Exodus 36:11

And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of [another] curtain, in the coupling of the second.

And he made {H6213} loops {H3924} of blue {H8504} on the edge {H8193} of one {H259} curtain {H3407} from the selvedge {H7098} in the coupling {H4225}: likewise he made {H6213} in the uttermost {H7020} side {H8193} of another curtain {H3407}, in the coupling {H4225} of the second {H8145}.

He made loops of blue on the edge of the outermost sheet in the first set and did the same on the edge of the outermost sheet in the second set.

He made loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and also on the end curtain in the second set.

And he made loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the second coupling.

Commentary

Exodus 36:11 details a specific step in the construction of the Tabernacle: the creation of loops for connecting the large linen curtains that formed the inner sanctuary. This verse highlights the meticulous craftsmanship involved, specifically mentioning the "loops of blue" on the edges of the curtains, designed for coupling them together seamlessly.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative describing the actual construction of the Tabernacle, carried out by skilled craftsmen like Bezaleel and Aholiab, and the willing Israelites, as commanded by God through Moses. After receiving the detailed divine blueprint on Mount Sinai (as outlined in Exodus 25-31), the people responded generously with materials and labor. Exodus 36 specifically details the making of the Tabernacle's various components, with these curtains being central to the structure of God's dwelling place in the wilderness. The instructions for these curtains, including the loops and coupling system, were first given in Exodus 26:1-6, emphasizing the divine origin and precise nature of the entire project.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The detailed instructions for the loops, their color, and their placement underscore God's demand for exactness and perfection in all matters related to His worship and dwelling place. Every element of the Tabernacle was designed with divine intentionality.
  • Unity and Connection: The purpose of these loops was to join multiple curtains into one continuous covering. This symbolizes the unity of God's people and the interconnectedness of His divine plan. Just as the Tabernacle was a single, unified structure, so too is the body of believers.
  • Symbolism of Blue: The color "blue" (Hebrew: tekhelet, ืชึฐึผื›ึตืœึถืช) was highly significant in Israelite culture, often representing the heavens, divinity, and purity. Its use on the Tabernacle curtains pointed to the heavenly origin of God's dwelling and His holy presence among His earthly people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "blue" here is tekhelet (ืชึฐึผื›ึตืœึถืช), which refers to a specific, highly prized blue-purple dye derived from a marine mollusk. This color was not merely decorative but carried deep symbolic weight, often associated with royalty, priesthood, and divine revelation, as seen in the garments of the high priest (Exodus 28:15) and the fringes of the Israelites' garments (Numbers 15:38). The "selvedge" refers to the finished, reinforced edge of the fabric, ensuring durability and strength where the loops were attached for coupling the curtains.

Practical Application

While describing ancient craftsmanship, Exodus 36:11 offers timeless principles:

  • Excellence in Service: God desires our best in all we do for Him. The meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction reminds us to approach our service, worship, and spiritual gifts with diligence and a commitment to excellence.
  • The Importance of Connection: Just as the loops connected separate curtains into a unified whole, believers are called to be interconnected within the body of Christ. Our individual contributions are essential for the unity and strength of the church (Ephesians 4:16).
  • God's Desire to Dwell Among Us: The Tabernacle, with all its intricate parts, was ultimately a temporary structure pointing to God's desire for intimate fellowship with humanity. This desire was perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled among us" (John 1:14), and continues through the Holy Spirit dwelling in believers, making the church a spiritual temple (1 Corinthians 3:16).
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 26:4 (2 votes)

    And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of [another] curtain, in the coupling of the second.