Exodus 26:1
Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֥ן
the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֥ן
the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
2 of 16
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
Moreover thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
Moreover thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עֶ֣שֶׂר
with ten
H6235
עֶ֣שֶׂר
with ten
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
4 of 16
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
H8336
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
6 of 16
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
וּתְכֵ֤לֶת
and blue
H8504
וּתְכֵ֤לֶת
and blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
8 of 16
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתֹלַ֣עַת
H8438
וְתֹלַ֣עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
10 of 16
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
שָׁנִ֔י
and scarlet
H8144
שָׁנִ֔י
and scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
11 of 16
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
work
H4639
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥ה
work
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
13 of 16
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
חֹשֵׁ֖ב
of cunning
H2803
חֹשֵׁ֖ב
of cunning
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
Cross References
Exodus 26:36And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.Exodus 25:18And thou shalt make two cherubims of gold, of beaten work shalt thou make them, in the two ends of the mercy seat.Exodus 26:31And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:Exodus 36:35And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work.
Historical Context
These curtains formed the ceiling and inner walls of the Holy Place and Most Holy Place. Made of the finest Egyptian linen, each was approximately 42 feet long and 6 feet wide, requiring skilled weavers to create the complex cherubim patterns.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the cherubim-embroidered ceiling represent worshipers gathering under heaven's watch?
- In what ways is Christ the 'true tabernacle' of which this was merely a copy?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Ten curtains of fine twined linen with cherubim embroidered in blue, purple, and scarlet form the tabernacle's inner covering. The linen represents righteousness (Revelation 19:8); the colors heaven (blue), royalty (purple), and sacrifice (scarlet). Cherubim woven throughout picture the heavenly reality—angels surrounding God's throne. This innermost layer, seen only by ministering priests, reflects the heavenly pattern Moses saw. Christ is our true tabernacle, containing all heavenly realities (Hebrews 8:2).