Tents are one of the earliest forms of family shelter the Bible mentions. First found in Genesis 4:20, Jabel is described as ‘the father of such that dwell in tents.’ Following the flood, Japeth was said to have lived in the tents of Shem (Genesis 9:27).
The patriarchs lived most of their lives in tents in and around Canaan. The children of Israel also lived in a similar fashion during their time in the wilderness and for many years after entering the Promised Land. In 2 Samuel 11:11, during the time of King David, the Ark, Israel and Judah were also said to live in tents.
