Exodus 26:3
Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well.
Five of the curtains are to be joined together
In the construction of the Tabernacle, the joining of the curtains signifies unity and completeness. The number five often symbolizes grace in biblical numerology. The curtains, made of fine linen, represent purity and righteousness, reflecting God's holiness. The joining together of these curtains can be seen as a metaphor for the unity of the body of Christ, as believers are brought together in faith. This unity is echoed in the New Testament, where the church is described as one body with many members (1 Corinthians 12:12).

and the other five joined as well
The repetition of joining the other five curtains emphasizes the importance of symmetry and order in God's design. This mirrors the dual nature of Christ as both fully God and fully man, perfectly joined in one person. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction highlight God's desire for precision and beauty in worship, reflecting His character. The joining of the curtains also foreshadows the unity between Jews and Gentiles in the New Covenant, as seen in Ephesians 2:14, where Christ is described as breaking down the dividing wall of hostility.

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

2. The Israelites
The people of God, who were to construct the Tabernacle as a place for God's presence to dwell among them.

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. Curtains
The fabric components of the Tabernacle, specifically mentioned in this verse as being joined together to form the structure.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the instructions for the Tabernacle and the Law.
Teaching Points
Unity in Purpose
Just as the curtains were joined together to form a unified structure, believers are called to unity in the body of Christ. This unity is essential for the church to function effectively as the dwelling place of God.

Attention to Detail
The specific instructions for the Tabernacle highlight the importance of following God's commands with precision. In our lives, we should strive to obey God's Word carefully and faithfully.

God's Presence
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among His people. Today, we are reminded that God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The Tabernacle and its components symbolize deeper spiritual truths, such as the holiness of God and the need for atonement. Studying these symbols can deepen our understanding of God's plan of salvation.

Preparation for Worship
The construction of the Tabernacle required preparation and dedication. Similarly, we should prepare our hearts and lives for worship, ensuring that we are ready to meet with God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the joining of the curtains in Exodus 26:3 reflect the importance of unity within the church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are following God's instructions with the same attention to detail as the Israelites did with the Tabernacle?

3. How does understanding the symbolism of the Tabernacle enhance our appreciation of Christ's work as described in Hebrews 9?

4. What practical steps can we take to prepare our hearts for worship, acknowledging God's presence in our lives?

5. How does the concept of believers being the temple of God, as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:16, influence the way we live our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the materials and dimensions.

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

1 Corinthians 3:16
This verse speaks of believers as the temple of God, drawing a parallel to the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God's presence.
AnalogiesW. Brown.Exodus 26:1-14
The Beauty of Holiness WithinA. Nevin, D. D.Exodus 26:1-14
The Coverings of the TabernacleG. Rodgers.Exodus 26:1-14
The CurtainsH. W. Soltau.Exodus 26:1-14
The Curtains and the CoveringsR. E. Sears.Exodus 26:1-14
The Curtains of the TabernacleW. L. Watkinson.Exodus 26:1-14
The Goats'-Hair CoveringG. Rodgers.Exodus 26:1-14
The Golden and Brazen TachesH. W. Soltau.Exodus 26:1-14
The Rams' skins Dyed RedG. Rodgers.Exodus 26:1-14
Jehovah's DwellingJ. Orr Exodus 26:1-37
The Tabernacle ItselfD. Young Exodus 26:1-37
People
Moses
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Coupled, Curtains, Joined, Joining
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 26:1-13

     7344   curtain

Exodus 26:1-37

     5207   architecture
     5578   tents

Library
Brief Directions How to Read the Holy Scriptures once Every Year Over, with Ease, Profit, and Reverence.
But forasmuch, that as faith is the soul, so reading and meditating on the word of God, are the parent's of prayer, therefore, before thou prayest in the morning, first read a chapter in the word of God; then meditate awhile with thyself, how many excellent things thou canst remember out of it. As--First, what good counsels or exhortations to good works and to holy life. Secondly, what threatenings of judgments against such and such a sin; and what fearful examples of God's punishment or vengeance
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Sunday after Ascension Day
Text: First Peter 4, 7-11.[1] 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer: 8 above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves: for love covereth a multitude of sins: 9 using hospitality one to another without murmuring: 10 according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; 11 if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision F. Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. ^C Luke XVI. 19-31. [The parable we are about to study is a direct advance upon the thoughts in the previous section. We may say generally that if the parable of the unjust steward teaches how riches are to be used, this parable sets forth the terrible consequences of a failure to so use them. Each point of the previous discourse is covered in detail, as will be shown by the references in the discussion of the parable.]
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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