Exodus 26:10

Make 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.

Study Bible

Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set
The instruction to make fifty loops is part of the detailed design for the Tabernacle, a portable earthly dwelling place for God among the Israelites. The number fifty often symbolizes completeness or fullness in the Bible, as seen in the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10). The loops were likely made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, materials that signify royalty and divinity, reflecting the sacred nature of the Tabernacle. The end curtain in the first set refers to the outermost curtain of the first grouping of curtains, which were made of fine twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, as described earlier in Exodus 26. This meticulous design underscores the importance of precision and order in worship, reflecting God's holiness and the need for reverence.

and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set
The corresponding curtain in the second set indicates a parallel structure, ensuring that the two sets of curtains could be joined together seamlessly. This connection between the two sets of curtains symbolizes unity and completeness, reflecting the unity of God's people and His covenant with them. The use of loops and clasps to join the curtains can be seen as a type of Christ, who unites believers and reconciles them to God. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction highlight the importance of following God's commands precisely, as the Tabernacle was a shadow of heavenly realities (Hebrews 8:5). The joining of the curtains also signifies the interconnectedness of the Old and New Covenants, with the Tabernacle foreshadowing the coming of Christ, who would dwell among His people as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Israelites
The people of God, who were instructed to build the Tabernacle as a place of worship and dwelling for God's presence.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that the Israelites constructed according to God's specifications, serving as a place of worship during their journey in the wilderness.

4. Curtains
Part of the Tabernacle's structure, specifically the coverings made of fine linen and other materials, which were to be joined together with loops and clasps.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the instructions for the Tabernacle and the Law.

Teaching Points

Attention to Detail in Worship
God's instructions for the Tabernacle were precise, emphasizing the importance of following His commands in worship and life.

Unity and Connection
The loops and clasps symbolize the unity and connection among God's people, reflecting the need for harmony in the body of Christ.

God's Presence
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people, reminding us of His continual presence in our lives.

Preparation and Obedience
The construction of the Tabernacle required preparation and obedience, teaching us the value of preparing our hearts and lives for God's work.

Symbolism of Christ
The Tabernacle and its elements point to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan to dwell with humanity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed construction of the Tabernacle reflect God's character and His expectations for worship?

2. In what ways can the unity of the curtains in the Tabernacle inspire unity within the church today?

3. How does the concept of God dwelling among His people in the Tabernacle relate to the New Testament teaching of believers being the temple of the Holy Spirit?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' obedience in constructing the Tabernacle that apply to our spiritual lives today?

5. How does the Tabernacle foreshadow the work and person of Jesus Christ, and how can this understanding deepen our faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the broader context of the Tabernacle's construction, detailing God's specific instructions to Moses.

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and its elements as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and the heavenly sanctuary.

1 Corinthians 3:16
This verse connects the concept of God's dwelling place from the Tabernacle to believers being the temple of the Holy Spirit.

John 1:14
The Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us echoes the concept of God dwelling with His people, as He did in the Tabernacle.