Topical Bible: Goat: Curtains of the Tabernacle

◄ Goat: Curtains of the Tabernacle ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the construction of the Tabernacle, as detailed in the Book of Exodus, goats play a significant role, particularly in the creation of the curtains that covered the sacred structure. The Tabernacle, a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, was meticulously designed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Among the various materials used, goat hair was specifically chosen for the making of the tent curtains.

Biblical Description and Specifications

The instructions for the Tabernacle's construction are found in Exodus 26. The Bible specifies that the tent over the Tabernacle was to be made of curtains woven from goat hair. Exodus 26:7-13 states:

“You are to make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven curtains in all. Each of the eleven curtains is to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. Join five of the curtains into one set and the other six into another set, and fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent. Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and fifty loops along the edge of the corresponding curtain in the second set. Make fifty bronze clasps and put them through the loops to join the tent together as a unit. As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle.”

The use of goat hair was practical and symbolic. Goat hair is durable and well-suited for the harsh desert environment, providing protection from the elements. The choice of this material reflects the provision and wisdom of God in ensuring that the Tabernacle was both functional and symbolic of His covenant with Israel.

Symbolism and Significance

In the broader biblical context, goats often symbolize sin and atonement. The use of goat hair in the Tabernacle's construction can be seen as a reminder of the need for atonement and the covering of sin, themes that are central to the sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law. The Tabernacle itself was a place where sacrifices were made, and the presence of goat hair in its construction may symbolize the covering and forgiveness of sins, pointing forward to the ultimate atonement through Christ.

Furthermore, the Tabernacle was a place where God met with His people, and the curtains of goat hair served as a barrier between the holy presence of God and the sinful nature of man. This separation underscores the holiness of God and the need for purification and sanctification to approach Him.

Craftsmanship and Divine Instruction

The craftsmanship involved in making the goat hair curtains was a skilled task, entrusted to artisans who were filled with the Spirit of God for this purpose. Exodus 35:30-35 describes how Bezalel and Oholiab, along with other skilled craftsmen, were endowed with wisdom and understanding to carry out the work of constructing the Tabernacle, including the weaving of the goat hair curtains.

The detailed instructions and the emphasis on craftsmanship highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands and the reverence due to His dwelling place. The Tabernacle, with its goat hair curtains, was not merely a physical structure but a divinely ordained space for worship and communion with God.

Conclusion

The goat hair curtains of the Tabernacle are a testament to the intricate design and profound symbolism embedded in the worship practices of ancient Israel. They reflect God's provision, the necessity of atonement, and the holiness required to dwell in His presence. Through these elements, the Tabernacle served as a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption and reconciliation brought through Jesus Christ.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 26:7
And you shall make curtains of goats' hair to be a covering on the tabernacle: eleven curtains shall you make.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 35:23
And every man, with whom was found blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers' skins, brought them.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 36:14
And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

What is the Sanctuary?
... the roof was formed of a series of curtains, or coverings ... were brought to the door
of the tabernacle, and lots ... lot for the scapegoat."(691) The goat upon which ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... roof was formed of a series of curtains, or coverings ... were brought to the door of
the tabernacle, and lots ... lot for the scapegoat." Verse 8. The goat upon which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

An Unalterable Law
... not enter into any part of the tabernacle, but you ... of that blood on the floor, on
the curtains, and on ... raiment and articles made of skins or goat's hair, were ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 60 1914/an unalterable law.htm

Scriptural Types.
... materials, but without the cherubim; while the curtains of the ... In the court before
the tabernacle stood the brazen ... victim, as in the case of the scape-goat. ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Necessity of Increased Faith
... The goat passes and nips its tender shoot, the winter chills and freezes ... tender plants
in, like a house that is within the curtains"the tabernacle of God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the necessity of increased faith.htm

Striking Similes
... An indefinable resemblance to a goat. An isle of Paradise, fair as a gem. ... Purple,
crimson, and scarlet, like the curtains of God's tabernacle. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... to God, but abode in himself, and was left in his tabernacle: and you by ... the
sword,"were tempted;"they wandered about in sheep-skins, and goat-skins, being ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm