Exodus 26 1

Exodus 26:1 kjv

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubim of cunning work shalt thou make them.

Exodus 26:1 nkjv

"Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine woven linen and blue, purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic designs of cherubim you shall weave them.

Exodus 26:1 niv

"Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker.

Exodus 26:1 esv

"Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen and blue and purple and scarlet yarns; you shall make them with cherubim skillfully worked into them.

Exodus 26:1 nlt

"Make the Tabernacle from ten curtains of finely woven linen. Decorate the curtains with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim.

Exodus 26 verses

Exodus 26 1 Meaning

Exodus 26:1 begins the detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle itself, specifically the tent of meeting’s inner dwelling, by outlining the foundational layer of its covering: ten elaborately crafted curtains. This verse emphasizes divine instruction in the design of God's earthly dwelling place, requiring specific materials—fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet threads—and artistic skill to depict cherubim, all reflecting the holiness, glory, and sovereignty of the God who desires to dwell among His people.

Exodus 26 1 Context

Exodus 26:1 is situated within the lengthy divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, given to Moses on Mount Sinai (chapters 25-31). Following the general overview of the Tabernacle's contents (the ark, table, lampstand) in chapter 25, chapter 26 focuses on the dwelling's structure, starting with the inner set of ten curtains. These detailed specifications are crucial because they describe the earthly meeting place for God and His covenant people. Historically, these instructions were given to the newly liberated Israelites as they camped at Mount Sinai, providing a tangible focus for their worship and a constant reminder of God's presence and holiness among them as they journeyed through the wilderness. This design sets the sacred space apart from common life and contrasts sharply with the polytheistic, idolatrous practices of surrounding cultures by establishing one unique, divinely ordained place for the worship of the one true God.

Exodus 26 1 Word analysis

• Moreover: Connects these instructions to the preceding ones, signifying a continuation of God's comprehensive blueprint for His dwelling. It implies these details are equally vital.
• thou shalt make: Hebrew: ta'aseh (תַעֲשֶׂה). A direct divine command, emphasizing God's absolute authority and Moses's responsibility to execute the work precisely as revealed. This highlights that the Tabernacle was not of human devising but entirely of divine origin.
• the tabernacle: Hebrew: ha-mishkan (הַמִּשְׁכָּן). Meaning "dwelling place" or "residence." This term underscores that the structure's primary purpose was to be where God "pitched His tent" among His people, rather than a mere building. It signifies the immanence of God amidst His chosen nation.
• with ten curtains: Specific number of curtains for the inner layer. Ten, often associated with divine order and completion in biblical numerology, denotes the full and complete set required for the dwelling. This precise number reflects the exacting nature of God’s instructions.
• of fine twined linen: Hebrew: shesh mashzar (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר). Refers to very costly, high-quality white Egyptian linen, meticulously spun from multiple threads. Symbolizes purity, holiness, and the righteousness required to approach God's presence. It signifies a distinction between the sacred and the profane.
• and blue: Hebrew: tekhelet (תְּכֵלֶת). A costly dye derived from a specific sea mollusk. Symbolizes heaven, the divine, and royalty, connecting the earthly Tabernacle to heavenly realities. It points to God's heavenly abode and His majestic nature.
• and purple: Hebrew: argaman (אַרְגָּמָן). A luxurious and expensive dye, often a mixture of blue and scarlet. Symbolizes kingship, sovereignty, wealth, and majesty, indicating that the One dwelling within is the King of kings.
• and scarlet: Hebrew: tola'at shani (תּוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי). A red dye obtained from an insect (coccus ilicis or kermes vermilio) found on oak trees. Symbolizes life, blood, atonement, sacrifice, and earthly vibrancy. It foreshadows the cleansing blood required for reconciliation with God (Isa 1:18).
• with cherubims: Hebrew: keruvim (כְּרֻבִים). Plural of keruv (cherub). Celestial, angelic beings associated with guarding God's holiness and presence (Gen 3:24), His throne (Eze 1, 10), and places of divine manifestation (Ex 25:18-20, on the Mercy Seat). Their presence here reinforces the sacredness and unapproachability of the Holy of Holies without proper atonement, and they embody awe-inspiring worship and guardianship.
• of cunning work: Hebrew: ma'aseh choshev (מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב). Literally "work of a skilled designer" or "work of an artist." Refers to intricate, imaginative, and expertly crafted weaving. This implies a high degree of artistic skill, guided by divine inspiration (Ex 31:3-4), signifying that everything in God’s sanctuary must be made with the highest quality and dedication.
• shalt thou make them: Repetition of the divine command, emphasizing that Moses must ensure these specific curtains are crafted according to the precise, divinely ordained pattern, down to the last detail. This reiterates the principle of faithful obedience to God's revelation.

Words-group analysis:

• thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains: Highlights the immediate commencement of detailed instructions for the structure itself. The ten curtains form the innermost layer, providing beauty and symbolic richness, closest to God's presence.
• fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: These four materials/colors are foundational throughout the Tabernacle and priestly garments. They symbolize a composite picture of purity (linen), heavenliness (blue), royalty (purple), and atonement (scarlet), pointing towards Christ's attributes and salvific work. This combination signifies the glorious and holy nature of the divine presence and the means by which a sinful people could approach a holy God.
• with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them: This phrase reveals the profound spiritual artistry and symbolic imagery embedded in the Tabernacle's design. The cherubim on the inner curtains extend the imagery from the Mercy Seat to the very walls, reinforcing that God’s dwelling is eternally surrounded by heavenly glory, purity, and sacred protection. The "cunning work" underlines that this imagery was not crude, but required highly inspired skill, reflecting the perfect art of the Divine designer.

Exodus 26 1 Bonus section

The instructions for the Tabernacle's curtains, starting here, foreshadow the seamless garment of Christ (Jn 19:23) and the unified, holy nature of the Church (Eph 2:21-22). The specific dimensions and materials are not arbitrary but reflect heavenly patterns, acting as a shadow of the true spiritual realities in heaven, as emphasized in Hebrews. The Tabernacle, a movable structure, underscores God's willingness to journey with His people, a stark contrast to static pagan temples. The requirement for "cunning work" meant these items were works of sacred art, reflecting the divine perfection and beauty in creation and in the character of God Himself, a beauty that called for divinely imparted skill from individuals like Bezalel and Aholiab.

Exodus 26 1 Commentary

Exodus 26:1 marks a transition from the internal furnishings of the Tabernacle to the meticulous construction of its physical structure. This verse sets the stage for the dwelling proper, emphasizing that the "mishkan" or dwelling was not a human invention but a precise divine blueprint. The inner curtains, being the closest barrier to the Holy of Holies, were crafted from the most precious and symbolically rich materials. Fine linen speaks of purity and righteousness, representing both God's holy character and the righteous standing required to approach Him, fulfilled ultimately in Christ. The specific colors – blue for the heavens, purple for royalty, and scarlet for life and sacrifice – combine to declare the glory, sovereignty, and redemptive nature of the God dwelling within. The inclusion of cherubim, woven into the fabric "with cunning work," powerfully communicates God's holiness, His majestic throne, and His guarded presence, echoing the cherubim guarding Eden (Gen 3:24) and those attending God's throne in heavenly visions (Eze 1; Rev 4). Every detail in this divine architectural plan carried profound theological significance, serving as a tangible visual sermon to Israel, instructing them on God's nature, their separation from sin, and the way to access His holy presence, ultimately pointing forward to the person and work of Jesus Christ, who Himself "tabernacled" among humanity (Jn 1:14). This passage is a testament to God's precise instruction and His desire to dwell intimately, yet majestically, among His people.