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.

The Inner Curtains of Linen

1
“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman you shall make them. ​
2
The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.
3
Five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
4
You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling; and likewise you shall make in the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second coupling.
5
You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling. The loops shall be opposite one to another.
6
You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one to another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be a unit. ​

The Outer Covering of Goats' Hair

7
“You shall make curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle. You shall make them eleven curtains. ​
8
The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure.
9
You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent.
10
You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which is outermost in the second coupling.
11
You shall make fifty clasps of brass, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.
12
The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.
13
The cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.
14
You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above. ​

The Frame of Shittim Wood

15
“You shall make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing up. ​
16
Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and one and a half cubits the breadth of each board.
17
There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle.
18
You shall make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side southward.
19
You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons. ​
20
For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty boards,
21
and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
22
For the far part of the tabernacle westward you shall make six boards.
23
You shall make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far part.
24
They shall be double beneath, and in the same way they shall be whole to its top to one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
25
There shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
26
“You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
27
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 far part westward.
28
The middle bar in the midst of the boards shall pass through from end to end. ​
29
You shall overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and you shall overlay the bars with gold.
30
You shall set up the tabernacle according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain. ​

The Veil and Internal Arrangement

31
“You shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman shall it be made. ​
32
You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver.
33
You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil: and the veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you. ​
34
You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.
35
You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lamp stand over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and you shall put the table on the north side. ​

The Entrance Screen

36
“You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. ​
37
You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold: their hooks shall be of gold: and you shall cast five sockets of brass 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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