Key Verses: Exodus 26:1, 26:31, 26:33
This chapter details the structure of the tabernacle itself. The innermost covering is ten curtains of fine twined linen in blue, purple, and scarlet, embroidered with cherubim and joined by golden clasps. Over these are eleven curtains of goats’ hair for a tent, then a covering of tanned ram skins, and above that a covering of goatskin (or fine leather), providing beauty within and protection without. The walls are upright frames of acacia wood overlaid with gold, each standing in two silver bases, joined by gold-covered bars. Within hangs the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarns and fine linen, worked with cherubim, suspended on four gold-covered pillars. This veil separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, and behind it the ark of the testimony is set, so that the veil marks the boundary between the holy and the most holy. A second screen of embroidered linen hangs at the entrance to the tent.
Every layer and boundary of the tabernacle teaches the twin truths that God is gloriously present yet unapproachably holy. The veil, guarded with woven cherubim like those who guarded Eden’s gate, declares that the way into God’s immediate presence is barred to sinners; only the high priest may pass, once a year, with blood. Hebrews interprets this veil as the barrier that Christ’s flesh both represents and removes, for at His death “the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51), opening a new and living way into the presence of God (Hebrews 10:19-20). The costly, beautiful materials, gold within and humble skins without, whisper of Christ, who had no form that we should desire Him outwardly yet was full of glory within. What was once separated by a veil is now flung open through the torn body of our great High Priest, inviting us to draw near with confidence.
Key Terms & Words:
- פָּרֹכֶת (parochet) - Exodus 26:31 - “Veil”; the curtain barring the Most Holy Place, torn in two at Christ’s death to open the way to God
- קְרָשִׁים (qerashim) - Exodus 26:15 - “Frames/boards”; the gold-covered acacia walls resting on silver bases of redemption
- קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים (qodesh haqodashim) - Exodus 26:33 - “Most Holy Place”; the innermost sanctuary of God’s presence, entered by Christ our High Priest
Cross-References:
- Matthew 27:51 - The temple curtain torn in two at Jesus’ death
- Hebrews 10:19-20 - A new and living way through the curtain, that is, His flesh
- Hebrews 9:3 - The second curtain and the Most Holy Place
- Hebrews 9:8 - The way into the holy places not yet opened under the first tent
- Genesis 3:24 - Cherubim guarding the way to God’s presence
Discussion Questions:
- What does the veil teach us about both the nearness and the holiness of God?
- How does the tearing of the temple curtain at Christ’s death change the way you approach God in prayer?
- Why is it significant that the tabernacle was beautiful within but covered with humble skins without, and how does this reflect Christ?