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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 26:7–14.
Moses is here ordered to make a double covering for the tabernacle, that it might not rain in, and that the beauty of those fine curtains might not be damaged. 1. There was to be a covering of hair camlet curtains, which were somewhat larger every way than the inner curtains, because they were to enclose them, and probably were stretched out at some little distance from them, Exo 26:7, etc. These were coupled together with brass clasps. The stuff being less valuable, the tacks were so; but the brass tacks would answer the intention as effectually as the golden ones. The bonds of unity may be as strong between curtains of goats' hair as between those of purple and scarlet. 2. Over this there was to be another covering, and that a double one (Exo 26:14), one of rams' skins dyed red, probably dressed with the wool on; another of badgers' skins, so we translate it, but it should rather seem to have been some strong sort of leather (but very fine), for we read of the best sort of shoes being made of it, Eze 16:10. Now observe here, (1.) That the outside of the tabernacle was coarse and rough, the beauty of it was in the inner curtains. Those in whom God dwells must labour to be better than they seem to be. Hypocrites put the best side outwards, like whited sepulchres; but the king's daughter is all glorious within (Psa 45:13); in the eye of the world black as the tents of Kedar, but, in the eye of God, comely as the curtains of Solomon, Sol 1:5. Let our adorning be that of the hidden man of the heart, which God values, Pe1 3:4. (2.) That where God places his glory he will create a defence upon it; even upon the habitations of the righteous there shall be a covert, Isa 6:5, Isa 6:6. The protection of Providence shall always be upon the beauty of holiness. God's tent will be a pavilion, Psa 27:5.
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Summary
Exodus 26:13 meticulously outlines a crucial architectural detail for the Tabernacle's outermost covering, stipulating that the goat hair curtains must extend a cubit longer on each side than the inner structure, thereby ensuring a complete and protective overlap. This seemingly minor instruction profoundly underscores God's meticulous attention to detail in the design of His sacred dwelling, emphasizing His divine desire for perfect order, comprehensive coverage, and the inviolable sanctity of the space where He chose to meet with His people.
Context
Literary Context
The book of Exodus transitions from the narrative of Israel's liberation and journey from Egypt to a detailed exposition of divine law and the construction of the Tabernacle. Beginning in Exodus 25, God provides Moses with elaborate blueprints for a portable sanctuary, emphasizing that it is to be a place where He will "dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). Exodus 26 specifically focuses on the intricate design of the Tabernacle's framework, curtains, and coverings. Verse 13, therefore, is a highly specific instruction concerning the outermost layer of the Tabernacle's roof, the goat hair curtains mentioned earlier in Exodus 26:7. It details how these curtains were to extend beyond the inner linen curtains and the wooden framework, providing a vital layer of protection and complete enclosure.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites, recently freed from slavery in Egypt, were a nomadic people journeying through the wilderness. A portable sanctuary like the Tabernacle was essential for their transient existence, allowing God's presence to accompany them. The concept of a deity dwelling among their people was not unique to Israel, but the precise, divinely revealed nature of the Tabernacle's design set it apart from pagan temples. The "cubit" was a standard unit of measurement in the ancient Near East, typically representing the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm). The meticulous detail of the extra cubit on each side highlights the divine insistence on exactness, not merely for structural integrity but for symbolic perfection and the maintenance of holiness in a desert environment where protection from elements like sun, wind, and sand was crucial. This precision reflected God's character and His expectation of obedience from His people in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence.
Key Themes
The instruction in Exodus 26:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Holiness and Separation, emphasizing that God's dwelling place must be set apart and protected from the common. The complete covering ensures the sanctity and inviolability of the sacred space. Secondly, it highlights God's Meticulousness and Order, revealing a divine architect who leaves no detail to chance, demanding precise adherence to His blueprints for worship. This meticulousness reflects His perfect character and His expectation of human obedience. Finally, the comprehensive covering speaks to the theme of Divine Provision and Protection, illustrating God's desire to fully shield and secure His presence among His people, a theme echoed in His protective care for Israel throughout their wilderness journey and foreshadowing the ultimate covering provided in Christ.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H520) refers to a standard ancient unit of linear measurement. Its repeated mention ("a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side") underscores the precise, symmetrical, and intentional nature of God's architectural instructions. It signifies that no detail was arbitrary; every measurement served a divine purpose, ensuring the Tabernacle's structural integrity and symbolic perfection.
This term (H5736) signifies a "redundancy," "overplus," or "that which is left over beyond what is needed." In the context of the Tabernacle's design, this "remaining" portion is not an accidental excess but a divinely commanded, intentional overhang. It highlights God's thoroughness and His desire for comprehensive protection and containment for His holy dwelling, ensuring no part of the sacred space is exposed.
The verb "to cover" (H3680) is central to the verse's purpose. It means to conceal, to protect, or to clothe. In the context of the Tabernacle, this covering was both practical (protecting from the elements) and profoundly symbolic (enveloping the sacred space, signifying God's protective presence, and foreshadowing the concept of atonement, where sin is "covered"). The complete coverage ensured the sanctity and inviolability of the divine dwelling.
Verse Breakdown
"And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side"
This phrase immediately establishes the precise dimensions of the overhang. The repetition of "on the one side" and "on the other side" emphasizes the symmetrical and deliberate nature of this architectural detail, ensuring balanced and complete coverage from both lateral directions.
"of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent"
This clarifies that the specified cubit measurement refers to an intentional excess in the length of the outermost curtains, specifically the goat hair covering, which was designed to be longer than the inner linen curtains and the Tabernacle's frame. This "remaining" length was not waste but a crucial component of the divine blueprint.
"it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side"
This describes the physical action and effect of the extended curtains. They were designed to drape down the sides of the Tabernacle, providing a protective overhang. The reiteration of "this side and on that side" reinforces the comprehensive, all-encompassing nature of this coverage.
"to cover it"
This final phrase states the explicit purpose of the entire instruction. The extra length was solely "to cover it"—to fully enclose, protect, and conceal the sacred structure. This covering was essential for maintaining the Tabernacle's sanctity, shielding it from the elements, and visually separating the holy space from the common wilderness environment.
Literary Devices
Exodus 26:13, though an architectural instruction, employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological implications. Precision is evident in the exact measurements ("a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side"), highlighting God's meticulousness and His demand for exact obedience in matters of worship. This numerical exactitude imbues the text with a sense of divine authority and order. Repetition of phrases like "on the one side... on the other side" and "this side and on that side" serves to emphasize the thoroughness and completeness of the covering, ensuring no part of the Tabernacle was left exposed. This repetition reinforces the idea of comprehensive divine provision and protection. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of Symbolism, where the physical act of covering the Tabernacle represents the spiritual concepts of divine protection, holiness, and the necessity of complete enclosure for God's sacred presence. The material covering foreshadows the spiritual covering and atonement that God provides for His people.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 26:13, with its precise instruction for the Tabernacle's covering, powerfully illustrates God's character as a God of order, holiness, and comprehensive provision. The meticulous attention to detail, even down to an extra cubit of fabric, underscores that every aspect of His dwelling place was divinely ordained to ensure its sanctity and protection. This speaks to God's desire for His presence to be honored and safeguarded, reflecting a profound commitment to the integrity of His covenant relationship with Israel. The complete covering symbolizes God's all-encompassing care and the security found in His presence, ensuring that His holy dwelling was fully shielded from the outside world, just as He fully shields and protects those consecrated to Him. This divine precision in the Tabernacle's construction establishes a pattern for worship and obedience, emphasizing that God cares about the "small" details as much as the grand design.
Reflection and Application
The seemingly technical detail of an extra cubit of fabric in Exodus 26:13 holds profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of infinite detail, whose meticulous care extends to every aspect of His creation and His relationship with humanity. If He so precisely designed the physical covering for a temporary dwelling, how much more does He concern Himself with the intricate details of our lives, our spiritual growth, and our protection? This verse calls us to trust in God's thorough providence, knowing that His plans for us are complete and comprehensive, leaving nothing exposed or vulnerable that He does not intend to cover. It also challenges us to reflect on our own obedience: are we as meticulous in following God's commands as the Israelites were expected to be in constructing His dwelling? Just as the Tabernacle needed a complete physical covering to maintain its sanctity, we are called to seek spiritual covering and protection through Christ, allowing His righteousness to fully envelop us, and to live lives that are wholly consecrated and "covered" by His grace and truth.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was this specific detail of the extra cubit so important for the Tabernacle?
The extra cubit on each side of the goat hair curtains was crucial for several reasons. Practically, it ensured a complete and protective covering for the Tabernacle, shielding the sacred space from the harsh desert elements like sun, wind, and sand. Symbolically, it underscored God's demand for thoroughness and perfection in all matters pertaining to His presence. This complete enclosure maintained the sanctity and separation of the holy dwelling, visually and functionally setting it apart. It also demonstrated God's meticulousness, indicating that no detail, however small, was overlooked in His divine blueprint.
What does "cubit" mean in this context, and why is its mention significant?
A "cubit" was a standard ancient unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, varying slightly but generally around 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). Its specific mention in Exodus 26:13 is significant because it highlights the divine precision demanded in the Tabernacle's construction. This was not an approximate measurement but an exact, divinely ordained dimension, reinforcing the idea that God's instructions are to be followed with absolute faithfulness and attention to detail.
Does this verse have any relevance for Christians today, given it describes an ancient structure?
Absolutely. While describing an ancient structure, Exodus 26:13 conveys enduring theological principles. It reveals God's character as a God of order, precision, and holiness, who cares about every detail. For believers, this encourages trust in God's comprehensive providence and reminds us of the importance of obedience to His Word, even in seemingly minor aspects. Furthermore, the Tabernacle itself, with its coverings, foreshadows Christ and His perfect work of atonement, providing complete spiritual covering and access to God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The meticulous detail of the Tabernacle's extra cubit of covering in Exodus 26:13 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people, a physical manifestation of His desire for communion. Yet, its coverings, including the goat hair curtains, served to conceal and protect, signifying the necessary separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Christ, however, is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God among us, the One in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Colossians 2:9). He is the perfect "covering" for humanity's sin, not merely concealing but completely atoning. Just as the Tabernacle's covering ensured no part was exposed, Christ's sacrifice on the cross provides a complete and perfect covering for our sins, making us fully acceptable before God (Hebrews 10:10-14). He is our great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, providing us with full access to God's presence, an access that the Tabernacle's coverings once restricted (Hebrews 4:14-16). The physical protection and sanctity provided by the Tabernacle's covering are spiritually realized in Christ, who is our refuge, our shield, and our complete spiritual security, enabling us to become the very temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).