Exodus 26:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it.

NIV: "Make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker.

NASB: You shall also make a veil of violet, purple, and scarlet material, and fine twisted linen; it shall be made with cherubim, the work of a skilled embroiderer.

CSB: "You are to make a curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen with a design of cherubim worked into it.

NLT: For the inside of the Tabernacle, make a special curtain of finely woven linen. Decorate it with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim.

KJV: And thou shalt make a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work: with cherubims shall it be made:

NKJV: “You shall make a veil woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen. It shall be woven with an artistic design of cherubim.

Exodus 26:31–35 describes the veil separating the tabernacle into two rooms. The embroidered walls and ceiling (Exodus 26:2–3) were joined such that their seam reached 20 cubits into the tabernacle's 30-cubit length. This is where the veil was hung, creating a secluded space of 10 cubits on all sides. The veil is ornately embroidered and hangs from a series of gilded wooden pillars. The ark is the only object kept inside this "Most Holy Place." Outside the veil are a table (Exodus 25:23–24), lampstand (Exodus 25:31), and incense altar (Exodus 30:1). Centuries later, when Jesus is crucified, the equivalent inner veil in the temple of Jerusalem tears from the top down (Matthew 27:51).

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).

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).

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.

Accessed 7/31/2025 3:15:29 AM