Easton's Bible Dictionary: M. G. Easton, M.A., D.D.
- Heb.'ohel (Gen. 9:21, 27). This word is used also of a dwelling or habitation (1 Ki. 8:66; Isa. 16:5; Jer. 4:20), and of the temple (Ezek. 41:1). When used of the tabernacle, as in 1 Ki. 1:39, it denotes the covering of goat's hair which was placed over the mishcan.
- Heb.mishcan (Song 1:8), used also of a dwelling (Job 18:21; Ps. 87:2), the grave (Isa. 22:16; comp. 14:18), the temple (Ps. 46:4, 84:2, 132:5), and of the tabernacle (Ex. 25:9, 26:1, 40:9; Num. 1:50, 53, 10:11). When distinguished from 'ohel, it denotes the twelve interior curtains which lay upon the framework of the tabernacle (q.v.).
- Heb.kubbah (Num. 25:8), a dome-like tent devoted to the impure worship of Baal-peor.
- Heb.succah (2 Sam. 11:11), a tent or booth made of green boughs or branches (see Gen. 33:17; Lev. 23:34, 42; Ps. 18:11; Jonah 4:5; Isa. 4:6; Neh. 8:15-17, 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, 27, 12:8, 13:12, 26:17); and during their wilderness wanderings all Israel dwelt in tents (Ex. 16:16; Dt. 33:18; Josh. 7:24). Tents have always occupied a prominent place in Eastern life (1 Sam. 17:54; 2 Ki. 7:7; Ps. 120:5; Song 1:5). Paul the apostle's occupation was that of a tent-maker (Acts 18:3); i.e., perhaps a maker of tent cloth.