Introduction
In Exodus 26:1-14 a description of the curtains and coverings is given. As with everything connected with the tabernacle these things point to Christ.1. A Brief Description
The Tabernacle was an elaborate tent. Four layers of differing material were used in the construction.
A. The curtains of fine twined linen made up the first or inside layer. According to scripture these curtains were the "tabernacle" and were distinguished from the other layers which were called the "tent" and the "coverings" (Exodus 26:1&6, 35:11, 36:14, Numbers 3:25). B. There were ten of these curtains. Each was twenty eight cubits long and four cubits wide. They had loops of blue on two edges and were coupled together with golden tacks to form one tabernacle (Exodus 26:6). The curtains were blue, purple, and scarlet in color with golden cherubims embroidered on them.
C. The framework of the tabernacle was ten cubits high and ten cubits across. As the curtains were twenty eight cubits long they hung on each side to within a cubit of the floor. They were visible at the ceiling and probably hung inside the golden wall so that only a cubit of this wall would be seen around the bottom.
D. The curtains of goat hair made up the next layer and are referred to as the "tent" (Exodus 26:11-12, Numbers 3:25). Eleven of these curtains were made and each was thirty cubits by four cubits. They were coupled together into one tent by fifty taches of brass (Exodus 26:11). Part of one curtain hung over the back of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:12). These curtains were probably black as this was the usual color of goats' hair used in tent making (Song of Solomon 1:5).
E. Over the tabernacle and the tent was a covering of rams’ skins dyed red. No dimensions are given for this.
F. The outside covering was made of badger skins. Again, no dimensions are given. This formed the outside layer and was visible from the outside. Bible students are not sure which animal is designated here as a badger. We do know that these skins were used to make shoes and must have been very durable (Ezekiel 16:10). This made it an excellent protectant for the other layers.2. The Symbolic Significance Of The Curtains And The Coverings
A. The first thing we notice in the use of the curtains and the coverings is that the tabernacle was intended to be a moveable structure. It will move with Israel in their wanderings. This pictures Christ who came into this world to "tabernacle" among us (John 1:14).
B. Next consider the four layers made up of the curtains and the coverings:
(1) The fine linen curtains made up the actual tabernacle. Fine linen signifies righteousness (Revelation 19:8), and reminds us of the glory of Christ. The beautiful colors likewise point to the Saviour. The blue to His heavenly origin, the scarlet to His glory, and the purple to His kingly office. The cherubims remind us of the interest the angels have in Christ and of their protection over those in Christ. The cherubim with spread wings overshadowed those in the Holy place. Some think this is referred to in scripture (Psalm 61:4, 91:4, 17:8).
a. Another truth that seems strikingly evident here is that just as those alone who entered the tabernacle saw its beauty, so only those in Christ see His glory. Men outside of Christ are blind to His beauty (Isaiah 53:1-3), just as those outside the tabernacle saw only badger skins. Inside, however, the beautiful colors, cherubim, and golden furniture were illuminated by the golden lampstand. By faith we come into Christ and He becomes precious (I Peter 2:7).
(2) The second layer of black goats' hair curtains made up the tent. They probably represent Christ as our sin offering as the goat was used in these offerings (Numbers 29:5, Leviticus 23:19). The black reveals Christ as made in the likeness of sinful man. He was judged for our sins. Brass in scripture is used in connection with judgment and the tacks use to couple these curtains were made of brass.
(3) The third layer was the covering of rams' skins dyed red. The ram was the animal of substitution (Genesis 22:13). It was the protector of the sheep, the defender of the flock. The red reminds us of Christ’s blood shed for His sheep.
(4) The fourth or outer layer was the covering of badger skins. Herein we see the humility of Christ as He came in the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). During Christ's earthly ministry there was no glory seen in Him by the world. Even today those out of Christ see not the glory revealed to those born from above.
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