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Exodus 26 Commentary

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Exodus 26:1-6

The LORD gives instructions on how to build the tabernacle itself. The first item discussed was the making of the curtains that formed the walls and ceilings of the structure.

In order to protect the curtains of the tabernacle, the LORD commands that another set of curtains be made. These curtains were to be made of more weather-resistant materials such as animal skins and furs.

Exodus 26:15-25

The LORD describes how to make the boards and sockets that comprise the frame of the tabernacle.

Exodus 26:26-30

Along with the boards and the sockets, the LORD commanded that bars be made. Presumably they were needed to reinforce the frame of the tabernacle walls.

Exodus 26:31-35

The next item discussed is the veil that separates the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place. Both the veil and its supports are described.

Exodus 26:36-37

The final item discussed in chapter 26 is the curtain (or “screen”) covering the entrance to the tabernacle from the outside.

Additional Resources

Book Theme

The book of Exodus is the second book of the Torah (“law”). It continues the story of Genesis concerning the migration of the family of Jacob (the Israelites) to Egypt (Genesis 50). It describes the commissioning of Moses and Aaron as God’s representatives on earth to accomplish God’s deliverance of His people from slavery in Egypt and lead them to the Promised Land (the land of Canaan). It also relates the miraculous deliverance from Egypt beginning with the plagues on Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea. It then describes the journey to Mount Sinai and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant with the Israelites. The last part of the book involves the specifications and building of the tabernacle – the place where the Lord Himself dwelt amongst His people.

In the book of Exodus, the focus shifts to the deliverance of God’s people.

Chapter Context

Exodus 26 continues the LORD’s instructions concerning how to build the tabernacle and its furnishings. After discussing the furniture for the tabernacle in chapter 25, This chapter concentrates on items that relate to the structure of the tabernacle itself. The construction of these items is found in Exodus 36:8 – 38.

Chapter 26 can be outlined as follows:

The Curtains (26:1 – 14)
- Linen (26:1 – 6)
- Goat’s Hair (26:7 – 14)
The Boards (26:15 – 25)
The Bars (26:26 – 28)
The Gold Overlay (26:29 – 30)
The Veil (25:31 – 33)
The Furniture (26:34 – 35)
The Door-Hanging (26:36 – 37)

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