Exodus 26:9 – “Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 26:9 continues the instructions for constructing the tabernacle, specifically focusing on how the curtains made of goat hair should be arranged. The verse instructs that five curtains should be joined together to form one set, and the remaining six should be joined into another set. The sixth curtain, however, is to be folded double at the front of the tent, creating an additional layer of protection at the entrance.
The arrangement of the curtains in this way was not just about practical construction; it was symbolic of the extra care and attention given to the entrance of the tabernacle. The doubled curtain at the front provided added protection, emphasizing the significance of the entrance as the place where people would approach the presence of God. This additional layer at the entrance can be seen as a safeguard, symbolizing the reverence and preparation required to enter a holy space.
Historical Context
The tabernacle was a central part of Israelite worship during their time in the wilderness. It was the place where God’s presence dwelled among His people, and where the Israelites would come to offer sacrifices and seek guidance. The detailed instructions for its construction, including the specific arrangement of the curtains, were given directly by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.
In the ancient Near Eastern context, the construction of sacred spaces often involved careful attention to entrances and protective layers. The doubling of the curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle reflects the broader cultural practice of creating barriers that signified the transition from ordinary to sacred space. The tabernacle’s entrance was a threshold where one moved from the common world into the presence of God, and the additional layer underscored the importance of this transition.
Theological Implications
Exodus 26:9 emphasizes the importance of reverence and preparation when approaching God. The doubled curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle symbolizes the need for an additional layer of protection, suggesting that entering God’s presence is not something to be taken lightly. It highlights the holiness of God and the necessary precautions that must be taken to approach Him.
This verse also points to the idea that God’s instructions are detailed and specific, reflecting His desire for order and intentionality in worship. The doubling of the curtain suggests that extra care is needed in certain areas of our spiritual lives, particularly when it comes to how we enter into God’s presence. It serves as a reminder that while God is loving and accessible, He is also holy and deserving of our utmost respect and preparation.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a broader section in Exodus that outlines the construction of the tabernacle. The repetition of instructions, such as the joining of curtains and the specific mention of folding the sixth curtain, serves to emphasize the importance of following God’s commands with precision. The detailed nature of the instructions reflects the careful planning and reverence that the Israelites were to have in constructing a space for God’s presence.
The verse’s focus on the entrance of the tabernacle, particularly the doubled curtain, adds a layer of literary significance. The entrance to the tabernacle was not just a physical gateway but also a symbolic one, representing the transition from the ordinary world into the sacred presence of God. The additional layer of the curtain reinforces this transition, marking the entrance as a place of particular importance.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 100:4 – “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” This verse echoes the idea of preparation and reverence when approaching God, similar to the doubled curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle.
- Exodus 3:5 – When Moses approached the burning bush, God told him to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. This reflects the need for preparation and reverence when entering God’s presence, as symbolized by the folded curtain.
- Hebrews 10:19-22 – This passage speaks of the confidence we have to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, highlighting the significance of approaching God with a prepared and reverent heart.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 26:9 serves as a reminder of the importance of preparation and reverence when approaching God in worship. Just as the Israelites were instructed to double the curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle, we are called to approach God with care and respect, recognizing the holiness of the One we worship. This verse challenges us to consider how we prepare our hearts and minds when coming before God, whether in personal prayer, corporate worship, or everyday life.
The doubled curtain also speaks to the idea of protection and security in our relationship with God. Just as the entrance of the tabernacle was carefully guarded, we can trust that God provides protection and guidance as we enter into His presence. This verse encourages us to value the sacredness of our relationship with God and to approach Him with the reverence He deserves.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His desire to protect and guide His people as they approach Him. By instructing the Israelites to double the curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle, God was providing an extra layer of protection, both physically and spiritually. His love is evident in the way He ensures that His people are properly prepared to enter His presence, safeguarding them from the dangers of approaching Him casually or unprepared.
God’s care in providing these detailed instructions shows His deep concern for the well-being of His people. He wants them to experience the fullness of His presence, but in a way that honors His holiness and ensures their safety. This protective layer is a tangible expression of His love and care for those who seek Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The doubled curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle can be seen as a foreshadowing of the protective and mediating role of Jesus Christ. Just as the curtain provided an extra layer of protection for those entering the tabernacle, Jesus provides the way for us to approach God with confidence. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus has torn down the barrier that separated us from God, allowing us to enter His presence with boldness (Hebrews 10:19-20).
Jesus is also our protector, ensuring that we are covered and safeguarded as we come before God. The doubled curtain reflects the idea that while God is accessible to us through Christ, this access is made possible because of the sacrifice and mediation of Jesus, who prepares the way for us to approach a holy God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the instruction to double the curtain at the entrance of the tabernacle inspire you to approach God with reverence and preparation in your own life?
- In what ways can you prepare your heart and mind before entering into worship or prayer, reflecting the care taken in the tabernacle’s construction?
- How does understanding the significance of the tabernacle’s entrance deepen your appreciation for the access to God that Jesus provides?
- What does this verse teach you about the balance between God’s accessibility and His holiness?
- How can you apply the principle of protection and reverence in your daily walk with Christ, ensuring that you approach God with the respect and preparation He deserves?