Acts 7:44

“Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, etc.] The Ethiopic version adds, “of Sinai”; there it was that the tabernacle was first ordered to be built, and there it was built, and set up; which was a sort of a portable temple, in which Jehovah took up his residence, and which was carried from place to place: of it, and its several parts and furniture, there is a large account in (<022501>Exodus 25:1-27:21). It is sometimes called Ohel Moed, or “the tabernacle of the congregation”, because there the people of Israel gathered together, and God met with them; and sometimes “the tabernacle of the testimony”, or “witness”, as here; (<023821>Exodus 38:21) (<040150>Numbers…”

“Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness--which aggravated the guilt of that idolatry in which they indulged, with the tokens of the divine presence constantly in the midst of them.”

“The tabernacle of witness - The “tent” or “tabernacle” which Moses was commanded to make. It was called a tabernacle of “witness,” or of “testimony,” because it was the visible witness or proof of God’s presence with them; the evidence that he to whom it was devoted was their protector and guide. The name is given either to the “tent,” to the two tables of stone, or to the ark; all of which were “witnesses,” or “evidences” of God’s relation to them as their Lawgiver and guide, Exodus 16:34; Exodus 25:16, Exodus 25:21; Exodus 27:21; Exodus 30:6, Exodus 30:36; Exodus 31:18, etc.; Numbers 1:50, Numbers 1:53. The two charges against Stephen were, that he had spoken blasphemy against Moses or his…”

“Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony - The testimony was properly the two tables of stone, on which the ten commandments were written. Hence the ark which contained them is frequently called the ark of the testimony; and the whole tabernacle in this place. The tabernacle of the testimony - according to the model which he had seen - When he was caught up in the visions of God on the mount. Acts 7:45”

“the tabernacle: Exo 38:21; Num 1:50-53, Num 9:15, Num 10:11, Num 17:7, Num 17:8, Num 18:2; Jos 18:1; Ch2 24:6 speaking: or, who spake that he: Exo 25:40, Exo 26:30; Ch1 28:11, Ch1 28:19; Heb 8:2, Heb 8:5 Acts 7:45”