Exodus 36:12

Fifty loops made he in one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain which [was] in the coupling of the second: the loops held one [curtain] to another.

Fifty ^{H2572} loops ^{H3924} made ^{H6213} he in one ^{H259} curtain ^{H3407}, and fifty ^{H2572} loops ^{H3924} made ^{H6213} he in the edge ^{H7097} of the curtain ^{H3407} which was in the coupling ^{H4225} of the second ^{H8145}: the loops ^{H3924} held ^{H6901} one ^{H259} curtain to another ^{H259}.

He made fifty loops on the one sheet, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the sheet in the second set; the loops were opposite one another.

He made fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops lined up opposite one another.

Fifty loops made he in the one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain that was in the second coupling: the loops were opposite one to another.

Commentary

Exodus 36:12 describes a specific detail in the construction of the Tabernacle's inner curtains, focusing on the meticulous design that allowed them to be joined together seamlessly. This verse highlights the precision and craftsmanship involved in creating the desert sanctuary for God's presence.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Exodus (chapters 35-39) detailing the actual building of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, following the specific instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Chapter 36 specifically records the work of Bezalel, Aholiab, and other skilled craftsmen whom God had "filled with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship" (Exodus 35:31). The immediate context describes the making of the ten inner curtains of fine twined linen, dyed blue, purple, and scarlet, with cherubims of cunning work (Exodus 36:8). Verse 12 specifies the creation of the fifty loops on each set of curtains, which were essential for their coupling, as first commanded in Exodus 26:5.

Key Themes

Divine Precision and Obedience: The exact number of loops (fifty on each curtain edge) and their function underscore the absolute precision required in the Tabernacle's construction. This reflects God's demand for order and the craftsmen's faithful obedience to every divine instruction, emphasizing that even the smallest detail mattered in the service of God.
Unity and Connection: The loops and coupling mechanism symbolize unity. Just as the two sets of curtains were joined to form one complete covering for the Tabernacle, this can be seen as a metaphor for the importance of unity within the community of faith, where individual parts come together to form a cohesive whole.
The Dwelling Place of God: Every component of the Tabernacle contributed to creating a sacred space where God's presence would dwell among His people. The joining of these curtains was vital for forming the structural integrity and enclosure of this holy sanctuary.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "loops" is lula'ot (לֻלָאֹת), referring to the specific eyelets or fasteners made on the edge of the curtains. The term "coupling" refers to the act or mechanism of joining. In this context, it was achieved by golden clasps (Exodus 36:13) that passed through these loops, creating a unified structure. The repetition of "fifty loops made he" emphasizes the exact adherence to the divine blueprint.

Practical Application

The meticulous detail in Exodus 36:12 offers several lessons for believers today:

Excellence in Service: God values carefulness and excellence in all that is done for Him. Whether in spiritual gifts, daily tasks, or community work, we are called to give our best, recognizing that even small details contribute to the overall purpose.
Importance of Unity: Just as the Tabernacle curtains needed to be perfectly joined for the structure to function, so too does the body of Christ thrive on unity and connection. Each member plays a vital role, and our ability to work together seamlessly is essential for effective ministry and witness, reflecting the interconnectedness of the body of Christ.
God's Design: The Tabernacle's construction reminds us that God has a specific design and purpose for everything. Our lives, our communities, and our worship should align with His perfect plan, ensuring that every part serves its intended function for His 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

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.
Exodus 26:10

And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain [that is] outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.