Exodus 26:7

You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle--eleven curtains in all.

Study Bible

You are to construct
This phrase indicates a divine command given to Moses, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's specific instructions. The Hebrew root for "construct" is "עשׂה" (asah), which means to make or do. This reflects the active role the Israelites were to take in creating a dwelling place for God, symbolizing their participation in His divine plan.

curtains of goat hair
The use of goat hair is significant both materially and symbolically. Goat hair was a common and durable material in ancient times, used for making tents due to its weather-resistant properties. Spiritually, goats often symbolize sin and atonement in the Bible, as seen in the scapegoat ritual (Leviticus 16). Thus, the curtains of goat hair may represent the covering of sin and the need for atonement, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate sacrifice.

for the tent over the tabernacle
The "tent" refers to the temporary and mobile nature of the Israelites' worship space during their wilderness journey. The Hebrew word "אֹהֶל" (ohel) signifies a dwelling or habitation. The "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan) was the sacred space where God's presence dwelled among His people. This dual structure of tent and tabernacle highlights the balance between God's transcendence and immanence—His majesty and His closeness to His people.

eleven curtains in all
The specific number "eleven" may seem unusual, as biblical numbers often have symbolic meanings. While the number ten often represents completeness, eleven can signify a sense of incompleteness or transition. This could reflect the Israelites' journey toward the Promised Land, a period of transition and preparation. The precise number also underscores God's attention to detail and the importance of following His instructions exactly.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. Goat Hair Curtains
These were used as a covering for the tabernacle, signifying protection and separation from the outside world.

4. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were commanded to construct the tabernacle as a place of worship and meeting with God.

5. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave Moses the instructions for the tabernacle and the Ten Commandments.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the tabernacle remind us of the importance of obedience to God's commands. Just as the Israelites were to follow God's design precisely, we are called to live according to His Word.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle and its elements symbolize deeper spiritual truths. The goat hair curtains, for instance, represent protection and separation, reminding us of the need for spiritual covering and holiness in our lives.

God's Presence
The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence among His people. Today, we are reminded that through Christ, God dwells within us, and we are called to be His living tabernacles.

Community and Worship
The construction of the tabernacle required the collective effort of the Israelites, teaching us the value of community and cooperation in worship and service to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the use of goat hair for the tabernacle's curtains teach us about the nature of God's provision and protection?

2. How can the detailed instructions for the tabernacle's construction inspire us to pay attention to the details in our spiritual lives?

3. In what ways does the concept of the tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people find fulfillment in the New Testament?

4. How can we, as a community of believers, work together to create spaces where God's presence is honored and experienced?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence in a tangible way. How did that experience shape your understanding of His desire to dwell with His people?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments, emphasizing the importance of following God's precise directions.

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.

John 1:14
The concept of God dwelling among His people is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled" among us, highlighting the continuity of God's desire to be present with His people.