Exodus 26 is a continuation of the detailed instructions God provides for the construction of the Tabernacle, a place where His presence will dwell among His people. This chapter focuses on the specifics of how the Tabernacle should be built, particularly the structure itself, the curtains, and the divisions that separate the holy areas. Although these details might seem distant from our everyday lives, they offer us profound lessons about God’s holiness, the way He desires to dwell with us, and the importance of careful obedience to His commands. As we read through this chapter, we’re invited to consider how we approach God, how we structure our worship, and how we are to make space for His presence in our own lives.
The chapter begins with God instructing Moses to make ten curtains of fine linen, each to be embroidered with cherubim, and the curtains are to be joined together to form a large covering for the Tabernacle. The use of fine linen and the embroidery of cherubim highlight the sacredness and beauty that should characterize the dwelling place of God. God is inviting His people to create a space for Him that reflects His majesty and glory. The curtains are not meant to be ordinary or simply functional; they are to be beautiful, intricate, and reflective of God's perfection.
This focus on beauty and craftsmanship is a reminder for us that the way we approach God should be marked by excellence and reverence. We might not be building a physical Tabernacle today, but we are still called to honor God with the best of what we have. Whether it’s in our worship, our work, or our daily lives, we are invited to give our best to God, just as the Israelites were asked to do with the materials and craftsmanship for the Tabernacle. This speaks to our hearts, asking us to reflect on how we offer our time, talents, and resources to God. Are we doing so with reverence and care, recognizing that our work and our worship are acts of devotion to the Creator?
Next, God gives detailed instructions for how the curtains are to be joined together. He specifies that there should be fifty loops of blue yarn and fifty gold clasps to hold the curtains together, making the Tabernacle a unified whole. This design emphasizes unity, showing that the Tabernacle is not just a collection of individual pieces but one complete structure. For us, this is a powerful reminder of the unity God desires among His people. The church, as the body of Christ, is not meant to be divided into separate, isolated parts. We are called to work together, to build each other up, and to function as one body, united in our worship and mission. Just as the Tabernacle was a single, unified structure, so too are we called to reflect that unity in our relationships with one another.
Following this, God outlines the construction of the curtains that will form the roof of the Tabernacle. These curtains are to be made from goat hair, and there are to be eleven of them. The goal is for these curtains to create a covering for the entire Tabernacle. The mention of goat hair might seem unusual, but it serves to remind us that God desires to provide protection for His people. The covering of the Tabernacle symbolizes the way God’s presence provides shelter and refuge. Just as the Israelites had physical protection from the harsh elements through the Tabernacle’s coverings, we are invited to seek refuge in God’s presence. He is our shelter, our safe place in times of trouble. This passage calls us to recognize that God’s presence is meant to be a place of refuge and protection in our own lives, offering comfort and safety in a world that often feels unstable.
God also gives specific instructions for the coverings of the Tabernacle, including a final covering made of ram skins dyed red and a covering of durable leather. These coverings are meant to protect the sacred space inside the Tabernacle. They are practical, yet they also point to the idea that God’s dwelling place must be protected and set apart. For us, this speaks to the importance of guarding what is sacred in our lives. Just as the Tabernacle had layers of protection, we are called to guard our hearts and minds, making sure that the sacredness of our relationship with God is not compromised by outside influences. The coverings remind us that our relationship with God is precious and must be protected, both in terms of the boundaries we set in our lives and the careful attention we give to our spiritual health.
In the latter part of the chapter, God provides instructions for the boards that will form the walls of the Tabernacle. The boards are to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, with silver bases. These boards will provide structure and stability to the Tabernacle. Each board is to be held together by gold rings and crossbars, further symbolizing the unity and strength of the Tabernacle. This image of structure and stability is significant for us. Just as the boards of the Tabernacle form a stable, secure structure, we are called to build our lives on a solid foundation—the foundation of God’s word and His truth. The walls of the Tabernacle, made of wood and overlaid with gold, remind us that we are called to build our lives with materials that reflect God’s holiness. Our lives should be rooted in integrity and truth, and just as the boards were connected by rings and crossbars, we are called to be connected with one another in unity, built together in Christ.
This section of Exodus 26 emphasizes the importance of both the beauty and functionality of the Tabernacle. Every detail has significance, from the materials used to the way the structure is put together. This reflects God’s desire for a place where His presence can dwell, a place that is set apart, holy, and worthy of His glory. It challenges us to consider how we build our lives and our community—are we using the best materials, putting together our relationships and commitments in a way that honors God, and creating spaces where His presence can dwell?
The final instructions in the chapter discuss the curtains and the veils that will separate the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle, from the rest of the space. The veil represents the separation between God’s holiness and the people, a reminder that the full access to God’s presence requires holiness and consecration. The high priest would be the only one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies, and even then, only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. For us, the veil points to the separation caused by sin, which was ultimately torn in two by the death of Jesus. Through His sacrifice, we have direct access to God’s presence, no longer needing a physical veil to separate us from Him. Exodus 26 points us forward to the day when Jesus would make a way for us to enter into the holy presence of God without separation.
Exodus 26, with its detailed instructions, challenges us to consider how we structure our lives and worship in response to God’s presence. Just as the Israelites were called to create a beautiful, functional, and sacred space for God, we are invited to make room in our lives for His presence. Whether it’s through our relationships, our commitment to unity, or the way we guard what is sacred, we are called to reflect the beauty and holiness of the God who desires to dwell with us. Each detail of the Tabernacle serves as a reminder of God’s desire to be near to us and His willingness to guide us in building lives that honor Him.