Exodus 36 16

Exodus 36:16 kjv

And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

Exodus 36:16 nkjv

He coupled five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves.

Exodus 36:16 niv

They joined five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another set.

Exodus 36:16 esv

He coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

Exodus 36:16 nlt

Bezalel joined five of these curtains together to make one long curtain, and the other six were joined to make a second long curtain.

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 16 Meaning

Exodus 36:16 describes a specific detail in the construction of the Tabernacle: the creation of fifty loops on the edge of two corresponding sets of curtains. These loops were meticulously crafted to serve as connection points, enabling the two large sections of linen curtains, which formed the inner "dwelling" of the Tabernacle, to be perfectly joined together into a unified structure. This verse highlights the precise and faithful execution of God's commands for the sacred space.

Exodus 36 16 Context

Exodus chapter 36 details the actual fabrication of the Tabernacle after Moses presented God's instructions and the people responded with overwhelming generosity. Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled craftsmen, endowed with divine wisdom, begin to carry out the precise designs God had revealed. The chapter opens with Moses confirming their divine appointment and restraining further offerings due to their abundance. From verse 8 onwards, the narrative meticulously recounts the construction of each component. Verse 16 falls within the section describing the inner dwelling curtains (vv. 8-18). It specifies a crucial detail for joining two sets of curtains to form the unified sacred space where God's presence would manifest. The meticulous attention to such details underscores the holiness and divine authority governing the entire project, differentiating Israel's worship from the often haphazard and polytheistic practices of surrounding nations, emphasizing Yahweh's orderliness and singular claim to worship.

Exodus 36 16 Word analysis

• "He made": (וַיַּעַשׂ - vayya‘as) Refers to Bezalel (Exod 31:2; 35:30), the chief artisan. This active verb emphasizes the faithful execution of God's commands, showing that the detailed divine instructions were carried out exactly as given. It highlights human obedience in conjunction with divine empowerment for sacred work.

• "fifty loops": (חֲמִשִּׁים לֻלָאוֹת - ḥamishshîm lulā'ôṯ) The number "fifty" is explicitly commanded by God in Exodus 26:4 and is consistently adhered to. The term "loops" refers to meticulously crafted eyelets, typically of blue material as instructed elsewhere (Exod 26:4), designed for interlocking. This numerical precision and the specific form of "loops" signify completeness and perfect alignment, essential for creating a stable and unified sacred structure. It speaks to God's attention to finite detail in establishing His dwelling.

• "on the edge": (עַל שְׂפַת - ‘al śəfaṯ) The word for "edge" (śāp̄āh) can also mean "lip" or "brim." This precision specifies the exact placement of the loops at the very extremity of the fabric, ensuring a tight, seamless, and secure connection when joined. This detail prevented any gaps or sagging in the unified Tabernacle curtain, reinforcing the concept of a perfectly constructed dwelling for a holy God.

• "of the one curtain... of the first set" / "of the second set, corresponding to it": These phrases refer to the two main sections of linen curtains that formed the Tabernacle's inner dwelling. The original instructions (Exod 26:1-6) specify that ten curtains were to be joined into two sets of five each. This verse describes the loops created on the ends of these two sets that were to be connected, turning the two distinct parts into a singular, overarching tent-dwelling. The "corresponding to it" emphasizes the perfect symmetry and fit, mirroring God's intention for unity and harmonious order in His worship and presence.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "He made fifty loops": This phrase directly points to the obedient craftsmanship required for God's sacred dwelling. It underscores that human skill, when divinely empowered and meticulously applied according to God's exact specifications, results in an outcome that perfectly aligns with His will. The repeated numerical exactness stresses the divine expectation of precise adherence to instruction, not human improvisation.
  • "on the edge of one curtain... and on the edge of the other curtain... corresponding to it": This entire phrase illustrates the meticulous plan for unification. The separate, large curtain sets were designed to interlock perfectly through these loops, forming a singular, continuous covering. This physical act of joining reflects the theological principle of various components (like individual believers or diverse spiritual gifts) coming together to form a single, cohesive entity (the Church as God's spiritual temple) where His presence resides. It embodies the unity and harmony God desires in His dwelling place.

Exodus 36 16 Bonus section

• The loops were to be made of "blue material" (Exod 26:4), symbolizing heaven, the divine, and priestly royalty, integrating symbolic meaning even into the joining elements.
• The overarching design of the Tabernacle, meticulously executed as detailed in this verse, served as a profound contrast to the self-glorifying, chaotic, and idolatrous structures common in surrounding pagan cultures, reaffirming Yahweh's distinct nature as an orderly, holy God who commands precise, reverent worship.
• The unification achieved through these loops, turning two large curtain sets into "one dwelling" (Exod 26:6), powerfully prefigured the New Testament concept of the Church, where diverse individuals are joined by Christ to form "one body" (Eph 4:4) and "a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" (Eph 2:22).
• The meticulous adherence to specific numbers and exact dimensions throughout the Tabernacle's construction reinforces that true worship is not subject to human whims but must conform to divine revelation and established patterns.

Exodus 36 16 Commentary

Exodus 36:16, while describing a seemingly small detail in the Tabernacle's construction, vividly demonstrates the principle of precise, faithful execution of God's commands. The repeated mention of "fifty loops" on opposing edges signifies the divine insistence on perfect alignment and unity for His dwelling place. This was not a structure of human ingenuity but a testament to divine design, where every loop, clasp, and curtain played an indispensable role in forming a unified sacred space. The emphasis on craftsmanship mirroring God's exact blueprint highlights that service and worship of God require not just devotion, but also careful obedience to His revealed will. The unification of the Tabernacle's components, made possible by these loops and clasps (mentioned elsewhere), served as a visual testament to the singularity of God's presence and His desire for a unified people gathered around Him. This exactness speaks volumes about God's character—His order, His attention to detail, and the profound holiness associated with His presence, all of which transcend mere human capabilities and standards.