Exodus 26:7 – “Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven altogether.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 26:7 shifts the focus from the inner layers of the tabernacle to the outer covering. In this verse, God instructs the Israelites to make eleven curtains out of goat hair to form a tent over the tabernacle. These curtains served as the protective outer layer, shielding the more delicate inner layers and the sacred objects within from the elements.
The use of goat hair is significant. Goat hair was a durable and practical material, well-suited for the harsh conditions of the wilderness. It provided protection and insulation, ensuring that the tabernacle was a secure and functional dwelling place for God. The number eleven, slightly more than the ten used for the inner curtains, indicates the importance of this outer covering in providing complete protection for the holy place beneath.
Historical Context
The tabernacle was the center of worship for the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. As a portable sanctuary, it had to be constructed in a way that allowed it to be dismantled, transported, and reassembled as the people moved from place to place. The outer layer of curtains made from goat hair was an essential part of this design, providing a practical solution to the challenges of mobility and exposure to the elements.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, tents made from goat hair were common among nomadic peoples. Goat hair was chosen for its durability, flexibility, and availability. The use of goat hair for the tabernacle’s outer layer connected it with the everyday life of the Israelites while also setting it apart as a sacred space.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the balance between the practical and the sacred in the worship of God. The tabernacle was a holy place, but it also needed to function in the real world, providing protection for the sacred objects inside. The use of goat hair, a common and practical material, suggests that God’s provision for His people includes both their spiritual needs and their physical, practical concerns.
Moreover, the outer covering of the tabernacle can be seen as a symbol of God’s protection over His people. Just as the goat hair curtains shielded the tabernacle from the harshness of the wilderness, God shields and protects His people from the challenges and dangers of life. This protective layer reminds us that God is both our refuge and our strength.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 26:7 is part of the larger narrative that details the construction of the tabernacle. The verse is concise, providing clear and specific instructions for the outer covering of the tabernacle. The focus on practical materials like goat hair contrasts with the more luxurious materials used for the inner layers, highlighting the different roles each part of the tabernacle played.
The repetition of specific numbers and materials throughout the construction narrative serves to emphasize the importance of following God’s instructions exactly. The use of eleven curtains, rather than ten, suggests a sense of completeness and added protection, ensuring that the tabernacle was fully covered and secure.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 91:4 – “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” This verse reflects the protective nature of the tabernacle’s outer covering.
- Isaiah 4:5-6 – These verses speak of God’s protective presence as a canopy over His people, echoing the idea of the tabernacle’s outer tent.
- John 10:28-29 – Jesus speaks of the security of His followers in His care, similar to the security provided by the tabernacle’s protective layers.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 26:7 serves as a reminder of God’s protective care in our lives. Just as the goat hair curtains shielded the tabernacle from the elements, God provides protection and refuge for us in the midst of life’s challenges. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s provision, knowing that He cares for both our spiritual well-being and our practical needs.
This verse also challenges us to consider how we can balance the sacred and the practical in our own lives. Just as the tabernacle needed both inner beauty and outer protection, our lives should reflect both a deep spiritual connection with God and a practical approach to living out our faith in the world.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His concern for the well-being of His people. By providing detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle, including the protective outer layer, God shows His care for every aspect of His people’s lives. His love is evident in the way He ensures that the tabernacle, the place where He would meet with His people, was secure and protected, just as He ensures our security and protection in Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The protective layer of the tabernacle, made from goat hair, can be seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate protection and refuge. Just as the curtains shielded the sacred space within, Jesus shields us from the consequences of sin and the attacks of the enemy. In John 10:28-29, Jesus speaks of His role as the Good Shepherd who protects His flock, ensuring that no one can snatch them from His hand.
Moreover, the fact that the tabernacle’s outer covering was made from a common material like goat hair reminds us that Jesus, though fully divine, took on human form to dwell among us and provide the protection we need. His humanity allowed Him to be both relatable and accessible, just as the tabernacle’s outer layer made it practical and functional.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the use of goat hair for the tabernacle’s outer covering inspire you to trust in God’s protection in your own life?
- In what ways can you balance the sacred and the practical in your daily walk with God, reflecting the design of the tabernacle?
- How does understanding the significance of the tabernacle’s protective layers deepen your appreciation for Jesus as your protector and refuge?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s concern for both your spiritual and practical needs?
- How can you apply the principle of God’s protective care in your relationships and responsibilities, ensuring that you are both spiritually grounded and practically prepared?