Exodus 36:9 Study Bible: The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains had one measure.

◄ Exodus 36:9 ►

Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide; all the curtains were the same size.

Each curtain was twenty-eight cubits long
The length of twenty-eight cubits (approximately 42 feet or 12.8 meters) for each curtain signifies the grandeur and scale of the Tabernacle, reflecting the majesty of God. The number 28, being a multiple of 7, can symbolize completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. The curtains' length ensured that the Tabernacle was a significant and imposing structure, emphasizing the importance of God's dwelling place among His people.

and four cubits wide
The width of four cubits (approximately 6 feet or 1.8 meters) for each curtain indicates the practical design for covering the Tabernacle. The number four often represents universality or the earth in biblical symbolism, suggesting that God's presence was meant to be accessible and encompassing. The dimensions allowed for a precise fit, ensuring the Tabernacle was both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

all the curtains were the same size
Uniformity in the size of the curtains highlights the order and precision in God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction. This consistency reflects God's nature as a God of order and detail. The identical size of the curtains ensured a harmonious and unified appearance, symbolizing the unity and equality of the tribes of Israel under God's covenant. This uniformity can also be seen as a type of Christ, who brings unity and equality to all believers.

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 contributed materials and labor for the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites traveled and where the Tabernacle was constructed and used.

Teaching Points

Precision in Obedience
The specific dimensions of the curtains highlight the importance of following God's instructions precisely. This teaches us the value of obedience in our walk with God.

Unity and Uniformity
The fact that all the curtains were the same size symbolizes unity and uniformity in the body of Christ. We are called to be united in purpose and mission.

God's Dwelling Among Us
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence with His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that reflects His presence in us.

Generosity and Contribution
The Israelites contributed materials and labor for the Tabernacle. This encourages us to use our resources and talents for the work of God's kingdom.

Temporary vs. Eternal
The Tabernacle was a temporary structure pointing to the eternal dwelling of God with His people. We should focus on eternal values and not just temporary, earthly concerns.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the precision in the construction of the Tabernacle reflect the nature of our obedience to God's commands today?

2. In what ways can we, as a church, demonstrate unity and uniformity in our mission and purpose?

3. How does understanding that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit impact the way we live our daily lives?

4. What resources or talents can you contribute to the work of God's kingdom, and how can you start doing so?

5. How can we keep our focus on eternal values in a world that often emphasizes temporary, material concerns?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, including the dimensions and materials.

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

1 Kings 6
Describes the construction of Solomon's Temple, which was a more permanent structure that replaced the Tabernacle as the central place of worship for Israel.

John 1:14
The concept of God dwelling among His people is fulfilled in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled" among us.

Revelation 21:3
The ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with His people is seen in the new heaven and new earth, where God will dwell with humanity forever.

Sermons

Consecrated Art		Exodus 36:1-38
False Estimates of Church-Workers	J. Halsey.	Exodus 36:1-38
Indolence in the Church	J. Halsey.	Exodus 36:1-38
The Work Fails not Either for Gifts or Skill	J. Urquhart	Exodus 36:1-38
Jehovah's Dwelling-Place	J. Orr	Exodus 36:8-38

People

Aholiab, Bezaleel, Israelites, Moses

Places

Sinai

Topics

Breadth, Cubit, Cubits, Curtain, Curtains, Eight, Length, Measure, Measurements, Size, Twenty, Twenty-eight, Wide, Width

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Exodus 36:8-18

7344 curtain

Library

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant …
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

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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