How did the ancient Hebrews maintain their religion as they traveled from place to place?
If you read Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus, and Numbers carefully, you'll find that they had a very hard time, as a whole people, doing this.
The ark was to be central in their worship, but since they were 12 tribes and about 5 or 6 million people ((Broken Link Removed) plus all their flocks and herds, it was very difficult for them to "maintain their religion" except for the times right after a miracle (such as the parting of the sea and the drowning of all the Egyptian army, and others).
If you read those books of the Old Testament carefully, you'll learn that they maintained their religion with great difficulty -- and often did not succeed.
The ancient Hebrews faced challenges in maintaining their religion as they traveled from place to place. However, they developed various practices and structures that helped them preserve their religious identity. Here's how they managed to maintain their religion:
1. The Tabernacle: During their wanderings, the ancient Hebrews constructed a portable sanctuary called the Tabernacle. It housed the Ark of the Covenant, containing the stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. The Tabernacle served as a central place for worship and maintained a sense of continuity with their religious practices.
2. Rituals and Sacrifices: The Hebrews performed various religious rituals and sacrifices as prescribed in the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). These practices helped sustain their connection with God and reinforce their religious beliefs, regardless of their location.
3. The Priesthood: The Hebrews established a hereditary priesthood from the tribe of Levi to oversee religious affairs. This institution was responsible for conducting religious ceremonies, offering sacrifices, and maintaining religious teachings. The priesthood ensured continuity in religious practices and acted as a guiding force for the traveling community.
4. Oral Tradition: In the absence of written scriptures, the ancient Hebrews relied on oral tradition to transmit religious teachings, stories, and laws from one generation to another. Elders and religious leaders played a crucial role in preserving and passing down the knowledge, rituals, and beliefs to maintain the religious fabric of the community.
5. Strict Observance of Religious Laws: The Hebrews adhered strictly to their religious laws and commandments, as outlined in the Torah. These laws governed various aspects of their lives, including dietary restrictions, ethical principles, and interpersonal relationships. Observing these religious laws and maintaining a distinct identity ensured the continuity of their faith.
It is worth noting that these practices and structures evolved over time, and with the establishment of the Temple in Jerusalem, the religious practices of the Hebrews became more centralized. However, during their travels and early years in the wilderness, the Hebrews relied on the Tabernacle, rituals, sacrifices, the priesthood, oral tradition, and strict adherence to religious laws to maintain their religion.