Exodus 36:9

KJV

The length of one curtain [was] twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains [were] all of one size.

KJV (with Strong's)

The length {H753} of one {H259} curtain {H3407} was twenty {H6242} and eight {H8083} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} of one {H259} curtain {H3407} four {H702} cubits {H520}: the curtains {H3407} were all of one {H259} size {H4060}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each sheet was forty-two feet long and six feet wide; all the sheets were the same size.

Berean Standard Bible

Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were the same size.

American Standard Version

The length of each curtain was eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains had one measure.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:9 precisely outlines the dimensions of the Tabernacle's innermost curtains, specifying each as twenty-eight cubits in length and four cubits in breadth, emphatically stating that all ten curtains were crafted to an identical size. This meticulous detail underscores the divine blueprint's demand for absolute precision, uniformity, and order in the construction of God's sacred dwelling, reflecting His character and the obedient craftsmanship of the Israelite artisans.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle"), which meticulously chronicles the actual construction of the Tabernacle following the detailed divine instructions. After God's comprehensive commands to Moses on Mount Sinai, particularly from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Bezalel and Aholiab Appointed"), the Spirit-filled artisans, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, are now bringing the blueprint to life. [Exodus 36:8](/exodus/36-8 "The Making of the Curtains") introduces the creation of the first set of ten curtains, woven from fine twined linen and adorned with cherubim, destined to form the innermost covering of the sanctuary. Verse 9 then provides the exact, uniform measurements for these curtains, establishing the foundational dimensions for their assembly and the subsequent erection of the entire portable dwelling. The recurring emphasis on precise measurements throughout this section reinforces the divine insistence on exactness and the craftsmen's faithful execution of God's will.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle was a pivotal undertaking for Israel, a newly liberated nation journeying through the wilderness. In the ancient Near East, temples and sacred structures were typically built with great care, reflecting the perceived order and power of the deities they honored. However, the Tabernacle's distinctiveness lies in its direct divine origin and the explicit, highly detailed instructions given by Yahweh Himself. The "cubit" was a standard unit of linear measurement, generally understood to be the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, roughly 18-21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). The consistent application of this measurement across all Tabernacle components ensured that the intricate parts would fit together perfectly, as divinely commanded. This meticulous approach highlighted God's absolute sovereignty and His desire for a holy, ordered dwelling place among His people, setting it apart from the often chaotic or anthropomorphic representations of other ancient deities. The collective contribution and skilled craftsmanship, as seen in [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20-29 "Willing Offerings and Skilled Workers"), underscore the community's unified participation in this sacred endeavor under divine guidance.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 36:9 contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, emphasizing that God is not a God of chaos but of meticulous design, where every detail serves a purpose. This is evident in the exhaustive instructions given in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Tabernacle Instructions") and their faithful execution here. Another crucial theme is **Obedience to God's Command**, as the craftsmen scrupulously followed the divine blueprint, demonstrating a profound reverence for Yahweh's instructions. The uniformity of the curtains also highlights the theme of **Unity and Harmony**, essential for the functional integrity of the Tabernacle and symbolic of the desired unity within the believing community. Finally, the construction of the Tabernacle itself embodies the theme of **God's Presence Among His People**, establishing a tangible, sacred space where Yahweh would dwell, a concept central to Israel's identity and worship ([Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "God's Dwelling Among Israel")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Curtain (Hebrew, _yᵉrîyʻâh'_):** From the root meaning "to tremble" or "to hang," this word refers to the woven fabric panels that formed the coverings of the Tabernacle. In [Exodus 36:9](/exodus/36-9 "Tabernacle Curtain Dimensions"), it specifically denotes the innermost, most sacred set of ten curtains made of fine twined linen with cherubim, which were crucial for enclosing the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. The term emphasizes their function as hangings that defined the sacred space.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ʼammâh'_):** This ancient unit of linear measurement, derived from the length of the forearm, was the standard for all Tabernacle dimensions. Its consistent and precise use throughout the Tabernacle's specifications, as seen in [Exodus 26:1-2](/exodus/26-1-2 "Tabernacle Curtain Dimensions"), underscores the divine demand for exactness. The repetition of "cubits" highlights the tangible, measurable reality of God's instructions, leaving no room for human estimation or deviation in the construction of His dwelling.
* **Size (Hebrew, _middâh'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "extension," refers to a measure, including its standard, or a portion as measured. In the context of "all of one size," it conveys the concept of uniform measurement and dimension. Coupled with the Hebrew word for "one" (H259, _ʼechâd'_), it emphasizes that all ten curtains were not merely similar but precisely identical in their dimensions, crucial for their seamless integration and the overall structural integrity and symbolic perfection of the Tabernacle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The length of one curtain [was] twenty and eight cubits":** This clause provides the primary, longitudinal dimension for each individual curtain. At approximately 42 feet (12.8 meters), this substantial length indicates a significant piece of fabric, designed to drape over the Tabernacle frame and provide comprehensive covering, extending down the sides of the structure.
* **"and the breadth of one curtain four cubits":** This clause specifies the secondary, latitudinal dimension, approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters) wide. This breadth, when multiplied by the ten curtains and joined together, would contribute to the overall width of the Tabernacle's covering, ensuring complete enclosure of the sacred space. The precise ratio of length to breadth (7:1) may also carry symbolic significance, with seven often representing completeness or perfection in biblical numerology.
* **"the curtains [were] all of one size":** This concluding phrase is paramount, emphasizing the absolute uniformity required for every single curtain. This was not merely an aesthetic preference but a functional necessity, ensuring that when the curtains were joined together (as described in [Exodus 26:3-6](/exodus/26-3-6 "Joining the Curtains")), they would form a perfectly aligned and cohesive covering for the sanctuary, without any irregularities or gaps. This highlights the divine demand for precision and the importance of each component fitting perfectly into the larger, divinely ordained design.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 36:9 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and significance. The most apparent is **Repetition** of precise measurements, not only within this verse but throughout the Tabernacle narrative (here and in earlier instruction chapters like [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Tabernacle Instructions")). This serves to underscore the divine insistence on exactness and the meticulous obedience required of the craftsmen; it is not mere redundancy but a rhetorical strategy to emphasize the absolute nature of God's blueprint. The concluding phrase, "the curtains [were] all of one size," exemplifies **Emphasis**, highlighting the critical importance of uniformity for the functional integrity and symbolic unity of the Tabernacle's covering. Furthermore, the detailed, almost architectural description uses **Specification** to provide a concrete, tangible image of the sacred structure, allowing the reader to visualize the divine design with clarity. This precision implicitly employs **Symbolism**, as the exactness and uniformity of the physical structure point to the ordered, holy, and unified character of the God who dwells within it, and by extension, the unity and order He desires for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:9, with its unwavering emphasis on precise measurements and uniformity, powerfully communicates God's character as a God of order, intentionality, and perfection. Every minute detail of the Tabernacle, from its overarching design to the specific dimensions of each curtain, was divinely ordained, underscoring that God is never arbitrary but operates with supreme purpose and meticulous precision. This divine meticulousness reflects His absolute holiness and the sacredness of His presence. The requirement for all curtains to be "of one size" also speaks profoundly to the importance of unity, harmony, and consistency in God's work and among His people. Just as these individual curtains, though distinct pieces, had to conform to a single, unvarying standard to form a cohesive and perfect whole, so too are believers called to function in unity within the body of Christ, each part contributing faithfully to the overall divine design, ensuring no gaps or imperfections in the spiritual dwelling place of God.

* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "God is a God of Order")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "The Body Built Up in Love")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "The Tabernacle as a Copy of Heavenly Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed precision found in Exodus 36:9 serves as a profound and enduring reminder that God is a God of order, intentionality, and excellence. He does not operate haphazardly, nor does He call for half-hearted or approximate efforts in His service. Just as the Tabernacle's curtains had to be meticulously crafted to exact specifications to form a perfect dwelling place for His presence, so too are our lives, our worship, and our service to God meant to reflect His divine standard of excellence and faithfulness. This verse challenges us to critically examine the "measurements" of our own spiritual "curtains"—our character, our gifts, our relationships, and our ministries. Are we striving for uniformity with God's revealed will, ensuring that each part of our lives fits seamlessly into His larger design for us and for His church? Are we diligently obedient to the divine blueprint laid out in His Word, or are we content with approximations, personal preferences, or convenient deviations? The unity of the curtains also powerfully speaks to the harmony required within the community of faith; each believer, like each curtain, is unique yet must conform to the overall pattern of Christ to build up the body effectively and without blemish, reflecting God's perfect order.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I need to pay closer attention to God's "measurements" or specific instructions as revealed in His Word?**
* **How does the emphasis on uniformity and precision in the Tabernacle's construction challenge my understanding of unity and excellence within my local church or the broader body of Christ?**
* **What does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's design reveal about His character, and how does that understanding deepen my trust in His perfect plans for me?**

### FAQ

**Why were the dimensions of the Tabernacle curtains so specific?**

Answer: The dimensions were specific because they were divinely ordained by God Himself, as meticulously recorded in passages like [Exodus 26:1-2](/exodus/26-1-2 "Tabernacle Curtain Dimensions"). This precision underscored several profound theological truths: it demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty and authority over every detail of His worship; it revealed His meticulous nature as a God of order, perfection, and holiness; and it emphasized the sacredness of the space where He would uniquely dwell among His people. The exactness ensured that every component, no matter how intricate, would fit together perfectly, forming a cohesive and functional sanctuary that reflected divine holiness rather than human preference or estimation. Furthermore, it served as a crucial test of obedience for the craftsmen and the entire Israelite community, demonstrating their willingness to follow God's blueprint without deviation, trusting in His perfect design.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous precision and absolute unity required for the Tabernacle's curtains in [Exodus 36:9](/exodus/36-9 "Tabernacle Curtain Dimensions") find their ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself, with all its components, was fundamentally a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "The Tabernacle as a Shadow of Heavenly Things")), pointing forward to the perfect, eternal reality found in Christ. Just as these perfectly measured curtains formed a flawless, unified covering for God's earthly dwelling, Jesus is the perfect and complete revelation of God, the one in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is the true and ultimate sanctuary, the very place where God tabernacles among humanity, as "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). The flawless dimensions and "one size" of the curtains prefigure Christ's perfect obedience and sinless life, which perfectly fulfilled every divine requirement and law, declaring, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Moreover, the seamless unity of the Tabernacle's coverings foreshadows the profound unity found in Christ's body, the Church, where diverse members are perfectly joined and built together by the Holy Spirit, founded upon Christ Himself as the cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Christ the Cornerstone")). Through His perfect sacrifice, Christ has opened a new and living way into the very presence of God, a reality far surpassing the limited access provided by the Tabernacle's coverings ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Access Through Christ's Blood")).

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.