The Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair are a significant component in the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus. These curtains served as the second layer of covering for the Tabernacle, providing protection and insulation for the sacred space where the Israelites worshiped God during their wilderness journey.

Biblical Description

The instructions for making the Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair are found in Exodus 26:7-13. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the passage states:

“You are to make curtains of goat hair for a tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. Join five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent. Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the other set. Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit. As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle.”

Symbolism and Purpose

The use of goat hair for these curtains is significant. Goat hair was a common material in the ancient Near East, known for its durability and ability to provide warmth. The choice of goat hair reflects the practical needs of the Israelites, as well as the symbolic purity and separation required for the Tabernacle. The number eleven, being one more than ten, may symbolize a sense of completeness and divine order, as the Tabernacle was a place where God’s presence dwelled among His people.

The curtains were designed to be slightly larger than the inner linen curtains, ensuring that the Tabernacle was fully covered and protected from the elements. The overlapping design, with the sixth curtain folded at the front, provided additional coverage and reinforced the structure’s integrity.

Construction and Assembly

The construction of the Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair required skilled craftsmanship, as they needed to be uniform in size and properly joined. The use of bronze clasps to connect the curtains highlights the importance of precision and unity in the assembly of the Tabernacle. The loops and clasps allowed the curtains to be easily assembled and disassembled, facilitating the mobility of the Tabernacle as the Israelites traveled.

Theological Significance

The Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair underscore the theme of God’s provision and protection. Just as the curtains shielded the Tabernacle, God’s presence provided spiritual covering and guidance for the Israelites. The meticulous instructions for their construction reflect the holiness and orderliness that God required in His dwelling place.

In the broader narrative of Scripture, the Tabernacle and its components, including the Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair, foreshadow the coming of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the ultimate dwelling place of God among men (John 1:14). The temporary and movable nature of the Tabernacle points to the transient nature of the Old Covenant, which finds its fulfillment in the New Covenant through Christ.