Exodus 26:12

And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.

And the remnant {H5629} that remaineth {H5736} of the curtains {H3407} of the tent {H168}, the half {H2677} curtain {H3407} that remaineth {H5736}, shall hang {H5628} over the backside {H268} of the tabernacle {H4908}.

As for the overhanging part that remains of the sheets forming the tent, the half-sheet remaining is to hang over the back of the tabernacle;

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.

And the overhanging part that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 26:12 is part of a detailed blueprint for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Chapters 25-27 of Exodus provide meticulous instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, outlining every dimension, material, and arrangement for this sacred structure.

Specifically, this verse addresses the arrangement of the outermost layer of curtains, which were made of goat hair. These "curtains of the tent" (distinct from the inner linen curtains of the dwelling) were designed to be longer than the inner structure. Exodus 26:12 explains how the excess length—a "remnant" of a half-curtain—was to be draped over the western, or "backside," end of the Tabernacle, ensuring complete coverage and protection for the holy space.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, down to the exact placement of an excess curtain, highlight God's demand for order and perfection in worship and in all things related to His presence. Nothing was left to human discretion in this sacred construction.
  • Completeness and Coverage: The way the curtains were designed to fully enclose the Tabernacle, even accounting for the overhang at the back, symbolizes God's desire for a complete and secure dwelling place, providing full covering and protection for what is holy.
  • God's Immanence: The entire Tabernacle project underscores God's desire to dwell among His people, a theme that culminates in the New Testament with Christ's incarnation (John 1:14) and the ultimate promise of God dwelling with humanity in the new creation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "remnant" here is yeter (יֶתֶר), which means "remainder" or "excess." It emphasizes that this was not a mistake or an unused portion, but a calculated surplus designed specifically for this purpose. The "curtains of the tent" (יְרִיעֹת הָאֹהֶל - y'ri'ot ha'ohel) specifically refers to the goat hair covering, which served as the outer protective layer over the inner "dwelling" (מִשְׁכָּן - mishkan) of fine linen. The "backside" (אֲחֹרֵי - achorei) refers to the western end of the Tabernacle, opposite the entrance.

Practical Application

This seemingly minor detail in the Tabernacle's construction offers significant insights for believers today:

  1. Attention to Detail: God cares about every detail. This reminds us that our obedience and service to Him should be thorough and meticulous, even in seemingly small matters.
  2. God's Provision: The "remnant" was not wasted but strategically used to provide full coverage. This can symbolize God's perfect planning and provision, ensuring that nothing is left uncovered or unprotected when we operate within His divine plan.
  3. Completeness in Christ: The Tabernacle, with its precise coverings, foreshadowed the complete and perfect covering provided by Jesus Christ. In Him, we find all that is needed for our spiritual protection and access to God's presence, leaving no part of our lives exposed to spiritual danger (Colossians 2:10).
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Cross-References

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