Exodus 26

37 verses

TL;DR

Exodus 26 gives detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle’s outer walls, curtains, and interior furnishings, emphasizing precise measurements and symbolic materials.

Summary

The chapter begins with instructions to make ten curtains of twined linen in blue, purple, and scarlet, adorned with cherubim, and joined with loops and taches of gold to form the outer walls. Next, eleven goats’ hair curtains are described, also joined with loops and brass taches, and a half-curtain remains to cover the backside. The construction of the tabernacle’s boards and corners follows, with shittim wood boards, silver sockets, and gold overlays, totaling 56 boards and various support bars. A blue veil of fine linen with cherubim is to be hung over four gold‑plated pillars, separating the holy place from the most holy. The Ark of the Covenant, the mercy seat, the table, candlestick, and door hanging are also specified, all adorned with precious metals and fine textiles.

Outline

Fabrication of curtains and outer walls with precise measurements and symbolic adornments.
Construction of boards, corners, and support structures using shittim wood, silver, and gold.
Installation of the veil, Ark, mercy seat, and interior furnishings within the Tabernacle.

Themes

Divine order and precision in creation.Symbolism of materials and colors in worship.The sanctification of space through craftsmanship.

Keywords

TabernacleCurtainCherubimGoldSilverShittim woodGoat’s hairArk of the CovenantMercy SeatVeilCopper tachesBoardsSockets

People

MosesGod

Places

Mount SinaiTabernacle

Things

TabernacleCurtainsTapestry of cherubimVeilArk of the CovenantMercy SeatTableCandlestickDoor hanging

Key Verses

Exodus 26:1: Introduces the first set of curtains and establishes the color palette and decorative motifs.
Exodus 26:30-31: Summarizes the overall assembly of the Tabernacle, connecting the design to the divine instruction on the mountain.
Exodus 26:33: Describes the veil’s placement, creating the division between the holy and most holy places.

Questions

What might the specific colors and materials symbolize in the context of Israel’s covenant?
How does the precision of measurements reflect the Israelites’ relationship with God?
Why are the veil and Ark separated, and what does that separation represent?
In what ways do the instructions for the Tabernacle’s construction anticipate later architectural designs in Israelite worship?
How does the use of gold, silver, and fine linen contribute to the sanctity of the space?

Sentiment

neutral
The text is a technical, descriptive instruction set without explicit emotional language.