Exodus 26:7 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "You shall also make curtains of goats ' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; eleven curtains shall you make.

NIV: "Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven altogether.

NASB: Then you shall make curtains of goats’ hair as a tent over the tabernacle; you shall make eleven curtains in all.

CSB: "You are to make curtains of goat hair for a tent over the tabernacle; make eleven of these curtains.

NLT: Make eleven curtains of goat-hair cloth to serve as a tent covering for the Tabernacle.

KJV: And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.

NKJV: “You shall also make curtains of goats’ hair, to be a tent over the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains.

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.

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 7/4/2025 4:45:44 AM