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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 36:14–34.
Here, 1. The shelter and special protection that the church is under are signified by the curtains of hair-cloth, which were spread over the tabernacle, and the covering of rams' skins and badgers' skins over them, Exo 36:14-19. God has provided for his people a shadow from the heat, and a covert from storm and rain, Isa 4:6. They are armed against all weathers; the sun and the moon shall not smite them: and they are protected from the storms of divine wrath, that hail which will sweep away the refuge of lies, Isa 28:17. Those that dwell in God's house shall find, be the tempest ever so violent, or the dropping ever so continual, it does not rain in. 2. The strength and stability of the church, though it is but a tabernacle, are signified by the boards and bars with which the curtains were borne up, Exo 36:20-34. The boards were coupled together and joined by the bars which shot through them; for the union of the church, and the hearty agreement of those that are its stays and supporters, contribute abundantly to its strength and establishment.
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Summary
Exodus 36:16 meticulously details a crucial step in the construction of the Tabernacle's innermost covering, specifying how the ten finely woven linen curtains were initially joined. This verse highlights the formation of two distinct sets—one comprising five curtains and the other six—before their final unification into a single, complete roof for the sacred dwelling. It underscores the divine precision, human obedience, and the symbolic unity inherent in God's design for His dwelling place among His people in the wilderness.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 36 continues the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, shifting from God's detailed instructions (chapters 25-31) to the actual execution of the work by the divinely gifted artisans, Bezalel and Oholiab, and other skilled craftsmen (Exodus 35:30-35). This chapter specifically describes the making of the Tabernacle's structural components, including the curtains (Exodus 36:8-19), frames, and bars. Verse 16 focuses on the linen curtains, which formed the innermost layer of the Tabernacle's roof, fulfilling the precise commands previously given by God to Moses in Exodus 26:1-6. The preceding verses (Exodus 36:8-15) describe the fabrication of these ten curtains, their dimensions, and the loops and clasps designed to join them. This verse, therefore, marks a pivotal stage in assembling these individual components into functional units, demonstrating the faithful adherence of the craftsmen to the divine blueprint.
Historical & Cultural Context
The construction of the Tabernacle occurred in the wilderness, shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. As a nomadic people, the Israelites required a portable sanctuary where God could "dwell among them" (Exodus 25:8). The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter, symbolizing God's presence in their midst. The materials, craftsmanship, and precise assembly instructions for the Tabernacle were not arbitrary but reflected ancient Near Eastern temple architecture, yet uniquely tailored by divine revelation to emphasize God's holiness and distinctiveness. The meticulous detail, down to how curtains were coupled, reflects the supreme holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. The skilled artisans, like Bezalel and Oholiab, were divinely empowered with wisdom and understanding for this sacred task (Exodus 35:30-35), emphasizing that the Tabernacle's construction was not merely human ingenuity but a divinely orchestrated work, demonstrating a profound intersection of divine command and human skill.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Primarily, it highlights the theme of Divine Presence and Dwelling, as the Tabernacle was God's chosen means of dwelling among His people in the wilderness, a tangible manifestation of His covenant faithfulness. Secondly, it underscores Divine Precision and Order, demonstrating that God's instructions were to be followed with absolute exactitude, reflecting His perfect character and the holiness of His presence. The detailed specifications for the Tabernacle's components, as seen in Exodus 26, and their faithful execution here, reinforce this theme. Thirdly, the verse subtly points to Unity and Wholeness, as individual curtains are joined to form a complete covering, foreshadowing the unity God desires for His people and the harmonious integration of diverse elements within His redemptive plan. Finally, it exemplifies Obedience and Faithfulness on the part of the Israelite craftsmen, who diligently carried out every command given by God through Moses, demonstrating their commitment to the covenant.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root signifies "to join," "to unite," or "to bind together." In the context of the Tabernacle, it denotes the precise and intentional act of connecting the individual curtains to form larger, cohesive units. It implies a deliberate and skilled process, ensuring that the separate pieces fit together perfectly to achieve the intended design and function. The use of this word emphasizes the meticulous nature of the work, reflecting God's demand for order and perfection in His dwelling.
This numeral specifies the quantity of the first set of curtains that were joined. In biblical numerology, five can sometimes symbolize grace or divine completeness in certain contexts, though here its primary function is descriptive. Its mention highlights the exactness of the divine blueprint and the precise adherence of the craftsmen to God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, ensuring no deviation from the sacred design.
Derived from a root meaning "to hang" or "to tremble," this term refers specifically to the large, finely woven linen hangings that formed the inner layer of the Tabernacle's roof. These were not mere coverings but integral structural and symbolic elements, crafted from "fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubims of cunning work" (Exodus 36:8). The term highlights the preciousness and artistry involved, distinguishing them from ordinary fabric and underscoring their sacred purpose as part of God's holy dwelling.
Verse Breakdown
"And he coupled five curtains by themselves"
This clause describes the initial stage of joining the first group of five individual linen curtains. These five curtains were meticulously sewn or otherwise connected to form a single, larger panel. This act of "coupling" was precise, ensuring that the dimensions and patterns aligned perfectly, creating a unified segment of the Tabernacle's inner covering. This segment would have been a significant portion of the overall roof, demonstrating the careful, piece-by-piece construction that adhered strictly to the divine instructions.
"and six curtains by themselves"
This second clause details the formation of the remaining curtains into a separate, distinct set. While the divine instructions in Exodus 26:3 specify two sets of five curtains each, the KJV rendering of Exodus 36:16 as "six curtains" is a notable point. Many commentators interpret "six curtains" here as referring to the other five curtains, plus the additional curtain specified in Exodus 26:9, which was to hang over the front of the Tabernacle, or simply a scribal variation. Regardless of the exact numerical interpretation, the critical point is that a second distinct unit was formed. This highlights the modular assembly, where two large, separate components were prepared, each complete "by themselves," before their final integration to form the complete Tabernacle roof. This separation and subsequent coupling were essential for both the precision of the construction process and the practical considerations for the portability of the Tabernacle.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Precision and Repetition. The use of specific numbers ("five," "six") and the repeated phrase "by themselves" underscores the exactitude demanded by God in the Tabernacle's construction. This Precision is not merely technical but profoundly theological, reflecting the divine blueprint and the absolute necessity of adhering to God's commands for sacred worship. The Repetition of "by themselves" emphasizes the formation of distinct, self-contained units that would later be joined, highlighting a methodical and orderly process. This methodical approach speaks to the divine wisdom embedded in the design, allowing for both efficient construction and practical portability. Furthermore, the entire act of coupling curtains can be seen as a form of Symbolism, where individual components are brought together to form a unified whole, foreshadowing the unity God desires for His people and the harmonious integration of diverse parts within His divine plan, ultimately pointing to the unified body of believers in Christ.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 36:16, though seemingly a technical detail, profoundly illustrates God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God of meticulous order and divine design, who leaves no detail to chance, especially concerning His dwelling place and the means by which His people approach Him. The precise coupling of curtains into distinct sets, then ultimately into one covering, symbolizes the unity God desires for His people and the careful assembly of His redemptive plan. Just as the Tabernacle's components were brought together to form a holy sanctuary, so too are believers, with their diverse gifts and backgrounds, called to be united in Christ, forming a spiritual temple where God dwells. This attention to detail in the physical construction foreshadows the intricate and perfect plan of salvation, where every element works together for God's glory and humanity's redemption.
Reflection and Application
The seemingly mundane detail of coupling curtains in Exodus 36:16 offers profound spiritual lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of infinite detail, and nothing in His creation or His commands is arbitrary. His meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle underscore the importance of diligence, precision, and faithfulness in our own walk with Him. Just as the craftsmen had to follow the divine blueprint exactly for the Tabernacle to function as intended, so too are we called to obey God's Word with careful attention, recognizing that even the "small" details of our obedience contribute to the larger tapestry of His will and our spiritual formation. This verse also speaks to the power of unity and collaboration: individual curtains, though beautiful on their own, only fulfilled their ultimate purpose when perfectly joined, forming a complete covering for God's dwelling. Similarly, in the body of Christ, our individual gifts, talents, and efforts are meant to be woven together in harmonious unity, building up the spiritual house where God's presence is manifest and His purposes are fulfilled through His people.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were the curtains coupled into two separate sets (five and six) instead of all ten at once?
The text describes the curtains being coupled into two distinct sets ("five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves") as an intermediate step in the construction process. While the original instructions in Exodus 26:3 specify two sets of five curtains each, the KJV's "six curtains" in Exodus 36:16 refers to the second of these two major units, likely incorporating the additional curtain mentioned in Exodus 26:9. This modular approach was highly practical for construction, allowing the artisans to work on manageable sections. More importantly, it facilitated the portability of the Tabernacle; the large covering could be disassembled into these two major sections for transport across the wilderness and then reassembled at each new encampment. This design highlights both the precision of God's plan and the practical considerations for a nomadic people, ensuring the sanctuary could accompany them wherever they went.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 36:16, with its focus on the meticulous coupling of curtains to form God's dwelling, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, with its precise construction and intricate components, was a shadow of the true and perfect dwelling place of God, which is Christ Himself. Just as the individual curtains were joined to create a unified sanctuary, so too in Christ, God's divine nature and human nature are perfectly and inseparably "coupled" in one person (Colossians 2:9). Furthermore, Christ is the one who "couples" humanity to God, tearing down the dividing wall of hostility and making us one new man in Himself (Ephesians 2:14-16). He is the ultimate meeting place between God and man, the true "Tabernacle" where God dwells among His people (John 1:14). The unity achieved in the Tabernacle's covering foreshadows the spiritual unity that Christ brings to His body, the Church, where diverse believers are joined together, perfectly fitted and working in harmony, to become a holy temple for the Lord, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 4:16 and Ephesians 2:20-22).