Exodus 26:9
And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tabernacle.
Original Language Analysis
וְחִבַּרְתָּ֞
And thou shalt couple
H2266
וְחִבַּרְתָּ֞
And thou shalt couple
Strong's:
H2266
Word #:
1 of 17
to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְבָ֔ד
H905
לְבָ֔ד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
שֵׁ֥שׁ
by themselves and six
H8337
שֵׁ֥שׁ
by themselves and six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
7 of 17
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
לְבָ֑ד
H905
לְבָ֑ד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
9 of 17
properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit
וְכָֽפַלְתָּ֙
by themselves and shalt double
H3717
וְכָֽפַלְתָּ֙
by themselves and shalt double
Strong's:
H3717
Word #:
10 of 17
to fold together; figuratively, to repeat
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מ֖וּל
in the forefront
H4136
מ֖וּל
in the forefront
Strong's:
H4136
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
Historical Context
The doubled sixth curtain at the tent's entrance created a flexible doorway, allowing priests to enter while maintaining the structure's integrity. This design combined accessibility with protection, keeping out wind and sand while permitting authorized entry.
Questions for Reflection
- Why must there be a God-provided 'entrance' rather than human-chosen access points?
- How does Christ as 'the door' combine accessibility (anyone may enter) with exclusivity (only through Him)?
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Analysis & Commentary
Five goats' hair curtains coupled together and six curtains coupled separately, with the sixth curtain doubled at the tent's front. This creates a flap or 'portico' that could be raised for entry. The asymmetrical arrangement (5 + 6 instead of matching 5 + 5) shows functional design—there must be an entrance. Christ declares, 'I am the door' (John 10:9)—access to God requires His provision, not human ingenuity.