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
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KJV Study 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, reflec...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XXVI.
THE TABERNACLE.
(1-37) The sacred tent which was to form the “House **of **God,” or temple, for Israel during the continuance of the people in the wilderness, and which in point of fact served them for a national sanctuary until the construction of the first temple by Solomon, is described in this chapter with a minuteness which leaves little to be desired. It is called *ham-mishkân, “*the d...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. Three times ... keep a feast ... in the year--**This was the institution of the great religious festivals--"The feast of unleavened bread," or the passover--"the feast of harvest," or pentecost--"the feast of ingathering," or the feast of tabernacles, which was a memorial of the dwelling in booths in the wilderness, and which was observed in the seventh month (Ex 12:2). All the males were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
The curtains of the tabernacle.(1-6)
The curtains of goats' hair.(7-14)
The boards, sockets, and bars.(15-30)
The vail of the holy of holies, and for the entrance.(31-37)
**Verses 1-6**
God manifested his presence among the Israelites in a tabernacle or tent, because of their condition in the wilderness. God suits the tokens of his favour, and t...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 (E...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **The length . . . eight and twenty cubits.**—Mr. Fergusson has shown that to cover over a space twenty cubits wide with a roof, the two sides of which should meet at a right angle, a tent-cloth almost exactly twenty-eight cubits long would be required.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. Three times ... keep a feast ... in the year--**This was the institution of the great religious festivals--"The feast of unleavened bread," or the passover--"the feast of harvest," or pentecost--"the feast of ingathering," or the feast of tabernacles, which was a memorial of the dwelling in booths in the wilderness, and which was observed in the seventh month (Ex 12:2). All the males were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
The curtains of the tabernacle.(1-6)
The curtains of goats' hair.(7-14)
The boards, sockets, and bars.(15-30)
The vail of the holy of holies, and for the entrance.(31-37)
**Verses 1-6**
God manifested his presence among the Israelites in a tabernacle or tent, because of their condition in the wilderness. God suits the tokens of his favour, and t...
Read full commentary →The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.
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KJV Study 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 un...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **The five curtains.**—It is anomalous that the article should be used here. Probably it has crept in from “the curtains” of the preceding verse. The meaning is that five “breadths” should be sewn together to form one curtain, and five other “breadths” to form another, and then that the two curtains so formed should be joined into one by means of “loops” and “taches.” The object of making two ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. Three times ... keep a feast ... in the year--**This was the institution of the great religious festivals--"The feast of unleavened bread," or the passover--"the feast of harvest," or pentecost--"the feast of ingathering," or the feast of tabernacles, which was a memorial of the dwelling in booths in the wilderness, and which was observed in the seventh month (Ex 12:2). All the males were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
The curtains of the tabernacle.(1-6)
The curtains of goats' hair.(7-14)
The boards, sockets, and bars.(15-30)
The vail of the holy of holies, and for the entrance.(31-37)
**Verses 1-6**
God manifested his presence among the Israelites in a tabernacle or tent, because of their condition in the wilderness. God suits the tokens of his favour, and t...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **From the selvedge in the coupling.**—Rather, *at the coupling. *The selvedge, *i.e., *nearest to the place where the two curtains were to be coupled together.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14-18. Three times ... keep a feast ... in the year--**This was the institution of the great religious festivals--"The feast of unleavened bread," or the passover--"the feast of harvest," or pentecost--"the feast of ingathering," or the feast of tabernacles, which was a memorial of the dwelling in booths in the wilderness, and which was observed in the seventh month (Ex 12:2). All the males were...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
The curtains of the tabernacle.(1-6)
The curtains of goats' hair.(7-14)
The boards, sockets, and bars.(15-30)
The vail of the holy of holies, and for the entrance.(31-37)
**Verses 1-6**
God manifested his presence among the Israelites in a tabernacle or tent, because of their condition in the wilderness. God suits the tokens of his favour, and t...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **That the loops may take hold one of another.**—Rather, *correspond one to another. *They were not to “take hold,” but to be attached by golden links.
**Taches, or *clasps****. *These might be split-rings, or links like modern sleeve-links.
**And it shall be one tabernacle.**—Rather, *and *(so) *the tabernacle shall be one. *The division of the curtain which formed the roof into two portions ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**19. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk--**A prohibition against imitating the superstitious rites of the idolaters in Egypt, who, at the end of their harvest, seethed a kid in its mother's milk and sprinkled the broth as a magical charm on their gardens and fields, to render them more productive the following season. [See on De 14:21].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
The curtains of the tabernacle.(1-6)
The curtains of goats' hair.(7-14)
The boards, sockets, and bars.(15-30)
The vail of the holy of holies, and for the entrance.(31-37)
**Verses 1-6**
God manifested his presence among the Israelites in a tabernacle or tent, because of their condition in the wilderness. God suits the tokens of his favour, and t...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one tabernacle.
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KJV Study 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 divin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-25. Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way--**The communication of these laws, made to Moses and by him rehearsed to the people, was concluded by the addition of many animating promises, intermingled with several solemn warnings that lapses into sin and idolatry would not be tolerated or passed with impunity.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
The curtains of the tabernacle.(1-6)
The curtains of goats' hair.(7-14)
The boards, sockets, and bars.(15-30)
The vail of the holy of holies, and for the entrance.(31-37)
**Verses 1-6**
God manifested his presence among the Israelites in a tabernacle or tent, because of their condition in the wilderness. God suits the tokens of his favour, and t...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.
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KJV Study 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...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
2. THE GOATS’-HAIR TENT-CLOTH.
(7-13) *An *awning such as that described in Exodus 26:1-6 would have neither kept out sun nor rain. For this purpose an ordinary cloth of goats’-hair was requisite, and accordingly Moses was instructed to make a second covering, which was to be of this material, and to extend over the whole of the first, thus externally concealing it. This second covering was, like ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-25. Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way--**The communication of these laws, made to Moses and by him rehearsed to the people, was concluded by the addition of many animating promises, intermingled with several solemn warnings that lapses into sin and idolatry would not be tolerated or passed with impunity.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-14**
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly, and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
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.
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KJV Study 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 prot...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Thirty cubits.**—The additional cubit on either side (comp. Exodus 26:2) would hang down and form a “valance” along the sides of the tent. (See Exodus 26:13.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-25. Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way--**The communication of these laws, made to Moses and by him rehearsed to the people, was concluded by the addition of many animating promises, intermingled with several solemn warnings that lapses into sin and idolatry would not be tolerated or passed with impunity.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-14**
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly, and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
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.
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KJV Study 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 hu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Thou . . . shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.**—The additional “breadth” was to be doubled back upon itself, so giving a sort of finish to the roof in the front of the structure.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-25. Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way--**The communication of these laws, made to Moses and by him rehearsed to the people, was concluded by the addition of many animating promises, intermingled with several solemn warnings that lapses into sin and idolatry would not be tolerated or passed with impunity.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-14**
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly, and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
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.
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KJV Study 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 ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-25. Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way--**The communication of these laws, made to Moses and by him rehearsed to the people, was concluded by the addition of many animating promises, intermingled with several solemn warnings that lapses into sin and idolatry would not be tolerated or passed with impunity.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-14**
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly, and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
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
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KJV Study 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 maintai...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-25. Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way--**The communication of these laws, made to Moses and by him rehearsed to the people, was concluded by the addition of many animating promises, intermingled with several solemn warnings that lapses into sin and idolatry would not be tolerated or passed with impunity.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-14**
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly, and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the tabernacle.
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KJV Study 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.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **The remnant that remaineth.**—Even after the doubling back, the goats’-hair covering would be half a breadth wider than the linen one. This half-breadth was to be allowed to hang down at the back of the tent.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-14**
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly, and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
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
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KJV Study 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 ey...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-14**
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly, and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering above of badgers' skins.
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KJV Study 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 outwardl...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
3. THE TWO OUTER COVERINGS.
(14) As the object of the two outer coverings must have been to keep out rain, we must suppose them to have protected not only the ridge of the roof, but, at any rate, the whole of the *mishkân. *Their length must, therefore, have been at least thirty cubits, and their breadth fourteen.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28. I will send hornets before thee, &c. (See on Jos 24:12)--**Some instrument of divine judgment, but variously interpreted: as hornets in a literal sense [Bochart]; as a pestilential disease [Rosenmuller]; as a terror of the Lord, an extraordinary dejection [Junius].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 7-14**
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly, and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
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KJV Study 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 Pet...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
4. THE WALLS OF THE TABERNACLE.
(15-30) The various coverings which have been described had it for their object to roof over and protect an oblong chamber or “dwelling,” within which God was to manifest Himself and to be worshipped. The directions which follow (Exodus 26:15-33) are for the construction of this chamber. It was to be enclosed by boards of shittim wood, fifteen feet high by two feet ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-30. I will not drive ... out ... in one year; lest the land become desolate--**Many reasons recommend a gradual extirpation of the former inhabitants of Canaan. But only one is here specified--the danger lest, in the unoccupied grounds, wild beasts should inconveniently multiply; a clear proof that the promised land was more than sufficient to contain the actual population of the Israelites.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board.
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KJV Study 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; a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**29-30. I will not drive ... out ... in one year; lest the land become desolate--**Many reasons recommend a gradual extirpation of the former inhabitants of Canaan. But only one is here specified--the danger lest, in the unoccupied grounds, wild beasts should inconveniently multiply; a clear proof that the promised land was more than sufficient to contain the actual population of the Israelites.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →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
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KJV Study 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 ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Two tenons.**—By “tenons” here are meant projections, probably round, from the end of each plank, made to fit into holes prepared for them in the “sockets.” They were to be “set in order one against another”: *i.e., *placed regularly at certain intervals, so that each corresponded in position to its fellow.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.
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KJV Study 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 dw...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **On the south side southward.**—Rather, *on the south side to the right. *The tabernacle faced the east, and was regarded as looking in that direction. Thus its south wall was on the right.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 whic...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **Forty sockets.**—Each “socket” was to receive one of the “tenons.” As there were twenty boards (Exodus 26:18), and two tenons to each board (Exodus 26:17), the sockets had to be forty.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards:
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KJV Study 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...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
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KJV Study 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. Th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.
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KJV Study 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 redemptiv...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **For the sides of the tabernacle westward.**—Rather, *for the back of the tabernacle *(LXX., τῶν ὀπίσω). (See Note on Exodus 26:18.) The west is always regarded as “behind” by the Orientals.
**Six boards.**—Six boards, presumably of the same width with the others (Exodus 26:16), would extend a length of nine cubits only, or thirteen and a half feet. The tenth cubit seems to have been made up...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.
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KJV Study 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...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 24 Ex 24:1-18. Delivery of the Law and Covenant.
**3-4. Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord--**The rehearsal of the foregoing laws and the ten commandments, together with the promises of special blessings in the event of their obedience, having drawn forth from the people a unanimous declaration of their consent, it was forthwith recorded as the conditions of the nati...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →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
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KJV Study 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 integra...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **They shall be coupled together beneath.**—The corner boards were to be coupled to the others in two places, below and above, in each place by means of one ring. Rings, through which passed the ends of the bars mentioned in Exodus 26:26-29, are supposed to be meant.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 24 Ex 24:1-18. Delivery of the Law and Covenant.
**3-4. Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord--**The rehearsal of the foregoing laws and the ten commandments, together with the promises of special blessings in the event of their obedience, having drawn forth from the people a unanimous declaration of their consent, it was forthwith recorded as the conditions of the nati...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
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KJV Study 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 fou...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Sixteen sockets.**—Two for each corner board, and twelve for the six boards between them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. young men--**priests (Ex 19:22), probably the oldest sons of particular families, who acted under the direction of Moses.
**oxen--**Other animals, though not mentioned, were offered in sacrifice (He 9:18-20).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
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KJV Study 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, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Bars of shittim wood.**—The object of the “bars” was to hold the “boards” together, and prevent there being any aperture between one board and another. They were fifteen in number, five for each of the three sides of the boarded space. The “middle bar” on each side was to extend from end to end of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:28), the four bars above and below being shorter, each coupling toge...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Moses took half of the blood ... sprinkled--**Preliminary to this was the public reading of the law and the renewed acceptance of the terms by the people; then the sprinkling of the blood was the sign of solemn ratification--half on each party in the transaction.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 ho...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **For the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.**—This is quite unintelligible. Translate, *for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, which is at the back westward.*
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.
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KJV Study 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...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **In the midst of the boards.**—Rather, *midway in the boards*—equi-distant, *i.e., *from the bottom and the top.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people--**probably on the twelve pillars, as representing the people (also the book, He 9:19), and the act was accompanied by a public proclamation of its import. It was setting their seal to the covenant (compare 1Co 11:25). It must have been a deeply impressive, as well as instructive scene, for it taught the Israelites that the covenant was mad...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 sanctif...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Then went up Moses, and Aaron--**in obedience to a command given (Ex 24:1, 2; also Ex 19:24), previous to the religious engagement of the people, now described.
**Nadab, and Abihu--**the two oldest sons of Aaron [Ex 6:23].
**seventy of the elders--**a select number; what was the principle of selection is not said; but they were the chief representatives, the most conspicuous for official ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount.
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KJV Study 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...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **According to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee.**—See Exodus 25:9; Exodus 25:40. However minute—even tediously minute—the description, there would necessarily have been a multitude of particulars, not to be described in words, where Moses would have to be guided by the pattern that he had seen.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. And they saw the God of Israel--**That there was no visible form or representation of the divine nature, we have expressly intimated (De 4:15). But a symbol or emblem of His glory was distinctly, and at a distance, displayed before those chosen witnesses. Many think, however, that in this private scene was discovered, amid the luminous blaze, the faint adumbrated form of the humanity of Chri...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 15-30**
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground. In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the ...
Read full commentary →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:
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KJV Study 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 (Ma...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
5. THE VAIL, AND THE POSITION WHICH IT WAS TO OCCUPY.
(31) **Thou shalt make a vail.**—It was of the essence of the *mishkân *that it should have an outer and an inner sanctuary, a place for the daily ministrations of the priests, and an *adytum *or *penetrale *of extreme holiness, in which was to be the Divine Presence, and into which the high priest alone was to be privileged to enter, and he bu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand--**The "nobles," that is, the elders, after the sprinkling of the blood, were not inspired with terror in presence of the calm, benign, radiant symbol of the divine majesty; so different from the terrific exhibitions at the giving of the law. The report of so many competent witnesses would tend to confirm the people's faith in th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-37**
A vail, or curtain, separated the holy place from the most holy place. It was hung upon pillars. This vail was for a partition between the holy place and the most holy; which forbade any to look into the holiest of all. The apostle tells what was the meaning of this vail, He 9:8. That the ceremonial law could not make the comers thereunto perfect, nor would the observance of i...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) F**our pillars.**—These seem to have been true pillars or columns, and not tent-poles. They were probably of equal height, and equally spaced, and were perhaps connected at the top by a cornice or beam. Together with the vail they formed a screen, which shut off the “Holy of Holies” from the outer chamber. They were, doubtless, of the same height as the boards, *i.e., *fifteen feet (Exodus 26...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. I will give thee tables of stone--**The ten commandments, which had already been spoken, were to be given in a permanent form. Inscribed on stone, for greater durability, by the hand of God Himself, they were thus authenticated and honored above the judicial or ceremonial parts of the law.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-37**
A vail, or curtain, separated the holy place from the most holy place. It was hung upon pillars. This vail was for a partition between the holy place and the most holy; which forbade any to look into the holiest of all. The apostle tells what was the meaning of this vail, He 9:8. That the ceremonial law could not make the comers thereunto perfect, nor would the observance of i...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **Thou shall hang up the vail under the taches.**—The “taches” meant are the links whereby the two portions of the inner covering were connected together (Exodus 26:6). If “under the taches” means *directly *under them, we must regard the *mishkân *as divided into two chambers of equal size. It is possible, however, that “under” may be used with some vagueness, and that the “Holy of Holies” m...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. Moses went up into the mount of God--**He was called to receive the divine transcript. Joshua was taken a little higher, and it would be a great comfort for the leader to have his company during the six days he was in patient waiting for the call on the seventh or sabbath day.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-37**
A vail, or curtain, separated the holy place from the most holy place. It was hung upon pillars. This vail was for a partition between the holy place and the most holy; which forbade any to look into the holiest of all. The apostle tells what was the meaning of this vail, He 9:8. That the ceremonial law could not make the comers thereunto perfect, nor would the observance of i...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.
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KJV Study 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 m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
6. THE POSITION OF THE FURNITURE.
(34, 35) The sole furniture of the most holy place, or “Holy of Holies,” was to be the ark, with its covering of the mercy-seat. In the “Holy Place” without the vail were to be the “table of shewbread” against the north wall, and the “golden candlestick” opposite to it, against the south wall. Intermediate between them, but advanced nearer the vail, was to be the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**14. he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us--**There is a circular valley or hollow a good way up on the brow of Jebel Musa, which was their halting place, while he alone was privileged to ascend the highest peak. The people stood below, as in the "outer court," the elders in the "holy place," Moses, as a type of Christ, in "the holy of holies."
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-37**
A vail, or curtain, separated the holy place from the most holy place. It was hung upon pillars. This vail was for a partition between the holy place and the most holy; which forbade any to look into the holiest of all. The apostle tells what was the meaning of this vail, He 9:8. That the ceremonial law could not make the comers thereunto perfect, nor would the observance of i...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 ac...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-37**
A vail, or curtain, separated the holy place from the most holy place. It was hung upon pillars. This vail was for a partition between the holy place and the most holy; which forbade any to look into the holiest of all. The apostle tells what was the meaning of this vail, He 9:8. That the ceremonial law could not make the comers thereunto perfect, nor would the observance of i...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 acc...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
7. THE HANGING FOR THE DOOR.
(36, 37) It is essential in the East to shut out light and heat, whence tents have always doors. These are usually made of a piece of cloth, which is raised for a man to enter, and falls behind him. But for a tent of the size described, which seems to have been above twenty-two feet high in the centre, something more was required. The “hanging” spoken of appears to hav...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-37**
A vail, or curtain, separated the holy place from the most holy place. It was hung upon pillars. This vail was for a partition between the holy place and the most holy; which forbade any to look into the holiest of all. The apostle tells what was the meaning of this vail, He 9:8. That the ceremonial law could not make the comers thereunto perfect, nor would the observance of i...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study 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 ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **Five pillars.**—The odd number is surprising, especially compared with the “four pillars” of the interior (Exodus 26:32), until we remember that a tent such as that described must have a pillar, or tent-pole, in the middle of its gable-end, and an equal number of supports on either side. It is, in fact, this fifth pillar which, together with the use of the word ’*ohel, *gives to the tent th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 31-37**
A vail, or curtain, separated the holy place from the most holy place. It was hung upon pillars. This vail was for a partition between the holy place and the most holy; which forbade any to look into the holiest of all. The apostle tells what was the meaning of this vail, He 9:8. That the ceremonial law could not make the comers thereunto perfect, nor would the observance of i...
Read full commentary →