Introduction – Exodus 26 Summary
Exodus 26 continues God’s detailed instructions for building the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among Israel. In this Exodus 26 summary, we walk through the inner curtains, outer coverings, wooden boards, bars, and veils that formed the structure. What might sound like construction notes is actually a carefully designed pattern that reveals God’s order, holiness, and desire to live in the midst of the people.
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The Fine Linen Curtains with Cherubim (Exodus 26:1–6)
The chapter begins with the inner curtains of the tabernacle. God commands ten curtains of fine twined linen, worked with blue, purple, and scarlet. Cherubim are embroidered into the fabric by skilled workers. Each curtain is the same size, and God tells Moses to couple five curtains together and the other five together, forming two large panels.
Loops of blue are placed along the edge of each large panel, and fifty gold clasps fasten the panels together so that the tabernacle becomes one whole piece. Inside, the worshipper would see beauty, color, and images of heavenly beings. The inner curtains remind us that God’s dwelling is glorious on the inside, even if the outside will look plain.
The Goats’ Hair Tent Above the Curtains (Exodus 26:7–13)
Above the fine linen, God commands another layer made of goats’ hair. This is called a tent to be placed above the tabernacle. There are eleven curtains instead of ten, and they are slightly larger. As before, the curtains are coupled together in two sections, this time using fifty bronze clasps.
The extra length of this layer hangs over the back of the tabernacle and down the sides, providing added protection. The goats’ hair tent shows that God cares about durability and shelter, not only beauty. In a spiritual sense, the Exodus 26 summary shows that God’s glory is covered and protected, yet He still chooses to dwell with His people in the midst of a harsh wilderness.
Outer Coverings of Rams’ Skins and Durable Skins (Exodus 26:14)
A third and fourth covering are then added. One is rams’ skins dyed red, and above that a final covering of badgers’ skins or another type of strong animal hide. These are the outermost layers that would be visible from the outside.
From a distance, the tabernacle would not appear dazzling. It would look like a simple tent with weathered animal skins stretched over it. But inside were golden boards, fine linen curtains, and embroidered cherubim. The structure pictures a truth that appears again in Scripture: what God values may look ordinary on the outside but is full of glory within.
The Boards of Acacia Wood Overlaid with Gold (Exodus 26:15–25)
Next, God describes the boards that form the walls of the tabernacle. Each board is made of acacia wood standing upright and overlaid with gold. Every board has two tenons at the bottom that fit into silver sockets. Twenty boards stand on the south side and twenty on the north side, each with its matching sockets.
At the west end, six boards and two corner boards complete the structure. The result is a framework of golden boards standing in silver foundations. The precious metals highlight the value of God’s dwelling place, while the repeated measurements show that nothing is left to guesswork. The tabernacle is built according to God’s exact plan.
Bars to Bind the Structure Together (Exodus 26:26–30)
God then commands five bars for each side of the tabernacle, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Four bars pass through rings on the boards, and a middle bar runs the length of the wall from end to end.
These bars hold the entire structure firmly together. God again tells Moses to rear up the tabernacle according to the pattern shown on the mountain. This part of the Exodus 26 summary shows that God’s house is not a random tent but a unified, carefully joined dwelling.
The Veil and the Holy of Holies (Exodus 26:31–35)
The inner veil is made of blue, purple, and scarlet, with cherubim woven into it like the inner curtains. It hangs from four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold, set in silver sockets. This veil divides the tabernacle into two rooms: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place.
Behind the veil sits the Ark of the Testimony with the mercy seat upon it. In front of the veil, within the Holy Place, are the table of showbread and the golden lampstand. The veil marks a boundary that the ordinary priest cannot cross. Only the high priest may enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year with blood.
Later in Scripture, when Jesus dies, the veil in the temple is torn from top to bottom. That tearing fulfills what Exodus 26 only hints at: a separation that would one day be removed so that believers could have direct access to God through a better sacrifice.
The Hanging at the Tabernacle Entrance (Exodus 26:36–37)
Finally, God describes a hanging for the door of the tent, also made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen. It is supported by five pillars overlaid with gold and set in brass sockets.
This entrance curtain welcomes those whom God has called, while still reminding them that they are approaching a holy God. There is a way in, but it is God’s way, not one people choose for themselves.
Conclusion – Exodus 26 Summary
In this Exodus 26 summary, we see that the tabernacle is both simple and profound. Layers of curtains and coverings protect and conceal the inner glory. Golden boards stand on silver foundations, held together by bars that keep the structure one piece. Veils and hangings mark the way into God’s presence but also warn that He is holy and cannot be approached casually.
Every measurement, material, and pattern comes from God. Israel is not free to invent its own form of worship. Instead, the people are called to build and serve according to the pattern God revealed, a pattern that points forward to a greater sanctuary and a better access to God through the torn veil of the New Covenant.
Word count: approximately 900 words
Primary keyword: Exodus 26 summary (used naturally in the introduction, body, and conclusion).