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The Ten Curtains for the Tabernacle
(Exodus 36:8–13)
1 “You are to construct the tabernacle itself with ten curtains of finely spun linen, each with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and cherubim skillfully worked into them. 2 Each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide * Each of the ten curtains was approximately 42 feet long and 6 feet wide (12.8 meters long and 1.8 meters wide).—all curtains the same size.
3 Five of the curtains are to be joined together, and the other five joined as well. 4 Make loops of blue material on the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and do the same for the end curtain in the second set.
5 Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the second set, so that the loops line up opposite one another. 6 Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit.
The Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair
(Exodus 36:14–19)
7 You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. 8 Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide.† Each of the eleven curtains was approximately 45 feet long and 6 feet wide (13.7 meters long and 1.8 meters wide).
9 Join five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another. Then fold the sixth curtain over double at the front of the tent.
10 Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the first set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set. 11 Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit.
12 As for the overlap that remains of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over shall hang down over the back of the tabernacle. 13 And the tent curtains will be a cubit ‡ A cubit is approximately 18 inches or 45.7 centimeters. longer on either side, and the excess will hang over the sides of the tabernacle to cover it.
14 Also make a covering for the tent out of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of fine leather.§ Possibly the hides of large aquatic mammals
The Frames and Bases
(Exodus 36:20–34)
15 You are to construct upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 16 Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.* Each frame was approximately 15 feet long and 2.25 feet wide (4.6 meters long and 68.6 centimeters wide). 17 Two tenons † That is, projecting pieces of wood made for insertion into another piece; similarly in verse 19. must be connected to each other for each frame. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way.
18 Construct twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle, 19 with forty silver bases under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon.
20 For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, make twenty frames 21 and forty silver bases—two bases under each frame.
22 Make six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side, 23 and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle, 24 coupled together from bottom to top and fitted into a single ring. These will serve as the two corners. 25 So there are to be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame.
26 You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27 five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west.
28 The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other. 29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.
30 So you are to set up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.
The Veil
(Exodus 36:35–36)
31 Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it. 32 Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. 33 And hang the veil from the clasps and place the ark of the Testimony ‡ That is, the ark of the covenant; also in verse 34 behind the veil. So the veil will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.§ Or the Holy of Holies; also in verse 34
34 Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place. 35 And place the table outside the veil on the north side of the tabernacle, and put the lampstand opposite the table, on the south side.
The Curtain for the Entrance
(Exodus 36:37–38)
36 For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. 37 Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtain, overlay them with gold hooks, and cast five bronze bases for them.
*26:2 Each of the ten curtains was approximately 42 feet long and 6 feet wide (12.8 meters long and 1.8 meters wide).
†26:8 Each of the eleven curtains was approximately 45 feet long and 6 feet wide (13.7 meters long and 1.8 meters wide).
‡26:13 A cubit is approximately 18 inches or 45.7 centimeters.
§26:14 Possibly the hides of large aquatic mammals
*26:16 Each frame was approximately 15 feet long and 2.25 feet wide (4.6 meters long and 68.6 centimeters wide).
†26:17 That is, projecting pieces of wood made for insertion into another piece; similarly in verse 19.
‡26:33 That is, the ark of the covenant; also in verse 34
§26:33 Or the Holy of Holies; also in verse 34