 100:4, and 141:2.

The Tabernacle of David serves as a representation of the Church's worship. Jesus, fulfilling the sacrificial system of the Old Covenant through His crucifixion, is highlighted in scriptures such as Hebrews 1:3, 7:27, 9:12, and 9:24-28. The Church, under the New Covenant priesthood, continues these sacrifices through praise, joy, and thanksgiving, as emphasized in Hebrews 13:15 and 1 Peter 2:9.

Moreover, the Tabernacle of David signifies the authority and proclamation of Christ through His Church, prefiguring the priestly, kingly, and prophetic roles within the Church, as indicated in Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 19:10, Acts 2:17, 1 Corinthians 14:1, 3-5, 24-25, 29, and 39.

Originally, the Ark of the Covenant resided in the Tabernacle of Moses, also known as the Tabernacle of the Congregation. In 1050 B.C., David relocated the Ark to Jerusalem, placing it within the Tabernacle of David, as recorded in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13-16. The Ark remained in David's Tabernacle for 40 years until it was eventually transferred to the Temple constructed and consecrated by David's son, Solomon, in 1010 B.C., as detailed in 2 Chronicles 5-7.

This radical shift in the order of worship, brought about by the establishment of the tabernacle of David, unveiled a major revelation of the order of worship "as it is in heaven" upon the earth. The establishment of the Melchisedec order of worship replaced the Aaronic order of worship, where only certain clergy were permitted to access the presence of God. This radical apostolic move, initiated by King David, resonated with the heart of God so profoundly that He spoke from heaven, declaring His delight to make it His eternal resting place.

What relevance does the Tabernacle of David hold for us today? 

The prophet Amos, in speaking of the Church, proclaimed, "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 understood by the leaders of the first-century Church as being fulfilled in their time. "And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 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: 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. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world." (Acts 15:13-18)

James references Amos 9 to illustrate that the salvation of the Gentiles aligns with Old Testament prophecy, occurring during the restoration of the Tabernacle of David. The Apostles recognized the Church as the revived Tabernacle of David, where Christ is adored, prophecy is spoken, and His authority is exercised. The outcome of the Church engaging in Davidic worship, prophecy, and authority was a significant influx of souls.

What is Davidic Worship?

Davidic worship denotes worship in the spirit of the Tabernacle of David, encompassing worship that engages the entire person, not solely the intellect. Worship in David's Tabernacle involved singing, instrumental music, standing, kneeling, bowing, lifted hands, clapping, and dancing. Davidic worship fulfills Jesus' directive to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength" (Mark 12:30).

What are the Key Scriptures regarding the Tabernacle of David?

The establishment of David's Tabernacle is chronicled in 2 Samuel 6 and 1 Chronicles 13-16. These passages reveal that David readied a place for the Ark (1 Chr. 15:1), the Levites sanctified themselves for their service (1 Chr. 15:14) in carrying the Ark and ministering to the Lord (1 Chr. 15:2). The entire nation of Israel partook in the procession (1 Chr. 15:3), characterized by joyous instrumental and vocal music (1 Chr. 15:16-21) and dancing (2 Sam. 6:14, 1 Chr. 15:29). Nevertheless, the festivities faced opposition (2 Sam. 6:16, 1 Chr. 15:29).The majority of the Psalms were initially sung as prophetic hymns in David's Tabernacle.

They meticulously chronicle the acts of reverence presented by the Israelites in front of the Ark of the Covenant. Furthermore, they depict the entire spectrum of human sentiments unveiled in the proximity of God, ranging from profound desolation to supreme elation.

The righteous kings of Israel that followed David 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. and 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.

The New Testament contains many quotes by Jesus and the Apostles of passages from the Psalms and Prophets. Several of these quotes contain prophecies concerning the coming of Messiah to reign on David’s throne. In speaking of the incarnation, John writes that Jesus tabernacled among us (John 1:14). The Church is referred to as the temple of God (1 Cor. 3:16, Eph. 2:19-22). The Tabernacle of David is specifically mentioned in Acts 15:16-17 as being fulfilled by the Church.

The scriptures referring to Davidic worship are not limited to the Old Testament. The New Testament also emphasizes the importance of worship in various forms such as singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), singing in the spirit (1 Corinthians 14:15), lifting holy hands in prayer (1 Timothy 2:8), and offering the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15). The book of Revelation further depicts scenes of heavenly worship involving shouting (Revelation 19:1), "Hallelujahs" (Revelation 19:7), singing a new song (Revelation 5:9), and bowing (Revelation 4:10).

The restoration of the Tabernacle of David can be seen as a sign that we are in the Last Days according to the Bible's definition. The Bible distinguishes between the former days of the Old Covenant and the latter days of the New Covenant, which began with the coming of the Messiah. The early Christians believed they were living in the last days, the era of Messiah's kingdom. Jesus established His Church to gather people from all nations to worship and serve Him, and this work continues today in the restored Tabernacle of David.

While the emphasis on the restoration of David's Tabernacle has increased in the latter half of the 20th century, it's important to recognize that throughout Church history, there have always been individuals who embraced the principles of Davidic worship, proclaimed God's word, and worked to advance His kingdom. God has consistently had a people who served as prophets, kings, and priests.

It is significant that God has chosen to highlight the importance of Davidic worship in our generation, reaffirming the truth that worship, praise, and service to God are essential components of the Christian faith.

We owe a debt of gratitude to the spiritual forerunners of the Restoration/Revival churches who, in the spirit of the prophets of old, heralded this divine message well in advance of its widespread acceptance, long before the dawn of the "worship movement." The seed sown by those who have gone before us shall surely yield abundant fruit in the 21st century.

Is this restoration something all Christians can participate in?

Davidic worship is not exclusive to any single culture or ethnic group – Jesus has redeemed us from “every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 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” (referring to any single denomination) style of worship; it is a Bible style of worship (Psalms 134:2). Spirit-filled worship is not a “Pentecostal” (referring to any single denomination) way of worship, it is a Christian way of worship (Ephesians 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!