Second Set of Curtains for the Tabernacle

Second Set of Curtains for the Tabernacle

Exodus 26: ⁷ “You shall also make curtains of goats’ hair, to be a tent over the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains. ⁸ The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; and the eleven curtains shall all have the same measurements. ⁹ And you shall couple five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves, and you shall double over the sixth curtain at the forefront of the tent. ¹⁰ You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in one set, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain of the second set. ¹¹ And you shall make fifty bronze clasps, put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. ¹² The remnant that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle. ¹³ And a cubit on one side and a cubit on the other side, of what remains of the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle, on this side and on that side, to cover it.

 

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GOD gave Moses additional detailed instructions for the second set of curtains.

 

My Observations:

• A scapegoat would be instituted as a symbolic representation of taking on the guilt of sin and JESUS became our scapegoat.
• JESUS also said HE would separate the sheep from the goats, meaning believers would be separated from non-believer in HIS salvation.
• GOD called for the use of bronze on these curtains, which is a lesser metal that would patina due to the cheap metal ingredients.

 

I believe the second set of curtains represent the human part of the relationship with GOD. Goat’s hair could be shaved off without killing the animal. Bronze would be used to hold up the goat hair curtains. I believe GOD allows humans to temporarily do their own thing, but is will have lesser results, like bronze compared to gold.

 

I also believe that human results require the need for JESUS to become our scapegoat. The overwhelming number of curtains and the extreme extra care it would take to fashion the curtains would remind the high priests of the need for GOD’s forgiveness.  GOD was very intentional in HIS choice of materials.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the details regarding the curtains made from goat’s hair?
• Has GOD focused your attention on HIS mercy HE has for you?
• Have you placed your human efforts and expectations under GOD’s control?