Moreover, thou shalt make the tabernacle— The word which we render tabernacle, signifies a place to dwell in: and as this was to be an habitation of the Deity, it is therefore called the tabernacle, where Jehovah dwelt, [שׁכן shachen] and manifested his presence; thence called Shechinah: see the last note on Genesis 3:24. The more sacred and important part of the furniture of this tabernacle having been appointed, the Lord now proceeds to describe to Moses the form of the tabernacle itself; with the inner curtains or coverings whereof he begins first, which were to be ten in number, and each in length twenty-eight cubits, and in breadth four cubits, i.e. according to Bishop Cumberland's measure of the cubit, about sixteen yards and twelve inches long, and two yards and twelve inches broad. The matter whereof they were to be made, was fine twined, that is, spun or woven linen; embroidered, as I conceive, with the blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, which were appointed, ch. Exodus 25:4 as part of the people's offering; and in which embroidery, cherubical forms were inwoven; for the Hebrew, literally, is, and thou shalt make the tabernacle, ten curtains, twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: cherubims, the work of an embroiderer, or embroidery, thou shalt make them. We may just again remind our readers, with respect to the cherubims, that, as no description of their form is given, that form must, doubtless, have been familiar to Moses. These curtains of this tapestry-work were to be coupled together, five and five of a side, by fifty loops of blue tape, Exodus 26:5 and as many golden clasps, Exodus 26:6 so that each might look like one curtain, and the whole make one entire covering. The learned reader will find some accurate observations in Houbigant's notes on this chapter.
REFLECTIONS.—The furniture being described, the covering is ordered. There must be a tabernacle or tent made, with curtains richly embroidered, and united by loops and clasps of gold. Note; (1.) We dwell at present in tabernacles of clay, whose foundation is in the dust; but if God be with us, his presence shall comfort us, till he bring us to the promised inheritance. (2.) All true Christians, whatever their denomination may be, are united in love to Jesus Christ and one another, like these curtains of the tabernacle, and make one truly glorious catholic and apostolic church.