Exodus 36:14
And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂ֥ה
And he made
H6213
עָשָׂ֥ה
And he made
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 for the tent
H168
לְאֹ֖הֶל
hair for the tent
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
over the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
over 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
Goat hair was common material for tent-making in the ancient Near East (Paul the tentmaker likely worked with this material, Acts 18:3). It was naturally water-resistant, durable, and provided insulation—practical qualities making it ideal for protecting the tabernacle during wilderness travels.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the goat-hair covering concealing inner glory illustrate Christ's incarnation?
- What does the contrast between beautiful inner curtains and practical outer coverings teach about spiritual versus earthly perspectives?
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Analysis & Commentary
Curtains of goats' hair (יְרִיעֹת עִזִּים, yeri'ot izzim) form a covering over the beautiful inner curtains, providing protection from elements. Goat hair, coarse and durable, represents humble service concealing inner glory—illustrating that spiritual beauty often hides beneath plain exteriors. This layered structure (glory within, humility without) prefigures Christ who 'made himself of no reputation' (Philippians 2:7) and had 'no beauty that we should desire him' (Isaiah 53:2) while containing divine glory.