Exodus 36:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 36:14
14 And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.
Chapter Context
Exodus 36 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, prayer, wisdom. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 36:14
14 And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?