The Book of
Exodus 26
37 verses≈ 5 minBSB
Images are artistic interpretations.
Tap any post to go deeper
Where we are
- 1–6Slaves in EgyptOppression and a deliverer
- 7–13The plaguesThe LORD against Pharaoh
- 14–18Through the seaRescued and led
- 19–24At SinaiThe covenant and the law
- 25–31A place to dwellThe tabernacle plannedChapter 26
- 32–40Broken and renewedThe calf, mercy, the glory
The Ten Curtains for the Tabernacle
“You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them.
0:10
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
All one size
Each about 42 by 6 feet
Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—all curtains the same size.
Two sets of five
Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well.
Joining
Fifty loops of blue on each set
Make loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and do the same for the end curtain in the second set.
Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops line up opposite one another.
Fifty gold clasps make it one
Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit.
Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture
The Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair
Over the linen
Eleven curtains of goat hair
You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all.
Each about 45 by 6 feet
Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.
Sets of five and six
Join five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another.
The sixth folded at the front
Then fold the sixth curtain over double at the front of the tent.
Fifty loops, fifty bronze clasps
Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set. Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit.
The overhang
Half a curtain over the back
As for the overlap that remains of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over shall hang down over the back of the tabernacle.
A cubit over each side
And the tent curtains will be a cubit longer on either side, and the excess will hang over the sides of the tabernacle to cover it.
Outer coverings
Red ram skins, then fine leather
Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.
Reflect
Glory under plain covers
Inside, the tabernacle was fine linen in blue, purple and scarlet, with “cherubim skillfully worked into them.” Outside, all anyone saw was goat hair, ram skins and “a covering of fine leather.” Its glory was hidden from the road. Jesus came the same way, with nothing in His looks to draw a crowd. Where are you tempted to judge by the outside, in others or in yourself? Write down one place you want to look deeper.
The Frames and Bases
How to make it
The crossbars
Acacia wood
Five bars for each of three walls
You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west.
The middle bar runs end to end
The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other.
Overlaid with gold
Frames in gold, gold rings
Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars.
The bars in gold as well
Also overlay the crossbars with gold.
So you are to set up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.
Plan to scale in cubits · north at the top
Where it stood
The tent
Twenty frames on the south side, twenty on the north and eight at the back made a tent 30 cubits long and 10 wide (about 45 by 15 feet) and 10 cubits high, open only at the east. Over the frames lay the linen curtains, then the goat hair, then the coverings of ram skins and leather.
Pray
Built to go with them
Every frame stood in silver bases, every bar ran through gold rings, and the whole tent could be taken down and carried. God did not ask His people to come to Him at a fixed shrine. He went with them through the wilderness. Thank Him that He goes with you too, and ask Him to keep you steady, set on the foundation He has laid.
The Veil
Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil.
So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
Exodus 26:33
Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place. And place the table outside the veil on the north side of the tabernacle, and put the lampstand opposite the table, on the south side.
Plan to scale in cubits · north at the top
Where it stood
Two rooms
The veil hung across the tent, and “the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.” Behind it, in a square of 10 cubits (about 15 feet), the ark with the mercy seat stood alone. In front of it, the table stood on the north side and the lampstand opposite, on the south.
The Curtain for the Entrance
For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold, use hooks of gold, and cast five bronze bases for them.
Question
Quick question
The tent had two curtains of blue, purple and scarlet: one at the entrance and one inside it.
What did the veil separate?
You’ve experienced
Exodus 26
0 of 40 chapters read
A verse to carry with you
So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
Exodus 26:33
or swipe left