World English Bible
- “Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. You shall make them with the work of a skillful workman.
- The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.
- Five curtains shall be coupled together to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another.
- You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling, and you shall do likewise on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second coupling.
- You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling. The loops shall be opposite one another.
- You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains to one another with the clasps. The tabernacle shall be a unit.
- “You shall make curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains.
- The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure.
- You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent.
- You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which is outermost in the second coupling.
- You shall make fifty clasps of bronze, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.
- The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent—the half curtain that remains—shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.
- The cubit on the one side and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.
- You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.
- “You shall make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing upright.
- Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and one and a half cubits the width of each board.
- There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle.
- You shall make twenty boards for the tabernacle, for the south side southward.
- You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons.
- For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty boards,
- and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
- For the far side of the tabernacle westward you shall make six boards.
- You shall make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far side.
- They shall be double beneath, and in the same way they shall be whole to its top to one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.
- There shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.
- “You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
- 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 far side westward.
- The middle bar in the middle of the boards shall pass through from end to end.
- You shall overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars. You shall overlay the bars with gold.
- You shall set up the tabernacle according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain.
- “You shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. It shall be the work of a skillful workman.
- You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver.
- You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the covenant in there within the veil. The veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you.
- You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant in the most holy place.
- You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lamp stand opposite the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south. You shall put the table on the north side.
- “You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer.
- You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold. Their hooks shall be of gold. You shall cast five sockets of bronze for them.
“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.”
— Exodus 26:1 (New International Version)
As we journey deeper into the heart of Exodus, chapter 26 greets us with a detailed description of the tabernacle’s construction. At first glance, it may appear that we are lost amidst curtain loops, clasps, acacia wood, cherubim, and the meticulous positioning of materials. However, beneath these precisely ordained instructions lies a profound theological truth: God cares deeply about how His people approach Him, worship Him, and dwell with Him.
The meticulous instructions given to Moses mirror the sacredness and intentionality with which we, too, must approach worship and communion with God. Every dimension, color, and material was thoughtfully chosen and divinely appointed. The use of blue, purple, and scarlet threads—colors incredibly expensive and significant in the ancient Near Eastern context—reminds us of royalty, sacrifice, and divine transcendence. The interwoven cherubim highlight God’s holiness, echoing Eden’s cherubim who guarded the presence of God after humanity’s Fall (Genesis 3:24), and foreshadowing the heavenly worship of the seraphim in Isaiah 6 and Revelation 4:8.
Hebrews 8:5 explicitly interprets this passage, teaching that the earthly tabernacle built by Moses was a “copy and shadow of what is in heaven” (New International Version). The emerging reality here is crucial: the earthly tabernacle anticipated a greater and more perfect sanctuary—Christ Himself, Emmanuel, God-with-us (John 1:14; Hebrews 9:11).
Historically, many great Christian thinkers, such as Augustine and Calvin, viewed these precise instructions as teaching tools, guiding Israel in reverent obedience and commitment to God’s holy standards. By carefully obeying these detailed commands, Israel learned that worship is meaningful and purposeful—not casual or arbitrary.
A significant feature appears within this chapter: the instructions for the curtain (Hebrew: paroket) that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:31–33). It symbolized God’s holiness and humanity’s separation from direct, unmitigated divine presence. Only the high priest, once each year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16), was permitted beyond that curtain into the presence of God.
This is significant for Christians, as Jesus Christ’s death on the cross led to the moment when “the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51, New International Version). Through Christ, the barrier between humanity and God is removed. Today, you and I have free and bold access to the Father through Jesus—our true High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–16).
The Hebrew term for tabernacle (Mishkan) comes from the root word shakan, meaning “to dwell” or “abide.” It reflects the central purpose of the tabernacle: a holy dwelling place for God among His people. God’s desire has always been intimate companionship and fellowship with His creation.
Significant archaeological discoveries underline the realism of these instructions. Egyptian and Near Eastern historical records demonstrate comparable structures built for royal and divine figures. Israel, however, uniquely emphasized portable construction, underscoring God’s personal journey alongside His covenant people—a God who moves with us wherever we go.
Today, consider reflecting on the hymn “Come, Thou Almighty King.” Its call for God’s abiding presence and fervent worship resonates with the themes of Exodus 26:
Come, thou Almighty King,
Help us thy Name to sing, help us to praise!
Father all glorious,
O’er all victorious,
Come and reign over us, Ancient of Days!
Each detail in Exodus 26 calls us to marvel at the majestic plan of God—the God who desires not mere followers, but intimate communion. Invite Him anew to dwell richly within you, shaping your worship, and guiding your steps.
Gracious and majestic Father,
We stand in awe of your holiness and your loving desire to dwell among
your people. You teach us through ancient patterns how precious your
presence truly is. Thank you for Jesus—our true tabernacle, our access
into Your holy presence. Help us daily embrace the beauty, reverence,
and intention you call for in worship. May your Spirit dwell richly
within us and shape every moment of our lives.
Amen.