Exodus 36:16
And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְחַבֵּ֛ר
And he coupled
H2266
וַיְחַבֵּ֛ר
And he coupled
Strong's:
H2266
Word #:
1 of 9
to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לְבָ֑ד
H905
לְבָ֑ד
Strong's:
H905
Word #:
5 of 9
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 9
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 9
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
Historical Context
Maintaining uniform measurements in hand-woven goat-hair curtains required significant skill and attention, as natural fibers could vary in thickness and tension. The craftsmen's ability to produce eleven identical curtains demonstrated Spirit-given competence (35:31).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God require the same standard of excellence for hidden outer coverings as for visible inner curtains?
- How does consistent quality in both seen and unseen work challenge contemporary ministry that prioritizes visible results?
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Analysis & Commentary
The identical phrase 'one measure was to all the curtains' (מִדָּה אַחַת לְכֹל, middah achat lekhol) appearing again emphasizes consistency even in outer coverings. Whether visible (inner curtains) or hidden (outer coverings), God's standard of excellence remains constant. This teaches that we should work with equal diligence in public ministry and private service, in visible leadership and hidden prayer, because God sees and values all work done according to His pattern.