Exodus 26:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} fifty {H2572} loops {H3924} on the edge {H8193} of the one {H259} curtain {H3407} that is outmost {H7020} in the coupling {H2279}, and fifty {H2572} loops {H3924} in the edge {H8193} of the curtain {H3407} which coupleth {H2279} the second {H8145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make fifty loops on the edge of the outermost sheet in the first set and fifty loops on the edge of the outermost sheet in the second set.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops upon the edge of the curtain which is outmost in the second coupling.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:10 provides highly specific divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, detailing the precise number and placement of loops on the edges of two sets of curtains. These loops were essential components designed to facilitate the joining of the curtains, forming a unified and contiguous covering for the sacred dwelling. This meticulous command underscores God's demand for order, precision, and unity in the sanctuary built for His presence among the Israelites, reflecting His character and the sacredness of His dwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 26:10 is embedded within a larger section of Exodus (chapters 25-31) that meticulously outlines God's blueprint for the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Specifically, this verse follows the detailed instructions for the making of the Tabernacle's primary linen curtains in [Exodus 26:1-6](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1-6 - Instructions for the Tabernacle Curtains"). These earlier verses describe the dimensions, materials, and artistic craftsmanship of the ten curtains, which were to be divided into two sets of five. Verse 10 then specifies the mechanism—the loops—by which these two large sets of curtains would be joined together, a process completed by the golden clasps mentioned in the subsequent verse, [Exodus 26:11](/exodus/26-11 "Exodus 26:11 - The Clasps for the Curtains"). The entire chapter emphasizes the divine origin of the design, ensuring that every detail, from the grand structure to the smallest loop, contributed to the Tabernacle's function as a holy dwelling place for God among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's wilderness journey, a period of profound formation for the nascent nation. Having been delivered from Egyptian bondage, they were now being shaped into a people set apart for God, bound by covenant. The Tabernacle served as the central locus of their worship and a tangible sign of God's presence in their midst, fulfilling His command in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary") to "make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples and sanctuaries were often seen as dwelling places for deities, but the Israelite Tabernacle was unique in its portability and its emphasis on God's active, covenantal presence with a nomadic people. The precise and intricate details, including the loops and clasps, were not merely architectural specifications but theological statements, communicating God's holiness, His desire for order, and the sacredness of His chosen dwelling place, distinguishing Him from the chaotic and often capricious deities of surrounding nations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Loops (Hebrew, _lul'ot'_):** This term specifically refers to eyelets or rings, often made of fabric or cord, designed for fastening or connecting. In the context of the Tabernacle, these "loops" were integral to the structural integrity of the covering. Their exact number (fifty) and precise placement on the curtain edges underscore the divine demand for meticulous craftsmanship and perfect alignment, ensuring that the two large sections of the Tabernacle's covering would form a single, unified canopy.
* **Coupling (Hebrew, _chavar'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to join," "to unite," or "to bind together," this word emphasizes the intentional act of creating a strong and seamless connection. The "coupling" of the curtains was not merely a functional necessity but carried symbolic weight, representing the unity and cohesion intended for God's dwelling place and, by extension, for the community of Israel itself. It speaks to the divine desire for wholeness and integration in all that pertains to His presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain [that is] outmost in the coupling":** This clause directs Moses to create a specific number of loops (fifty) on the outermost edge of the first set of five curtains. The phrase "outmost in the coupling" clarifies that these loops are positioned at the very edge where the two large sections of the Tabernacle's covering are designed to meet and be joined together. This detail highlights the precision required for the functional connection of the Tabernacle's components, ensuring a secure and stable structure.
* **"and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second":** This parallel instruction specifies that an identical number of loops (fifty) must be made on the corresponding edge of the second set of five curtains. The repetition of "fifty loops" and the emphasis on the "coupling" reinforces the symmetry, balance, and intentional design. This mirroring ensures that the two distinct halves of the Tabernacle's covering can be perfectly aligned and joined, forming a single, continuous roof and wall structure, symbolizing unity and completeness in God's dwelling.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated mention of "fifty loops," which serves to emphasize the exactness and symmetry required in the Tabernacle's construction. This reiteration underscores the divine demand for precision and order. **Detailing** is paramount, as the verse provides minute specifications for the loops' number and placement, reflecting the meticulous nature of God's instructions and the sacredness with which every aspect of His dwelling was to be treated. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** at play. The act of "coupling" two distinct sets of curtains into one seamless covering serves as a powerful symbol of unity and cohesion. This not only speaks to the physical integrity of the sanctuary but also foreshadows the theological concept of God bringing together disparate parts (His people, or even humanity and divinity) into a unified whole.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 26:10, though seemingly a technical instruction, profoundly reflects God's character and His relationship with His people. The meticulous detail and precision demanded in the Tabernacle's construction underscore God's perfect order, holiness, and His expectation of excellence in worship and service. The "coupling" of the curtains into a single, unified covering symbolizes the unity God desires for His dwelling and, by extension, for His people. It speaks to the idea that disparate parts, when brought together according to divine design, form a cohesive whole where God's presence can reside. This theme of unity and God's dwelling is echoed throughout Scripture.

* [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity")
* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3-6 - Unity in the Spirit")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-20 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, with its emphasis on exactness and intentional joining, offers profound lessons for our lives of faith. God's meticulous attention to every "loop" and "coupling" reminds us that no detail is too small in His kingdom. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of diligence, excellence, and faithfulness in all our endeavors, particularly in our service to Him and in our relationships within the community of faith. Just as the Tabernacle's parts were perfectly joined to create a unified sanctuary, we are called to strive for unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that each believer, though distinct, is essential to the whole. Our individual contributions, when seamlessly integrated through love and mutual submission, enable God's presence to be more fully manifest in the world. This pursuit of unity and excellence is not for our own glory, but for the glory of God, who desires to dwell among His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I need to cultivate greater precision and attention to detail, recognizing that God values excellence?**
* **How does the "coupling" of the Tabernacle curtains speak to the importance of unity within my local church or Christian community? Am I actively contributing to that unity?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to strengthen the "connections" and foster greater cohesion in my relationships, both within and outside the church?**

### FAQ
**Why were there exactly fifty loops on each curtain, and what is the significance of the number fifty?**

Answer: The specific number of fifty loops on each of the two joining curtains (totaling 100 loops) was primarily for functional precision. These loops were designed to perfectly align with fifty golden clasps (mentioned in [Exodus 26:11](/exodus/26-11 "Exodus 26:11 - The Golden Clasps")), ensuring a secure and seamless connection between the two large sections of the Tabernacle's covering. While the number "fifty" itself doesn't carry explicit symbolic meaning in this immediate context, the *exactness* of the number emphasizes God's demand for perfect order and meticulous adherence to His divine blueprint. In other biblical contexts, fifty can be significant (e.g., the Year of Jubilee in [Leviticus 25:10](/leviticus/25-10 "Leviticus 25:10 - The Year of Jubilee") or Pentecost, which occurs fifty days after Passover), but here, its primary role is to denote precision and completeness in the physical construction. It underscores that God's design was not arbitrary but divinely engineered for both practical stability and symbolic integrity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, including the loops for "coupling" the curtains, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself was a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, a physical manifestation of His desire for fellowship, and a shadow of greater realities to come. In Christ, God's desire to dwell with humanity is perfectly realized, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." Jesus is the true and ultimate Tabernacle, the very presence of God in human form, embodying the unity and holiness that the physical structure foreshadowed. Furthermore, the "coupling" of the curtains into one unified covering prefigures the profound unity established through Christ's work on the cross. He breaks down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), joining Jew and Gentile into one new humanity, one body ([Ephesians 2:15-16](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15-16 - One New Humanity in Christ")). This spiritual "coupling" creates the Church, which is now the dwelling place of God's Spirit ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling")), a living sanctuary built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Thus, the loops and couplings of Exodus 26:10, though small details, point to the grand work of Christ in bringing God and humanity, and humanity with itself, into perfect, unified communion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.