The Ten Curtains for the Tabernacle
The Tabernacle proper (as distinct from the surrounding...
The Tabernacle proper (as distinct from the surrounding courtyard) was not very large. It was approximately 15 feet wide and 45 feet long. The supporting framework consisted of 48 vertical frames, 15 feet high and 27 inches wide (26:16). They were made of acacia wood overlaid with gold (26:15, 29). The frames were locked together with horizontal crossbars to form a three-sided rectangle with an open end (26:26–28). Two large linen curtains (each composed of five smaller ones) were then linked together into one and draped across the top of this framework. The combined total was long enough to hang down on the sides and rear (26:1–6), forming coverings for the walls as well as the roof. Over the linen curtain was draped a curtain of goat-hair cloth constructed in the same way. It was three feet wider and six feet longer than the linen curtain (26:7–13), so that it hung down further than the linen curtain on all sides. Over these two curtains were two protective coverings, one of tanned ram skins and one of fine goatskin leather (26:14). The space so enclosed was divided in two with another beautifully embroidered curtain hanging crosswise on four posts of acacia wood. The resulting two spaces were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (26:31–33).
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.
42 feet long and 6 feet wide: A...
42 feet long and 6 feet wide: A width of 6 feet may have been dictated by the size of the largest loom available. Five of the six-foot strips were joined, probably by being sewn together, making one continuous piece of cloth 42 feet long and 30 feet wide. When joined to each other with the loops and clasps (26:5–6), the two cloths formed a single unit 42 feet by 60 feet.
2Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide —† all curtains the same size.
3Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well. 4Make 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.
5Make 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. 6Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit.
The Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair
7You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. 8Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.†
9Join 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.
10Make 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. 11Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit.
12As 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. 13And 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.
14Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.†
The Frames and Bases
15You are to construct upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 16Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.† 17Two tenons† must be connected to each other for each frame. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way.
18Construct twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle, 19with forty silver bases under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon.
20For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, make twenty frames 21and forty silver bases—two bases under each frame.
22Make six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side, 23and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle, 24coupled together from bottom to top and fitted into a single ring. These will serve as the two corners. 25So there are to be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame.
26You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west.
28The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other. 29Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.
30So you are to set up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.
The Veil
31Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. 32Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. 33And 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.†
34Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place. 35And place the table outside the veil on the north side of the tabernacle, and put the lampstand opposite the table, on the south side.
The Curtain for the Entrance
The curtain that covered the opening at the...
The curtain that covered the opening at the eastern end of the structure was similar to the one separating the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The bases of these supporting posts were of bronze instead of silver.
36For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. 37Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them.