What does Exodus 26:11 mean?
ESV: "You shall make fifty clasps of bronze, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together that it may be a single whole.
NIV: Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit.
NASB: You shall also make fifty clasps of bronze, and you shall put the clasps into the loops and join the tent together so that it will be a unit.
CSB: Make fifty bronze clasps; put the clasps through the loops and join the tent together so that it is a single unit.
NLT: Then make fifty bronze clasps, and fasten the loops of the long curtains with the clasps. In this way, the tent covering will be made of one continuous piece.
KJV: And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.
NKJV: And you shall make fifty bronze clasps, put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.
Verse Commentary:
Please see our chapter commentary on Exodus 26; verse-level content coming soon!
Verse Context:
Exodus 26:1–14 describes the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9): a large tent-like space housing Israel's most sacred religious objects. The walls and ceiling of the tabernacle are made of finely woven linen with embroidery. This material forms two long curtains which will be joined and then draped over a wooden scaffolding (Exodus 26:15–30). The linens will cover the tabernacle's top, sides, and back wall. Over the linen will be goat-hair sheets. The fabrics are set with loops and rings made of gold and bronze. Two more layers of animal skins cap the top. These combine to make a watertight, enclosed space.
Chapter Summary:
God gives Israel instructions for the main structure of His sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). This is a "tabernacle:" a large tent. The inner walls are made of linen curtains embroidered with cherubim. The outer walls are a separate arrangement of goat hair curtains. These are draped over wooden frames. The entire assembly is covered with two more layers of animal skin. The tabernacle has an outer screen and a veil which divides the interior into two spaces. The first room is the Holy Place. The second, called the Most Holy Place, is the resting place of the ark (Exodus 25:10–11).
Chapter Context:
After the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) and a few other rules, the rest of Exodus is mostly descriptions of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) and its components. Chapter 25 introduced the ark, the table, and the menorah. This chapter details the large tent at the center of a large courtyard (Exodus 27:9). The next chapters describe various altars and sacred garments (Exodus 27—30).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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