Exodus 26 Study Notes
General
True or False: In 26:26-28, the middle crossbar was to span the entire length of the frames.
Answer: True
This is true. To hold the frames together, God calls for acacia crossbars, five for each of the two long sides and five for the back wall (26:26-27). The middle bar was to pass through the frames at their midpoint along the whole wall, tying the wall together as one (26:28). The builders later made the middle bar exactly this way (36:33), and Moses slid the bars into place when he raised the tabernacle (40:18).
- Exodus 26:26-28 (BSB)“You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west. The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other.”Five crossbars are made for each side and the rear; the middle bar runs the full length of the frames.
- Exodus 36:33 (BSB)“He made the central crossbar to run through the center of the frames, from one end to the other.”The middle crossbar was made to run through the frames from end to end, as commanded.
- Exodus 40:18 (BSB)“When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts.”Moses inserted the crossbars when he set up the tabernacle.
Theological
True or False: Exodus 26:28 directs that the middle crossbar extend through the frames from end to end.
Answer: True
This is true. Five acacia crossbars are specified for each long side and for the rear (26:26-27), and the central bar, passing through the frames at their midpoint, is to span the whole length of the frames (26:28), binding each wall into a single rigid unit. The construction account records the middle bar made to that specification (36:33), and Moses inserted the bars when the tabernacle was erected (40:18).
- Exodus 26:26-28 (BSB)“You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west. The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other.”Five crossbars are made for each side and the rear; the middle bar runs the full length of the frames.
- Exodus 36:33 (BSB)“He made the central crossbar to run through the center of the frames, from one end to the other.”The middle crossbar was made to run through the frames from end to end, as commanded.
- Exodus 40:18 (BSB)“When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts.”Moses inserted the crossbars when he set up the tabernacle.
General
What were the tabernacle's upright frames made of, and what did they stand on (26:15-25, 29)?
Answer: Acacia wood covered with gold, standing in silver bases
The walls of the tabernacle were built from standing acacia-wood frames (26:15), covered with gold (26:29). Each frame rested in two silver bases that held it steady (26:19-25). The silver for these bases was later cast from the silver paid by every man counted in the census (38:25-27), and when the tabernacle was put up, Moses first laid the bases and then set the frames and crossbars in place (40:18). Because the tabernacle had to travel, the Levite clan of Merari was put in charge of carrying the frames, bars, posts, and bases (Numbers 3:36-37).
- Exodus 26:15 (BSB)“You are to construct upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle.”The upright frames of the tabernacle are made of acacia wood.
- Exodus 26:19 (BSB)“with forty silver bases under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon.”The frames stand in silver bases, two under each frame.
- Exodus 26:29 (BSB)“Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.”The frames and crossbars are overlaid with gold, with gold rings to hold the crossbars.
- Exodus 38:25-27 (BSB)“The silver from those numbered among the congregation totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel— a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men. The hundred talents of silver were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil—100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent per base.”Records the silver counted from the census contributions being cast into the bases for the sanctuary and the veil.
- Exodus 40:18 (BSB)“When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts.”When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid the bases and positioned the frames and crossbars.
- Numbers 3:36-37 (BSB)“The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes.”The Merarites were assigned to care for and carry the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases.
Theological
How are the tabernacle's frames constructed and supported in 26:15-25, 29?
Answer: Acacia wood covered with gold, standing in silver bases
The structural walls consist of acacia-wood frames (26:15) overlaid with gold (26:29), each seated in a pair of silver bases (26:19-25). The bases were cast from the silver paid by those counted in the census (38:25-27); in erecting the tabernacle Moses laid the bases first and then set up the frames and crossbars (40:18), and in transit the Merarites bore responsibility for frames, bars, posts, and bases (Numbers 3:36-37).
- Exodus 26:15 (BSB)“You are to construct upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle.”The upright frames of the tabernacle are made of acacia wood.
- Exodus 26:19 (BSB)“with forty silver bases under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon.”The frames stand in silver bases, two under each frame.
- Exodus 26:29 (BSB)“Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.”The frames and crossbars are overlaid with gold, with gold rings to hold the crossbars.
- Exodus 38:25-27 (BSB)“The silver from those numbered among the congregation totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel— a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men. The hundred talents of silver were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil—100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent per base.”Records the silver counted from the census contributions being cast into the bases for the sanctuary and the veil.
- Exodus 40:18 (BSB)“When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts.”When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid the bases and positioned the frames and crossbars.
- Numbers 3:36-37 (BSB)“The duties assigned to the sons of Merari were the tabernacle’s frames, crossbars, posts, bases, and all its equipment—all the service for these items, as well as the posts of the surrounding courtyard with their bases, tent pegs, and ropes.”The Merarites were assigned to care for and carry the frames, crossbars, posts, and bases.
General
What was the tabernacle itself, its innermost covering, to be made of (26:1-6)?
Answer: Ten curtains of fine linen with colored yarn and cherubim worked into them, joined by gold clasps into one whole
God begins the instructions for the tent structure with the tabernacle proper: ten curtains of fine linen, decorated with yarn dyed blue, purple, scarlet, and with figures of cherubim worked in by skilled hands (26:1). They were joined into two sets of five, and the two sets were linked by loops and gold clasps, making the whole tabernacle hold together as one (26:2-6). When the work was done, the craftsmen made the curtains (36:8) and the gold clasps (36:13) just as God had described.
- Exodus 26:1 (BSB)““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.”The tabernacle proper is made of ten linen curtains decorated with colored yarn and cherubim.
- Exodus 26:6 (BSB)“Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit.”Gold clasps join the two sets of curtains so the tabernacle forms one whole.
- Exodus 36:8 (BSB)“All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them.”The craftsmen later made the ten curtains exactly as described here.
- Exodus 36:13 (BSB)“He also made fifty gold clasps to join the curtains together, so that the tabernacle was a unit.”The gold clasps were made to join the curtains into one unit, as commanded.
Theological
Of what does 26:1-6 construct the tabernacle proper?
Answer: Ten curtains of fine linen with colored yarn and cherubim worked into them, joined by gold clasps into one whole
The innermost layer, called the tabernacle itself, consists of ten curtains of fine twisted linen, with yarn dyed blue, purple, scarlet, and with cherubim woven in by skilled craftsmen (26:1), joined in two sets of five and coupled by loops and gold clasps, making the dwelling a single unit (26:2-6). The construction account records the curtains (36:8) and clasps (36:13) made exactly to specification.
- Exodus 26:1 (BSB)““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.”The tabernacle proper is made of ten linen curtains decorated with colored yarn and cherubim.
- Exodus 26:6 (BSB)“Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit.”Gold clasps join the two sets of curtains so the tabernacle forms one whole.
- Exodus 36:8 (BSB)“All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them.”The craftsmen later made the ten curtains exactly as described here.
- Exodus 36:13 (BSB)“He also made fifty gold clasps to join the curtains together, so that the tabernacle was a unit.”The gold clasps were made to join the curtains into one unit, as commanded.
General
True or False: According to 26:14, the goat-hair tent was to be covered by a layer of red-dyed ram skins, topped by a layer of fine leather.
Answer: True
This is true. Above the goat-hair tent, God calls for two more coverings: one of red-dyed rams' skins, and above it an outermost layer of fine leather (26:14). Together with the linen curtains and the goat-hair tent, these made four layers in all. The coverings were made as instructed (36:19), and when Israel traveled, the Levite clan of Gershon carried the curtains along with this outer leather covering (Numbers 4:25-26).
- Exodus 26:14 (BSB)“Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.”Two outer coverings go over the goat-hair tent: red-dyed ram skins, then fine leather.
- Exodus 36:19 (BSB)“Additionally, he made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.”The covering of red-dyed ram skins and the fine leather over it were made as commanded.
- Numbers 4:25-26 (BSB)“They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items.”The Gershonites carried the tabernacle curtains together with the outer leather covering.
Theological
True or False: Exodus 26:14 prescribes red-dyed ram skins over the goat-hair tent, with fine leather as the outermost layer.
Answer: True
This is true. Two protective coverings complete the structure: red-dyed rams' skins, and over them fine leather (26:14), making four layers with the linen tabernacle and the goat-hair tent. They were made as specified (36:19), and in transit the Gershonites bore the curtains with the outer covering (Numbers 4:25-26).
- Exodus 26:14 (BSB)“Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.”Two outer coverings go over the goat-hair tent: red-dyed ram skins, then fine leather.
- Exodus 36:19 (BSB)“Additionally, he made for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.”The covering of red-dyed ram skins and the fine leather over it were made as commanded.
- Numbers 4:25-26 (BSB)“They are to carry the curtains of the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting with the covering of fine leather over it, the curtains for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains for the entrance at the gate of the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, along with their ropes and all the equipment for their service. The Gershonites will do all that needs to be done with these items.”The Gershonites carried the tabernacle curtains together with the outer leather covering.
General
True or False: In 26:30, God leaves it to Moses' own judgment how to arrange and raise the tabernacle.
Answer: False
This is false. After describing the frames and crossbars, God commands Moses to raise the dwelling following the design he was shown on the mountain (26:30), just as He had said about the furnishings (25:9, 40). Nothing was left to human invention. When the work was finished, Moses inspected it and found everything done in keeping with the LORD's command (39:42-43), and the tabernacle was put up exactly as God directed (40:18-19). Hebrews explains why this mattered: the earthly sanctuary was a copy and a shadow of heavenly realities (Hebrews 8:5).
- Exodus 26:30 (BSB)“So you are to set up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”God again commands that the tabernacle be set up according to the design shown on the mountain.
- Exodus 39:42-43 (BSB)“The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. And Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.”Moses inspected the finished work and found it done exactly as the LORD commanded.
- Exodus 40:18-19 (BSB)“When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts. Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.”The tabernacle was set up just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
- Hebrews 8:5 (BSB)“The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.””The New Testament stresses that Moses had to follow the design shown him because the earthly sanctuary copied heavenly realities.
Theological
True or False: Exodus 26:30 leaves the arrangement and erection of the tabernacle up to Moses' discretion.
Answer: False
This is false. The instructions for the structure close as the furnishings did (25:9, 40), with the command to erect the dwelling after the model revealed on the mountain (26:30). The completed work was inspected and found to be exactly as the LORD commanded (39:42-43), and it was raised in the same obedience (40:18-19). Hebrews grounds the insistence on the revealed pattern in the sanctuary's function as a copy and a shadow of the heavenly (Hebrews 8:5).
- Exodus 26:30 (BSB)“So you are to set up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”God again commands that the tabernacle be set up according to the design shown on the mountain.
- Exodus 39:42-43 (BSB)“The Israelites had done all the work just as the LORD had commanded Moses. And Moses inspected all the work and saw that they had accomplished it just as the LORD had commanded. So Moses blessed them.”Moses inspected the finished work and found it done exactly as the LORD commanded.
- Exodus 40:18-19 (BSB)“When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts. Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.”The tabernacle was set up just as the LORD had commanded Moses.
- Hebrews 8:5 (BSB)“The place where they serve is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.””The New Testament stresses that Moses had to follow the design shown him because the earthly sanctuary copied heavenly realities.
General
Where were the gold table and the lampstand placed (26:35)?
Answer: Outside the veil in the Holy Place, the table toward the north and the lampstand across from it toward the south
Neither the gold table nor the lampstand went behind the veil with the ark. They stood in the outer room, the Holy Place, the table toward the north and the lampstand facing it toward the south (26:35). Moses arranged them exactly this way when the tabernacle was set up (40:22, 24), and Hebrews likewise lists both of them in the first room, which bore the name Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2).
- Exodus 26:35 (BSB)“And 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 table and lampstand stand outside the veil, the table on the north and the lampstand on the south.
- Exodus 40:22 (BSB)“Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.”Moses set the table on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.
- Exodus 40:24 (BSB)“He also placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle”Moses set the lampstand opposite the table on the south side.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Hebrews places the lampstand and the table in the first room, the Holy Place.
Theological
Where does 26:35 position the gold table and the lampstand?
Answer: Outside the veil in the Holy Place, the table toward the north and the lampstand across from it toward the south
The gold table and lampstand belong to the outer sanctuary, not the inner: they stand outside the veil, the table toward the north and the lampstand opposite it on the south (26:35). Moses placed them so at the erection of the tabernacle (40:22, 24), and Hebrews assigns both to the first room, the Holy Place (Hebrews 9:2).
- Exodus 26:35 (BSB)“And 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 table and lampstand stand outside the veil, the table on the north and the lampstand on the south.
- Exodus 40:22 (BSB)“Moses placed the table in the Tent of Meeting on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.”Moses set the table on the north side of the tabernacle, outside the veil.
- Exodus 40:24 (BSB)“He also placed the lampstand in the Tent of Meeting opposite the table on the south side of the tabernacle”Moses set the lampstand opposite the table on the south side.
- Hebrews 9:2 (BSB)“A tabernacle was prepared. In its first room were the lampstand, the table, and the consecrated bread. This was called the Holy Place.”Hebrews places the lampstand and the table in the first room, the Holy Place.
General
What closed off the tent's doorway (26:36-37)?
Answer: An embroidered curtain hung on five gold-covered posts set in bronze bases
The tent's doorway was closed with a curtain of fine linen embroidered in blue, purple, scarlet yarn (26:36). It hung from gold hooks on five acacia posts covered with gold, and these posts stood in bronze bases rather than the silver ones used under the frames and the veil posts (26:37). The craftsmen made it as instructed (36:37-38), and Moses hung it when the tabernacle was set up (40:28).
- Exodus 26:36-37 (BSB)“For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold, use hooks of gold, and cast five bronze bases for them.”An embroidered curtain on five gold-covered posts with bronze bases closes the entrance to the tent.
- Exodus 36:37-38 (BSB)“For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, together with five posts and their hooks. He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold, and their five bases were bronze.”The entrance curtain and its five posts with bronze bases were made as commanded.
- Exodus 40:28 (BSB)“Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.”Moses hung the entrance curtain when he set up the tabernacle.
Theological
What screens the entrance of the tent according to 26:36-37?
Answer: An embroidered curtain hung on five gold-covered posts set in bronze bases
The tent's entrance is screened by an embroidered curtain of fine linen and blue, purple, scarlet yarn (26:36), hung by gold hooks on five gold-overlaid acacia posts set in bronze rather than silver bases (26:37). It was made to specification (36:37-38) and hung by Moses at the tabernacle's erection (40:28).
- Exodus 26:36-37 (BSB)“For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold, use hooks of gold, and cast five bronze bases for them.”An embroidered curtain on five gold-covered posts with bronze bases closes the entrance to the tent.
- Exodus 36:37-38 (BSB)“For the entrance to the tent, he made a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, together with five posts and their hooks. He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold, and their five bases were bronze.”The entrance curtain and its five posts with bronze bases were made as commanded.
- Exodus 40:28 (BSB)“Then he put up the curtain at the entrance to the tabernacle.”Moses hung the entrance curtain when he set up the tabernacle.
General
What was spread over the linen tabernacle as its tent (26:7-13)?
Answer: A tent of goat-hair curtains joined with bronze clasps
Over the linen tabernacle went a tent made of goat-hair curtains, eleven of them, a little longer than the linen ones so that they hung down and covered the sides and back (26:7-13). Instead of gold clasps, these curtains were joined with bronze clasps, making the tent one whole (26:11). The goat-hair curtains were later made just as described (36:14), and when the tabernacle was set up, Moses spread this tent over it, in full obedience to the LORD's instructions (40:18-19).
- Exodus 26:7 (BSB)“You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all.”Goat-hair curtains are made to form a tent over the linen tabernacle.
- Exodus 26:11 (BSB)“Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit.”Bronze clasps join the goat-hair curtains so the tent forms one whole.
- Exodus 36:14 (BSB)“He then made curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all.”The goat-hair curtains for the tent over the tabernacle were made as commanded.
- Exodus 40:18-19 (BSB)“When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts. Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.”When the tabernacle was set up, Moses spread the tent over it, as the LORD commanded.
Theological
What forms the covering tent above the linen dwelling in 26:7-13?
Answer: A tent of goat-hair curtains joined with bronze clasps
A second layer, the tent proper, is made of eleven goat-hair curtains, somewhat larger than the linen ones so that their excess hangs over the back and sides (26:7-13), and coupled with bronze rather than gold clasps (26:11). The goat-hair curtains were fabricated as specified (36:14), and at the erection of the tabernacle Moses stretched the goat-hair tent across it in obedience to the LORD's command (40:18-19).
- Exodus 26:7 (BSB)“You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all.”Goat-hair curtains are made to form a tent over the linen tabernacle.
- Exodus 26:11 (BSB)“Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit.”Bronze clasps join the goat-hair curtains so the tent forms one whole.
- Exodus 36:14 (BSB)“He then made curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all.”The goat-hair curtains for the tent over the tabernacle were made as commanded.
- Exodus 40:18-19 (BSB)“When Moses set up the tabernacle, he laid its bases, positioned its frames, inserted its crossbars, and set up its posts. Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, just as the LORD had commanded him.”When the tabernacle was set up, Moses spread the tent over it, as the LORD commanded.
General
How was the veil to be made and hung (26:31-32)?
Answer: Dyed yarn and linen bearing figures of cherubim, hung on four gold-covered posts
The veil was a curtain made of fine linen and yarn dyed blue, purple, scarlet, with figures of cherubim worked into it by skilled craftsmen (26:31). It hung by gold hooks from four gold-covered acacia posts, which stood in silver bases (26:32). The craftsmen made it just this way (36:35-36), and the veil in Solomon's temple followed the same design, cherubim included (2 Chronicles 3:14).
- Exodus 26:31-32 (BSB)“Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases.”The veil is made of colored yarn and linen with cherubim, hung on four gold-covered posts.
- Exodus 36:35-36 (BSB)“Next, he made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. He also made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold, along with gold hooks; and he cast four silver bases for the posts.”The veil and its four posts were made exactly as described.
- 2 Chronicles 3:14 (BSB)“He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it.”Solomon's temple also had a veil of colored yarn and linen with cherubim, showing the same design carried forward.
Theological
What does 26:31-32 prescribe for the construction of the veil?
Answer: Dyed yarn and linen bearing figures of cherubim, hung on four gold-covered posts
The veil is woven of fine twisted linen and blue, purple, scarlet yarn, bearing cherubim woven in by skilled craftsmen (26:31), and suspended by gold hooks from four gold-overlaid acacia posts set in silver bases (26:32). It was executed to specification (36:35-36), and the veil of Solomon's temple reproduced the design (2 Chronicles 3:14).
- Exodus 26:31-32 (BSB)“Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases.”The veil is made of colored yarn and linen with cherubim, hung on four gold-covered posts.
- Exodus 36:35-36 (BSB)“Next, he made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. He also made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold, along with gold hooks; and he cast four silver bases for the posts.”The veil and its four posts were made exactly as described.
- 2 Chronicles 3:14 (BSB)“He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it.”Solomon's temple also had a veil of colored yarn and linen with cherubim, showing the same design carried forward.
General
How does the New Testament explain the meaning of the veil that closed off the inner sanctuary (26:33)?
Answer: The veil showed the way into God's presence was not yet open; by His death Jesus opened that way for His people
The veil kept everyone out of the Most Holy Place except the high priest, who went in just one day a year and always with blood (26:33; Hebrews 9:6-7). Hebrews says the Holy Spirit used this arrangement to teach that access to God's presence was still closed (Hebrews 9:8). When Jesus died, the temple veil was split in two, beginning at the top (Matthew 27:51), which points to God's own act. Now believers may enter God's presence with confidence through Jesus' blood, by a new, living path opened through His body, which Hebrews compares to the curtain (Hebrews 10:19-20). Jesus has gone in ahead of His people as their high priest (Hebrews 6:19-20), and the access He opened is real and effective for all His people.
- Exodus 26:33 (BSB)“And 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.”The veil separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place where the ark stands.
- Hebrews 9:6-8 (BSB)“When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.”Only the high priest entered once a year with blood, showing that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet open.
- Matthew 27:51 (BSB)“At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”At the moment of Jesus' death the temple veil was torn from top to bottom.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 (BSB)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,”Believers now have confidence to enter by Jesus' blood through the curtain, that is, His body.
- Hebrews 6:19-20 (BSB)“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”Jesus has gone behind the curtain ahead of His people as their high priest.
Theological
How does the New Testament interpret the veil of 26:33?
Answer: The veil showed the way into God's presence was not yet open; by His death Jesus opened that way for His people
The veil barred access to the Most Holy Place except for the high priest's annual entry with blood (26:33; Hebrews 9:6-7), and Hebrews states that through this order the Spirit signified that entrance into God's presence was not yet made known while the first tabernacle stood (Hebrews 9:8). At Christ's death the temple veil was split from the top downward (Matthew 27:51), a divine act opening the way. Believers now enter with confidence by His blood, through the new, living path inaugurated through the curtain, that is, His body (Hebrews 10:19-20), where Jesus has entered as forerunner and high priest (Hebrews 6:19-20). The access He secured is real and effective for all His people.
- Exodus 26:33 (BSB)“And 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.”The veil separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place where the ark stands.
- Hebrews 9:6-8 (BSB)“When everything had been prepared in this way, the priests entered regularly into the first room to perform their sacred duties. But only the high priest entered the second room, and then only once a year, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. By this arrangement the Holy Spirit was showing that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still standing.”Only the high priest entered once a year with blood, showing that the way into the Most Holy Place was not yet open.
- Matthew 27:51 (BSB)“At that moment the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth quaked, and the rocks were split.”At the moment of Jesus' death the temple veil was torn from top to bottom.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 (BSB)“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body,”Believers now have confidence to enter by Jesus' blood through the curtain, that is, His body.
- Hebrews 6:19-20 (BSB)“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”Jesus has gone behind the curtain ahead of His people as their high priest.
General
What was the purpose of the veil, and what stood behind it (26:33-34)?
Answer: It split the tent into an outer Holy Place and an inner Most Holy Place, with the ark and mercy seat behind it
The veil hung inside the tabernacle and divided it into two rooms: the outer room, known as the Holy Place, and the inner room, known as the Most Holy Place (26:33). The ark, with the mercy seat resting on it, was set beyond the veil, in that inner room (26:33-34). Moses did this when he raised the tabernacle, screening off the ark with the veil (40:21), and Hebrews gives the inner room beyond the second curtain that same name (Hebrews 9:3). This inner room was so holy that even Aaron the high priest could not go in whenever he wished, or he would die (Leviticus 16:2). The barrier made plain that sinful people cannot simply walk into the presence of the holy God on their own terms.
- Exodus 26:33-34 (BSB)“And 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. Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.”The ark with its mercy seat is placed behind the veil, which divides the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
- Exodus 40:21 (BSB)“Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses brought the ark in and screened it off with the veil, as commanded.
- Hebrews 9:3 (BSB)“Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,”Hebrews identifies the room behind the second curtain as the Most Holy Place.
- Leviticus 16:2 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”Even Aaron was forbidden to enter behind the veil at will, on pain of death.
Theological
What function does 26:33-34 assign to the veil?
Answer: It split the tent into an outer Holy Place and an inner Most Holy Place, with the ark and mercy seat behind it
The veil partitions the tabernacle into the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, with the ark and its mercy seat set behind it in the inner sanctuary (26:33-34). Moses screened off the ark accordingly when the tabernacle was erected (40:21), and Hebrews gives the inner room beyond the second curtain that same name (Hebrews 9:3). The barrier was real: even Aaron could not pass it at will without dying (Leviticus 16:2), for sinful humanity cannot approach the holy God on its own terms.
- Exodus 26:33-34 (BSB)“And 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. Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place.”The ark with its mercy seat is placed behind the veil, which divides the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
- Exodus 40:21 (BSB)“Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle, put up the veil for the screen, and shielded off the ark of the Testimony, just as the LORD had commanded him.”Moses brought the ark in and screened it off with the veil, as commanded.
- Hebrews 9:3 (BSB)“Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place,”Hebrews identifies the room behind the second curtain as the Most Holy Place.
- Leviticus 16:2 (BSB)“And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”Even Aaron was forbidden to enter behind the veil at will, on pain of death.