Exodus 26

“Moreover you shall make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. You shall make them with the work of a skillful workman.

The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.

Five curtains shall be coupled together to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one another.

You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling, and you shall do likewise on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in the second coupling.

You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling. The loops shall be opposite one another.

You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains to one another with the clasps. The tabernacle shall be a unit.

“You shall make curtains of goats’ hair for a covering over the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains.

The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure.

You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent.

You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which is outermost in the second coupling.

You shall make fifty clasps of bronze, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.

The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent—the half curtain that remains—shall hang over the back of the tabernacle.

The cubit on the one side and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.

You shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.

“You shall make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing upright.

Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and one and a half cubits the width of each board.

There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

You shall make twenty boards for the tabernacle, for the south side southward.

You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons.

For the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty boards,

and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

For the far side of the tabernacle westward you shall make six boards.

You shall make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far side.

They shall be double beneath, and in the same way they shall be whole to its top to one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.

There shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

“You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the far side westward.

The middle bar in the middle of the boards shall pass through from end to end.

You shall overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars. You shall overlay the bars with gold.

You shall set up the tabernacle according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain.

“You shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. It shall be the work of a skillful workman.

You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver.

You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the covenant in there within the veil. The veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you.

You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the covenant in the most holy place.

You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lamp stand opposite the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south. You shall put the table on the north side.

“You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer.

You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold. Their hooks shall be of gold. You shall cast five sockets of bronze for them.

Chapter overviewAI-generated

Overview.
This chapter provides detailed instructions for constructing the tabernacle’s framework, including its curtains, boards, bars, veil, and entrance screen, emphasizing how the structure is to be assembled as a unified, sacred space where God will dwell among His people, according to the pattern revealed on Mount Sinai.

Flow.

Begins with the design of the inner curtains made of fine linen with cherubim, specifying their dimensions, how they are to be joined with gold clasps, and the importance of unity in the structure.
Moves to the outer curtains of goats’ hair, rams’ skins, and sea cow hides, describing how these layers provide coverage and protection, with precise arrangements for overhang and coupling.
Details the wooden framework of acacia boards with silver sockets and gold-overlaid bars, establishing stability and holiness in the sanctuary's walls.
Concludes with the veil and screen—dividing the holy place from the Most Holy Place and marking the entrance—underscoring the sacred order and access boundaries within the tabernacle.

Connections.
Following chapter 25, which detailed the ark, table, lampstand, and other furnishings meant for the interior of the tabernacle, chapter 26 turns outward to the structure itself—its walls, coverings, and divisions—that will house those items. The architectural precision and layered materials reflect the holiness required for God’s dwelling. This construction prepares the way for chapter 27, which shifts focus to the altar of burnt offering and the court surrounding the tabernacle, completing the outer layout of the sacred space. The framework described here supports not only the physical tent but also the theological progression from outer to inner holiness culminating in God’s presence.

What it teaches.
The tabernacle’s structure reflects both divine transcendence and gracious condescension: its unity and stability (WCF 7.5) signify God’s covenant faithfulness, while the divisions by the veil (HC LD 31.Q&A 86) point to the separation between holy God and sinful humanity. The materials—precious linen, gold, and layered coverings—show the dignity of worship and the costliness of maintaining a place for God’s presence, prefiguring Christ who fulfills both the temple and the sacrifice (WCF 8.5). The repeated emphasis on exact replication of the heavenly pattern (; 26:30) underscores divine authority in worship (BC Art. 7), rejecting human innovation.

Apply.
The care in crafting a dwelling for God’s presence calls attention to how Christ now embodies that presence, accessible through faith, with believers built into a spiritual house ().

AI-generated. Not a substitute for Scripture, your pastor, or the confessions.