### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼôhel**, represented by `{{H168}}`, is a term for **tent**. It appears **345 times** in **314 unique verses**, indicating its importance in a nomadic and semi-nomadic culture. While its primary meaning is a literal tent or dwelling, it expands to signify a person's home, a covering, and most notably, the sacred **tabernacle** as a dwelling place for God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H168}}` denotes both everyday living and sacred space. It is used for the common dwelling, as when Achan hid forbidden spoils in the midst of his **tent** [[Joshua 7:21]] or when Abraham ran from his **tent** door to greet his visitors [[Genesis 18:2]]. It also serves as a rallying cry signifying clan identity, as in the declaration, "every man to your **tents**, O Israel" [[2 Chronicles 10:16]]. Most significantly, it refers to the "tent of the congregation," the central place of worship where the **glory `{{H3519}}`** of the **LORD `{{H3068}}`** filled the structure [[Exodus 40:34]] and where God spoke with Moses [[Exodus 33:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of biblical dwellings and coverings:
* `{{H4908}}` **mishkân** (a residence): This term, also meaning dwelling place or tabernacle, is often used in parallel with **ʼôhel**. In God's promise of restoration, He declares He will have mercy on Jacob's **tents `{{H168}}`** and his **dwellingplaces `{{H4908}}`** [[Jeremiah 30:18]].
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (a house): This word for a more permanent structure is sometimes contrasted with the temporary nature of a tent. The psalmist would rather be a doorkeeper in the **house `{{H1004}}`** of God than dwell in the **tents `{{H168}}`** of wickedness [[Psalms 84:10]].
* `{{H3407}}` **yᵉrîyʻâh** (a hanging; curtain): This refers to a component of a larger tent or tabernacle structure. In a poetic lament, Jeremiah cries that his **tents `{{H168}}`** are spoiled and his **curtains `{{H3407}}`** are destroyed in a moment [[Jeremiah 4:20]].
* `{{H5520}}` **çôk** (a hut; pavilion): This word describes a shelter or covert. It is used alongside **ʼôhel** to convey a sense of divine protection, as the Lord hides the psalmist in his **pavilion `{{H5520}}`** and in the secret of his **tabernacle `{{H168}}`** [[Psalms 27:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H168}}` is profound, centered on the theme of God dwelling with His people.
* **Divine Presence:** The "tabernacle of the congregation" [[Exodus 27:21]] was the mobile sanctuary where God's presence was manifest. It was the specific location for approaching God with **offerings `{{H7133}}`** [[Leviticus 1:3]] and where His **cloud `{{H6051}}`** descended [[Exodus 40:34]].
* **Spiritual Refuge:** The Lord's **tabernacle `{{H168}}`** is depicted as a place of ultimate safety and security. David desires to abide in God's **tabernacle** forever and trust in the **covert `{{H5643}}`** of His wings [[Psalms 61:4]]. Similarly, security is promised where no plague will come near the righteous person's **dwelling `{{H168}}`** [[Psalms 91:10]].
* **Hope and Restoration:** Prophets use the image of the tent to speak of future hope. A throne of mercy will be established in the **tabernacle `{{H168}}`** of David [[Isaiah 16:5]], and the **LORD `{{H3068}}`** promises to restore the **tents `{{H168}}`** of Jacob and have mercy on his **dwellingplaces `{{H4908}}`** [[Jeremiah 30:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H168}}` is far more than a simple word for a temporary shelter. It functions as a symbol of home, family, and life itself. Theologically, it elevates to represent the very presence of God among His people in the Tabernacle, a place of worship, refuge, and divine communication. From a literal dwelling to a metaphor for God's protective presence, **ʼôhel** shows how a common object can carry the profound weight of the relationship between humanity and God.
TRV