Exodus 36:10

And he joined five of the curtains together, and the other five he joined as well.

Study Bible

And he joined five of the curtains together
The joining of the curtains signifies unity and completeness in the construction of the Tabernacle, which was the dwelling place of God among the Israelites. The number five often symbolizes grace in biblical numerology, suggesting that the Tabernacle was a place where God's grace was manifest. The curtains were made of fine linen, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and were embroidered with cherubim, indicating the heavenly nature of the Tabernacle. This act of joining reflects the meticulous obedience to God's instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 26:1-6). The curtains' unity can be seen as a type of the unity of the body of Christ, the Church, as described in Ephesians 4:4-6.

and the other five he 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 creation narrative where God brings order out of chaos. The Tabernacle's structure, with its precise measurements and arrangements, reflects God's nature as a God of order and detail. Historically, the Tabernacle served as a portable sanctuary during the Israelites' wilderness journey, symbolizing God's presence and guidance. The joining of the curtains can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the New Covenant, where Christ's sacrifice would bring together Jews and Gentiles into one body (Ephesians 2:14-16). The act of joining signifies the coming together of God's people in worship and service.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

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

4. The Israelites
The people of God, who were tasked with contributing materials and labor for the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites wandered for 40 years and where the Tabernacle was constructed.

Teaching Points

Unity in Diversity
Just as the curtains were joined to form a single Tabernacle, believers are called to unity in the body of Christ, despite diverse gifts and roles.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The meticulous following of God's instructions for the Tabernacle construction serves as a model for our obedience to God's Word in our lives.

The Importance of Community
The construction of the Tabernacle required the collective effort of the Israelites, reminding us of the importance of community and collaboration in fulfilling God's purposes.

God's Dwelling Among Us
The Tabernacle symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The detailed construction of the Tabernacle reflects the importance of reverence and care in our worship and service to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the joining of the curtains in Exodus 36:10 reflect the concept of unity within the church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's instructions in our personal and communal lives?

3. How does the construction of the Tabernacle illustrate the importance of each individual's contribution to the community of believers?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer?

5. How can we apply the attention to detail seen in the Tabernacle's construction to our own worship and service to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 26:1-6
Provides the initial instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the joining of the curtains, highlighting the obedience of the Israelites in following God's detailed plan.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Illustrates the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, similar to the joining of the curtains to form a single Tabernacle.

Ephesians 4:16
Emphasizes the importance of each part working together to build up the body of Christ, akin to the curtains being joined to form a complete structure.