- Book: [[Exodus]] - Previous chapter: [[Exodus 25]] - Next chapter: [[Exodus 27]] > [!summary] Summary > - Detailed instructions for the [[Tabernacle]] structure: inner curtains of fine linen with cherubim, outer curtains of goat hair > - Acacia wood frames with silver bases form the walls; crossbars hold them together > - An inner curtain divides the [[Holy Place]] from the [[Most Holy Place]] where the [[Ark of the Covenant|Ark]] will be kept > [!info] Why is this here? > - The [[Tabernacle]] is not a human architectural achievement but a divinely specified dwelling — "according to the plan shown you on the mountain" > - The layered structure (courtyard, [[Holy Place]], [[Most Holy Place]]) creates graduated zones of holiness reflecting God's transcendence > - The inner curtain is theologically decisive — it separates the ordinary from the most holy, and its tearing at [[Christ]]'s death will be significant ([[Matt 27]]) # Overview ## v. 1-14: The curtains - Ten inner curtains: fine twisted linen, blue/purple/scarlet yarn, cherubim woven in by a skilled worker - Joined in two sets of five with fifty loops and gold clasps - Outer tent: eleven curtains of goat hair, joined with bronze clasps - Covering over the tent: ram skins dyed red, then another layer of durable leather ## v. 15-30: The frames and bases - Upright acacia frames: 10 cubits tall, 1.5 cubits wide, overlaid with gold - Twenty frames each for south and north sides; silver bases (two per frame) - Six frames for the west end plus two corner frames - Five crossbars per side; center crossbar extends full length; all overlaid with gold ## v. 31-35: The inner curtain dividing the spaces - Blue, purple, scarlet yarn and fine linen with cherubim; hung on four gold-covered acacia posts with gold hooks and silver bases - This curtain separates the [[Holy Place]] from the [[Most Holy Place]] - [[Ark of the Covenant|Ark]] behind the curtain; atonement cover on the ark in the [[Most Holy Place]] - Table on the north side of the [[Holy Place]]; lampstand on the south — facing each other > [!note] Graduated holiness > The [[Tabernacle]] has three zones: the outer court (accessible to [[Israel]]), the [[Holy Place]] (priests only), and the [[Most Holy Place]] (high priest once a year on the [[Day of Atonement]]). This spatial theology declares that approaching a holy God requires mediation and holiness. ## v. 36-37: The entrance curtain - Blue, purple, scarlet yarn and fine linen — embroidered (not woven with cherubim like the inner curtain) - Five acacia posts overlaid with gold, gold hooks, and five bronze bases