Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another.
And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one tabernacle.
And thou shalt make curtains of goats’ hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.
The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.
And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.
And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.
And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.
And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.
And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers’ skins.
And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.
Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle.
And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.
And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.
And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards:
And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.
And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.
And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.
And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.
And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:
And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.
And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.
And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.
And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.
Exodus 26 offers a meticulous blueprint for the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling place among the Israelites. This chapter isn't just about architectural details; it's a profound revelation of God's character, His desire for intimate relationship with His people, and a foreshadowing of the ultimate access to God made possible through Jesus Christ. Let's unpack the rich symbolism and practical instructions found within these verses.
The Curtains of Glory (Exodus 26:1-14)
The chapter begins with detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's curtains. Ten curtains, crafted from finely spun linen and vibrant colored yarn, formed the inner layer of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1). The intricate design, featuring cherubim, was no accident. Like the cherubim adorning the Ark of the Covenant, these visual representations of angelic beings were included to infuse the Tabernacle with an atmosphere of heavenly glory, a tangible reminder of God's holy presence.
God's meticulous instructions regarding the material, dimensions, loops, and clasps (Exodus 26:2-13) underscore the importance of precision and obedience in approaching the divine. It wasn't enough to simply build something; it had to be built according to God's exact specifications. This highlights the sacredness of worship and the need to approach God on His terms, not our own.
Above these inner curtains, a layered covering provided further protection and insulation (Exodus 26:14). This layered approach speaks to the multi-faceted nature of God's protection and provision for His people.
Framing the Sacred Space (Exodus 26:15-30)
These verses detail the construction of the Tabernacle's framework. The instructions emphasize that the Tabernacle was to be built according to the plan God revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 26:30). This is a crucial point. The Tabernacle wasn't the product of human ingenuity or artistic license; it was divinely inspired.
This highlights a key principle: our worship and service to God should be rooted in His revelation, not our own preferences or imaginations. We must seek to understand God's will and follow His instructions meticulously, trusting that His way is always best. God’s instructions were precise and purposeful.
The Veil: Separating and Revealing (Exodus 26:31-37)
A significant element of the Tabernacle was the veil, a curtain separating the Holy Place (containing the table of showbread and the lampstand) from the Most Holy Place, which housed the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat (Exodus 26:31-35). This veil symbolized the separation between humanity and God due to sin. Only the High Priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, and that only once a year on the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 16:1-34; Hebrews 9:7).
However, the story doesn't end there. Matthew 27:51 recounts the miraculous tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death on the cross. This dramatic event signified that Jesus, through His sacrifice, had removed the barrier of sin and opened the way for full and eternal access to God's holy presence. No longer would a select few have limited access; through Christ, all believers can now approach God with confidence and boldness.
This chapter, therefore, points us beyond the physical structure of the Tabernacle to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan in Jesus Christ. Exodus 26 is not just about a building; it's about access to God, a theme that resonates throughout the entire Bible and finds its ultimate expression in the person and work of Jesus. As you read this chapter, consider the incredible privilege we have to draw near to God through Christ, and let it inspire you to live a life of worship, obedience, and gratitude.
Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.
Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another.
And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one tabernacle.
And thou shalt make curtains of goats’ hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.
The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.
And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.
And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.
And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.
And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.
And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers’ skins.
And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.
Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle.
And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.
And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.
And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards:
And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.
And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.
And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.
And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.
And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:
And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.
And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.
And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.
And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.
And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.
Exodus 26 offers a meticulous blueprint for the Tabernacle, God’s dwelling place among the Israelites. This chapter isn't just about architectural details; it's a profound revelation of God's character, His desire for intimate relationship with His people, and a foreshadowing of the ultimate access to God made possible through Jesus Christ. Let's unpack the rich symbolism and practical instructions found within these verses.
The Curtains of Glory (Exodus 26:1-14)
The chapter begins with detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's curtains. Ten curtains, crafted from finely spun linen and vibrant colored yarn, formed the inner layer of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1). The intricate design, featuring cherubim, was no accident. Like the cherubim adorning the Ark of the Covenant, these visual representations of angelic beings were included to infuse the Tabernacle with an atmosphere of heavenly glory, a tangible reminder of God's holy presence.
God's meticulous instructions regarding the material, dimensions, loops, and clasps (Exodus 26:2-13) underscore the importance of precision and obedience in approaching the divine. It wasn't enough to simply build something; it had to be built according to God's exact specifications. This highlights the sacredness of worship and the need to approach God on His terms, not our own.
Above these inner curtains, a layered covering provided further protection and insulation (Exodus 26:14). This layered approach speaks to the multi-faceted nature of God's protection and provision for His people.
Framing the Sacred Space (Exodus 26:15-30)
These verses detail the construction of the Tabernacle's framework. The instructions emphasize that the Tabernacle was to be built according to the plan God revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 26:30). This is a crucial point. The Tabernacle wasn't the product of human ingenuity or artistic license; it was divinely inspired.
This highlights a key principle: our worship and service to God should be rooted in His revelation, not our own preferences or imaginations. We must seek to understand God's will and follow His instructions meticulously, trusting that His way is always best. God’s instructions were precise and purposeful.
The Veil: Separating and Revealing (Exodus 26:31-37)
A significant element of the Tabernacle was the veil, a curtain separating the Holy Place (containing the table of showbread and the lampstand) from the Most Holy Place, which housed the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat (Exodus 26:31-35). This veil symbolized the separation between humanity and God due to sin. Only the High Priest was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place, and that only once a year on the Day of Atonement (see Leviticus 16:1-34; Hebrews 9:7).
However, the story doesn't end there. Matthew 27:51 recounts the miraculous tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death on the cross. This dramatic event signified that Jesus, through His sacrifice, had removed the barrier of sin and opened the way for full and eternal access to God's holy presence. No longer would a select few have limited access; through Christ, all believers can now approach God with confidence and boldness.
This chapter, therefore, points us beyond the physical structure of the Tabernacle to the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan in Jesus Christ. Exodus 26 is not just about a building; it's about access to God, a theme that resonates throughout the entire Bible and finds its ultimate expression in the person and work of Jesus. As you read this chapter, consider the incredible privilege we have to draw near to God through Christ, and let it inspire you to live a life of worship, obedience, and gratitude.