Bible Commentaries
Exodus 26

Verses 1-37

Exodus 26:1. The tabernacle, המשׁכן hammishacan, is not the only word which designates the habitation of the Lord. In Exodus 15:2, we find habitation, from the root נוה Nevah, he dwelt, which word is still preserved in the nave of our churches, because the Lord has promised to dwell there. This sacred pavilion was the presence chamber of the God of Israel, where he heard prayer, delivered oracles, and passed sentence on man, on armies, on nations. And what nation was there that had God so nigh unto them! Deuteronomy 4:7. Cherubim of cunning work, either woven or wrought with a needle.

Exodus 26:27. Two sides westward should undoubtedly be rendered, for the side westward.

Exodus 26:29. And spoons thereof. כפח capach, vases to hold incense. Numbers 7:14.

Exodus 26:31. The veil of blue. St. Paul marks here, that the way into the holiest was not yet made plain. The superior light of the gospel allows us to see a door open in heaven, and even heaven itself opened, that we may follow our great High Priest into the true tabernacle which is above. John 1:51. Hebrews 9:8.

REFLECTIONS.

In the observations on the preseding chapter, a reason was assigned why God gave such express command concerning the form of the tabernacle in all its parts; and why he ordered it to be built with the several ornaments, and with that magnificence observable in it. We are to notice in this chapter, that as the tabernacle was to be often removed from place to place, especially while the Israelites sojourned in the wilderness, it was made in such a manner as to be easily taken to pieces and put together again. That the service which was performed in the tabernacle, and continued in the temple of Jerusalem, was to last no longer than till the coming of Jesus Christ. This appeared by the rending of the veil, which was at the entrance of the most holy place, at the time of our Lord’s crucifixion; which as St. Paul speaks, signified, that the way into the most holy place was not made manifest while the first tabernacle was yet standing: that the legal worship was drawing to an end, and that the entrance into the heavenly sanctuary would be from thenceforth open unto men through Jesus Christ.