TENT

(1.) Heb. 'ohel (Gen. 9:21, Gen. 9: 27). This word is used also of a dwelling or habitation (1-Kings 8:66; Isa. 16:5; Jer. 4:20), and of the temple (Ezek. 41:1). When used of the tabernacle, as in 1-Kings 1:39, 1-Kings 1: it denotes the covering of goat's hair which was placed over the mishcan.

(2.) Heb. mishcan (1:8), used also of a dwelling (Job 18:21; Psa 87:2), the grave (Isa. 22:16; 14:18), the temple (Psa 46:4;84:2;132:5), and of the tabernacle (Exo 25:9;26:1;40:9; Num. 1:50, Num. 1: 53;10:11). When distinguished from 'ohel, it denotes the twelve interior curtains which lay upon the framework of the tabernacle (q.v.).

(3.) Heb. kubbah (Num. 25:8), a dome-like tent devoted to the impure worship of Baal-peor.

(4.) Heb. succah (2-Sam 11:11), a tent or booth made of green boughs or branches (see Gen. 33:17; Lev. 23:34, Lev. 23: 42; Psa 18:11; Jonah 4:5; Isa. 4:6; Neh. 8:15, Neh. 8: where the word is variously rendered).

Jubal was "the father of such as dwell in tents" (Gen. 4:20). The patriarchs were "dwellers in tents" (Gen. 9:21, Gen. 9: 27;12:8;13:12;26:17); and during their wilderness wanderings all Israel dwelt in tents (Exo 16:16; Deut. 33:18; Josh. 7:24). Tents have always occupied a prominent place in Eastern life (1-Sam 17:54; 2-Kings 7:7; Psa 120:5; 1:5). Paul the apostle's occupation was that of a tent-maker (Acts 18:3); i.e., perhaps a maker of tent cloth.