Overview:
Exodus 26 continues God’s instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, providing detailed specifications for its structure, including the curtains, coverings, frames, crossbars, and the inner sanctuary known as the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Tabernacle is to be constructed with precision, following God’s exact pattern, as a dwelling place for His presence among the Israelites. The chapter also covers the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant will reside.
Exodus 26 emphasizes the holiness of God’s presence, the need for order and reverence in worship, and the significance of the Tabernacle as the place where God would dwell among His people. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle’s construction serve as a reminder of the care and precision required in approaching God and worshiping Him.
Historical and Literary Context:
Exodus 26 is part of the larger section in Exodus that details the instructions for building the Tabernacle. These instructions were given to Moses while he was on Mount Sinai, following the establishment of the covenant between God and Israel. The Tabernacle was to be a portable sanctuary, enabling the Israelites to worship God and experience His presence as they journeyed through the wilderness toward the Promised Land.
Literarily, this chapter continues the detailed, technical instructions for the Tabernacle’s construction, highlighting the importance of holiness, order, and precision in worship. The emphasis on the exact dimensions and materials reflects God’s desire for beauty, reverence, and a specific way for His people to encounter Him.
Key Themes and Doctrinal Points:
The Tabernacle as God’s Dwelling Place:
The central theme of Exodus 26 is the Tabernacle as the dwelling place of God among His people. The detailed instructions for its construction emphasize that this structure is not merely a tent but a sacred space where God’s presence will reside.
“Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker” (Exodus 26:1).
The Tabernacle is a place of reverence, and its construction reflects the holiness of God. The materials used—such as fine linen, gold, and precious fabrics—indicate that this is no ordinary structure but the dwelling place of the Almighty.
The Holiness of God’s Presence:
The layout of the Tabernacle, particularly the distinction between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, emphasizes the holiness of God’s presence. The veil separating the Most Holy Place from the rest of the Tabernacle symbolizes the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity.
“Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place” (Exodus 26:33).
This theme of separation and holiness is carried throughout Scripture and is ultimately fulfilled in Christ, who, through His death, tears the veil that separates humanity from God (Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-20).
Worship Through Obedience and Reverence:
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle emphasize the importance of worshiping God according to His commands. The Israelites are to follow God’s pattern exactly, reflecting the importance of obedience and reverence in approaching Him.
“Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain” (Exodus 26:30).
Worship is not to be approached lightly or casually, but with careful attention to God’s instructions. This principle is reflected throughout the Bible, where true worship is characterized by obedience, reverence, and awe.
The Veil: Separation and Access to God:
The veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place is a central feature of the Tabernacle’s design. It represents the separation between God and His people due to sin but also points to the future access to God made possible through Jesus Christ.
“Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker” (Exodus 26:31).
The cherubim woven into the veil symbolize the holiness of God’s presence and the protection of the sacred space. This veil was torn at the moment of Christ’s death, signifying the removal of the barrier between God and humanity (Matthew 27:51).
The Tent of Meeting: A Place of Communion with God:
The Tabernacle is also referred to as the “Tent of Meeting,” emphasizing its role as the place where God would meet with Moses and the people. It is a place of communion, where God reveals His will and provides guidance for His people.
“The tent will be one unit” (Exodus 26:11).
This theme of meeting and communion with God points forward to the relationship believers have with God through Christ, who has made a way for us to enter into God’s presence and fellowship with Him.
Verse-by-Verse Analysis:
Exodus 26:1-6:
“Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker. All the curtains are to be the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five. Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain in the other set. Then make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other. Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit.”
These verses describe the construction of the Tabernacle’s curtains, which form the structure’s covering. The use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with the cherubim, reflects the beauty and holiness of the space. The gold clasps emphasize the unity and sacredness of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 26:7-14:
“Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven altogether… Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also make crossbars of acacia wood.”
This section describes the additional coverings for the Tabernacle, made of goat hair, ram skins, and other materials. These layers provide both protection and insulation, ensuring the Tabernacle’s durability. The use of gold to overlay the frames and crossbars reflects the sacredness of the entire structure.
Exodus 26:15-25:
“Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle… Make two frames for the corners at the far end. At these two corners, they must be double from the bottom all the way to the top and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that.”
The construction of the Tabernacle’s frames provides the framework for the entire structure. The precise measurements and the use of acacia wood and gold indicate the care and attention required in building the Tabernacle, which reflects the sacred nature of God’s dwelling place.
Exodus 26:26-30:
“Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle. The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames. Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold. Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.”
These verses describe the crossbars that hold the frames together, ensuring the stability of the Tabernacle. The repetition of the command to overlay the frames and crossbars with gold emphasizes the holiness of the Tabernacle. The final command to follow the pattern shown on the mountain highlights the importance of obedience to God’s specific instructions.
Exodus 26:31-33:
“Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker. Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.”
This section describes the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The veil’s colors and the cherubim woven into it reflect God’s holiness and the sacredness of His presence. The veil serves as a barrier between the people and God’s holy presence, symbolizing the separation caused by sin.
Exodus 26:34-35:
“Put the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law in the Most Holy Place. Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.”
The Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant is located, is described as the innermost sanctuary of the Tabernacle. The placement of the table and the lampstand in the Holy Place reflects the order and reverence required in worship.
Exodus 26:36-37:
“For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer. Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.”
The final verses describe the entrance curtain for the Tabernacle, emphasizing beauty and craftsmanship. The use of gold hooks and posts overlaid with gold reflects the sacredness of the entire structure, even its entrance.
Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ:
Exodus 26 reveals important theological truths about God’s holiness, the need for reverence in worship, and the way in which the Tabernacle points forward to Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle is a shadow of the greater reality that is fulfilled in Christ, who is the true Tabernacle (John 1:14). Just as the Tabernacle was the place where God’s presence dwelled among His people, so Christ is the ultimate dwelling place of God’s presence, where we meet with God.
The veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place represents the barrier between God and humanity caused by sin. This veil was torn at the moment of Christ’s death, symbolizing the removal of that barrier and granting believers access to God through the blood of Christ (Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 10:19-20). Christ’s sacrificial death makes it possible for believers to enter into the Most Holy Place, into the presence of God, with confidence.
Sermon Outline and Flow:
- Introduction: The Holiness of God’s Dwelling Place
- Set the context for Exodus 26, emphasizing the detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle as a symbol of God’s holy presence among His people.
- Introduce the themes of holiness, reverence, and the importance of following God’s instructions in worship.
- Point 1: The Tabernacle as God’s Dwelling Place
- Discuss the significance of the Tabernacle as the place where God’s presence dwells among His people and the importance of reverence in approaching God’s presence.
- Application: How can we cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe in our worship of God, recognizing His holiness and presence in our lives?
- Point 2: The Veil and Its Fulfillment in Christ
- Explore the symbolism of the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, and how it points forward to Christ, who tore the veil and opened the way for believers to enter God’s presence.
- Application: How does Christ’s sacrifice give us access to God, and how can we approach God with confidence through Christ?
- Point 3: Worship Through Obedience and Reverence
- Highlight the importance of following God’s specific instructions for worship, as seen in the detailed commands for the Tabernacle’s construction.
- Application: How can we ensure that our worship is characterized by obedience, reverence, and a desire to honor God in every aspect of our lives?
- Point 4: The Tabernacle as a Place of Communion with God
- Discuss the role of the Tabernacle as the “Tent of Meeting,” where God met with His people and revealed His will to them.
- Application: How can we cultivate a deeper relationship with God, seeking to meet with Him daily and live in communion with Him through Christ?
Illustrations and Examples:
- Share a personal story or historical example of how careful attention to detail and obedience in a project or mission led to a successful outcome, drawing parallels to the importance of following God’s instructions in worship.
- Use a metaphor of separation and access, such as a locked door being opened, to illustrate how Christ’s death tore the veil and opened the way for believers to enter God’s presence.
Application for Today’s Christian:
Exodus 26 challenges believers to consider the importance of worshiping God with reverence and obedience. The detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle remind Christians that worship is not a casual activity but one that requires care, attention, and a heart that seeks to honor God. Just as the Israelites were called to build the Tabernacle according to God’s exact specifications, believers are called to live lives of worship that reflect God’s holiness and follow His will.
The veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place serves as a powerful reminder of the barrier that sin creates between humanity and God. Through Christ’s sacrificial death, this barrier has been removed, and believers now have direct access to God. Worshiping God through Christ means approaching Him with confidence, knowing that Christ has made a way for us to enter into God’s presence.
Connection to the Father in Exodus 26:
God the Father’s holiness, majesty, and desire to dwell among His people are central to Exodus 26. The Tabernacle serves as a tangible reminder of God’s presence, and the detailed instructions for its construction reflect the reverence and care required in approaching God. The chapter reveals God’s desire to be with His people while also emphasizing the need for holiness and obedience in worship.
Connection to Jesus Christ in Exodus 26:
Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Tabernacle. Just as the Tabernacle was the place where God’s presence dwelled among His people, Christ is the true dwelling place of God’s presence (John 1:14). The veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place points to the barrier between humanity and God caused by sin, and this barrier was torn apart by Christ’s death (Matthew 27:51). Through Christ, believers have direct access to God, and He is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity.
Connection to the Holy Spirit in Exodus 26:
The Holy Spirit now dwells in the hearts of believers, making them temples of God’s presence (1 Corinthians 3:16). While the Tabernacle was a physical structure where God’s presence resided, the Holy Spirit brings the presence of God into the lives of believers, enabling them to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The Spirit guides believers in worship, helping them to live in obedience and reverence before God.
Connection to God’s Love in Exodus 26:
God’s love is evident in His desire to dwell among His people and provide a way for them to approach His holy presence. The Tabernacle represents God’s nearness and His care for His people, offering them a place to meet with Him and experience His presence. This love is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial death tore the veil that separated humanity from God and made it possible for believers to enter into God’s presence with confidence. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle reflect God’s love for His people, as He provides them with a way to worship Him and to receive His guidance and provision.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 26 challenge your understanding of worship and reverence before God?
- In what ways does the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place point forward to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, and how does this impact your relationship with God?
- How can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe in your worship of God, recognizing His holiness and presence in your life?
- How does Christ’s role as the fulfillment of the Tabernacle and the tearing of the veil give you confidence in approaching God’s presence?
- How can the Holy Spirit guide you in living a life that honors God’s holiness and reflects His presence in your daily walk with Him?