Exodus 26:7
And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.
Original Language Analysis
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עִזִּ֔ים
of goats
H5795
עִזִּ֔ים
of goats
Strong's:
H5795
Word #:
3 of 11
a she-goat (as strong), but masculine in plural (which also is used elliptically for goat's hair)
לְאֹ֖הֶל
hair to be a covering
H168
לְאֹ֖הֶל
hair to be a covering
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
4 of 11
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 11
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
upon the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
upon the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
6 of 11
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
8 of 11
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
Historical Context
Goats' hair curtains were typical Bedouin tent material, water-resistant and durable in desert conditions. These curtains were longer than the inner linen (verse 13), providing overhang that shed rain and protected the precious interior.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Christ display 'glory within' while appearing 'humble without'?
- What does God's provision 'beyond adequacy' (eleven, not ten) teach about His care?
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Analysis & Commentary
Eleven curtains of goats' hair form the second covering, the tent over the tabernacle. Goats' hair was coarser than linen, providing weather protection. The number eleven (one beyond ten, completeness) suggests something exceeding expectation—God's provision beyond adequacy. While the inner linen displayed beauty for priestly eyes, the outer goats' hair faced wilderness elements, suggesting Christ's dual nature: glorious within, humble without (Isaiah 53:2).