Chapter 26
Chapter Outline
The curtains of the tabernacle. (1–6)
The curtains of goats' hair. (7–14)
The boards, sockets, and bars. (15–30)
The vail of the holy of holies, and for the (31–37)
entrance.Verses 1–6
God manifested his presence among the Israelites in a tabernacle or tent, because of their
condition in the wilderness. God suits the tokens of his favour, and the gifts of his grace, to his
people's state and wants. The curtains of the tabernacle were to be very rich. They were to be
embroidered with cherubim, signifying that the angels of God pitch their tents round about the
church, Ps 34:7. (Ex 26:7-14)
Verses 7–14
The curtains of meaner materials, being made both longer and broader, covered the others, and
were defended by coverings of skins. The whole represents the person and doctrine of Christ, and
the church of true Christians, and all heavenly things, which outwardly are mean, but inwardly,
and in the sight of God, are glorious and precious.
Verses 15–30
The sockets of silver each weighed about 115 pounds; they were placed in rows on the ground.
In every pair of these sockets, a strong board of shittim-wood, covered with plates of gold, was
fitted by mortises and tenons. Thus walls were formed for the two sides, and for the west end. The
wall was further held together by bars, which passed through rings of gold. Over this the curtains
were spread. Though movable, it was strong and firm. The materials were very costly. In all this
it was a type of the church of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone, Eph 2:20, 21.
Verses 31–37
A vail, or curtain, separated the holy place from the most holy place. It was hung upon pillars.
This vail was for a partition between the holy place and the most holy; which forbade any to look
into the holiest of all. The apostle tells what was the meaning of this vail, Heb 9:8. That the
ceremonial law could not make the comers thereunto perfect, nor would the observance of it bring
men to heaven; the way into the holiest of all was not made manifest, while the first tabernacle was
standing. Life and immortality lay hidden till they were brought to light by the gospel; which was