Exodus, Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Verses 1-37: The Tabernacle’s Construction

1. “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker.
2. All the curtains are to be the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide.
3. Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five.
4. Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain in the other set.
5. Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other.
6. Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit.
7. “Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven altogether.
8. All eleven curtains are to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.
9. Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent.
10. Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set.
11. Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to join the tent together as a unit.
12. As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle.
13. The tent curtains will be a cubit longer on both sides; what is left will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover it.
14. “Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of another durable leather.
15. “Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle.
16. Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide,
17. with two projections set parallel to each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way.
18. Make twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle
19. and make forty silver bases to go under them—two bases for each frame, one under each projection.
20. For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, make twenty frames
21. and forty silver bases—two under each frame.
22. Make six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle,
23. and make two frames for the corners at the far end.
24. At these two corners they must be double from the bottom all the way to the top and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that.
25. So there will be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame.
26. “Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle,
27. five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle.
28. The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames.
29. Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.
30. “Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.
31. “Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker.
32. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases.
33. Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
34. Put the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law in the Most Holy Place.
35. Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.
36. “For the entrance to the tent, make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer.
37. Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.

Interpretation: Exodus 26 details the intricate design and specific materials required for the Tabernacle’s construction, emphasizing God’s desire for beauty, order, and holiness in the space where He would dwell among His people. The instructions reflect a profound understanding of sacred space, symbolizing God’s presence, the separation between the divine and the mundane, and the need for mediation between God and humanity. The detailed craftsmanship and precious materials underscore the value placed on the worship of God and the community’s role in creating a dwelling place for the divine. This chapter not only provides a blueprint for the physical structure but also symbolizes the structured approach to worship and the importance of following God’s design for living in His presence. The Tabernacle serves as a tangible sign of God’s covenant with Israel, a central point of their communal and spiritual life during their wilderness journey.