What is the meaning of Exodus 26:13? Setting the stage - God is giving Moses precise blueprints for the wilderness tabernacle—“a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). - Every measurement matters because the structure is a visible witness of God’s holiness and nearness (Hebrews 8:5). - The verse sits in a paragraph that describes eleven goat-hair curtains laid over the inner linen curtains (Exodus 26:7–12). One cubit longer on either side - Exodus 26:13 states, “And the tent curtains will be a cubit longer on either side”. - A cubit (about 18 in/45 cm) of extra fabric on both the north and south sides ensured the goat-hair covering completely exceeded the dimensions of the inner linen layer (compare Exodus 26:2, 8). - This literal surplus protects what is beneath and underscores that God provides more than just the minimum (Ephesians 3:20). The excess will hang over the sides - “And the excess will hang over the sides of the tabernacle to cover it” (Exodus 26:13). - Hanging down like protective eaves, the curtain shields the sacred space from sun, wind, and desert grit—practical care for holy things (Numbers 4:5–6). - The language echoes the Lord’s promise, “He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge” (Psalm 91:4), making the tabernacle a visual sermon of divine shelter. Purpose fulfilled in Christ - John 1:14 uses tabernacle imagery: “The Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us,” signaling that the ultimate, all-sufficient covering is now the incarnate Son (Colossians 2:9). - Just as the goat-hair layer concealed and guarded the inner glory, Christ’s humanity veiled His deity while still fully protecting and revealing God’s presence (Matthew 17:2). - Believers are likewise “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49); the pattern of surplus covering continues in the Spirit’s work. summary Exodus 26:13 literally commands an extra cubit of goat-hair curtain on each side so the protective layer hangs down and fully covers the tabernacle. This surplus illustrates God’s thorough provision and foreshadows the complete, gracious covering He supplies in Christ for all who trust Him. |
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