Exodus 26:1

¶ 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.

Moreover thou shalt make {H6213} the tabernacle {H4908} with ten {H6235} curtains {H3407} of fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}, and blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8144}{H8438}: with cherubims {H3742} of cunning {H2803} work {H4639} shalt thou make {H6213} them.

"You are to make the tabernacle with ten sheets of finely woven linen and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn. You are to make them with k'ruvim worked in, that have been crafted by a skilled artisan.

“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.

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim the work of the skilful workman shalt thou make them.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 26:1 is part of a detailed section (chapters 25-31) where God provides Moses with precise instructions for building the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Following the giving of the Ten Commandments, these chapters outline the divine blueprint for a dwelling place where God's presence would reside among His people. This verse specifically introduces the intricate design of the Tabernacle's inner curtains, which formed the very enclosure of the holy structure, setting a tone of divine artistry and sacred purpose.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Design and Holiness: The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle underscore God's absolute holiness and the necessity of approaching Him on His terms. Every detail, from the materials to the craftsmanship, was divinely ordained, emphasizing that this was a sanctuary for God's sacred presence.
  • Beauty and Purity: The use of "fine twined linen" suggests purity and righteousness, while the vibrant colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—add layers of symbolism and beauty appropriate for the dwelling of a majestic God. This combination speaks to the aesthetic excellence expected in worship.
  • Symbolism of Colors:
    • Blue: Often associated with heaven, the divine, and God's commandments.
    • Purple: Signifies royalty, kingship, and majesty, appropriate for the King of Kings.
    • Scarlet: Represents life, blood, and sacrifice, foreshadowing the atonement necessary for fellowship with God.
  • Presence of Cherubim: The woven cherubim, celestial beings often associated with God's throne and presence, served as guardians of God's holiness. Their inclusion on the curtains reinforced the sanctity of the Tabernacle and reminded the people of the divine protection and awe surrounding God's dwelling, much like the cherubim guarding the Garden of Eden.

Linguistic and Symbolic Insights

The phrase "fine twined linen" (Hebrew: shesh mashzar) denotes a fabric of superior quality and purity, often used for priestly garments and sacred coverings, highlighting the Tabernacle's sacred function. The "cunning work" (Hebrew: ma'aseh choshev) refers to the highly skilled, artistic weaving and embroidery required to create the cherubim, indicating that the finest human craftsmanship was to be dedicated to God's house. This wasn't merely functional construction but an act of worshipful artistry.

Related Scriptures

The Tabernacle, with its intricate design and symbolic elements, served as a powerful visual aid for understanding God's nature and His plan of redemption. It foreshadowed the ultimate dwelling of God among men, Jesus Christ Himself, who 'tabernacled' among us. The cherubim later appear in visions of God's throne in books like Ezekiel 10:1 and Revelation 4:6, maintaining their role as guardians of divine holiness.

Practical Application

Exodus 26:1 teaches us several valuable lessons. First, God values beauty, excellence, and meticulous attention to detail in our service and worship. We are called to offer Him our best, not just our leftovers. Second, the Tabernacle's design emphasizes the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him. While we no longer build physical tabernacles, believers are now called to be the "temple of the Holy Ghost" (1 Corinthians 6:19), reminding us of the sanctity required in our lives. Finally, the symbolism within the Tabernacle points us to Christ, who fulfilled all its types and shadows, providing the ultimate access to God's presence through His sacrifice.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 36:8

    ¶ And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work made he them.

  • Exodus 36:19

    And he made a covering for the tent [of] rams' skins dyed red, and a covering [of] badgers' skins above [that].

  • Exodus 26:36

    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.

  • Exodus 26:31

    ¶ 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:

  • Exodus 25:18

    And thou shalt make two cherubims [of] gold, [of] beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.

  • Exodus 36:35

    ¶ And he made a vail [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: [with] cherubims made he it of cunning work.

  • John 1:14

    And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
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