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Exodus 26

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‹ Chapter 25 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 27 ›

1 “You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. 2 Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide —all curtains the same size. 3 Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well. 4 Make loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and do the same for the end curtain in the second set. 5 Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops line up opposite one another. 6 Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit. 7 You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. 8 Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. 9 Join five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another. Then fold the sixth curtain over double at the front of the tent. 10 Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set. 11 Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit. 12 As for the overlap that remains of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over shall hang down over the back of the tabernacle. 13 And the tent curtains will be a cubit longer on either side, and the excess will hang over the sides of the tabernacle to cover it. 14 Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather. 15 You are to construct 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 Two tenons must be connected to each other for each frame. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. 18 Construct twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle, 19 with forty silver bases under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon. 20 For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, make twenty frames 21 and forty silver bases—two bases under each frame. 22 Make six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side, 23 and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle, 24 coupled together from bottom to top and fitted into a single ring. These will serve as the two corners. 25 So there are to be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame. 26 You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27 five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west. 28 The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other. 29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold. 30 So you are to set up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. 31 Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. 32 Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. 33 And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. 34 Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place. 35 And place the table outside the veil on the north side of the tabernacle, and put the lampstand opposite the table, on the south side. 36 For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. 37 Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them.

‹ Chapter 25 Exodus — All Chapters Chapter 27 ›

Study Notes — Exodus 26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Exodus chapter 26 describes the construction of the tabernacle, including the frame (Exodus 26:1-14), the coverings (Exodus 26:1-14), and the furnishings (Exodus 26:31-37). The chapter emphasizes the importance of precise obedience to God's commands, as evidenced by the detailed instructions for the tabernacle's construction. The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among the Israelites, and its construction required careful attention to detail. The chapter also highlights the role of Bezalel and Oholiab, who were skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the tabernacle's construction (Exodus 26:1).

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 26 is part of the larger narrative of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The chapter is situated within the context of the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, where God established his covenant with the Israelites and provided instructions for the construction of the tabernacle. The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among the Israelites, and its construction required careful attention to detail.

Heart Application

The chapter emphasizes the importance of precise obedience to God's commands, highlighting the value God places on human obedience and the consequences of disobedience. This has practical application for believers today, who are called to obey God's commands and trust in his sovereignty. The chapter also highlights the importance of understanding the symbolic language of the Bible, which can deepen our understanding of God's character and his plan of salvation.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus chapter 26 describes the construction of the tabernacle, a physical representation of God's presence among the Israelites. The chapter emphasizes the importance of precise obedience to God's commands and highlights the value God places on human creativity and skill. The tabernacle's construction and furnishings foreshadow the person and work of Christ, who is the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system.

Voices from the Church

“The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among his people, and its construction required careful attention to detail. This highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands and the value of human creativity and skill.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The tabernacle was a type of Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humans. The chapter's emphasis on precise obedience to God's commands also points to Christ, who perfectly obeyed God's will and fulfilled the law on behalf of humanity.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Frame of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1-14) — The chapter begins by describing the construction of the tabernacle's frame, which was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold.
  2. The Coverings of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1-14) — The chapter then describes the construction of the tabernacle's coverings, which were made of fine linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns.
  3. The Furnishings of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:31-37) — The chapter concludes by describing the construction of the tabernacle's furnishings, including the veil and the screen.
  4. The Role of Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 26:1) — The chapter highlights the role of Bezalel and Oholiab, who were skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the tabernacle's construction.
  5. The Significance of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1-37) — The chapter emphasizes the significance of the tabernacle, which was a physical representation of God's presence among the Israelites and a type of Christ.

Core Doctrines

The Doctrine of God's Presence
The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's presence among his people, which is represented by the tabernacle. This highlights the value God places on human obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
The Doctrine of Christ's Fulfillment of the Law
The chapter's emphasis on precise obedience to God's commands also points to Christ, who perfectly obeyed God's will and fulfilled the law on behalf of humanity.
The Doctrine of Human Creativity and Skill
The chapter highlights the role of skilled craftsmen, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, in the tabernacle's construction, demonstrating the value God places on human creativity and skill.
The Doctrine of Symbolism in the Bible
The chapter uses symbolism, such as the cherubim and the curtains, to represent God's presence and protection, highlighting the importance of understanding the symbolic language of the Bible.

Lessons from Exodus 26

  1. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of precise obedience to God's commands, highlighting the value God places on human obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
  2. The Value of Human Creativity and Skill — The chapter highlights the role of skilled craftsmen, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, in the tabernacle's construction, demonstrating the value God places on human creativity and skill.
  3. The Significance of Symbolism — The chapter uses symbolism, such as the cherubim and the curtains, to represent God's presence and protection, highlighting the importance of understanding the symbolic language of the Bible.
  4. The Role of Christ in the Tabernacle — The chapter's emphasis on precise obedience to God's commands also points to Christ, who perfectly obeyed God's will and fulfilled the law on behalf of humanity.
  5. The Importance of Understanding God's Character — The chapter highlights the importance of understanding God's character, which is revealed through the tabernacle's construction and furnishings.

Themes from Exodus 26

  1. God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes the importance of God's presence among his people, which is represented by the tabernacle.
  2. Obedience to God's Commands — The chapter emphasizes the importance of precise obedience to God's commands, highlighting the value God places on human obedience and the consequences of disobedience.
  3. Human Creativity and Skill — The chapter highlights the role of skilled craftsmen, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, in the tabernacle's construction, demonstrating the value God places on human creativity and skill.
  4. Symbolism in the Bible — The chapter uses symbolism, such as the cherubim and the curtains, to represent God's presence and protection, highlighting the importance of understanding the symbolic language of the Bible.
  5. Christ's Fulfillment of the Law — The chapter's emphasis on precise obedience to God's commands also points to Christ, who perfectly obeyed God's will and fulfilled the law on behalf of humanity.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What is the significance of the tabernacle in Exodus chapter 26, and how does it relate to God's presence among his people?
  2. How does the chapter's emphasis on precise obedience to God's commands relate to Christ, who perfectly obeyed God's will and fulfilled the law on behalf of humanity?
  3. What role do skilled craftsmen, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, play in the tabernacle's construction, and what does this highlight about God's character?
  4. How does the chapter's use of symbolism, such as the cherubim and the curtains, contribute to our understanding of God's presence and protection?
  5. What practical applications can be drawn from the chapter's emphasis on precise obedience to God's commands, and how can this be applied to our lives today?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Frame of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1-14)

Exodus 26:1 The chapter begins by describing the construction of the tabernacle's frame, which was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold.
Exodus 26:2 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width was four cubits.

2. The Coverings of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:1-14)

Exodus 26:7 The chapter then describes the construction of the tabernacle's coverings, which were made of fine linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns.
Exodus 26:8 The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and the width was four cubits.

3. The Furnishings of the Tabernacle (Exodus 26:31-37)

Exodus 26:31 The chapter concludes by describing the construction of the tabernacle's furnishings, including the veil and the screen.
Exodus 26:32 The veil was made of blue and purple and scarlet yarns, and fine linen, and was embroidered with cherubim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the tabernacle in Exodus chapter 26?

The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among the Israelites, and its construction required careful attention to detail. This highlights the value God places on human obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

How does the chapter's emphasis on precise obedience to God's commands relate to Christ?

The chapter's emphasis on precise obedience to God's commands also points to Christ, who perfectly obeyed God's will and fulfilled the law on behalf of humanity.

What role do skilled craftsmen, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, play in the tabernacle's construction?

The chapter highlights the role of skilled craftsmen, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, in the tabernacle's construction, demonstrating the value God places on human creativity and skill.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Exodus 26:1 → Hebrews 9:1-5 The tabernacle in Exodus chapter 26 is a type of Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humans.
2 Exodus 26:31 → Matthew 27:51 The veil of the tabernacle was torn in two at the crucifixion of Christ, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.
3 Exodus 26:1 → John 1:14 The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among his people, and Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of this presence.
4 Exodus 26:7 → Psalm 84:1 The tabernacle was a place of worship and sacrifice, and the psalmist longs to dwell in the house of the Lord.
5 Exodus 26:31 → Hebrews 10:19-20 The veil of the tabernacle was a symbol of the barrier between God and humanity, and Christ's sacrifice has removed this barrier.
6 Exodus 26:1 → Revelation 21:3 The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among his people, and the New Jerusalem will be the ultimate fulfillment of this presence.
7 Exodus 26:7 → Ephesians 2:14-15 The tabernacle was a symbol of the barrier between God and humanity, and Christ's sacrifice has removed this barrier.
8 Exodus 26:31 → Luke 23:45 The veil of the tabernacle was torn in two at the crucifixion of Christ, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.
9 Exodus 26:1 → 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among his people, and the church is the ultimate fulfillment of this presence.
10 Exodus 26:7 → 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 The tabernacle was a symbol of the earthly dwelling place of God, and the believer's body is the ultimate earthly dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.

Sermons on Exodus 26

SermonDescription
A.W. Tozer (Hebrews - Part 22): Moses Instructed in Making the Temple by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the pattern shown in the mount, which refers to the instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The preac
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 26:1-14 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the different coverings of the tabernacle in the Bible. The first covering, made of fine twine and linen, represents the b
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 25:9 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle and its significance in the Bible. He emphasizes that the tabernacle was a pattern of the one in heaven, indicating the existen
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 37:1-29 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and symbolism of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle had three compartments and three entrances: the outer court, the ho
Zac Poonen Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 2 by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker discusses the tabernacle described in the book of Exodus. He explains that the tabernacle is a picture of the body of Christ, with believers closely hel
Bill McLeod The Throne of Grace by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worshiping the Lord in the beauty of holiness rather than relying on superficial appearances. He shares the story of Dunca
Stephen Kaung Spiritual Exercise - Life Within the Veil by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of being broken in order to release Christ's life within us. He explains that this process is achieved through the enlightenmen
Ron Bailey Priesthood - Part 4 by Ron Bailey In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding fulfillment in giving our hearts to God rather than pursuing our own ambitions and career plans. The speaker encour
Jim Cymbala His Resting Place by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible love that God has for humanity. He highlights the sacrifice of Jesus, who endured a fake trial, beatings, and crucifixion for
J. Henry Brown The Tabernacle 08 the Veil by J. Henry Brown In this sermon, the speaker talks about the importance of using a plumb line or level to ensure that a building's walls and corners are straight. He shares a story about sending so

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 26

In Exodus chapter 26, we see the meticulous care with which God instructs the Israelites to construct the tabernacle, a symbol of his presence among them. The tabernacle's frame, coverings, and furnishings all point to the person and work of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. As we consider the tabernacle's construction, we are reminded of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the value of human creativity and skill. The chapter's use of symbolism, such as the cherubim and the curtains, highlights the importance of understanding the symbolic language of the Bible, and the role of Christ in removing the barrier between God and humanity. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Importance of Precise Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the importance of precise obedience to God's commands, as evidenced by the detailed instructions for the tabernacle's construction. This highlights the value God places on human obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

The Role of Skilled Craftsmen

The chapter highlights the role of skilled craftsmen, such as Bezalel and Oholiab, in the tabernacle's construction, demonstrating the value God places on human creativity and skill.

The Use of Symbolism

The chapter uses symbolism, such as the cherubim and the curtains, to represent God's presence and protection, highlighting the importance of understanding the symbolic language of the Bible.

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