Exodus 26:1-14
Curtains over the Dwelling
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1“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.
2Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—all curtains the same size.
3Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well.
4Make 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.
5Make 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.
6Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit.
7You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all.
8Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.
9Join five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another. Then fold the sixth curtain over double at the front of the tent.
10Make 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.
11Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit.
12As 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.
13And 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.
14Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.
Berean Standard Bible
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God describes the curtains and coverings of the tabernacle, including fine linen, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, cherubim, goats' hair, skins, clasps, and loops. The layers will cover the dwelling and protect what is inside.
The tabernacle is portable, but it is not careless. Israel will carry a carefully ordered place of worship through the wilderness.
The design joins beauty and protection, showing that the dwelling is both holy and prepared to travel with Israel.
The two sets of linen curtains are clasped together to make one unit. The larger goat-hair covering extends beyond them, and skins cover the tent above. Measurements and matching loops matter because separately made pieces must fit. Following God's design calls for patient, skilled work on the whole dwelling, not just the parts someone will admire.
Questions
1 How do the linen curtains become one unit?
AnswerThey are joined into two sets of five. Matching loops along the edges are connected by fifty gold clasps, joining the two sets into one tabernacle.
2 How do the inner curtains differ from the coverings above them?
AnswerThe inner curtains are fine linen with colored yarn and cherubim worked into them. Over these go a larger goat-hair tent, ram skins dyed red, and fine leather.
3 Why do the matching measurements and loops matter?
AnswerThe pieces have to fit together to form the dwelling God commanded. Care over a small part contributes to the usefulness of the whole.
4 What work in our home needs care even when no visitor will notice it?
AnswerWashing bedding, putting away supplies, or repairing something worn can protect and help others. We can do such work well because people benefit from it, even when it earns no praise.
What This Means for Us
God provides a dwelling suited to His people's life in the wilderness. The beautiful inner curtains and the coverings above them both belong to His design.
Some work is quickly noticed; some is only noticed when it goes undone. Share the less visible work in your home, and let children see that usefulness matters more than attention. We serve the God who already chose to come near to His people.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your care for your people in the wilderness. Give us patience with work that takes time and willingness to do what helps others. Teach us to value service even when few people see it. Amen.
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