In the book of Exodus, God described to Moses how to build the Tabernacle and also described where to should be placed in the midst of the camp, as the Levites surround it in four sections and likewise the twelve tribes also camp around it into four sections. However, in chapter 33:7, the Bible says, "Moses took his tent and pitched it outside the camp, far from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of meeting."
Is the tent described in this verse the same Tabernacle that God described earlier in the chapter? If yes, why did Moses place it outside the camp instead of in the center?
The answer
The Tabernacle of God was not yet constructed. This was Moses' tent, where God often met with him and where Moses exercised his judicial role amongst the people. After the Israelites rebelled against God, He refused to dwell in their midst, and thus, Moses placed his tent beyond the center of the camp--outside away from them.
