Exodus 36:14

He then made curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle--eleven curtains in all.

Study Bible

He then made curtains of goat hair
The use of goat hair for the curtains signifies durability and protection. Goat hair was a common material in ancient Near Eastern cultures for making tents due to its water-resistant properties. This choice reflects the practical needs of a nomadic people. Biblically, goats often symbolize sin and atonement, as seen in the scapegoat ritual (Leviticus 16:10). The use of goat hair here may symbolize the covering of sin, pointing to the ultimate atonement through Christ.

for the tent over the tabernacle
The tent over the tabernacle served as an additional layer of protection and separation, emphasizing the holiness of the tabernacle itself. The tabernacle was the dwelling place of God among His people, a precursor to the temple and ultimately to Christ, who "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). This layering signifies the need for mediation between God and man, fulfilled in Jesus.

eleven curtains in all
The number eleven is unique here, as it is one more than ten, which often represents completeness or divine order. The extra curtain may symbolize the abundance of God's provision and protection. In the broader biblical narrative, numbers often carry symbolic meaning, and the odd number here could suggest the idea of going beyond what is expected, reflecting God's grace.

Persons / Places / Events

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

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 contributed 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 and used.

Teaching Points

God's Detailed Instructions
God cares about the details of our lives and provides specific guidance for His purposes.

The Role of Community
The construction of the Tabernacle required the collective effort and contributions of the entire community, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The Tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's presence and His desire to dwell among His people, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.

Temporary vs. Eternal
Just as the Tabernacle was a temporary structure, our earthly lives are temporary. We should focus on eternal values and our heavenly home.

Obedience to God's Commands
The Israelites' obedience in constructing the Tabernacle according to God's instructions serves as a model for our own obedience to God's Word.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the Tabernacle reflect God's desire to dwell among His people, and how is this fulfilled in the New Testament?

2. In what ways can we, as a community of believers, contribute to building a "dwelling place" for God in our midst today?

3. What does the use of goat hair in the Tabernacle's construction teach us about the use of ordinary materials for God's extraordinary purposes?

4. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's detailed instructions in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on the temporary nature of the Tabernacle. How does this perspective influence your priorities and focus on eternal matters?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 26
Provides the initial instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the use of goat hair curtains.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the Tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and the heavenly sanctuary.

John 1:14
Relates to the concept of God dwelling among His people, as Jesus is described as the Word who became flesh and "tabernacled" among us.

2 Corinthians 5:1-4
Compares our earthly bodies to tents, drawing a parallel to the temporary nature of the Tabernacle and the eternal dwelling we have in Christ.