Exodus 26:4

KJV

And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of [another] curtain, in the coupling of the second.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} loops {H3924} of blue {H8504} upon the edge {H8193} of the one {H259} curtain {H3407} from the selvedge {H7098} in the coupling {H2279}; and likewise shalt thou make {H6213} in the uttermost {H7020} edge {H8193} of another curtain {H3407}, in the coupling {H4225} of the second {H8145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make loops of blue on the edge of the outermost sheet in the first set, and do the same on the edge of the outermost sheet in the second set.

Berean Standard Bible

Make loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and do the same for the end curtain in the second set.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is outmost in the second coupling.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:4 details a specific instruction for the construction of the Tabernacle: the creation of loops of blue on the edges of the inner curtains. These meticulously designed loops were essential for joining two large sections of curtains, forming a single, unified covering for the sacred dwelling. This seemingly minor detail underscores the divine precision, order, and symbolic significance inherent in every aspect of God's blueprint for His wilderness sanctuary, emphasizing both the functional integrity and the theological meaning of the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 26 is a pivotal chapter within the larger block of instructions concerning the Tabernacle's construction, spanning from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions Begin") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Craftsmanship and Sabbath"). Following the general command to build a sanctuary in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary"), God provides highly specific blueprints for each component. Chapter 26 focuses on the structural elements, beginning with the inner curtains (verses 1-6), then the outer goat hair curtains (verses 7-14), and finally the wooden frames, bars, and sockets (verses 15-30). Verse 4, specifically, describes the mechanism by which the two sets of fine linen curtains—each consisting of five panels (as detailed in [Exodus 26:3](/exodus/26-3 "Exodus 26:3 - Joining the Curtains"))—would be connected. These loops were the precise points designed to receive the fifty golden clasps mentioned in the subsequent verse, [Exodus 26:6](/exodus/26-6 "Exodus 26:6 - Golden Clasps for the Curtains"), thereby forming a seamless, unified covering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Moses while the Israelites were encamped at Mount Sinai, shortly after their liberation from Egyptian bondage. This period marked the establishment of Israel as a covenant nation, and the Tabernacle served as the central symbol of God's presence and covenant relationship with them in the wilderness. Unlike the often crude or idolatrous temples of surrounding pagan nations, the Tabernacle was divinely designed, emphasizing God's transcendence, holiness, and meticulous order. The use of specific, costly materials like fine linen, gold, and precious dyes (including the "blue" of the loops) was not arbitrary but reflected the sanctity and divine origin of the structure. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, colors often carried symbolic meaning, and blue, derived from a rare murex snail, was frequently associated with royalty, divinity, and the heavens, signifying the sacredness of the space where God would condescend to dwell among His people. The portability of the Tabernacle also reflected the nomadic lifestyle of the Israelites, emphasizing that God's presence was not confined to a fixed location but accompanied His people on their journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Loops (Hebrew, _lula'ot'_):** This word refers to the specific, intricately formed loops designed to interlock and receive the golden clasps. The term implies a deliberate, functional design, ensuring a strong and precise connection. These were not merely decorative but served a critical structural purpose in uniting the two large sections of the Tabernacle's inner covering.
* **Blue (Hebrew, _tekelet'_):** This refers to a highly valued, deep blue-purple dye, traditionally extracted from the Murex mollusk. In the context of the Tabernacle and priestly garments, _tekelet_ consistently symbolizes the heavens, divinity, and royalty. Its presence on the loops signifies that even the functional connectors of God's dwelling place were imbued with sacred meaning, pointing to the heavenly origin and nature of the sanctuary.
* **Selvedge (Hebrew, _saphah'_):** Literally meaning "lip" or "edge," this term denotes the finished border or seam of the fabric. Its inclusion emphasizes the precision required in the craftsmanship. The loops were to be made "upon the edge... from the selvedge," indicating that they were to be an integral part of the finished border, ensuring a neat, strong, and perfectly aligned connection point for the curtains.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make loops of blue":** This is a direct divine command to Moses, instructing the precise creation of the connecting elements. The specification of "blue" highlights the symbolic importance of color even for functional components, linking the earthly Tabernacle to heavenly realities.
* **"upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling":** This clause details the exact placement of the loops on the first set of curtains (the five joined panels). They were to be positioned precisely at the finished edge where the two large sections would be joined, ensuring a seamless and secure "coupling."
* **"and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of [another] curtain, in the coupling of the second":** This parallel instruction emphasizes the symmetrical and identical placement of loops on the second set of curtains. The phrase "likewise shalt thou make" underscores the need for perfect alignment and uniformity, which was crucial for the curtains to connect properly and form a unified covering for the Tabernacle.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Exodus 26:4 is primarily **prescriptive** and **instructive**, characteristic of the divine blueprints found throughout [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions"). The direct commands ("thou shalt make") underscore the divine authority behind every detail. There is clear **repetition** in the phrase "thou shalt make... and likewise shalt thou make," which serves to emphasize the symmetrical and precise nature of the required craftsmanship, ensuring that the two halves of the curtain would perfectly align for coupling. The "loops of blue" employ **symbolism**, where the color blue represents the heavens, divinity, and the sacred, imbuing even a functional element with theological significance. The meticulous detail itself can be seen as a form of **hyperbole** or **emphasis**, highlighting God's profound care for order, beauty, and the sanctity of His dwelling place, down to the smallest "loop."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 26:4, though seemingly a minor detail, is rich with theological significance. It speaks to God's character as a God of meticulous order, divine precision, and intentional design. Every component of the Tabernacle, no matter how small, was divinely specified, reflecting God's holiness and His expectation of excellence in worship and service. The "loops of blue" specifically highlight the theme of unity and connection: two distinct sets of curtains were designed to be perfectly joined, forming one seamless covering. This prefigures the unity God desires for His people and the unified relationship He seeks to establish with humanity. The blue color further emphasizes the heavenly origin and sacred purpose of the Tabernacle, serving as an earthly representation of a divine reality.

* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine precision evident in Exodus 26:4 challenges us to consider the meticulousness with which we approach our own lives of faith, worship, and service. God cares about the "loops"—the seemingly small, functional details—of our obedience, our relationships, and our contributions to the body of Christ. Just as the blue loops connected disparate parts into a unified whole, we are called to actively pursue and maintain unity within the church, recognizing that our individual gifts and efforts, when joined together in Christ, form a powerful and beautiful witness to God's presence in the world. This verse reminds us that true worship involves not only grand gestures but also faithful attention to the "selvedge" of our daily lives, ensuring that every detail reflects the order, beauty, and sacredness that God delights in.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous instruction for the Tabernacle challenge our approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what ways can we practically demonstrate the "unity" symbolized by the joined curtains within our local church or community?**
* **What "loops of blue"—seemingly small details—in our daily obedience might God be calling us to attend to with greater precision and reverence?**

### FAQ
**Why were the loops specifically "blue"?**

Answer: The color blue (Hebrew, _tekelet_) was highly significant in ancient Israelite culture and particularly in the Tabernacle's design. It was a precious dye, symbolizing the heavens, divinity, and royalty. Its inclusion on the loops, even though they were functional elements, served to imbue the entire structure with sacred meaning, connecting the earthly sanctuary to the divine, heavenly realm where God dwells. This choice emphasized that the Tabernacle was not merely a human construction but a divinely ordained space for encountering the holy God.

**What was the purpose of these loops in the Tabernacle's construction?**

Answer: The loops were crucial for the structural integrity and symbolic unity of the Tabernacle's inner covering. As [Exodus 26:3](/exodus/26-3 "Exodus 26:3 - Joining the Curtains") indicates, the main inner curtain was made of two large sections (one of five panels, the other of five panels). These loops, placed precisely on the "selvedge" of each section, were designed to interlock and receive the fifty golden clasps mentioned in [Exodus 26:6](/exodus/26-6 "Exodus 26:6 - Golden Clasps for the Curtains"). This mechanism allowed the two separate sections to be securely joined, forming a single, unified, and continuous covering over the entire sacred dwelling place of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail of the "loops of blue" in Exodus 26:4 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, with all its components, was a shadow and type of the greater reality to come ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Pattern of Heavenly Things") and [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Sanctuary and Its Limitations")). Jesus is the true and perfect Tabernacle, the very dwelling place of God among humanity, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us," using a Greek word that can mean "tabernacled." The divine precision in the Tabernacle's construction points to the flawless and perfect plan of God realized in Christ, in whom "all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Furthermore, the unity symbolized by the loops joining two distinct curtain sections into one finds its ultimate reality in Christ's work of reconciliation. He perfectly unites God and humanity through His sacrifice ([Ephesians 2:13-16](/ephesians/2-13 "Ephesians 2:13-16 - Christ Our Peace")), and He also unites believers from diverse backgrounds into one body, the church, which becomes a spiritual temple built upon Him as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built into a Holy Temple")). Thus, the "loops of blue" foreshadow the heavenly nature and unifying power of Christ, who perfectly connects us to God and to one another.

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.