Exodus 36:16
He joined five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another.
He joined
The Hebrew word used here is "חִבֵּר" (chiber), which means to join, connect, or bind together. This action signifies unity and cohesion, reflecting God's desire for His people to be united in purpose and spirit. In the context of the Tabernacle, it symbolizes the harmonious relationship between God and His people, as well as the unity among the Israelites themselves.

five curtains
The number five in the Bible often symbolizes grace and God's goodness. The five curtains could represent the grace that covers and protects the people of God. In the construction of the Tabernacle, these curtains were made of fine linen, symbolizing purity and righteousness, which are gifts of God's grace to His people.

into one set
This phrase emphasizes the concept of unity and completeness. The joining of the five curtains into one set illustrates the idea of bringing together different parts to form a whole, much like the body of Christ, where diverse members come together to form one unified body. It reflects the completeness found in God's design and purpose.

and the other six curtains
The number six often represents human effort or imperfection, as it falls short of the divine number seven, which signifies completeness and perfection. The six curtains may symbolize the human aspect of the Tabernacle, reminding us of our need for God's grace and intervention to achieve true holiness and unity.

into another set
This phrase again highlights the theme of unity and order. By organizing the curtains into sets, the passage underscores the importance of structure and intentionality in God's plans. It serves as a reminder that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that His instructions are purposeful and precise.

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

4. The Curtains
Part of the Tabernacle's structure, made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, symbolizing the beauty and holiness of God's dwelling.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who contributed materials and labor for the construction of the Tabernacle.
Teaching Points
Unity in Diversity
The joining of the curtains into sets symbolizes the unity of God's people, each with unique roles and contributions, working together for a common purpose.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The meticulous following of God's design for the Tabernacle highlights the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

God's Presence Among His People
The Tabernacle represents God's desire to dwell among His people, reminding us of His continual presence in our lives today.

Preparation for Worship
Just as the Tabernacle was prepared for worship, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives as living temples for God's presence.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the construction of the Tabernacle reflect the character and holiness of God?

2. In what ways can we, as a church community, reflect the unity seen in the construction of the Tabernacle?

3. How does the concept of the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place enhance our understanding of Christ's incarnation?

4. What are some practical ways we can prepare our hearts to be a dwelling place for God's presence?

5. How does the obedience of the Israelites in constructing the Tabernacle challenge us in our own obedience to God's instructions today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 26
Provides the initial instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the design and purpose of the curtains.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the Tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and the heavenly sanctuary.

1 Corinthians 3:16
Relates to the concept of believers being the temple of God, drawing a parallel to the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place.

John 1:14
The Word became flesh and "tabernacled" among us, connecting the physical Tabernacle to the incarnation of Christ.
Consecrated ArtExodus 36:1-38
False Estimates of Church-WorkersJ. Halsey.Exodus 36:1-38
Indolence in the ChurchJ. Halsey.Exodus 36:1-38
The Work Fails not Either for Gifts or SkillJ. Urquhart Exodus 36:1-38
Jehovah's Dwelling-PlaceJ. Orr Exodus 36:8-38
People
Aholiab, Bezaleel, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Apart, Coupled, Curtains, Group, Joined, Joineth, Six, Themselves
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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