Exodus 26:6

KJV

And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one tabernacle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} fifty {H2572} taches {H7165} of gold {H2091}, and couple {H2266} the curtains {H3407} together with {H802}{H269} the taches {H7165}: and it shall be one {H259} tabernacle {H4908}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make fifty fasteners of gold, and couple the sheets to each other with the fasteners, so that the tabernacle forms a single unit.

Berean Standard Bible

Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one to another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be one whole.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:6 details the divine instruction for constructing the Tabernacle, specifically focusing on the fifty golden clasps, or "taches," required to join the two main sets of curtains. This crucial connection point ensured the seamless unity of the sacred dwelling, transforming disparate components into a single, cohesive sanctuary. The meticulous precision in the number of clasps and the use of precious gold underscore the holiness, divine order, and inherent value of God's presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Exodus chapters 25-31, which contain God's meticulous and detailed instructions to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Specifically, Exodus 26 outlines the precise blueprint for the Tabernacle's structure, beginning with its inner coverings. Verses 1-5 describe the first set of ten linen curtains, specifying their dimensions, colors, and the loops along their edges. Verse 6 then introduces the critical mechanism for joining these two large sections of curtains, highlighting the transition from individual, distinct components to a unified, functional structure. This verse is pivotal in demonstrating how the various elements were designed to interlock perfectly, forming the sacred enclosure where God's glory would dwell.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a period of nomadic existence following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as recounted in [the book of Exodus](/exodus/1 "Exodus - The Deliverance of Israel"). This portable sanctuary served as the central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among His people, fulfilling His promise to "dwell among them" ([Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")). Unlike the grand, permanent temples of surrounding pagan nations, the Tabernacle's design emphasized its mobility, reflecting Israel's journey and God's dynamic relationship with them. The meticulous instructions, including the use of precious materials like gold, distinguished it from common tents and underscored its sacred purpose as a place where a holy God would meet with His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Taches (Hebrew, _q'rasim'_):** The Hebrew term קְרָסִים (_q'rasim'_) refers to "clasps" or "hooks." These were not merely decorative but highly functional components, specifically designed to interlock with the loops (עַלָּאֹת, _'allā'ôt_) mentioned in [Exodus 26:4](/exodus/26-4 "Exodus 26:4 - Loops on the Curtains") and [Exodus 26:5](/exodus/26-5 "Exodus 26:5 - Loops on the Curtains"). Their purpose was to create a secure and robust connection, ensuring the structural integrity of the Tabernacle's covering. The precise number fifty emphasizes divine precision and sufficiency for the task.
* **Couple (Hebrew, _chabar'_):** The verb חָבַר (_chabar'_) means "to join," "to unite," "to bind together," or "to connect." In this context, it signifies the act of bringing two distinct sets of curtains into a seamless union. This verb implies more than mere attachment; it conveys the idea of intimate connection that results in a unified whole, essential for the Tabernacle's function as a single, sacred space.
* **One (Hebrew, _'echad'_):** The Hebrew word אֶחָד (_'echad'_) denotes "one," "a single entity," or "unity." Its use here, "it shall be one tabernacle," is crucial. Despite being composed of multiple parts (curtains, boards, coverings), the divine design ensured that the Tabernacle would function and appear as a singular, indivisible dwelling place for God. This concept of unity is a recurring theme throughout the biblical narrative, from the unity of God Himself ([Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema, Hear O Israel")) to the desired unity of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold":** This initial clause specifies both the quantity and material of the connecting elements. The precise number "fifty" underscores the divine blueprint's meticulous detail, leaving nothing to human improvisation. The choice of "gold" signifies the supreme value, purity, and holiness associated with God's dwelling place, elevating these functional clasps to a sacred status.
* **"and couple the curtains together with the taches":** This describes the primary function of the golden clasps. They were designed to interlock the loops on the edges of the two large curtain sections, transforming them from separate pieces into a single, continuous covering. The act of "coupling" emphasizes the intentional unification of distinct parts into a cohesive whole, essential for the structural integrity and symbolic meaning of the Tabernacle.
* **"and it shall be one tabernacle":** This culminating phrase declares the outcome of the meticulous construction: the Tabernacle would be a unified entity. Despite its modular design, with various components and coverings, the divine intention was for it to function as a seamless, integrated sanctuary. This unity was not merely architectural but profoundly theological, symbolizing the singular presence of God among His people and the coherence of His divine plan.

#### Literary Devices
**Symbolism** is prominent in Exodus 26:6. The "fifty taches of gold" are not merely functional hardware but deeply symbolic elements. Gold consistently represents divinity, purity, and immense value, signifying that the connection holding God's dwelling place together is of divine origin and sacred worth. The act of "coupling" disparate curtains to form "one tabernacle" employs **Metaphor** for unity, illustrating how diverse elements are brought into a cohesive whole by a divine design. This foreshadows the theological concept of the church as a unified body composed of many members. The meticulous numerical precision ("fifty") and material specification ("gold") also highlight **Divine Order and Precision**, underscoring the absolute authority and intentionality behind God's instructions for His sanctuary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, particularly the joining of its parts, reveal profound theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with His people. The emphasis on the Tabernacle being "one" underscores God's desire for unity, both in His dwelling place and among His covenant community. The golden clasps, essential for this unity, symbolize the divine and precious nature of the bonds that hold God's people together. This speaks to the truth that true spiritual unity is not a human construct but a divinely ordained and empowered reality, reflecting the singular purpose and presence of God.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - One Body, Many Members")
* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [John 17:21](/john/17-21 "John 17:21 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The construction of the Tabernacle, with its golden clasps uniting distinct curtains into a single sanctuary, offers a powerful metaphor for the church today. Just as every component of the Tabernacle was essential for its function as God's dwelling, so too is every believer vital to the body of Christ. The "taches of gold" can be seen as representing the divine love, truth, and the Holy Spirit that bind us together, transforming diverse individuals into a unified community. This unity is not uniformity but a harmonious integration of unique gifts and personalities, enabling the church to effectively manifest God's presence in the world. Our commitment to fostering this unity, valuing each member, and allowing Christ to be the ultimate connector, is paramount for the church to truly be "one tabernacle"—a cohesive, holy dwelling for God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform our understanding of God's character and His expectations for our worship?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as a community, actively work to be "coupled together" by divine love and truth, reflecting the unity God desires for His church?**
* **What "golden taches" (spiritual principles, practices, or relationships) are essential for maintaining and strengthening the unity within our local church or faith community?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the "taches" in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The "taches," or clasps, were crucial functional elements designed to connect the two large sets of curtains that formed the inner covering of the Tabernacle. As described in [Exodus 26:1-5](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1-5 - The Tabernacle Curtains"), the Tabernacle's main covering consisted of ten linen curtains, divided into two sets of five. Each set had loops along its edge. The fifty golden taches were then used to interlock these loops, securely joining the two sections to create a single, continuous covering. Their purpose was to ensure the structural integrity and seamless unity of the sacred dwelling, making it "one tabernacle" as stated in [Exodus 26:6](/exodus/26-6 "Exodus 26:6 - The Golden Taches").

**Why were the taches made of gold?**

Answer: The choice of gold for the taches was highly significant, reflecting the sacred nature of the Tabernacle and the divine attributes associated with God's presence. Gold, a precious and incorruptible metal, consistently symbolizes divinity, holiness, purity, and immense value throughout biblical narratives, especially in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. By using gold for these connecting elements, God underscored that the bond holding His dwelling place together was not merely functional but divinely ordained, precious, and sacred. It signified the divine origin and worth of the unity within His sanctuary, a theme that extends to the spiritual unity of God's people, as seen in [1 Peter 1:7](/1_peter/1-7 "1 Peter 1:7 - Faith more precious than gold").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "one tabernacle" formed by the coupling of curtains with golden taches in [Exodus 26:6](/exodus/26-6 "Exodus 26:6 - The Golden Taches") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the church, His body. Just as the Tabernacle served as God's dwelling place among His people, Jesus is the true "tabernacle" or "tent" of God, for in Him "the Word became flesh and [dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of Jesus")" (John 1:14). He is the perfect union of divinity and humanity, bringing together what was disparate. Furthermore, Christ Himself is the ultimate "golden tache" that unites all believers into "one body" ([Ephesians 4:4](/ephesians/4-4 "Ephesians 4:4 - One Body and One Spirit")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He breaks down the dividing wall of hostility ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")), reconciling diverse peoples—Jew and Gentile—to God in "one new man" ([Ephesians 2:15](/ephesians/2-15 "Ephesians 2:15 - One New Humanity in Christ")). The Holy Spirit, poured out by Christ, acts as the divine "gold," empowering believers to maintain the "unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" ([Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")). Thus, the church, as Christ's body, becomes the living, spiritual "tabernacle" where God continues to dwell and manifest His unified presence in the world, all made possible by the unifying work of Christ.

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.