Exodus26

Exodus 26 details the precise divine instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, beginning with its inner and outer curtain coverings. It describes the specific materials, dimensions, and assembly of the fine linen and goats' hair curtains, along with their gold and brass fastenings. The chapter further outlines the wooden board framework, silver sockets, and gold-overlaid bars, concluding with the design of the inner vail separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, and the outer door hanging.
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The Inner Curtains of Linen

1
“You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. ​
2
Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—all curtains the same size.
3
Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well.
4
Make loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and do the same for the end curtain in the second set.
5
Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops line up opposite one another.
6
Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit. ​

The Outer Covering of Goats' Hair

7
You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. ​
8
Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.
9
Join five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another. Then fold the sixth curtain over double at the front of the tent.
10
Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set.
11
Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit.
12
As for the overlap that remains of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over shall hang down over the back of the tabernacle.
13
And the tent curtains will be a cubit longer on either side, and the excess will hang over the sides of the tabernacle to cover it.
14
Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather. ​

The Frame of Shittim Wood

15
You are to construct upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. ​
16
Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.
17
Two tenons must be connected to each other for each frame. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way.
18
Construct twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle,
19
with forty silver bases under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon. ​
20
For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, make twenty frames
21
and forty silver bases—two bases under each frame.
22
Make six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side,
23
and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle,
24
coupled together from bottom to top and fitted into a single ring. These will serve as the two corners.
25
So there are to be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame.
26
You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle,
27
five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west.
28
The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other. ​
29
Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.
30
So you are to set up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. ​

The Veil and Internal Arrangement

31
Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. ​
32
Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases.
33
And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. ​
34
Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.
35
And place the table outside the veil on the north side of the tabernacle, and put the lampstand opposite the table, on the south side. ​

The Entrance Screen

36
For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. ​
37
Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them.

Study Notes for Exodus 26

Verse 1

These luxurious materials (linen, blue, purple, scarlet) and the embroidered cherubim emphasize the sanctity and divine presence within the dwelling place of God.

Verse 6

The coupling of the two sets of curtains with gold taches signifies the unity and completeness required for God’s dwelling place, ensuring the structure functions as 'one tabernacle.'

Verse 7

This layer was made of durable goats' hair, serving as the functional outer tent (Ohel) covering the costly inner linen structure (Mishkan) for weather protection.

Verse 14

These final layers, including the rams' skins dyed red and the durable *tahash* (often translated as sea mammal or badger skins), were crucial for protecting the sacred interior from the desert elements.

Verse 15

Shittim wood (acacia) was native to the Sinai region and highly resistant to decay, symbolizing the permanence and durability of the structure despite its portability.

Verse 19

The use of heavy silver sockets provided a costly and stable foundation for the wooden uprights, contrasting with the brass used for the outer court structures.

Verse 28

The middle bar running through the center of the boards from end to end provided crucial structural integrity, binding the entire wall system together as one unit.

Verse 30

This verse emphasizes the necessity of conforming precisely to the divine blueprint given to Moses, ensuring the earthly sanctuary reflects the heavenly pattern (cf. Hebrews 8:5).

Verse 31

The Veil (*Parokhet*) was a thick, embroidered curtain that physically separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, drastically limiting access to God's immediate presence.

Verse 33

The veil established the strict boundary of access; only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement, highlighting the separation caused by sin.

Verse 35

This describes the placement of the Table of Showbread and the Lampstand (Menorah) in the Holy Place, providing light and symbolic sustenance for the priests' daily service.

Verse 36

This hanging served as the door into the Holy Place. Its colors matched the Veil, identifying it as the entrance to the sacred space, though it was not designed to be impenetrable.

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