Exodus 26 Lesson 3

The Tabernacle's Framework or the Blood Purchased Church

26-15-30

15-25 - Was to made from "acacia word. The command to "make upright frames" (v. 15; cf. vv. 19,26) introduces the three elements that made up the "walls." The word "pillars" instead of boards is probably the correct rendering. These frames formed a trellis like structure over which the four curtains were draped. Each frame was to be fifteen feet long by two and a quarter feet wide (v. 16). The frame work of the Tabernacle consisted of 20 boards each n the north and south sides (vv. 18-20) with six on the western end with a post at each of the two corners (vv. 22-23). The "two projections" (hands) are probably the two tenons at the bottom of each frame to be inserted into the bases (38: 25-28), which was described as atonement money (30: 11-16). Thus, it may be said that the foundation of the tabernacle rested on a ransom or redemption, just as the church was "bought wit h His own blood" (Acts 20_28).

26- 29 - Fifteen crossbars (v.26) were to be fitted outside the structure to strengthen the trellis framework: five on the north and south and five 0n the back . These were to serve as holders.

30 - Once more we are reminded of the typological nature of this material, for all was to be done " according to the plan (Acts 7:44). Hebrews 8: 5 comments that since the tabernacle was to be a "copy and shadow of what is in heaven....Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

The Tabernacle's Veil

31-35 - The inner veil (NIV,"curtain," v. 31), which was to separate the Most Holy Place from the Holy Place (v. 33) was to be made of the same material and design as the inner curtain and supported on four gold covered acacia wood pillars (v. 32). The "veil" is called the "veil of covering" or "shielding curtain" in 39: 34; 40: 21; and Numbers 4:5, or the "curtain" comes from the unattested verb meaning "to break" or to "separate." At the death of Christ, this inner curtain of the temple was torn in two, thereby giving the believer permanent access to the presence of God (Matt 27:51; Mark 15: 38; Luke 23:45; Heb. 6:19; 9: 3; 10: 19-22).