Exodus 26

Exodus 26:1

Twisted, for greater strength, with double threads. (Du Hamel) — Diversified, &c. Hebrew, “cherubim wrought by a skilful workman.” A cherubic work is one extremely diversified, and wonderful; representing birds, flowers, monsters; either in gold, wood, painting, or tapestry. When it is done with a needle, it is styled rokom, “feathers,” But when the variety of colours is done with the loom, being more ingenious, the Hebrew call it essob “of an inventor.” Such were these curtains.

Exodus 26:3

Five curtains, which would cover half the tabernacle, or 20 cubits. (Calmet) — Being joined together, they remind us of fraternal charity and union; which ought to adorn the members of the church. (Worthington)

Exodus 26:6

Rings. Hooks or taches, ver. 11.

Exodus 26:13

A cubit. As these curtains were two cubits longer, and four broader, than those more precious ones below, they hung down to the ground. Josephus, [Antiquities?] iii. 5.

Exodus 26:14

Skins. These two were probably as large as the last, to keep out rain; (Menochius) though the text only specifies the roof.

Exodus 26:17

Mortises, (incastratur'e6). Hebrew, “tenons,” which corresponded with the former. (Calmet)

Exodus 26:19

Corners. Hebrew tenons, literally, “hands,” which has the same meaning as the Vulgate. Some think, the sockets or bases rested on the ground, and had a point which entered into the boards, to keep them in their places. (Lyranus) — The ornaments on the north and south were the same. (Calmet)

Exodus 26:22

Six, at the western end, with two other strong boards, or pillars, to connect the whole, as they were placed at the two corners, and were half a cubit each. (Menochius)

Exodus 26:26

Bars, 30 cubits long, on two sides, and ten on the western end, to fasten the boards.

Exodus 26:31

A veil, to hang before the entrance of the tabernacle, at the east side, which had no boards. Within was the ark, ver. 33. (Haydock)

Exodus 26:32

Heads. Chaptrels of setim-wood, overlaid with gold, — , not little hooks for curtains. (Calmet)

Exodus 26:33

The sanctuary, &c. That part of the tabernacle, which was without the veil, into which the priests daily entered, is here called the sanctuary, or holy place; that part which was within the veil, into which no one but the high priest ever went in, and he but once a year, is called the holy of holies, as being the most holy of all holy places. (Challoner) — It occupied only one-third of the tabernacle. (Menochius)

Exodus 26:36

Hanging, or veil, suspended on five pillars, before the sanctuary. (Haydock) — It was the other veil, which was rent at the death of Christ. Baronius observes, that Christian temples were formerly built in imitation of the Jewish tabernacle. It was a figure of the Catholic church, 1 Timothy iii. 15.

Exodus 26:38

CHAPTER XXVI.