Exodus26
New International Version
1“Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker.
2All the curtains are to be the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide.
3Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five.
4Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain in the other set.
5Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other.
6Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit.
7“Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven altogether.
8All eleven curtains are to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.
9Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent.
10Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set.
11Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit.
12As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle.
13The tent curtains will be a cubit longer on both sides; what is left will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover it.
14Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of the other durable leather.
15“Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle.
16Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide,
17with two projections set parallel to each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way.
18Make twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle
19and make forty silver bases to go under them—two bases for each frame, one under each projection.
20For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, make twenty frames
21and forty silver bases—two under each frame.
22Make six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle,
23and make two frames for the corners at the far end.
24At these two corners they must be double from the bottom all the way to the top and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that.
25So there will be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame.
26“Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle,
27five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle.
28The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames.
29Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.
30“Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.
31“Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker.
32Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases.
33Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
34Put the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law in the Most Holy Place.
35Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.
36“For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer.
37Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Exodus 26.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The curtains of the tabernacle. (1–6). The curtains of goats' hair. (7–14). The boards, sockets, and bars. (15–30). The vail of the holy of holies, and for the entrance. (31–37).
vv1-6
God manifested his presence among the Israelites in a tabernacle or tent, because of their condition in the wilderness. God suits the tokens of his favour, and the gifts of his grace, to his people's state and wants. The curtains of the tabernacle were to be very rich. They were to be embroidered with cherubim, signifying that the angels of God pitch their tents round about the church, Ps 34:7. (Ex 26:7-14)
vv7-14
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly, and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
vv15-30
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the curtains were spread. Though movable, it was strong and firm. The materials were very costly. In all this it was a type of the church of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone, Eph 2:20, 21.
Key Words
עָשָׂה: to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִשְׁכָּן: a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the Temple); specifically, the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden walls)
עֶשֶׂר: ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
יְרִיעָה: a hanging (as tremulous)
שָׁזַר: to twist (a thread of straw)
שֵׁשׁ: bleached stuff, i.e. white linen or (by analogy) marble
תְּכֵלֶת: the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
אַרְגָּמָן: purple (the color or the dyed stuff)
כְּרוּב: a cherub or imaginary figure
חָשַׁב: properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e. (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a malicious sense); hence (from the mental effort) to think, regard, value, compute
Cross References
Exodus 26The apostle explains the spiritual significance of the veil dividing the Holy from the Most Holy Place.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The rending of the temple veil at Christ's death signifies free access to the holiest of all.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The veil is a type of Christ's flesh, through which we have a new and living way.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The tabernacle boards on silver sockets typify the church built on the foundation of the apostles.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Reinforces the command to construct the tabernacle exactly according to the pattern shown on the mount.
Supported by JFB
The historical account of the actual construction of these exact ten curtains and coverings.
Identifies the source of the materials, noting that wise-hearted women spun the goats' hair.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Confirms the subsequent construction of the protective outer covering of rams' skins dyed red.
Supported by JFB
The structural fulfillment of making the standing boards of shittim wood and their bars.
The execution of making the veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.
Direct instruction on placing the mercy seat on top of the ark, executed here.
Highlights the heavenly pattern that Moses was strictly warned to follow when rearing the tabernacle.
Regulations concerning the high priest entering behind the veil only once a year.
New Testament description of the outer sanctuary containing the candlestick and the table.
The coupling together of the boards at the corners typifies Christian unity and brotherhood.
Consistent instructions for overlaying the wooden structural elements of the sanctuary with pure gold.