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Exodus 26

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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. 2The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure. 3Five curtains shall be coupled together to one another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another. 4You 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. 5You 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. 6You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains to one another with the clasps: and the tabernacle shall be a unit. 7“You shall make curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle. You shall make them eleven curtains. 8The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure. 9You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent. 10You 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. 11You shall make fifty clasps of brass, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. 12The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle. 13The 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. 14You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above. 15“You shall make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing up. 16Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and one and a half cubits the width of each board. 17There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. 18You shall make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side southward. 19You 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. 20For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty boards, 21and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 22For the far part of the tabernacle westward you shall make six boards. 23You shall make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far part. 24They 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. 25There shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 26“You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, 27and 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. 28The middle bar in the middle of the boards shall pass through from end to end. 29You 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. 30You shall set up the tabernacle according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain. 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. 32You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver. 33You 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. 34You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. 35You 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. 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. 37You 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)

“And you shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and bring in the ark of the testimony there within the veil, and the veil shall separate for you the holy place from the most holy.”

Exodus 26:33

Summary

Exodus chapter 26 details the instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place for God's presence among His people. God provides Moses with specific measurements and materials, emphasizing the importance of the Tabernacle's design with materials such as fine linen, goat hair, ram skins, and acacia wood. The intricate details signify not only beauty but also divine holiness, as each element is carefully crafted to reflect the glory of God, showcasing His desire to be near His people while maintaining His holiness. The chapter illustrates the relationship between the divine and human—how God chooses to dwell among His people while setting boundaries for approaching His holiness through the physical structure of the Tabernacle. Key themes include the importance of obedience to divine instruction, the beauty and sanctity of worship spaces, and God's desire for communion with humanity. The use of specific materials signifies both value and sacrifice, reminding the Israelites that their worship requires a heart dedicated to God. Each part of the Tabernacle serves a purpose, and its structure encourages a sense of reverence and awe, as it points toward the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence in Christ, the true Tabernacle among humanity. This chapter underscores the foundational principle that God is both transcendent and immanent, living among His people while maintaining His holy separation from sin. Theologically, the Tabernacle becomes a precursor to understanding Jesus as the manifestation of God's presence in the New Testament. As the Israelites constructed the Tabernacle according to God's pattern, it highlights the importance of adhering to God's plan in our lives, both individually and corporately, as we seek to worship and serve Him in spirit and truth.

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Chapter outline

How Exodus 26 unfolds

  1. Exodus 26:1–6 Instructions for the Tabernacle's Curtains

    God commands Moses to create a Tabernacle using ten curtains of fine linen, colored with blue, purple, and scarlet, joined by gold clasps.

  2. Exodus 26:7–14 Goat Hair and Other Covers

    Moses receives instructions to make an additional layer of curtains from goats' hair and coverings from rams' skins and sea cow hides.

  3. Exodus 26:15–25 Constructing the Tabernacle's Framework

    God provides detailed specifications for the boards and sockets, emphasizing the precise construction of the Tabernacle's structure.

  4. Exodus 26:26–30 Bars and Gold Overlay

    Instructions are given for creating bars of acacia wood to secure the structure, which will be overlaid with gold.

  5. Exodus 26:31–34 The Veil and the Ark

    Moses is instructed to make a veil to separate the holy place from the most holy, where the Ark of the Testimony will reside.

  6. Exodus 26:35–37 Arrangement of the Tabernacle's Furnishings

    The chapter concludes with directions for placing the table and lampstand in the Tabernacle and constructing a screen for the entrance.

Key verses

  • Exodus 26:33Exodus 26:33 emphasizes the significance of separation between the holy and most holy places, central to understanding God's holiness.

Main themes in Exodus 26

Divine Presence

The theme of Divine Presence emerges in verses 33 and 34, highlighting the separation of the holy place from the most holy. The structure is designed to facilitate God's dwelling among His people while maintaining a boundary of holiness. This reinforces God's desire to be present with humanity, yet distinct in His holiness.

Worship and Holiness

Worship and Holiness are prevalent throughout the chapter, particularly in the detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle in verses 1-37. The emphasis on specific materials and craftsmanship reflects the significance of reverence in worship. This theme underscores the importance of approaching God with awe and respect in the context of sacred spaces.

Obedience to God's Design

Obedience to God's Design is central to the chapter, especially in verses 30 and 31, where Moses is instructed to follow the pattern shown on the mountain. The meticulous details highlight the necessity of adhering to divine instructions in constructing the Tabernacle. This theme illustrates the importance of obedience in fulfilling God's plans.

The Role of the Tabernacle

The Role of the Tabernacle is established in verses 33 and 34, where the veil separates the holy place from the most holy. This structure serves as a physical representation of God's presence and the means for worship. The Tabernacle foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God in Christ, emphasizing its significance.

Cross-references

Passages that echo Exodus 26

Study questions

Questions for studying Exodus 26

  1. What materials are specified for the Tabernacle's construction?
  2. How does the design of the Tabernacle reflect God's holiness?
  3. What is the significance of the veil mentioned in verse 33?
  4. How are the boards of the Tabernacle supported?
  5. What purpose does each layer of covering serve for the Tabernacle?
  6. How does this chapter reflect the relationship between God and His people?
  7. What does the structure of the Tabernacle teach about worship?

Exodus 26: frequently asked questions

What is Exodus 26 about?+
Exodus chapter 26 details the instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place for God's presence among His people. God provides Moses with specific measurements and materials, emphasizing the importance of the Tabernacle's design with materials such as fine linen, goat hair, ram skins, and acacia wood. The intricate details signify not only beauty but also divine holiness, as each element is carefully crafted to reflect the glory of God, showcasing His desire to be near His people while maintaining His holiness. The chapter illustrates the relationship between the divine and human—how God chooses to dwell among His people while setting boundaries for approaching His holiness through the physical structure of the Tabernacle. Key themes include the importance of obedience to divine instruction, the beauty and sanctity of worship spaces, and God's desire for communion with humanity. The use of specific materials signifies both value and sacrifice, reminding the Israelites that their worship requires a heart dedicated to God. Each part of the Tabernacle serves a purpose, and its structure encourages a sense of reverence and awe, as it points toward the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence in Christ, the true Tabernacle among humanity. This chapter underscores the foundational principle that God is both transcendent and immanent, living among His people while maintaining His holy separation from sin. Theologically, the Tabernacle becomes a precursor to understanding Jesus as the manifestation of God's presence in the New Testament. As the Israelites constructed the Tabernacle according to God's pattern, it highlights the importance of adhering to God's plan in our lives, both individually and corporately, as we seek to worship and serve Him in spirit and truth.
What is the key verse in Exodus 26?+
Exodus 26:33: "And you shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and bring in the ark of the testimony there within the veil, and the veil shall separate for you the holy place from the most holy."
What are the main themes of Exodus 26?+
The main themes of Exodus 26 are Divine Presence, Worship and Holiness, Obedience to God's Design, The Role of the Tabernacle.

Related chapters

Chapters that connect with Exodus 26

Study Notes

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