King James Version

Exodus 26

37 verses with commentary

The Tabernacle

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them. of cunning: Heb. the work of a cunning workman, or, embroiderer

View commentary

Ten curtains of fine twined linen with cherubim embroidered in blue, purple, and scarlet form the tabernacle's inner covering. The linen represents righteousness (Revelation 19:8); the colors heaven (blue), royalty (purple), and sacrifice (scarlet). Cherubim woven throughout picture the heavenly reality—angels surrounding God's throne. This innermost layer, seen only by ministering priests, reflects the heavenly pattern Moses saw. Christ is our true tabernacle, containing all heavenly realities (Hebrews 8:2).

The length of one curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure.

View commentary

Precise measurements: each curtain 28 cubits × 4 cubits. Nothing in God's dwelling is haphazard. These dimensions (approximately 42' × 6') ensured perfect fit when joined together. The uniformity teaches that all elements of worship must harmonize according to divine design. Just as these curtains formed one unified covering, the church—Christ's dwelling—comprises diverse members unified in Him (Ephesians 2:21-22).

The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.

View commentary

Five curtains coupled together, and five more coupled together—two sets that would then be joined into one. The number five sometimes represents grace; ten represents completeness. The coupling shows individual units forming a greater whole, prefiguring how individual believers are knit together by grace into one body. Though distinct, we become one covering over God's presence through Christ's unifying work.

And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.

View commentary

Fifty loops of blue on one curtain's edge—blue representing the heavenly. These loops enabled the two sets to join, creating one complete covering. The loops teach that what appears separate finds unity through heavenly means. Blue (sky/heaven) reminds us that true unity comes from above, not human effort. In Christ, divisions are overcome—'neither Jew nor Greek' (Galatians 3:28)—through heavenly reality, not earthly compromise.

Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another.

View commentary

Fifty loops on each set—one hundred total—with loops exactly corresponding 'one to another.' Perfect alignment enables perfect joining. This illustrates that God-designed unity isn't forced conformity but divinely ordered harmony. Each loop has its precise counterpart; each believer has ordained relationships. The loops don't create union independently but prepare for the clasps (next verse) that accomplish joining—God's Spirit creates the unity we maintain (Ephesians 4:3).

And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one tabernacle.

View commentary

Fifty gold clasps (קֶרֶס, qeres) join the loops, making the tabernacle 'one.' Gold represents deity—God Himself joins what was separated, creating unity. The number fifty relates to Pentecost (50th day) when the Spirit descended, creating the church. Just as gold clasps united the curtains into one tabernacle, the Holy Spirit unites believers into one body—Christ's dwelling place. Unity is a divine act, not human achievement.

And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.

View commentary

Eleven curtains of goats' hair form the second covering, the tent over the tabernacle. Goats' hair was coarser than linen, providing weather protection. The number eleven (one beyond ten, completeness) suggests something exceeding expectation—God's provision beyond adequacy. While the inner linen displayed beauty for priestly eyes, the outer goats' hair faced wilderness elements, suggesting Christ's dual nature: glorious within, humble without (Isaiah 53:2).

The length of one curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains shall be all of one measure.

View commentary

Each goats' hair curtain measures 30 cubits × 4 cubits—longer than the linen curtains (28 × 4). This extra length provides overhang, protecting the precious inner covering from weather. The outer, coarser material shields the inner beauty, just as Christ's humble human appearance veiled His divine glory. The world saw a carpenter's son; disciples glimpsed the transfigured Lord. God's glory is protected from casual observation, revealed to those who draw near.

And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.

View commentary

Five goats' hair curtains coupled together and six curtains coupled separately, with the sixth curtain doubled at the tent's front. This creates a flap or 'portico' that could be raised for entry. The asymmetrical arrangement (5 + 6 instead of matching 5 + 5) shows functional design—there must be an entrance. Christ declares, 'I am the door' (John 10:9)—access to God requires His provision, not human ingenuity.

And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

View commentary

Fifty loops on the edge of the outermost curtain in each set—the same coupling method as the inner linen curtains. The repetition of pattern (loops and clasps) from inner to outer coverings shows that God's design principles remain consistent at every level. Whether the beautiful inner linen or the utilitarian outer goats' hair, the same method of unification applies—God's Spirit creates unity in diverse elements.

And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. tent: or, covering

View commentary

Fifty bronze clasps join the goats' hair covering, contrasting with the gold clasps of the inner linen. Bronze typically represents judgment (bronze serpent, bronze altar), while gold represents deity. The outer covering, facing the world and weather, is joined by bronze (judgment borne); the inner covering, facing God, by gold (divine nature). Christ bore judgment outwardly (bronze) while maintaining divine nature inwardly (gold), making one dwelling place for God and man.

And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.

View commentary

The remnant or extra half-curtain hangs over the tabernacle's back. God's provision includes margin—not merely adequate but abundant. The overlap ensures complete coverage with no gaps. This abundance prefigures Christ's excessive provision—grace 'exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20). God doesn't provide bare minimum but generous overflow.

And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it. of that: Heb. in the remainder, or, surplus

View commentary

A cubit overhang on each side (the goats' hair curtains being 30 cubits to the linen's 28) ensures the precious inner covering is completely shielded. Every part of God's glory receives protection. Nothing is left exposed to elements. Similarly, Christ's redemption completely covers believers—no portion of our life is unprotected by His sacrifice. 'He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye' (Zechariah 2:8).

And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins.

View commentary

Two additional coverings: rams' skins dyed red and badgers'/dugongs' skins. The rams' skins dyed red clearly suggest substitutionary sacrifice (rams sacrificed throughout the tabernacle system). Red points to blood atonement. The outer covering of badger/dugong skins—tough, waterproof, and unbeautiful—recalls Isaiah 53:2, 'no beauty that we should desire him.' Christ appeared unremarkable outwardly, His glory hidden, yet provided complete protection.

And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.

View commentary

Boards (קֶרֶשׁ, qeresh, planks/frames) of acacia wood provide structure. These standing boards contrast with the horizontal coverings, creating the tabernacle's skeleton. Wood represents humanity; these boards stood upright (resurrected position), overlaid with gold (deity). They prefigure believers who were dead but now stand upright in Christ, our humanity transformed by His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). We are 'living stones' built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5).

Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.

View commentary

Each board measures 10 cubits × 1.5 cubits (approximately 15' × 27'). The height (10) suggests completeness; the width enables the boards to stand together forming walls. These uniform dimensions ensure all boards fit together perfectly—no board too short or too tall. In Christ's body, each member is perfectly sized and placed for their function (1 Corinthians 12:18). God doesn't create misfits; apparent differences serve divine design.

Two tenons shall there be in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle. tenons: Heb. hands

View commentary

Two tenons (יָד, yad, literally 'hands') per board, fitting into silver sockets. These tenons ('hands') extend from each board, reaching into the foundation. The imagery suggests that each standing board 'grasps' or 'holds onto' its foundation. Believers must be grounded in Christ, our foundation. The tenons' connection to silver sockets (silver represents redemption) shows we stand on redemptive foundation, not personal merit (1 Corinthians 3:11).

And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.

View commentary

Twenty boards for the south side, facing southward—the number twenty often relates to expectation or waiting. These boards form half the tabernacle's length, creating structure that will receive God's glory. The specificity ('south side southward') emphasizes precision—each board has its exact place. God doesn't randomly assign His people positions; each has a divinely appointed location in His dwelling (Ephesians 2:10).

And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

View commentary

Forty silver sockets under the twenty boards (two per board)—silver consistently represents redemption. Each board stands on redemption's foundation, not personal strength. Forty is the number of testing/trial; our standing is tested, but silver sockets (redemption purchased by Christ) remain firm. Two sockets per board suggest the dual witness of the gospel—Christ's death and resurrection—on which we stand.

And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards:

View commentary

The north side receives identical treatment—twenty boards, perfectly matching the south side. This symmetry shows that God's dwelling is balanced, orderly, complete. North and south, opposing directions, are united in identical structure, prefiguring how Christ unites things in heaven and earth (Ephesians 1:10). The tabernacle's design accommodates approach from any direction, yet all stand on the same redemption foundation.

And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

View commentary

Forty more silver sockets, two under each board—the pattern repeats exactly. Repetition in Scripture emphasizes importance. The repeated stress on silver sockets (redemption foundation) underscores that every part of God's dwelling, from every direction, stands solely on redemptive foundation. Whether approaching from south or north, left or right, all stand on Christ's blood-bought redemption. There's no alternate foundation (Acts 4:12).

And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.

View commentary

Six boards for the westward side (the rear, where the Most Holy Place sat). The number six suggests man/humanity; the west often represents the earthly or temporal. Yet even the 'earthward' or 'human' side stands on redemption. The westward boards enclosed the Most Holy Place—the innermost sanctum where God's glory dwelt, proving that humanity can contain divine presence when standing on redemptive foundation.

And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

View commentary

Two additional boards for the tabernacle's corners ensure complete enclosure. Corners are vulnerable points in structures; these boards provide strength and protection. They prefigure how Christ strengthens the 'vulnerable' or 'weak' members of His body (1 Corinthians 12:22). No part of God's dwelling is left unprotected or unsupported. The corners that might seem structurally weak receive special reinforcement.

And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. coupled: Heb. twinned

View commentary

The corner boards are 'coupled together' beneath and above, creating extraordinary stability. The Hebrew תָּאֹם (ta'om, twins/coupled) suggests perfect matching, absolute unity. These corners that join two walls illustrate how Christ unites what was separated—Jew and Gentile, heaven and earth. The coupling 'beneath and above' shows unity at every level, not superficial joining but thorough integration throughout.

And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

View commentary

Eight boards total for the west end with sixteen silver sockets (two per board). Eight often represents new beginning/resurrection; the west wall (enclosing the Most Holy Place where God's glory dwells) stands on new-beginning foundation. Access to God's presence requires resurrection—we who were dead are made alive (Ephesians 2:5). The sixteen sockets (8 × 2) emphasize the complete redemptive foundation for this resurrection reality.

And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

View commentary

Bars (בְּרִיחַ, beriach) of acacia wood for connecting the boards—horizontal reinforcement for the vertical structure. These bars (overlaid with gold in v.29) run through rings on the boards' exterior, binding all boards into one unified wall. They prefigure the Holy Spirit who binds believers together (Ephesians 4:3). Individual boards (believers) need external connection; we cannot stand alone, isolated. Corporate unity requires divine provision of connecting grace.

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 two sides westward.

View commentary

Five bars for one side, five for the other—the number five suggesting grace. Grace connects God's people horizontally as redemption (silver sockets) supports them vertically. We stand on redemption and are held together by grace. The specific number (five, not three or seven) emphasizes that connection comes through grace, not law (three) or completion (seven). Only grace can unite sinners into holy dwelling.

And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.

View commentary

The middle bar runs through the boards' midst from end to end—one continuous bar the entire length. While the other bars connect sections, this middle bar spans all, unifying the entire side. It prefigures Christ, the central unity of His church, who connects every member to every other (Ephesians 4:15-16). He's not merely one connection among many but the central, unifying presence from beginning to end.

And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.

View commentary

The boards are overlaid with gold, and their rings (through which bars pass) are of gold. Gold-overlaid bars run through gold rings on gold-overlaid boards—deity permeates every element. The boards (humanity—wood) are transformed by gold overlay (divine nature). The rings (connection points) are pure gold (divine provision). The bars (unifying force) are gold-covered (divine power). All is sanctified, all reflects God's glory.

And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.

View commentary

Summary command: 'rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.' The Hebrew תָּקִים (taqim, 'rear up') means to establish, set upright, bring to standing. Construction must match the heavenly pattern exactly. This echoes the chapter's beginning and Hebrews' emphasis—earthly worship copies heavenly reality (Hebrews 8:5). We don't invent worship patterns; we replicate what God reveals, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:

View commentary

The veil (פָּרֹכֶת, paroketh) of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen with cherubim separates Holy Place from Most Holy. This veil represents Christ's flesh (Hebrews 10:19-20)—His humanity that both revealed God and separated man from direct access until His death. The cherubim woven into it show that the way to God's throne passes through holiness' guardians. When Christ died, this veil tore (Matthew 27:51), opening access.

And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.

View commentary

The veil hangs on four golden hooks upon four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold, standing on silver sockets. Four suggests universality—this veil concerns all humanity. The pillars combine wood (humanity) and gold (deity), standing on silver (redemption), supporting the veil that represents Christ's flesh. His humanity, unified with deity, resting on redemptive purpose, provided the veil through which we enter God's presence.

And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy.

View commentary

The veil divides 'between the holy place and the most holy.' This separation wasn't arbitrary but necessary—holiness cannot coexist with sin. The veil protected people from consuming glory while protecting God's glory from profanation. Inside: the ark with testimony (law). Outside: the table, lampstand, altar—provisions for priestly service. The veil teaches that approaching God's throne requires more than serving Him; it requires the torn veil—Christ's death.

And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.

View commentary

The mercy seat is placed upon the ark within the veil—in the Most Holy Place. The mercy seat (כַּפֹּרֶת, kapporet, place of atonement) covers the law (testimony). Here's the gospel pictured: God's law demands perfect righteousness; God's mercy seat provides covering through atoning blood. Both are necessary—the law isn't removed, but mercy covers it. Christ satisfies the law's demands (under the mercy seat) while providing mercy above.

And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

View commentary

The table outside the veil on the north, the lampstand opposite on the south—both in the Holy Place, accessible to ministering priests daily. These represent fellowship (table/bread) and illumination (lampstand/light), both available through priestly mediation but still outside the Most Holy Place. In the New Covenant, all believers are priests (1 Peter 2:9), enjoying fellowship and light, with access through the torn veil to God's very presence.

And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

View commentary

The hanging (screen) for the tent door—the entrance to the Holy Place—is blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen. Unlike the inner veil (which had cherubim), this entrance screen has no cherubim; it's simpler, more accessible. It represents initial consecration—entering God's service. The way is open for consecrated priests, though the Most Holy Place remains veiled until Christ's death. Progressive access: first the court (all Israel), then Holy Place (priests), finally Most Holy (high priest/Christ).

And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

View commentary

Five pillars of acacia overlaid with gold support the door hanging, with golden hooks and bronze sockets. Five suggests grace—entrance comes by grace. The shift from silver sockets (inside) to bronze sockets (at the door) shows that entrance requires judgment borne (bronze) before experiencing redemption's full benefits (silver inside). Christ bore judgment (bronze) at entry to provide redemption (silver) within. The pillars' gold overlay shows divine provision enables entrance.

About Exodus

Places in This Chapter

Exodus 26

The Tabernacle

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study