Exodus 36:10

And he joined five of the curtains together, and the other five he joined as well.

Study Bible

He joined
The Hebrew word used here is "chabar," which means to bind or join together. This action signifies unity and cohesion, reflecting God's desire for His people to be united in purpose and spirit. In the construction of the Tabernacle, this joining symbolizes the interconnectedness of the community of believers, each part essential to the whole. The act of joining also points to the divine order and precision in God's instructions, emphasizing that every detail in His plan is significant.

five of the curtains
The number five in biblical numerology often represents grace. The five curtains joined together can be seen as a representation of God's grace covering His people. In the context of the Tabernacle, these curtains were part of the outer layer, providing protection and beauty. This reminds us of the grace that covers and protects us, allowing us to dwell in the presence of God.

into one set
The phrase "into one set" underscores the concept of unity and completeness. The Tabernacle was a place where God's presence dwelled among His people, and the unity of the curtains reflects the unity required among the people of God. This unity is a precursor to the unity found in the body of Christ, where believers are called to be one in spirit and purpose.

and the other six curtains
The number six often symbolizes human effort or imperfection, as it falls short of the divine number seven. The six curtains, when joined, remind us of the human element in the divine plan. While human efforts are imperfect, they are made complete when joined with God's instructions and grace. This serves as a reminder that our efforts, though flawed, are used by God to fulfill His perfect plan.

into another set
This phrase indicates a separation yet a parallel to the first set of curtains. It suggests that while there may be different roles or functions within the body of believers, each part is essential and contributes to the overall purpose. The two sets of curtains, though distinct, work together to form the covering of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the diversity and unity within the church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle from God.

2. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The Israelites
The people of God, who were tasked with contributing materials and labor for the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites wandered for 40 years and where the Tabernacle was constructed.

Teaching Points

Unity in Diversity
Just as the curtains were joined to form a single Tabernacle, believers are called to unity in the body of Christ, despite diverse gifts and roles.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The meticulous following of God's instructions for the Tabernacle construction serves as a model for our obedience to God's Word in our lives.

The Importance of Community
The construction of the Tabernacle required the collective effort of the Israelites, reminding us of the importance of community and collaboration in fulfilling God's purposes.

God's Dwelling Among Us
The Tabernacle symbolizes God's desire to dwell among His people, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The detailed construction of the Tabernacle reflects the importance of reverence and care in our worship and service to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the joining of the curtains in Exodus 36:10 reflect the concept of unity within the church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are obedient to God's instructions in our personal and communal lives?

3. How does the construction of the Tabernacle illustrate the importance of each individual's contribution to the community of believers?

4. What parallels can we draw between the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place and the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer?

5. How can we apply the attention to detail seen in the Tabernacle's construction to our own worship and service to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 26:1-6
Provides the initial instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the joining of the curtains, highlighting the obedience of the Israelites in following God's detailed plan.

1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Illustrates the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, similar to the joining of the curtains to form a single Tabernacle.

Ephesians 4:16
Emphasizes the importance of each part working together to build up the body of Christ, akin to the curtains being joined to form a complete structure.