Exodus-Chapter-26

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Please Note: Some alterations or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.

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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!

Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem, which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).

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Exodus Chapter 26

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

Introduction:
In this chapter, the Divine Architect moves from the “furniture” of the soul, the Ark and the Table, to the physical structure that houses them. This chapter focuses on the “Mishkan” itself, which refers specifically to the inner woven coverings and the wooden framework. It represents the concept of creating a physical space refined enough to host the Infinite, utilizing the finest materials of the era: ‘blue’, ‘purple’, and ‘scarlet yarns’, ‘fine linen’, and ‘gold’.

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Let us read Exodus Chapter 26, verses 1-37: Below the verses are the Explanation’s. (The Chapter is from JPS-1917 version of the Torah).

Verses 1-6: Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains: of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim the work of the skilful workman shalt thou make them. The length of each curtain shall be eight and twenty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits; all the curtains shall have one measure. Five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another. And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the first set; and likewise shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is outmost in the second set. Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one curtain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is in the second set; the loops shall be opposite one to another. And thou shalt make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one to another with the clasps, that the tabernacle may be one whole.

Explanation Verses 1-6, these verses describe the innermost layer of the Tabernacle, consisting of ten curtains of twisted linen and dyed wool. The precise measurements (twenty-eight cubits by four) ensure a perfect fit over the wooden frame. The “coupling” of the two sets of five curtains using fifty loops and fifty clasps of gold signifies unity; though made of many parts, the Mishkan is legally and spiritually “one” dwelling place.

Verses 7-13: And thou shalt make curtains of goats' hair for a tent over the tabernacle; eleven curtains shalt thou make them. The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits; the eleven curtains shall have one measure. And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves, and shalt double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent. And thou shalt make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the first set, and fifty loops upon the edge of the curtain which is outmost in the second set. And thou shalt make fifty clasps of brass, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. And as for the overhanging part that remaineth of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remaineth over shall hang over the back of the tabernacle. And the cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side, of that which remaineth over in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tabernacle on this side and on that side, to cover it.

Explanation Verses 7-13, above the beautiful linen curtains, a second layer of protection was required. These verses detail the eleven curtains of goat’s hair. This layer was slightly larger than the inner linen one, thirty cubits long instead of twenty-eight to ensure that the coarser material completely covered and protected the delicate inner tapestries from the elements.

Verse 14: And thou shalt make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red and a covering of sealskins above.

Explanation Verse 14, the outermost weatherproofing consisted of two additional skins: rams’ skins dyed red and “tahash” skins (the exact identity of which remains a matter of scholarly study). These provided a rugged, durable exterior, teaching that while the interior of a holy space must be beautiful, the exterior must be resilient.

Verses 15-25: And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle of acacia-wood, standing up. Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half the breadth of each board. Two tenons shall there be in each board, joined one to another; thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle. And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side southward: And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards: two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons; and for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty boards. And their forty sockets of silver: two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. And for the hinder part of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards. And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the hinder part. And they shall be double beneath, and in like manner they shall be complete unto the top thereof unto the first ring; thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. Thus there shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets: two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. 

Explanation Verses 15-25, we now turn to the “skeletal” structure: the planks or boards (kerashim) made of acacia wood. Each board stood ten cubits high and was overlaid with gold. The stability of the structure came from the “sockets” (adanimm) of silver, two under each board. This silver foundation, silver being the metal of “redemption” in the census, provided a firm base for the golden walls.

Verses 26-30: And thou shalt make bars of acacia-wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the hinder part westward; and the middle bar in the midst of the boards, which shall pass through from end to end. And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for holders for the bars; and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold. And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the fashion thereof which hath been shown thee in the mount. 

Explanation Verses 26-30, to bind the vertical boards together into a cohesive wall, five horizontal bars of acacia wood were run through rings on the boards. The “middle bar” is particularly noted for running through the centre of the boards from end to end, acting as a spine that held the entire perimeter in perfect alignment.

Verses 31-35: And thou shalt make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; with cherubim the work of the skilful workman shall it be made. And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, their hooks being of gold, upon four sockets of silver. And thou shalt hang up the veil under the clasps, and shalt bring in thither within the veil the ark of the testimony; and the veil shall divide unto you between the holy place and the most holy. And thou shalt put the ark-cover upon the ark of the testimony in the most holy place. And thou shalt set the table without the veil, and the candlestick over against the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south; and thou shalt put the table on the north side.

Explanation Verses 31-35, this section describes the Parokhet (the Veil), the heavy, ornate curtain that divided the “Holy Place” from the “Most Holy Place”. This curtain hung on four pillars of gold-covered acacia wood. Behind this veil, the Ark of the Testimony was placed, creating a zone of absolute sanctity where the Shekhinah (Divine Presence) would manifest.

Verses 36-37: And thou shalt make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the weaver in colours. 37 And thou shalt make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold; their hooks shall be of gold; and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

Explanation Verses 36-37, finally, the “Screen” for the entrance of the Tent is described. Unlike the inner Parokhet, which was hung on four pillars, this outer entrance screen was supported by five pillars. This served as the gateway for the priests to enter the Sanctuary to perform the daily service, such as tending the Menorah and the Table of Showbread.

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My Closing Message:
The detailed instructions of Exodus 26 remind us that holiness is not found in vague intentions, but in the precision of our actions. By joining ‘gold’, ‘silver’, and ‘simple wood’, we the ancient Israelites transformed raw matter into a “Mishkan” a place where the Divine “dwells” (shakan). Just as the bars held the boards together, may our shared values provide the “middle bar” that keeps our community upright and unified!

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“The More Torah, the More Life”,

For Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!”

May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָהthe LORD of hosts, be with you, and please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים Mo’a’dim - Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and regular בְּרָכָה Be’ra’chah’s - blessings before food and drinks, etc!

שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with you!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

 

 

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