(The Lord speaking is red text)
The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and [other] five curtains [shall be] coupled one to another.
Five sheets are to be joined one to another, and the other five sheets are to be joined one to another.
Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well.
Five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
The five{H2568} curtains{H3407} shall be coupled together{H2266} one{H802} to another{H269}; and other five{H2568} curtains{H3407} shall be coupled{H2266} one{H802} to another{H269}.
1. **Themes:**
- **Unity and Community:** The instruction for the curtains to be coupled together symbolizes the importance of unity among the Israelites as they journey through the wilderness.
- **Divine Instruction:** The detailed specifications for the tabernacle, including the curtains, emphasize the theme of obedience to God's commands.
- **Holiness and Separation:** The creation of a sacred space dedicated to God's presence, with the curtains as part of the structure, underscores the theme of holiness and the separation of the sacred from the profane.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Exodus Era:** This verse is set during the time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after their Exodus from Egypt.
- **Construction of the Tabernacle:** God commands Moses to build a tabernacle, a portable sanctuary, where God's presence would dwell among the people. Exodus 26 provides specific instructions for constructing the tabernacle, including the use of curtains made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarns.
- **Cultic Practice:** The tabernacle was central to the religious life of the Israelites, serving as the place for sacrifices and other forms of worship. The detailed construction was to ensure that the tabernacle was made according to the divine pattern revealed to Moses.
- **Symbolism of Materials:** The materials used for the curtains, including the precious metals and dyed yarns, were likely indicative of royalty and divinity, reflecting the glory of God's dwelling place.
In summary, Exodus 26:3 reflects the themes of unity, obedience to divine command, and the creation of a sacred space. It is set within the historical context of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, with the tabernacle as the focal point of their worship and religious life.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)