ScriptureDepth's study of Exodus 26
“You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil: and the veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you.”
Exodus 26:33
Yahweh instructs Moses to hang the veil to separate the holy place from the most holy, marking the sacred space for the ark of the testimony.
What Exodus 26 is about
Yahweh instructs Moses to make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, decorated with cherubim (vv. 1-6). These curtains will be coupled in pairs. Next, Moses is told to make eleven curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle (vv. 7-14). Each curtain will be the same size. The framework of the tabernacle will be built with boards of acacia wood, standing up (vv. 15-25). There will be twenty boards on the south side and twenty on the north side, each with two sockets of silver. Moses is to add five bars made of acacia wood to hold the boards together and overlay them with gold (vv. 26-30). He will also make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet, which will separate the holy place from the most holy place (vv. 31-34). Finally, the table and lampstand will be arranged outside the veil (vv. 35-37).
The instructions conclude with setting up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown on the mountain.
Exodus 26 at a glance
- Exodus 26:1–6Instructions for the Tabernacle's Curtains
- Exodus 26:7–14Goat Hair and Other Covers
- Exodus 26:15–25Constructing the Tabernacle's Framework
- Exodus 26:26–30Bars and Gold Overlay
- Exodus 26:31–34The Veil and the Ark
- Exodus 26:35–37Arrangement of the Tabernacle's Furnishings
Key verse: Exodus 26:33
One thing to notice
In verses 34 and 35, the text specifies the arrangement of the inner sanctum, placing the 'ark of the testimony' behind the veil and the 'table' outside it. This sets up a structured layout for the tabernacle, clearly defining the separation between the most holy and the holy place.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Exodus 26 (WEB)
Instructions for the Tabernacle's Curtains Exodus 26:1–6
1Verse 1. “Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman you shall make them. 2Verse 2. The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure. 3Verse 3. Five curtains shall be coupled together to one another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another. 4Verse 4. You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling; and likewise you shall make in the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second coupling.
5Verse 5. You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling. The loops shall be opposite one another. 6Verse 6. You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains to one another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be a unit.
Goat Hair and Other Covers Exodus 26:7–14
7Verse 7. “You shall make curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle. You shall make them eleven curtains. 8Verse 8. The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure. 9Verse 9. You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent. 10Verse 10. You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which is outermost in the second coupling.
11Verse 11. You shall make fifty clasps of brass, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. 12Verse 12. The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle. 13Verse 13. The cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it. 14Verse 14. You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.
Constructing the Tabernacle's Framework Exodus 26:15–25
15Verse 15. “You shall make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing up. 16Verse 16. Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and one and a half cubits the width of each board. 17Verse 17. There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. 18Verse 18. You shall make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side southward. 19Verse 19. You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons.
20Verse 20. For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty boards, 21Verse 21. and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 22Verse 22. For the far part of the tabernacle westward you shall make six boards. 23Verse 23. You shall make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far part. 24Verse 24. They shall be double beneath, and in the same way they shall be whole to its top to one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. 25Verse 25. There shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
Bars and Gold Overlay Exodus 26:26–30
26Verse 26. “You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, 27Verse 27. and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far part westward. 28Verse 28. The middle bar in the middle of the boards shall pass through from end to end. 29Verse 29. You shall overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and you shall overlay the bars with gold. 30Verse 30. You shall set up the tabernacle according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain.
The Veil and the Ark Exodus 26:31–34
31Verse 31. “You shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman shall it be made. 32Verse 32. You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver. 33Verse 33. You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil: and the veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you. 34Verse 34. You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.
Arrangement of the Tabernacle's Furnishings Exodus 26:35–37
35Verse 35. You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lamp stand over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and you shall put the table on the north side. 36Verse 36. “You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer. 37Verse 37. You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold: their hooks shall be of gold: and you shall cast five sockets of brass for them.
World English Bible (public domain)
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Main themes in Exodus 26
Divine Presence
The tabernacle serves as the dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites. In verse 33, the instruction to 'hang up the veil under the clasps' creates a separation between the holy place and the most holy place, where the 'ark of the testimony' is kept. This division signifies the sanctity of God's presence, which can only be approached through specific means. The chapter meticulously outlines the construction of this sacred space.
Worship and Holiness
The tabernacle's design and materials establish the standards for holiness in worship. In verse 31, the veil is made from 'blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen', showcasing the beauty and value that should characterize worship settings. The arrangement of the tabernacle and its furnishings, particularly in verses 35-37, indicates a deliberate structure for worship that honors God's holiness and the reverence owed in His presence.
Obedience to God's Design
This chapter includes precise instructions for constructing the tabernacle, focusing on the need to adhere to God's design. In verses 30-31, the command to 'set up the tabernacle according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain' stresses the necessity of following divine specifications. Each element, from the curtains to the framework, must be constructed according to these directives, demonstrating the call to obey God's commands.
The Role of the Tabernacle
Exodus 26 outlines the construction of the tabernacle, which serves as a dwelling place for God among His people. In verse 34, the instruction to place the 'mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the most holy place' signifies the tabernacle's role in mediating God's presence. The meticulous details provided throughout the chapter underscore the tabernacle's function in worship and community life for the Israelites.
Chapter outline
How Exodus 26 unfolds
Exodus 26:1–6 Instructions for the Tabernacle's Curtains
The curtains for the tabernacle are to be made with 'fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim' (v. 1), coupled in sets, to form a unified structure.
Exodus 26:7–14 Goat Hair and Other Covers
Goat hair curtains are to cover the tabernacle, with specific dimensions and couplings (vv. 7-9), and additional coverings of rams' skins and sea cow hides (v. 14) are commanded for protection.
Exodus 26:15–25 Constructing the Tabernacle's Framework
The 'boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood' (v. 15) are to be set up with precise measurements and supported by silver sockets, defining the tabernacle's structure and stability.
Exodus 26:26–30 Bars and Gold Overlay
Bars of acacia wood are to be made to connect the boards (vv. 26-27), with an overlay of gold for the visible parts of the tabernacle, ensuring a cohesive appearance.
Exodus 26:31–34 The Veil and the Ark
A veil is to be crafted with colors and cherubim (v. 31), to separate the 'holy place from the most holy' (v. 33), with the ark placed behind it.
Exodus 26:35–37 Arrangement of the Tabernacle's Furnishings
The furnishings of the tabernacle are arranged with a 'screen for the door' (v. 36) and specific placements for the table and lamp stand, detailing the internal layout.
Key verses
Exodus 26:33Yahweh instructs Moses to hang the veil to separate the holy place from the most holy, marking the sacred space for the ark of the testimony.
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Study questions
Questions for studying Exodus 26
- observeIn v6, why are the curtains coupled together with 'clasps'?
- observeIn v13, what does the remaining part of the 'curtains' cover?
- interpretThe 'veil' in v31: what is its purpose in separating spaces?
- interpretIn v30, why is the Tabernacle to be set up according to what was shown on the 'mountain'?
- applyWhen have you felt a sense of 'separation' from others in a space you considered sacred?
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Cross-references
Passages that echo Exodus 26
- Exodus 36Exodus 26:1 and Exodus 36:8Both make the tabernacle: Exodus 26:1 describes the ten curtains, while Exodus 36:8 reflects their skilled craftsmanship.
- Exodus 40Exodus 26:35 and Exodus 40:22Both set the table: Exodus 26:35 places it outside the veil, while Exodus 40:22 details its positioning in the Tent.
- Exodus 25Exodus 26:30 and Exodus 25:40Both set up the tabernacle: Exodus 26:30 commands following the shown pattern, while Exodus 25:40 reinforces making it after the pattern.
- Exodus 35Exodus 26:1 and Exodus 35:11Both mention the tabernacle: Exodus 26:1 specifies its outer elements, while Exodus 35:11 lists its components.
- Hebrews 9Exodus 26:33 and Hebrews 9:4Both describe the veil: Exodus 26:33 separates the holy places, while Hebrews 9:4 lists the ark within.
- Exodus 38Exodus 26:19 and Exodus 38:27Both make the sockets: Exodus 26:19 specifies the silver sockets under the boards, while Exodus 38:27 confirms their creation.
Related chapters
Chapters that connect with Exodus 26
Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth
Where to go from here
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