Furnishings For The Tabernacle

Exodus 26:1–37
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Chapter 26 focuses on the tabernacle. This portable building was 15’ by 45’ with a wooden framework  at the sides, top and back. Over the top and back of the structure were placed 10 curtains of fine linen, embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet, which served as a large tent (vv. 1-14). These curtains were fastened together with 50 gold clasps. Over these curtains hung another set of curtains made of goats’ hair which helped to provide insulation. These curtains were joined together with bronze clamps.  On top of this was a third covering made of rams skin died red. Then fourth was an outermost covering of badgers’ skins, more properly spoken of elsewhere as porpoise or dolphin skins, for waterproofing qualities.

The Lord commands them to build a framework of acacia wood for the walls of the sacred tent (vv. 15-30). These frames formed a trellis-like structure over which the curtains were draped. These frames were fitted into a foundation of “forty silver bases. Fifteen cross bars were placed on the outside of the structure to strengthen the framework. Gold rings served as holders for the bars.

A veil or curtain separated the two sacred rooms in the tabernacle, “the holy place and the most holy” (vv. 31-37). The nation of Israel had to contend with the veil that stood between the people and the pure glory of God. They could not enter past that veil until they had fulfilled every instruction from God. The priest entered the holy place each day to commune with God and to tend to the altar of incense, the lamp stand and the table of show bread. The next room, the most holy, was where God Himself dwelt and only the high priest could enter this place and then only once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer up sacrifice for the sins of the nation as a whole.

Application

My fleshly natural man, with all of it earthly desires, selfish attitudes, self-sufficiency and self-determination stands as a veil between me and God. All I need to do is apply I John 1:9.