Tabernacle (Mishkan)
Southern Israel
Filmed in the breathtaking wilderness of southern Israel, this week’s Ignite the Truth teaching takes place in Timna Park, a vast desert valley located approximately 18 miles (30 km.) north of Eilat in the heart of the Negev. Covering nearly 15,000 acres and framed by dramatic red sandstone cliffs and rugged mountains, Timna is a place where history, Scripture and natural beauty come together in striking ways.
Timna Valley is renowned for its ancient copper mines, among the earliest known in the world. Archaeological evidence reveals that copper was mined and smelted here as far back as the time of ancient Egypt and continued through the biblical period and beyond. Remnants of mining shafts, slag from early smelting operations and rock carvings from Egyptian to Roman times remain scattered throughout the park. While once popularly linked to “Solomon’s Mines,” modern archaeology shows that copper production likely continued during Solomon’s reign, though no direct evidence connects the mines specifically to him. Nevertheless, the valley’s role in the ancient world was significant, as copper was essential for tools, weapons and sacred objects, including elements of the Mishkan or Tabernacle in the Wilderness.
Timna Park provides a unique setting to explore the holiness of God as revealed in the Tabernacle. The park features the full-scale replica of the biblical Tabernacle, where visitors can walk through the outer court, the inner sanctuary and the Holy of Holies, visualizing the sacred space that once stood at the center of Israel’s camp in the wilderness. This tangible representation allows visitors to engage with Scripture in a deeply personal way, reflecting on how God’s presence transforms ordinary space into holy ground.
The surrounding landscape evokes the biblical midbar (wilderness). Its barren, gravelly expanses mirror the environment in which the Israelites wandered for 40 years, completely dependent on God for provision, guidance and protection. In Scripture, the wilderness is not merely a place of testing, but a space of encounter, where distractions fall away and God’s voice can be heard with clarity.
Beyond its historical and biblical connections, Timna Park captivates with its natural scenery. Towering sandstone formations, winding desert valleys and panoramic views stretching to the horizon create a landscape of stark beauty and quiet majesty. The gravelly desert floor, scattered with ancient stones, evokes the rugged wilderness of the biblical midbar and invites visitors to reflect on the endurance and rhythms of life in such a harsh, yet awe-inspiring environment.
Whether exploring ancient mining sites, examining the Tabernacle replica or simply taking in the sweeping desert vistas, Timna Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history, culture and natural splendor of southern Israel.
