Exodus 26 continues the divine instructions for building the Tabernacle, focusing on the construction of the sacred dwelling itself—the tent, its coverings, and its wooden framework.
The Tabernacle Curtains
The chapter begins with detailed instructions for the inner curtains of the Tabernacle.
1. Materials and Design: Ten curtains are to be made of fine twisted linen with blue, purple, and scarlet yarns. They are to have embroidered cherubim woven into them. The curtains are to be joined together in two sets of five, using fifty loops of blue yarn and fifty gold clasps. This intricate design ensured the curtains would form a single, unified structure.
2. Dimensions: Each curtain must be 28 cubits long and 4 cubits wide, a specific size that would enclose the sacred space perfectly.
The Goat Hair Covering
A second layer of curtains, made from goat's hair, is to be made to serve as an outer tent over the inner curtains.
1. Dimensions: Eleven curtains are to be made, each 30 cubits long and 4 cubits wide. They are to be joined in two sets, one of five and one of six. The sixth curtain is to be folded in half at the front of the tent.
2. Purpose: This layer of goat hair provides a practical covering and protection for the inner, more elaborate curtains.
Additional Coverings
Two more coverings are specified for the Tabernacle roof.
1. Ram Skins: The third layer is a covering of ram skins dyed red.
2. Dolphin Skins: The outermost layer is a covering of tahash skins (often translated as badger, dolphin, or porpoise skins). These layers provided protection from the weather and durability for the entire structure.
The Framework of the Tabernacle
The chapter then details how the wooden frame of the Tabernacle is to be built.
1. Materials: The frames, or "boards," are to be made of acacia wood, and each is to be overlaid with gold. Each board must be 10 cubits long and 1.5 cubits wide.
2. Construction: Forty silver bases are to be made for the boards on the south and north sides. Two boards are to be made for the corners at the rear. Five crossbars are to be made for each side to hold the boards together. The whole framework is designed to be disassembled and reassembled, making the Tabernacle portable for the Israelites' journey.
The Veil and the Screen
Finally, the chapter describes the curtains that divide the sacred space within the Tabernacle.
1. The Veil: A veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with fine twisted linen and cherubim woven into it, is to be made. It will hang from four gold-overlaid acacia wood pillars and will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The Ark of the Covenant is to be placed behind this veil.
2. The Screen for the Entrance: A screen for the entrance of the tent is to be made of the same colored yarns and fine twisted linen, but without the cherubim. This screen will hang from five pillars overlaid with gold. This entrance screen would be the only way to enter the Tabernacle itself.

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