Morning Light – Exodus 26

[Exodus 26] Behind the Veil: Instructions concerning the Tabernacle continue in this chapter. The number, design and decoration of various curtains both inward and outward concluding with the veil that hung between the Holy Place and the Holy Holies, the same veil that was rent in two at the moment of Jesus’ death on the Cross.

[Exo 26:1-37 KJV] 1 Moreover thou shalt make the Tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them. 2 The length of one curtain [shall be] eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and every one of the curtains shall have one measure. 3 The five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and [other] five curtains [shall be] coupled one to another. 4 And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of [another] curtain, in the coupling of the second. 5 Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that [is] in the coupling of the second; that the loops may take hold one of another. 6 And thou shalt make fifty taches of gold, and couple the curtains together with the taches: and it shall be one Tabernacle. 7 And thou shalt make curtains [of] goats’ [hair] to be a covering upon the Tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make. 8 The length of one curtain [shall be] thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: and the eleven curtains [shall be all] of one measure. 9 And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the Tabernacle. 10 And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain [that is] outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second. 11 And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. 12 And the remnant that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth, shall hang over the backside of the Tabernacle. 13 And a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on the other side of that which remaineth in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the Tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it. 14 And thou shalt make a covering for the tent [of] rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering above [of] badgers’ skins. 15 And thou shalt make boards for the Tabernacle [of] shittim wood standing up. 16 Ten cubits [shall be] the length of a board, and a cubit and a half [shall be] the breadth of one board. 17 Two tenons [shall there be] in one board, set in order one against another: thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the Tabernacle. 18 And thou shalt make the boards for the Tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward. 19 And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons. 20 And for the second side of the Tabernacle on the north side [there shall be] twenty boards: 21 And their forty sockets [of] silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 22 And for the sides of the Tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards. 23 And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the Tabernacle in the two sides. 24 And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. 25 And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets [of] silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 26 And thou shalt make bars [of] shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the Tabernacle, 27 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the Tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the Tabernacle, for the two sides westward. 28 And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end. 29 And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings [of] gold [for] places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold. 30 And thou shalt rear up the Tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which was shewed thee in the mount. 31 And thou shalt make a vail [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made: 32 And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim [wood] overlaid with gold: their hooks [shall be of] gold, upon the four sockets of silver. 33 And thou shalt hang up the vail under the taches, that thou mayest bring in thither within the vail the ark of the testimony: and the vail shall divide unto you between the holy [place] and the most holy. 34 And thou shalt put the mercy seat upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy [place]. 35 And thou shalt set the table without the vail, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the Tabernacle toward the south: and thou shalt put the table on the north side. 36 And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework. 37 And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars [of] shittim [wood], and overlay them with gold, [and] their hooks [shall be of] gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

In Exodus 26, God instructs Moses concerning the hangings, coverings, and curtains of the Tabernacle behind which His presence would be found above the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant. When we read of this structure, we are reminded that the Tabernacle in the wilderness is a shadow or metaphor given by God regarding you and me as the true Tabernacle where God lives. What we learn of the Tabernacle, we learn of who God is in us and profound, precious mysteries of how we relate to Him. Paul understood this and made clear to us the value of studying the Old Testament, and it’s authority in our lives:

[Col 2:17 KJV] 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

There are over 20 scriptures in the New Testament that refer to us both individually and corporately (collectively) as the TRUE Tabernacle or DWELLING place of God. So, what we read of the Old Testament tabernacle tells us something about God dwelling in us individually and collectively. This then makes it clear to us that walking with God is not exclusively a solitary experience. We must be connected to other believers in order to access and exemplify the truths of being the corporate body of Christ.

The word “tabernacle” in v. 1 uses the Hebrew word MIKSHAN means: “a dwelling place, habitation, or residence, which is mobile.” Everything about the Tabernacle from the curtains to the articles of furniture is designed with staves, rings, and sockets to assure that it could be broken down, disassembled, and mobile. When it comes to religious things, human nature tends toward things that are stable and unchanging, but the mobile design of the Tabernacle of Moses conveys to us the truth that the God who never changes requires of us that we remain willing to live in a constant state of change.

DEFINE MOBILE:

1. capable of moving or easily being moved: movable;

2 a : changeable in appearance, mood, or purpose; b : adaptable, versatile

3: migratory

4 a : characterized by the mixing of social groups; b : having the opportunity for or undergoing a shift in status; transitional; adaptable.

In v. 2, we see that there will be a total of twenty-eight curtains that will stretch around the outer court like a fence. 28 in the bible and throughout mystical writings is connected with LENGTH OF RULE. It is the number of TESTING and NEW BEGINNING. It speaks of RENEWAL and REFINEMENT. As God’s dwelling place, you are continually being renewed and refined because you are His dwelling place.

The Tabernacle was also known as the tent of meeting. It is the place where the cloud by day and fire by night appeared. Where is God going to meet with you? Where is the place God is going to speak with you? It is not an external something but an internal place on the inside of you. You are made up of a spirit, soul, and body. Your spirit is where His voice will be heard.

The colors were of blue, scarlet and purple, and those colors speak to us of God’s nature and our personal human nature after we have been changed and transformed in the New Birth.

THE COLOR BLUE:

The blue was derived from a mussel or shell animal, which was also used as an ingredient for the sacred incense. When you looked upon the Tabernacle, blue (representing prayer) is one of the first colors you would see. Jesus affirms this when He insisted and declared that His house would be called a house of prayer. Incense is a type of prayer. You are the house of God – specifically and intrinsically constructed from God’s point of view for the purpose of prayer. Prayer is your covering, your affectation, and the atmosphere of your inner life – that is the intention, at least from God’s perspective. There is nothing so trivialized and rationalized today as the minimization of prayer in the believer’s life but in type and shadow prayer looms large and prominently in the Tabernacle.

THE COLOR SCARLET:

Scarlet is the color of entitlement and provision. Jesus provided his blood for us to meet our every need. The Israelites were saved in Egypt because of the scarlet blood found on the doorposts. Scarlet speaks of protection and separation from the world. When people look at the church, they should see prayer (blue), and red or scarlet speaking of the fact that we are a separate people, not the same as the world, we are sojourners out of captivity into the promise.

THE COLOR PURPLE:

Purple is the color of authority and rulership. The repeated theme of the New Testament is that we are kings and priests unto God. We are not paupers or prisoners; we are are principalities and powers in the earth. As the book of Revelation affirms:

[Rev 1:6 KJV] 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

[Rev 5:10 KJV] 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.

In vs. 3-6, we see a description of how substantial these curtains were. They were not sheer in thickness but very thick and heavy to handle when being taken down or put up. The curtains of the Tabernacle were five layers deep, held together by fifty loops and taches (an ancient form of a button or catch). Five is God’s number of grace. Grace is God’s empowering presence and unconditional favor. This tells us that our substance and substantialness in Christ is not based on our own works or merit. Our substance is found only in Him and not in ourselves or anything that originates in humanity.

Each of the curtains was fastened with fifty loops in order to hold them upright in connection with one another around the outer perimeter of the Tabernacle. Fifty is the number of Pentecost and the number of Jubilee. Pentecost speaks of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit has flowed to every part of the modern church in spite of all-out efforts to shut Him out doctrinally, operationally, and otherwise. Two believers can be totally opposed to each other in doctrine are, however, as these curtains connect to each other, they are brought together and empowered by God’s grace in the shared experience of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

The chapter thus far describes the outer perimeter or outer court of the Tabernacle that had no roof above it but only open sky. The structure that held the Holy Place and Holy of Holies did have a covering both on the sides and above it as well, and this was constructed of eleven curtains made of goat’s hair. Joseph was the eleventh son – betrayed by his brothers. Jesus was the scapegoat for the sins of men. Eleven speaks of God’s chosen substitute. God covers us as His Tabernacle with Christ himself. Jesus, as our substitute, is represented by the goat’s skin that shields us from outside elements. All that matters is how He sees you from within – from without God only deals with you from the perspective that Christ stands as your substitute.

In v. 8, we see that these curtains covering the inner structure housing the Holy Place and Holy of Holies were 30 cubits in length. Remember that eleven speaks of Jesus betrayed as our substitute. The 30 cubits speak of the 30 pieces of silver for which Judas betrayed Jesus. Jesus was 30 when He began His ministry. He sacrificed 30 years, waiting for the fulfillment of the purposes of God in redemption. The breadth of the curtains being four cubits represent to us fullness or totality of provision, and to make sure we get it; the text says that this covering is the FULL MEASURE or “all of one measure” of our covering with nothing more to be added.

In v. 9 we see that the curtains just described that surrounded the inner structure of the Holy Place and Holy of Holies were connected one to another, five in all on the sides and in the rear with a sixth curtain comprising the front part where the priests would enter the Holy Place. The five curtains surrounding the Tabernacle along with the six other curtains speak of (5) the message of grace that brings man (6) to the full measure of entry to Christ’s stature.

The sixth curtain in the forefront is the entrance to the Tabernacle and speaks to us of the fact that Jesus was not just God but man and that He made the entrance into the Holy Place possible through His sinless humanity offered up for us. John 10:7 Jesus said, “I am the door” the double curtain speaks of His dual nature – FULLY God and FULLY man.

Again, the curtains surrounding the outer court had fifty loops, so the six curtains surrounding the inner court were connected with 50 loops that denoted (Pentecost) and joining, union, connection, and unity.

In verses 10-13, we pan our view back again to look at the entire structure. From the entrance of the to the outer court to the backside are three compartments comprising the outer court, inner court, and the Holy of Holies. The square cubits of these dimensions match exactly with the sacred history of mankind.

Outer court 4000 square cubits (Adam to Christ)
Inner Court 2000 square cubits (Christ to Millennia)
Holy of Holies 1000 square cubits (Millennial Reign)

The curtain hanging over the back from the description was where the remnants of the curtains on its sides made it look incomplete, perhaps. This half-finished appearance serves to imply something yet to be added and continued – looking forward in metaphor to eternity future not yet revealed in God’s purposes.

The covering above the inner structure was made of goat’s hair the same as the six curtains around the sides (v. 14-15). This speaks again of Christ substitution as our scapegoat. To this was added ram’s skin dyed red. Adam’s name literally is “red man.” A ram is a metaphor, as is the lion for RULERSHIP. So, this is a picture of Jesus ruling and reigning IN HIS HUMANITY, and also you and I reigning with Him. Finally, the badger’s skins are used over all the inner structure – badgers are a metaphor for the resolute purposes of God that all the Tabernacle will be accomplished not by the will of man but by the irresistible will of God.

In verses 16-30, God instructs Moses regarding the framework to hang the coverings of the Tabernacle on. For all the curtains used, each with 50 loops, there had to be boards, staves, and sockets for them to hang on. These are constructed of wood overlaid with gold (God’s wisdom) and held upright by brass (judgment) and silver (redemption) fittings.

In this latter part of the chapter, particular attention is paid to laying out this structure regarding north, south, east, west. They didn’t set it up according to their own convenience. The Tabernacle had to be erect in exact juxtaposition to the directions God instructs. Each direction represents a specific aspect of the nature of God and His relationship and plan from man.

North: God comes from the North:

[Hab 3:3 KJV] 3 God came from Teman (or, North), and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.

South: Blessings come from the south:

[Deu 28:2 KJV] 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.

If God dwells in the North and we are to seek Him then we are turned spiritually speaking to the North, hence the blessings come on us from the metaphorical south.

East: the Glory of God comes from the East:

[Eze 43:4 KJV] 4 And the glory of the LORD came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect [is] toward the east.

West: represents increase and spreading out with God’s blessing:

[Gen 28:14 KJV] 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

Verses 32-37 give instructions as to where the articles of the Tabernacle are to be placed and where. Between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, there was a veil decorated in the same fashion as the curtains surrounding the outer court with colors of blue (prayer), purple (royalty), and scarlet (wealth and provision), all done in fine needlework. Inside the Holy of Holies was only one article, and that was the Ark of the Covenant. Remember the ark held several items:

1. Tablets of the Law
2. Aaron’s rod that budded
3. A pot of manna

God instructed Moses regarding the veil or curtain between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies AND the veil between the Holy Place (Inner Court) and the Outer Court not only with specific colors but embroidered as well with cherubim.

[Exo 26:31-33 KJV] 31 And thou shalt make a vail [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubim shall it be made:

These are the same cherubim spoken of as guarding the entrance to the garden of Eden. Jewish legend holds that the garden of Eden is no longer located on the earth but that God came down in His Shekinah presences and drew the garden into Himself and that the angels guarding the entrance are the same as the four living creatures who cry “Holy, holy, holy” before the throne.
It is also interesting that first-century Jewish historian Josephus describes the ancient beliefs regarding the angels embroidered on this veil. According to Josephus, they were depicted as a “male and female” angel in such a way that when the veil was drawn back to allow the high priest to enter the two angels folded in the veil would appear to embrace like lovers. The ancient Jews actually were embarrassed by this because they didn’t understand the true concept of the BRIDEGROOM and the BRIDE.

It is interesting to make a note of the light sources of the Tabernacle. With the curtains in place around the Holy of Holies, it is interesting to point out that there was no natural light source. The outer court was open to natural light. The seven-branched lampstand illuminated the inner court. There was no illumination provided for the inmost court. Does that mean there was no light at all?

Remember that the Lord told Moses that He would meet with His people “between the cherubim that were fashioned of beaten gold atop the mercy seat (or lid) of the ark. This is why the Tabernacle is called the “meeting place” in other references. The presence of God that manifested here was called the Shekinah Glory of God. What is the Shekinah?

Shekinah is a Hebrew word meaning to settle, inhabit, or dwell. It is often used to refer to birds nesting. In that sense, the Mercy Seat was God’s nesting place. For the Israelite, it was in a tent but for us, God’s glory nests, or nestles in our human hearts. Shekinah can also mean “neighbor”. This is very interesting in light of a temple reference Jesus makes when He speaks of “loving your neighbor” as yourself:

[Mar 12:33 KJV] 33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love [his] neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.

Some theologians connect the Old Testament concept of Shekinah to the Greek term “Parousia”, “presence” or “arrival,” which is used in the New Testament in a similar way for “Divine Presence.” This has implications for our understanding of the end times and the coming of Christ. God has put in us (as His habitation) the glory of God that will one day manifest outwardly to all humanity. How much more will He be with us then than He is right now?

2 Thess. 1:10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (Rom. 8:9)

Outside the Holy of Holies (on the other side of the vail in the inner court), the first placement of furniture is the table with the showbread (bread of His presence) on the north side. Remember Hab. 3:3 “the Lord comes from Teman” or the north. So the Lord provides us a table in His presence. God’s presence and availability of healing and miracles are inseparable concepts (Matt. 15:26; Luke 5:17).

Verse 37 tells us that the curtain or veil of the Holy of Holies was hung on five pillars, again speaking to us of the instrumentality of grace that rent the veil when Jesus died, making the way clear for you and me to enter in where the Old Covenant believer could only venture once in a year. The curtain between the outer court and inner court was on five pillars speaking to us of GRACE, and the FIVE-FOLD MINISTRY called to preach the gospels and the path of access to God. The colors of the veil dictate to us the themes of the gospel: “prayer, the sacrifice of Christ, and the Lordship of Christ in our lives.” The writer of Hebrews speaks of this:

[Heb 10:19-20 KJV] 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

It is HIS consecration and not ours that opens the way to God. It is who He is and what He has done and not who we are or what we have done. His consecration opens the way and is reproduced in us as a result.