Exodus 26:13

And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.

And a cubit {H520} on the one side {H2088}, and a cubit {H520} on the other side of that which remaineth {H5736} in the length {H753} of the curtains {H3407} of the tent {H168}, it shall hang {H5628} over the sides {H6654} of the tabernacle {H4908} on this side and on that side, to cover {H3680} it.

and the eighteen inches on the one side and the eighteen inches on the other side of that remaining in the length of the sheets forming the tent is to hang over the tabernacle to cover it on each side.

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.

And the cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side, of that which remaineth 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.

Commentary

Context of Exodus 26:13

The book of Exodus details the Israelites' liberation from Egypt and their journey toward the Promised Land. A significant portion of this book, from chapter 25 onward, is dedicated to God's precise instructions for building the Tabernacle. This portable sanctuary was to be the dwelling place of God among His people during their wilderness wanderings. Exodus 26 focuses specifically on the intricate design of the Tabernacle's coverings and framework.

Verse 13 describes a specific detail regarding the outermost layer of curtains, likely the goat hair curtains mentioned in Exodus 26:7. It specifies that these curtains were designed to be longer than the inner structure, allowing for an extra cubit (approximately 18-21 inches) to hang over on each side. This ensured complete and protective coverage for the sacred tent.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Completeness: This verse highlights God's meticulous attention to detail in the construction of His dwelling place. Every measurement, every overlap, was divinely ordained to ensure the Tabernacle was perfectly covered and protected. This underscores God's desire for order and thoroughness in all things pertaining to His presence.
  • Symbolism of Coverage and Protection: The extra length of the curtains signifies the comprehensive protection God provides for His holy dwelling. This physical covering illustrates a spiritual truth: God fully covers and protects that which is consecrated to Him.
  • God's Immanence and Accessibility: While the Tabernacle was a place of divine holiness, its detailed construction also made it accessible to the Israelites, allowing God to literally "dwell among them." The covering ensured the sanctity and integrity of this unique space.

Linguistic Insights

The term "cubit" (Hebrew: ΧΧžΦΌΧ” - `ammah`) was a standard ancient unit of measurement, typically the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. The specification of "a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side" emphasizes exactness in the divine blueprint for the Tabernacle's covering. This precision was crucial for the overall structural integrity and symbolic perfection of the sanctuary.

Practical Application

Exodus 26:13, though detailing ancient architectural instructions, offers timeless insights:

  • God's Care in Details: This verse reminds us that God is concerned with the smallest details, not just the grand picture. If He meticulously planned the covering of a tent, He certainly cares about the specifics of our lives and spiritual walk.
  • The Importance of Spiritual Covering: Just as the Tabernacle needed a complete physical covering, believers today are called to seek spiritual covering and protection. This often involves putting on the full armor of God to stand against spiritual challenges.
  • Obedience to Divine Instructions: The Israelites' exact adherence to God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction teaches us the importance of obedience to God's Word, even in seemingly minor aspects. God's commands are always for our good and His glory.

Ultimately, the Tabernacle, with its precise design, foreshadowed Christ Himself, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14). And in the new heaven and new earth, we are promised a perfect dwelling where God will forever reside with His people (Revelation 21:3).

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

Cross-References

  • Exodus 26:8

    The length of one curtain [shall be] thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains [shall be all] of one measure.

  • Exodus 26:2

    The length of one curtain [shall be] eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.
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