Exodus 26:13

And 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.

Study Bible

And the tent curtains will be a cubit longer on either side
The tabernacle's design was divinely instructed, emphasizing precision and purpose. A cubit, an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches, reflects the meticulous care in God's instructions. The extra length of the curtains signifies God's provision and protection, ensuring complete coverage. This detail underscores the importance of obedience to God's specific commands, as seen throughout the construction of the tabernacle. The tabernacle itself is a type of Christ, symbolizing God's dwelling among His people, and the curtains represent the separation between the holy and the common, akin to the veil in the temple torn at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51).

and the excess will hang over the sides of the tabernacle to cover it
The excess material hanging over the sides of the tabernacle served a practical purpose of protection from the elements, symbolizing God's encompassing care and shelter over His people. This imagery of covering is echoed in Psalm 91:4, where God covers His people with His feathers, providing refuge. The tabernacle, as a precursor to the temple, foreshadows the ultimate covering and atonement provided by Jesus Christ, who is our refuge and strength (Hebrews 9:11-12). The covering also signifies the completeness and sufficiency of God's provision, ensuring that nothing is left exposed or vulnerable.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Tabernacle
A portable earthly dwelling place for God among the Israelites, designed according to divine specifications.

3. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were instructed to build the tabernacle as a place of worship and meeting with God.

4. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites wandered for 40 years and where the tabernacle was constructed and used.

5. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled artisans appointed by God to oversee the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings.

Teaching Points

Attention to Detail in Worship
The specific measurements and instructions for the tabernacle remind us of the importance of reverence and precision in our worship practices.

God's Provision and Protection
The extra cubit of curtain symbolizes God's provision and protection, covering and safeguarding His dwelling place, just as He covers and protects us.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle serves as a physical representation of God's desire to dwell with His people, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites' adherence to God's detailed plans for the tabernacle underscores the importance of obedience in our relationship with God.

Community Involvement in God's Work
The construction of the tabernacle involved the entire community, illustrating the collective responsibility and privilege of participating in God's work.

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 we ensure that our worship today is both reverent and aligned with God's instructions?

3. How does the concept of God dwelling among His people in the tabernacle connect to the New Testament understanding of Jesus and the Holy Spirit?

4. What are some practical ways we can experience and acknowledge God's protection and provision in our daily lives?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, work together to fulfill God's purposes, similar to the Israelites' collective effort in building the tabernacle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of following God's precise directions.

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

John 1:14
The concept of God dwelling among His people is fulfilled in Jesus, who "tabernacled" among us, highlighting the continuity of God's presence from the tabernacle to Christ.