Latest Commentaries

God commands that the Urim and the Thummim be placed in the breastpiece over Aaron’s heart.

The description of the breastpiece continues.

God describes how to make the breastpiece for the priestly outfit. It was to be made of the same material as the ephod and was to have twelve stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

The LORD describes how the ephod was to be made. It was an outer piece of clothing that covered the upper body of the priest. The material was similar to the curtains of the tabernacle. It was to be made by skilled craftsmen.

The LORD describes the priestly garments that are to be made by skilled craftsmen. These garments for Aaron and his sons.

God’s focus shifts from the construction of the tabernacle and the courtyard to the responsibilities of the priests in and around the tabernacle. The first task is ensuring that the lamp would burn continually. This requirement is repeated in Leviticus 24:1-4.

The LORD describes how the court (or courtyard) was to be built. It was to surround the tabernacle. It provided a special place where the people of Israel could meet with and worship their LORD. The account of the courtyard’s construction was recorded in Exodus 38:9-20.

God gives instructions on how to build the high altar that would be used for burnt offerings. The account of its construction was recorded in Exodus 38:1-7.

The final item discussed in chapter 26 is the curtain (or "screen") covering the entrance to the tabernacle from the outside. It was to be similar to the veil between the Holy of Holies and the Holy Place, but there is no mention of cherubim here.

Now that the structure of the tabernacle has been specified, 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. After the veil was hung, the ark and the mercy seat were to be put in the Holy of Holies, separating them from the other part of the tabernacle. Other furniture was to be located in specific places in the tabernacle.

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.

After the instructions on how to create the linens of the tabernacle, the LORD then described how to make the boards and sockets that comprise the frame of the tabernacle.

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.

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.

The next item described for the tabernacle was the golden lampstand. As with the ark and the table of showbread, the instructions for its design are very detailed. It was to be placed on the opposite side from the Table of Showbread (Exodus 26:35), and its purpose was to provide light in the tabernacle.

The next piece of tabernacle furniture described was a table. This table was to be where the "bread of the Presence" was placed. Included are other items (dishes and pans) that were to be used with this table. The instructions for constructing these objects are very precise (like the other items in the tabernacle).

Here are the LORD’s instructions concerning the construction of the ark of the covenant along with its mercy seat. It is appropriate that the first item to be built is the ark. It symbolized the throne where the LORD was. The throne implies His sovereignty. It also was the place where He met with His people.

The LORD told Moses to collect a "contribution" from the people of Israel. These contributions were to include precious metals and other materials that were to be used in the construction of the tabernacle, which was to serve as the LORD’s "sanctuary" in the midst of His people.

The covenant between the LORD and His people Israel has now been ratified. The LORD summoned Moses to the top of the mountain to receive stone tablets and commandments from Him. Moses and Joshua went up the mountain, leaving the rest of the entourage behind. While Moses was with the LORD, Aaron, Hur, and the elders were to attend to the matters of the people, including legal issues that might arise. Moses alone entered the cloud, a visible sign of the LORD’s presence and glory that covered the mountain. The Israelites saw His glory in the form of something like fire.

Moses and the elders are called to come before the LORD for worship. The covenant of the LORD is ratified.