Exodus 26:10

Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set.

Study Bible

And you are to make fifty loops on the edge of the end curtain of one set, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain of the other set
And you are to make
This phrase indicates a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the divine authority and precision required in the construction of the Tabernacle. The Hebrew root for "make" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), which implies not just creation but careful and purposeful crafting. This reflects the importance of obedience and attention to detail in following God's instructions, a theme that resonates throughout the Bible.

fifty loops
The number fifty in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or fullness, as seen in the Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:10). The loops, made from blue material, signify a connection or joining, which in this context, represents the unity and completeness of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God. The loops are a reminder of the intricate design and the interconnectedness of God's people, each part essential to the whole.

on the edge of the end curtain of one set
The "edge" signifies a boundary or limit, marking the transition from one section to another. In the Hebrew, "קָצֶה" (qatseh) is used, which can also mean extremity or outermost part. This highlights the importance of boundaries in the sacred space, ensuring that each part of the Tabernacle is distinct yet connected. The "end curtain" serves as a metaphor for the end of one phase and the beginning of another, symbolizing the transition from the earthly to the divine.

and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain of the other set
Repetition of the fifty loops on the other set of curtains underscores the symmetry and balance in God's design. The "other set" indicates that the Tabernacle is a unified structure, with each part mirroring the other, reflecting the harmony and order of God's creation. This balance is a reminder of the consistency and faithfulness of God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Israelites
The people of God, who were instructed to build the Tabernacle as a place of worship and dwelling for God's presence.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that the Israelites constructed according to God's specifications, serving as a place of worship during their journey in the wilderness.

4. Curtains
Part of the Tabernacle's structure, specifically the coverings made of fine linen and other materials, which were to be joined together with loops and clasps.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the instructions for the Tabernacle and the Law.

Teaching Points

Attention to Detail in Worship
God's instructions for the Tabernacle were precise, emphasizing the importance of following His commands in worship and life.

Unity and Connection
The loops and clasps symbolize the unity and connection among God's people, reflecting the need for harmony in the body of Christ.

God's Presence
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people, reminding us of His continual presence in our lives.

Preparation and Obedience
The construction of the Tabernacle required preparation and obedience, teaching us the value of preparing our hearts and lives for God's work.

Symbolism of Christ
The Tabernacle and its elements point to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan to dwell with humanity.

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 the unity of the curtains in the Tabernacle inspire unity within the church today?

3. How does the concept of God dwelling among His people in the Tabernacle relate to the New Testament teaching of believers being the temple of the Holy Spirit?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' obedience in constructing the Tabernacle that apply to our spiritual lives today?

5. How does the Tabernacle foreshadow the work and person of Jesus Christ, and how can this understanding deepen our faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the broader context of the Tabernacle's construction, detailing God's specific instructions to Moses.

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

1 Corinthians 3:16
This verse connects the concept of God's dwelling place from the Tabernacle to believers being the temple of the Holy Spirit.

John 1:14
The Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us echoes the concept of God dwelling with His people, as He did in the Tabernacle.