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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 26:7 meticulously details the divine instruction for the second, outermost layer of the Tabernacle's coverings: eleven curtains crafted from goats' hair. This robust and practical layer was designed to provide essential protection and shelter for the sacred dwelling, highlighting God's comprehensive provision for His presence among His people, ensuring both the sanctity and structural integrity of the Tabernacle in the harsh wilderness environment.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is an integral part of God's highly detailed architectural blueprint for the Tabernacle, delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai, a section spanning Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30, Exodus 31. Following the instructions for the innermost, most ornate layer of curtains made of fine linen, blue, purple, and scarlet material adorned with cherubim (as detailed in Exodus 26:1-6), Exodus 26:7 introduces the next layer. This progression from the beautiful and symbolic inner sanctuary to the more functional outer coverings demonstrates a deliberate, layered design, where each component serves a specific purpose in the overall structure and theology of God's dwelling place. The meticulousness of these instructions underscores the holiness and divine origin of the Tabernacle, emphasizing that every detail was divinely ordained for proper worship and access to God.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Near East, goats' hair was a common, highly practical material, particularly for tent making. Nomadic peoples, like the Israelites in the wilderness, frequently used woven goats' hair for their dwelling coverings due to its remarkable durability, resistance to water, and ability to provide insulation against both heat and cold. These properties made it an ideal choice for the Tabernacle's outer protective layer, shielding the more delicate inner components from the harsh desert elements—intense sun, wind, and occasional rain. The use of such a common, yet resilient, material for the Tabernacle's exterior contrasts sharply with the precious metals and finely woven fabrics of its interior, reflecting a practical wisdom alongside divine glory. This choice would have been immediately recognizable to the Israelites as a robust and reliable form of shelter, similar to their own temporary dwellings, yet consecrated for a uniquely sacred purpose, demonstrating God's provision for His people even in the mundane. The concept of God dwelling in a tent was not entirely foreign; other ancient Near Eastern deities sometimes had portable shrines, but none with the intricate detail and theological significance of the Israelite Tabernacle, which was explicitly commanded by Yahweh as His dwelling among His people, as seen in Exodus 25:8.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of Divine Design and Meticulousness, demonstrating God's precise and comprehensive instructions for His dwelling place, leaving no detail to human discretion. This underscores the holiness and set-apart nature of the Tabernacle. Secondly, it highlights God's Provision and Protection, as the goats' hair covering served a crucial functional role in safeguarding the sacred space from the harsh wilderness environment. This practical provision parallels God's care for His people as they journey through the desert (e.g., Exodus 16). Thirdly, the layering of materials—from the glorious inner linen to the humble outer goats' hair—illustrates the theme of Holiness and Accessibility. While God's presence is glorious and set apart, His dwelling is also made resilient and accessible, reflecting His desire to dwell among His people while maintaining His divine majesty, a concept later echoed in the temple's structure and the very nature of God's presence with Israel (e.g., 1 Kings 8).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term, derived from a root meaning "to tremble" or "to hang," refers to a hanging fabric. In this context, it specifically denotes the large, woven panels that formed the covering of the Tabernacle. The choice of "curtains" emphasizes their flexible, movable nature, suitable for a portable sanctuary, rather than rigid walls. This highlights the temporary and mobile nature of God's dwelling place among His nomadic people.
This word refers to a she-goat, though its plural form can encompass goats in general, and here, specifically "goats' hair." The material was chosen for its practical qualities: durability, water resistance, and insulation. Its selection for the Tabernacle's outer layer underscores God's practical wisdom, utilizing a common, resilient material to protect the sacred structure from the harsh elements of the wilderness, ensuring the longevity and functionality of His dwelling.
While often translated as "tent" or "tabernacle," this term can also denote a "covering" or "shelter." In Exodus 26:7, it signifies the protective function of the goats' hair curtains. Unlike the inner, more decorative layers, this layer was explicitly designed to be a robust outer shell, shielding the sacred contents and the more delicate inner fabrics from the elements. This emphasizes God's comprehensive care, providing not only for spiritual access but also for the physical safeguarding of His holy dwelling.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt make curtains [of] goats' [hair]"
This clause conveys God's direct command to Moses, specifying both the action ("make") and the material ("goats' hair") for this particular layer of the Tabernacle's covering. The choice of goats' hair, a common and durable material, underscores the practical and protective function intended for this outer layer, contrasting with the more luxurious materials of the inner sanctuary.
"to be a covering upon the tabernacle"
This phrase explicitly states the purpose of these curtains: to serve as a robust outer covering for the entire Tabernacle structure. It highlights the functional necessity of this layer, shielding the sacred space and its contents from the harsh environmental conditions of the wilderness, such as intense sun, strong winds, and occasional rain, thereby preserving the integrity of the holy dwelling.
"eleven curtains shalt thou make"
This final instruction provides the precise quantity of curtains required. The number eleven is critical for the structural integrity and complete enclosure of the Tabernacle. It allowed for an extra curtain to be folded over the front entrance, providing a secure seal and ensuring that the entire inner structure, including the inner linen curtains, was fully protected from the elements, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to every detail of the sanctuary's construction.
Literary Devices
The description of the goats' hair curtains in Exodus 26:7 employs Architectural Detail and Symbolism. The meticulous Architectural Detail is evident in the precise specification of material ("goats' hair") and quantity ("eleven curtains"). This level of detail is characteristic of the entire Tabernacle blueprint, emphasizing God's divine authorship and the exactitude required for constructing His holy dwelling. Every measurement and material is divinely ordained, underscoring the sacredness and unique purpose of the sanctuary. Furthermore, there is profound Symbolism at play. The goats' hair layer, while outwardly humble and functional, serves as the primary protective barrier. This contrasts with the inner, more beautiful and symbolic linen curtains (as described in Exodus 26:1-6). This layering symbolizes the multifaceted nature of God's presence and His relationship with humanity: while His glory and beauty are profound (inner layers), His practical provision and steadfast protection (outer layer) are equally vital. It also subtly suggests that even the most ordinary or rugged materials, when consecrated by divine command, become essential components in God's sacred plan.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 26:7, in its precise detail, powerfully conveys God's meticulousness and comprehensive care for His dwelling place, and by extension, for His people. The choice of goats' hair for the outer covering, a material known for its durability and weather resistance, underscores the theological truth of God's practical provision and protective covering. While the inner layers speak to God's beauty and holiness, this outer layer speaks to His steadfastness and ability to shelter His people from the harsh realities of the world. It reminds us that God is concerned not only with the spiritual beauty of worship but also with the practical safeguarding of His sacred space and His covenant community. This dual emphasis on inner glory and outer resilience is a recurring theme in God's interaction with humanity, demonstrating a holistic approach to His relationship with His creation.
Reflection and Application
The instructions for the goats' hair curtains in Exodus 26:7 offer a profound lesson in the nature of divine design and our own spiritual lives. Just as the Tabernacle required both the exquisite beauty of the inner curtains and the rugged resilience of the outer goats' hair covering, our faith journey calls for a similar balance. We are called to cultivate inner spiritual beauty—a heart devoted to God, filled with love, joy, and peace—but also to develop an outer resilience, a spiritual "goats' hair" covering that enables us to withstand the storms of life, the harsh elements of temptation, doubt, and adversity. This verse encourages us to recognize that even the seemingly ordinary or "unattractive" aspects of our lives, when consecrated to God, can serve vital protective and functional purposes in His kingdom. It challenges us to embrace both the glorious and the gritty aspects of our walk with God, trusting in His comprehensive provision and protective covering over us.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was goats' hair specifically chosen for this layer of the Tabernacle covering?
Goats' hair was chosen primarily for its practical qualities. In the ancient Near East, woven goats' hair was a common and highly effective material for tent coverings. It is remarkably durable, resistant to water (especially when tightly woven), and provides good insulation against both heat and cold. Unlike the more decorative inner layers, this outer covering needed to withstand the harsh desert environment—intense sun, strong winds, and occasional rain—to protect the sacred contents and the more delicate inner fabrics of the Tabernacle. Its selection highlights God's practical wisdom and provision for the physical safeguarding of His holy dwelling.
Why were there eleven curtains of goats' hair, an unusual number compared to other Tabernacle components?
The number eleven was specifically chosen for functional reasons related to the overall dimensions and protective requirements of the Tabernacle. The inner linen curtains were ten cubits long, forming a precise enclosure. The eleven goats' hair curtains, each likely slightly larger, were designed to extend beyond the inner curtains. This extra curtain provided a crucial overlap at the front of the Tabernacle, creating a secure and weather-tight seal over the entrance. This design ensured that the entire structure was fully covered and protected from the elements, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to every detail to ensure the sanctuary's integrity and functionality. This practical design can be seen when the Tabernacle is finally assembled in Exodus 40:19.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Tabernacle, in all its intricate detail, serves as a profound shadow of the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. The goats' hair covering, though outwardly humble and functional, finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. Just as this rugged layer provided essential protection for the sacred inner sanctuary, so too does Christ serve as our ultimate covering and shelter from the destructive elements of sin, judgment, and the wrath of God. His incarnation, the Word becoming flesh and "tabernacling" among us (as profoundly stated in John 1:14), represents the divine taking on the "goats' hair" of humanity—a humble, earthly, yet perfectly resilient and sinless nature. This human nature of Christ, often overlooked in favor of His divine glory, was essential for Him to endure the cross and provide the necessary atonement and protection for us. He is the one who, like the durable outer covering, bore the brunt of the "elements" of divine justice, allowing us, the inner sanctuary, to dwell in safety and access the very presence of God. The completeness implied by the "eleven curtains" providing full coverage foreshadows the perfect and comprehensive work of Christ, who leaves no part of our salvation uncovered, ensuring our eternal security and access to the Father through His shed blood (as seen in Hebrews 9:11-12). He is our impenetrable shield and our secure dwelling place, fulfilling every protective and redemptive purpose of the Tabernacle's outer layer, allowing us to draw near to God with confidence (as encouraged in Hebrews 4:16).