Lexical Summary lulaah: Loop Original Word: לֻלָאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance loop From the same as luwl; a loop -- loop. see HEBREW luwl NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as lulay, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs [לוּלַי] noun feminine loop (probably from לולו; compare [דוּדַי] p. 188 above; ZehnpfBAS i. 635, compare Assyrian lu-lu, 'Schleife'); — only plural absolute לָֻלָאֹת Exodus 26:5 (3 t. in verse) + 8 t., construct לֻלְאֹת Exodus 26:4; Exodus 36:11; — loops on edges of curtains of tabernacle, matching the hooks (קְרָסִיםׅ, for joining the ourtains: Exodus 26:4,5 (3 t. in verse); Exodus 26:10 (twice in verse); Exodus 26:11; Exodus 36:11,12 (3 t. in verse); Exodus 36:17 (twice in verse) (all P). לוּלֵי see לוּלֵא below לוּ. Topical Lexicon Physical DescriptionThe term לֻלָאָה designates the small fabric loops worked into the selvage of the Tabernacle curtains. Each loop was fashioned from twisted blue yarn (Exodus 26:4; 36:11), flexible enough to receive the clasps that coupled the curtains into a single expanse. Though unobtrusive, the loops were indispensable, forming a continuous row that aligned perfectly from curtain to curtain. Occurrences and Literary Setting All thirteen occurrences are concentrated in Exodus 26 and Exodus 36, the passages that record the divine pattern and the actual construction of the wilderness Tabernacle. Moses receives the specifications on Sinai (Exodus 26:4-11) and, later, Bezalel and his craftsmen execute them precisely (Exodus 36:11-17). The exclusive concentration of לֻלָאָה in these chapters highlights its unique association with the holy dwelling place. Function within the Tabernacle 1. Joining the inner linen curtains (Exodus 26:4-6; 36:11-13). In each case fifty loops were made along each adjoining edge, matched loop to loop, then linked by clasps—gold for the inner set, bronze for the outer. The loops therefore served as the hidden hinge on which the integrity of the sanctuary coverings depended. Symbolic Significance Unity: The loops enabled many individual panels to “become one Tabernacle” (Exodus 26:6). They model the spiritual truth later expressed in Ephesians 4:16, where every joint supplies what is needed so that the body “grows and builds itself up in love.” Mediation: Positioned at the very line where two curtains met, the loops picture reconciliation—standing between separation and cohesion—anticipating the one Mediator who joins God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Order and Precision: Fifty loops, fifty clasps, exact alignment—nothing arbitrary. The detail underscores the orderly character of worship and of the God who “is not a God of disorder but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Historical and Craftsmanship Notes The loops reveal sophisticated textile work among the Israelites. Spun blue yarn (dyed with the expensive murex secretion) was entrusted to skilled women artisans (compare Exodus 35:25-26). Their faithful craftsmanship under Bezalel’s supervision fulfilled the divine blueprint “exactly as the Lord had commanded Moses” (Exodus 39:32). Ministerial and Devotional Applications Hidden Service: Loops were rarely seen once installed, yet the whole structure depended on them. Ministry that seems minor—intercessory prayer, unseen acts of mercy—often bears the weight of corporate worship. Commitment to Pattern: Israel’s builders did not innovate but conformed to revelation. Christian ministry likewise derives its authority from adherence to the apostolic pattern (2 Timothy 1:13). Unity in Diversity: Distinct curtains, identical loops. Congregational life combines varied gifts that function in concert when joined by love (Colossians 3:14). Representative Texts “Make loops of blue yarn on the edge of the outermost curtain in the first set, and do the same on the edge of the outermost curtain in the second set. Make fifty loops on the one curtain and fifty on the edge of the curtain in the second set, so that the loops line up opposite one another. Then make fifty gold clasps, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the Tabernacle will be a single unit.” “They made fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in the second set.” The Loops and the Heavenly Pattern Hebrews 8:5 reminds readers that the earthly sanctuary was “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.” Even the humble loops share in that typology. Their role in coupling heaven-directed workmanship offers a miniature portrait of the eternal unity enjoyed by the redeemed, “joined and held together by every supporting ligament” (Ephesians 4:16). Summary לֻלָאָה, though physically small, embodies themes of unity, mediation, order, and faithful service. In the narrative of Exodus it is a technical detail; in the theology of Scripture it points to the larger reality of a people perfectly joined in Christ, whose every part, however hidden, contributes to the dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Forms and Transliterations בַּלֻּ֣לָאֹ֔ת בללאת הַלֻּ֣לָאֹ֔ת הללאת לֻֽלְאֹ֣ת לֻֽלָאֹ֗ת לֻֽלָאֹ֣ת לֻלָאֹ֗ת ללאת bal·lu·lā·’ōṯ ballulā’ōṯ balLulaOt hal·lu·lā·’ōṯ hallulā’ōṯ halLulaOt lu·lā·’ōṯ lul’ōṯ lul·’ōṯ lulā’ōṯ lulaOt lulOtLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 26:4 HEB: וְעָשִׂ֜יתָ לֻֽלְאֹ֣ת תְּכֵ֗לֶת עַ֣ל KJV: And thou shalt make loops of blue INT: shall make loops of blue on Exodus 26:5 Exodus 26:5 Exodus 26:5 Exodus 26:10 Exodus 26:10 Exodus 26:11 Exodus 36:11 Exodus 36:12 Exodus 36:12 Exodus 36:12 Exodus 36:17 Exodus 36:17 13 Occurrences |
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