The Ten Curtains for the Tabernacle are a significant component of the Tabernacle's construction as described in the Book of Exodus. These curtains served as the inner covering of the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The detailed instructions for their creation are found in Exodus 26:1-6.

Biblical Description and Specifications

According to Exodus 26:1-6 , the LORD commanded Moses, "You are to construct the Tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." Each curtain was to be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide, all of the same size. The curtains were to be joined together in sets of five, creating two large sections. Fifty loops of blue material were to be made along the edge of the end curtain in each set, and fifty gold clasps were to be used to join the curtains together, so the Tabernacle would be a single unit.

Symbolism and Significance

The Ten Curtains are rich in symbolism and reflect the divine nature and holiness of the Tabernacle. The use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, along with the fine linen, signifies royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. Blue often represents the heavens and divine revelation, purple is associated with kingship and royalty, and scarlet symbolizes sacrifice and atonement. The cherubim woven into the fabric are emblematic of the heavenly beings that serve and worship God, indicating the sacredness of the space within.

The number ten in the Bible often signifies completeness or divine order, suggesting that the Ten Curtains represent the fullness of God's presence and the completeness of His covenant with Israel. The intricate design and craftsmanship required for these curtains underscore the importance of beauty and excellence in worship, reflecting the glory and majesty of God.

Construction and Craftsmanship

The construction of the Ten Curtains required skilled artisans, as the work involved was both intricate and sacred. The cherubim were to be "skillfully worked" into the fabric, indicating that only the most talented craftsmen were entrusted with this task. This reflects the biblical principle that God values and utilizes human skill and creativity in the service of His purposes.

The joining of the curtains with gold clasps signifies unity and the preciousness of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, highlights the sacred nature of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Theological Implications

The Ten Curtains for the Tabernacle serve as a reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people and the holiness required to approach Him. They foreshadow the greater reality of God's presence with humanity, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). The curtains, with their beauty and symbolism, point to the greater glory of the New Covenant, where believers are invited into the presence of God through the atoning work of Christ.

In summary, the Ten Curtains for the Tabernacle are a testament to the holiness, beauty, and order of God's dwelling place among His people. They reflect the divine instructions given to Moses and the skilled craftsmanship of the Israelites, serving as a powerful symbol of God's presence and covenant with His chosen people.