Exodus 26:5

Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that [is] in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another.

Fifty {H2572} loops {H3924} shalt thou make {H6213} in the one {H259} curtain {H3407}, and fifty {H2572} loops {H3924} shalt thou make {H6213} in the edge {H7097} of the curtain {H3407} that is in the coupling {H4225} of the second {H8145}; that the loops {H3924} may take hold {H6901} one {H802} of another {H269}.

Make fifty loops on the one sheet, and make fifty loops on the edge of the sheet in the second set; the loops are to be opposite one another.

Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops line up opposite one another.

Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling; the loops shall be opposite one to another.

Commentary

Exodus 26:5 provides a meticulous detail in Godโ€™s instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites. This verse focuses on the precise mechanism for joining the large linen curtains that formed the inner dwelling of the Tabernacle.

Context

This verse is part of an extensive divine blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai, outlining every component of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments. The Tabernacle was not merely a tent; it was a symbolic representation of God's presence and a focal point for Israelite worship. The main linen curtains of the Tabernacle were made in two separate sections, designed to be joined together. Verse 5 specifies the creation of "fifty loops" on the edge of each of these two curtain sections, preparing them for connection with golden clasps (mentioned in the subsequent Exodus 26:6).

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exact number of loops (fifty on each curtain) underscores God's absolute precision and His desire for order in all things, especially in matters of worship and His dwelling place. No detail was too small for His divine instruction.
  • Unity and Connection: The primary purpose of these loops was to allow the two large sections of the curtain to "take hold one of another," forming a single, unified covering. This symbolizes the importance of unity within God's people and the seamless connection required for His holy dwelling. It foreshadows the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace that believers are called to maintain.
  • Interdependence: Each loop, though small, was essential for the complete and proper assembly of the Tabernacle. This highlights the concept that every part has a vital role in the whole, a principle echoed in the New Testament concerning the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "loops" is lul'ot (ืœึปืœึฐืึนืช), referring to eyelets or rings. The phrase "take hold one of another" (ืึดืฉืึผึธื” ืึถืœึพืึฒื—ึนืชึธื”ึผ - ishshah el achotah) literally means "a woman to her sister," a common Hebrew idiom for "one to another" or "each to its fellow," emphasizing the perfect fit and secure connection between the two curtain sections. This idiom highlights the intimate and precise way the parts were to join.

Practical Application

The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, down to the loops on its curtains, teach us about God's character. He is a God of order, precision, and beauty, who desires holiness in worship. For believers today, this verse can serve as a reminder that:

  • God cares about the details of our lives and our service to Him.
  • Unity within the community of faith is vital, just as the Tabernacle curtains needed to be perfectly joined. Each member, like each loop, plays a crucial role in forming a complete and functional body.
  • Our spiritual "dwelling place" or our collective gathering as believers should reflect divine order and purpose, allowing us to be effectively joined together for God's glory.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

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