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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 26:1–6. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.The house must be a tabernacle or tent, such as soldiers now use in the camp, which was both a mean dwelling and a movable one; and yet the ark of God had not better, till Solomon built the temple 480 years after this, Kg1 6:1. God manifested his presence among them thus in a tabernacle,
1.In compliance with their present condition in the wilderness, that they might have him with them wherever they went. Note, God suits the tokens of his favour, and the gifts of his grace, to his people's wants and necessities, according as they are, accommodating his mercy to their state, prosperous or adverse, settled or unsettled. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, Isa 43:2.
2.That it might represent the state of God's church in this world, it is a tabernacle-state, Psa 15:1. We have here no continuing city; being strangers in this world, and travellers towards a better, we shall never be fixed till we come to heaven. Church-privileges are movable goods, from one place to another; the gospel is not tied to any place; the candlestick is in a tent, and may easily be taken away, Rev 2:5. If we make much of the tabernacle, and improve the privilege of it, wherever we go it will accompany us; but, if we neglect and disgrace it, wherever we stay it will forsake us. What hath my beloved to do in my house? Jer 11:15.
II.The curtains of the tabernacle must correspond to a divine pattern.
1.They were to be very rich, the best of the kind, fine twined linen; and colours very pleasing, blue, and purple, and scarlet.
2.They were to be embroidered with cherubim (Exo 26:1), to intimate that the angels of God pitch their tents round about the church, Psa 34:7. As there were cherubim over the mercy-seat, so there were round the tabernacle; for we find the angels compassing, not only the throne, but the elders; see Rev 5:11.
3.There were to be two hangings, five breadths in each, sewed together, and the two hangings coupled together with golden clasps, or tacks, so that it might be all one tabernacle, Exo 26:6. Thus the churches of Christ and the saints, though they are many, are yet one, being fitly joined together in holy love, and by the unity of the Spirit, so growing into one holy temple in the Lord, Eph 2:21, Eph 2:22; Eph 4:16. This tabernacle was very strait and narrow; but, at the preaching of the gospel, the church is bidden to enlarge the place of her tent, and to stretch forth her curtains, Isa 54:2.
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Summary
Exodus 26:5 provides a precise divine directive for the Tabernacle's construction, detailing the creation of fifty loops on the edge of each of the two primary linen curtain sections. These meticulously designed loops were crucial for the secure interlock of the two large coverings, ensuring they could be seamlessly joined to form a unified and complete sanctuary. This instruction underscores God's absolute precision, His desire for order, and the essential nature of connection in all matters pertaining to His holy presence and worship among His people.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is deeply embedded within a highly detailed and extensive divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, which God delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai (see Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30, Exodus 31). Specifically, Exodus 26 focuses on the construction of the Tabernacle's dwelling proper, beginning with its foundational linen curtains. Exodus 26:1-4 describes the materials (fine twined linen with cherubim), dimensions, and the division of the main covering into two large sections—one of five curtains and one of six. Verse 5 then provides the crucial mechanism for joining these two sections, specifying the exact number and placement of the loops. The subsequent verse, Exodus 26:6, completes the instruction by detailing the fifty golden clasps that would engage these loops, ensuring a perfectly unified structure. This sequence highlights the meticulous, step-by-step nature of God's architectural plan, where every component, no matter how small, was essential for the integrity and sacred purpose of the whole.
Historical & Cultural Context
The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Israel while they were encamped at Mount Sinai, shortly after their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. As a nomadic people in the wilderness, they required a portable sanctuary that could accompany them on their journeys. The Tabernacle served as the visible, tangible sign of God's presence among them, fulfilling His promise to "dwell among them" (as stated in Exodus 25:8). While temples were common in the ancient Near East, the Tabernacle was unique in its divine origin and portability, symbolizing God's dynamic and covenantal relationship with His chosen people. Its construction was not left to human ingenuity or aesthetic preference but was precisely dictated by God, indicating its profound sacred purpose and its role as the central place of worship, sacrifice, and communion for the entire Israelite community. The detailed nature of these commands, down to the exact number of loops and clasps, underscored the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him.
Key Themes
Exodus 26:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. First, it emphasizes Divine Precision and Order, illustrating God's meticulousness in all things, especially concerning His dwelling place and worship. Every detail, no matter how small, is divinely ordained and carries significance. Second, the verse highlights the theme of Unity and Wholeness, as two distinct curtain sections are designed to be perfectly joined to form a single, complete covering. This foreshadows the unity God desires for His people and the seamless integration required for His sacred purposes. Third, it reinforces the concept of God's Presence and Holiness, as the Tabernacle was the physical manifestation of God dwelling among Israel, and its flawless construction was essential to maintain its sanctity. Finally, the practical design for portability, though not explicit in this verse alone, is implicit in the modular nature of the curtains, contributing to the theme of God's Journeying with His People through the wilderness, a theme echoed throughout the wilderness narratives (e.g., Numbers 9:15-23).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to eyelets, rings, or fasteners, specifically describing the fabric loops sewn into the edges of the curtains. As derived from the root related to "twisted" or "spiral," these loops were not merely decorative but entirely functional, serving as the receiving mechanism for the golden clasps that would unite the two large curtain sections. The specification of "fifty" loops on each section underscores their exact fit and the importance of a secure, uniform connection for the Tabernacle's integrity.
The verb qâbal means "to admit, take, or receive," implying a firm grasp or secure connection. The accompanying idiom, literally "a woman to her sister" (ishshah el achotah), is a common Hebrew expression used to convey reciprocity, mutual connection, or the perfect fit of one thing to another. In this context, it powerfully describes the seamless, intimate, and secure joining of the two curtain sections. It emphasizes that the loops were designed for a perfect interlock, forming a single, unified covering without gaps or imperfections, symbolizing the complete and harmonious dwelling place of God.
Verse Breakdown
"Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain"
This clause provides the precise quantity of loops to be fashioned along the edge of the first of the two main linen curtain sections. The number "fifty" is not arbitrary but signifies divine precision and the functional necessity for a comprehensive and secure connection along the entire length of the curtain's edge, ensuring structural integrity.
"and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that [is] in the coupling of the second"
This instruction parallels the first, emphasizing that the second large curtain section must also have exactly fifty loops on its designated edge. This identical number on both sections ensures a perfect alignment and fit, preparing them for the act of "coupling" or joining, highlighting God's demand for symmetry and exactness.
"that the loops may take hold one of another"
This final clause articulates the ultimate purpose and desired outcome of these meticulously crafted loops. They were designed not merely to touch but to "take hold" or interlock securely, creating a strong, unified, and seamless bond between the two separate curtain sections. This union was essential for the Tabernacle's integrity, ensuring that the inner dwelling was a complete and perfect enclosure, reflecting God's desire for wholeness, order, and an unblemished sacred space.
Literary Devices
Exodus 26:5 primarily employs Precision, Repetition, and Symbolism to convey its profound message. The exact numerical specification of "fifty loops" on each curtain underscores the divine demand for absolute Precision and meticulous attention to detail in the construction of God's dwelling. This numerical accuracy is not merely functional; it is deeply symbolic of God's ordered nature and His expectation of excellence and reverence in worship. The Repetition of the phrase "fifty loops shalt thou make" reinforces the importance and exactness of the instruction, ensuring no deviation from the divine blueprint and embedding the command firmly in the reader's mind. Furthermore, the concept of the loops enabling the curtains to "take hold one of another" serves as powerful Symbolism for unity, interdependence, and perfect fit. The two distinct curtain sections, through the mechanism of these loops and the subsequent clasps, become a single, unified entity, prefiguring the theological principle of unity within God's people and the seamless integration required for His sacred purposes.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, exemplified by the precise detailing of the loops in Exodus 26:5, reveal profound aspects of God's character. He is a God of order, beauty, and absolute precision, who desires holiness and perfection in all that pertains to His presence and worship. The very act of designing two large curtain sections to be joined by these loops speaks to the divine principle of unity; separate parts are intended to come together to form a complete and functional whole. This physical unity of the Tabernacle's covering serves as a powerful theological metaphor for the unity God desires among His people, where individual members are intricately connected and interdependent, each playing a vital role in the collective body. Just as the Tabernacle's integrity depended on the perfect joining of its parts, so too does the strength and witness of God's people depend on their harmonious unity, demonstrating the seamless nature of God's design for His dwelling both physically and spiritually.
Reflection and Application
The divine precision evident in Exodus 26:5, down to the exact number of loops required for the Tabernacle curtains, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, who cares deeply about the details of our lives and our worship. This meticulousness should inspire us to approach our faith, our service, and our relationships with intentionality, diligence, and a commitment to excellence, rather than carelessness or indifference. We are called to reflect God's character in our own lives, striving for integrity and thoroughness in all we do for His glory. Furthermore, the purpose of these loops—to enable two separate sections to "take hold one of another" and form a unified whole—serves as a powerful call to unity within the body of Christ. Just as each loop was essential for the Tabernacle's integrity, every believer, regardless of their perceived size or significance, plays a crucial and interdependent role in the functioning and witness of the church. This verse challenges us to actively pursue harmony, connection, and mutual support, recognizing that our collective strength and effectiveness for God's glory depend on our seamless spiritual union, reflecting the perfect order and unity of God's design.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were there exactly fifty loops on each curtain?
The precise number of fifty loops on each curtain was not arbitrary but indicative of God's divine precision and the functional necessity for a complete and secure connection. This exact count ensured that the two large sections of the Tabernacle's inner covering would align perfectly along their entire length, allowing for a seamless and strong bond when joined by the golden clasps (as described in Exodus 26:6). It underscores God's desire for order, perfection, and structural integrity in His dwelling place, leaving nothing to chance or human estimation.
What was the purpose of joining these two large curtain sections?
The primary purpose of joining these two large curtain sections was to form the complete and unified inner covering of the Tabernacle, creating the sacred enclosure where God's presence would dwell. This division into two sections, which could then be joined and unjoined, also facilitated the Tabernacle's portability, allowing it to be easily dismantled, transported, and reassembled as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. Symbolically, it represented the seamless unity required for God's holy dwelling and the perfect harmony of His divine plan.
Were the loops themselves sufficient to join the curtains?
No, the loops themselves were not sufficient to join the curtains. They were designed as the receiving mechanism for the golden clasps. As detailed in the very next verse, Exodus 26:6, fifty golden clasps were to be made. These clasps would then pass through the corresponding loops on each curtain, securely fastening the two sections together to form one continuous covering. The loops and clasps worked in tandem to ensure a strong, perfect, and divinely ordained union, demonstrating the interdependence of each component in God's design.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 26:5, with its meticulous instruction for joining the Tabernacle curtains, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, was a shadow and a copy of the greater heavenly reality (as Hebrews 8:5 explains). Just as the two curtain sections were designed to be perfectly united by the loops and clasps, Christ is the ultimate "clasp" who perfectly unites humanity to God and brings together disparate peoples into one new body. In Him, God truly "tabernacled" among us, as John 1:14 declares, making His dwelling not in a tent, but in human flesh. The unity symbolized by the Tabernacle's construction is fully realized in the Church, the body of Christ, where Jew and Gentile are no longer separate but are made one in Him, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility (see Ephesians 2:14-16). Christ is the one who holds all things together (as Colossians 1:17 affirms), ensuring the perfect and seamless unity of His people and their access to God. The tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion (recounted in Matthew 27:51) signifies the fulfillment and abolition of the old Tabernacle/Temple system, opening a new and living way directly into God's presence through Christ's shed blood, the ultimate sacrifice that perfectly joins us to God (see Hebrews 10:19-20).