Bible Commentaries
Exodus 26

Verse 1

CONTENTS

This Chapter is but the continuation of the former. Moses receiveth further directions, concerning the furniture of the tabernacle. Particular mention is made of the vail, or hanging, which separated the outer part of the sanctuary from the most Holy Place.

Exodus 26:1

I would have the Reader keep in view in this, and in every other place of scripture where mention is made of the Jewish tabernacle, the gospel signification of it. See Hebrews 9:1-12 . There are several other particularities worthy notice in the tabernacle. It was moveable, intimating perhaps thereby, that the Church of God in this world is in an unsettled state, as best suited to a wilderness dispensation. Hebrews 13:14 ; Micah 2:10 . The tabernacle was but a mean and humble building; and yet in it the Ark of God was placed. Intimating, perhaps, the mean and humble estate of our nature, when the Lord Jesus, whom the Ark represented, tabernacled among us. It is further remarkable, that the Ark had no better accommodation until the building of Solomon's temple, which was at least 480 years after this period. 1 Kings 6:1 .

Verse 2

No doubt every part and portion of the tabernacle furniture, had a spiritual signification, as we may gather from the caution the Lord gave to Moses concerning it: but the dullness of our capacities prevents the discovery of what they are, in every particular. See Exodus 25:40 , compared with Hebrews 9:1-5; Hebrews 9:1-5 .

Verse 3

Song of Solomon 1:5 .

Verses 4-6

The costliness of those coverings were, perhaps, intended to represent the preciousness of the Church in the eyes of the Lord Jesus. Son_1:9-11; Son_1:15-16 . Was not the coupling together of the curtains, by means of the taches, or buttons, meant to show the rarity of believers in the one body of Christ? Ephesians 4:15-16 .

Verses 7-8

Was not the roughness of the covering intended to show, that the Church, like her beloved, hath no outward attractions, though all lovely within? Psalms 45:13 . And was not this covering designed also to intimate, that upon all the assemblies of God's people there is a defense? Isaiah 4:5-6 .

Verses 9-14

Is not the wonderful exactness here shown to those minute circumstances, intended to manifest how, even to the smallest matters, the Lord regards his Church and people: Matthew 6:25-30 .

Verses 15-17

It is remarkable that, nothing is said of the flooring of the tabernacle. Perhaps to intimate the spiritual worship intended, Ecclesiastes 5:1 .

Verses 18-30

The costly furniture reminds us of what is said of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:18 . But is not the whole intended to lead to Jesus? Revelation 21:22 .

Verses 31-33

There is a great deal of spiritual signification in this vail, as we learn from the gospel, and the apostle to the Hebrews more particularly explains it. Matthew 27:51 ; Hebrews 9:3-8 . The Jews saw no further than to the outward letter of the ordinance, as we find, 2 Corinthians 3:14-15 . Reader! think well of your privileges. 2 Corinthians 3:18 ; Hebrews 10:19-21 .

Verse 34

Numbers 7:89 .

Verse 35

Hath not the candlestick a reference to the steady light of the gospel! Revelation 2:5 .

Verse 36

Doth not this remind us of the ever-blessed Jesus, who is both the ark, and the mercy-seat, and the door and the temple! Hebrews 8:2 ; Psalms 80:1 ; John 2:19-21; John 2:19-21 .

Verse 37

Some have supposed that the manhood of Christ is hereby represented, Hebrews 10:19 , others have taken it for the ceremonial law: Ephesians 2:14 . And others have thought it means the visible heaven. Acts 3:21 .

REFLECTIONS

May it be my happiness never to read or hear of this Jewish tabernacle, without always being enabled by the Holy Ghost, to connect with it and to keep in view that precious consideration, that we have such an high priest, (as the apostle speaks), who is a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched and not man. Blessed Jesus! May I behold in thee everything realized. Thou art indeed the tabernacle, the mercy-seat, the ark, the covering, the door, the curtains, the all in all. How richly furnished, how full and satisfying, how completely suited to all my wants in this wilderness state! Lord help me by the sweet and constraining influences of thy blessed Spirit, to be continually coming to thee for the supply of all my need. And now the vail is broken down, and true believers have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, oh! may it be my portion to draw nigh with a true heart in full assurance of faith. May I live upon thee, and to thee, and by thee: and may thy blood and righteousness from which I derive pardon, and mercy, and peace, and wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption, be so completely mine in this live, that it may form my everlasting source of consolation and rejoicing to all eternity in another.