Exodus 36:17
And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.
Original Language Analysis
עָשָׂה֙
And he made
H6213
עָשָׂה֙
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַ֚ל
H5921
עַ֚ל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂפַ֣ת
edge
H8193
שְׂפַ֣ת
edge
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
5 of 16
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
בַּמַּחְבָּ֑רֶת
in the coupling
H4225
בַּמַּחְבָּ֑רֶת
in the coupling
Strong's:
H4225
Word #:
8 of 16
a junction, i.e., seam or sewed piece
עָשָׂה֙
And he made
H6213
עָשָׂה֙
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
שְׂפַ֣ת
edge
H8193
שְׂפַ֣ת
edge
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
13 of 16
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
Historical Context
The repetition of fifty loops and coupling method for the outer covering parallels the inner curtain construction, creating a double-layered ceiling with both layers properly joined. This redundant structure ensured weather-tightness while allowing disassembly.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the repetition of the same coupling pattern for both inner and outer curtains teach about consistent spiritual principles across different contexts?
- How does the parallel structure (inner and outer) illustrate the relationship between visible spiritual realities and practical protective measures?
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Analysis & Commentary
Fifty loops on the goat-hair curtain edges mirror the fifty loops on inner curtains (v. 12), demonstrating that both visible and hidden components follow the same unifying principle. Whether gold clasps join beautiful linen or brass clasps join practical goat hair (v. 18), the pattern of unity through divine design remains consistent. This teaches that superficial differences (materials, visibility) don't alter fundamental spiritual principles (unity, order, divine pattern).