Bible Glide

Exodus 26 Summary, Context, and Full Chapter

Exodus 26 continues the tabernacle instructions with detailed directions for its curtains, frames, veil, and entrance. The chapter shows how the sanctuary was to be made as one ordered whole, with separate spaces marked off for holy worship and the ark placed in the innermost room.

What happens in Exodus 26?

God gives Moses precise instructions for building the tabernacle. The chapter describes the inner curtains, the outer goat-hair tent, and additional coverings for protection. It then sets out the wooden frames, silver bases, gold overlay, and crossbars that would hold the structure together. The final sections describe the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, the placement of the ark, table, and lampstand, and the entrance curtain for the tent.

This chapter belongs to the section where God explains how Israel is to worship in the tabernacle after the covenant at Sinai. It follows the directions for the ark, table, lampstand, and furnishings in Exodus 25 and leads into the altar and courtyard instructions in Exodus 27.

  • Holy designThe tabernacle is built according to God's exact pattern, showing that worship is ordered by his instruction.
  • Separation and accessThe veil marks a real boundary between holy spaces while still providing a way for God to dwell among his people.
  • Beauty and reverenceFine materials, skilled work, and careful measurements show that God's presence is to be approached with honor.
  • What does the detailed design of the tabernacle teach about God's holiness and attention to worship?
  • Why is the veil important in the layout of the tabernacle?
  • How do the materials and structure of the tabernacle point to reverence in approaching God?

Read the full text of Exodus 26 below, then open it in the reader to highlight, take notes, or ask follow-up Bible questions. No account is required to read.

Exodus 26

The Ten Curtains for the Tabernacle

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.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 frames21and 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

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.

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