With the tabernacle at its heart, the layout of the Israelite camp resembled those of ancient Near Eastern kings when they embarked on military campaigns.16 The divine king’s tent was located in the centre with his army spread around him.17 Given its location and lavish furnishings the Israelites would undoubtedly have perceived the tabernacle as a royal tent, its occupant being the king. In line with this, the gold-plated ark of the covenant adorned with cherubim was viewed as the footstool of his throne.18
