Exodus 26:3

The fiue curtaines shalbe coupled together one to another: and other fiue curtaines shalbe coupled one to another. Exodus 26:3 (KJV)

And five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and other five curtains shall be coupled one to another. This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Exodus that describes the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites were commanded to build during their journey in the wilderness. In this specific verse, God is giving detailed instructions on how to construct the main tent structure of the tabernacle. The tabernacle was divided into two main sections: the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (also known as the Holy of Holies). The veil separated these two sections. The instructions state that there were to be ten curtains used to form the main tent, with five curtains coupled together and the other five coupled together. These two sets would then be joined to form the complete structure. The curtains were to be joined together in pairs so that the entire covering would become a single, continuous surface. It’s important to note that the materials and construction of the tabernacle were highly symbolic and held deep spiritual significance. The tabernacle represented the dwelling place of God among His people, and each element within it had symbolic meaning. The construction of the veil and the division of the tabernacle into two sections reflected the holiness and separation between God and humanity. The Most Holy Place, which was veiled off by this curtain, was a sacred space where the Ark of the Covenant, representing the presence of God, was kept. Only the high priest was permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, and even then only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), when he offered sacrifices for the sins of the people. The construction of the main tent with ten curtains coupled together also symbolises the unity and completeness of God’s design. The number ten is often associated with completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. By connecting the curtains together, the tent became a unified whole, illustrating the harmony and coherence of God’s plan for His people. Traditional Jewish interpretation sometimes associates the number ten—with the ten curtains used for the outer covering—with ideas of completeness or divine order, though the biblical text itself does not explicitly attach such meaning to the number. Overall, Exodus 26:3 highlights the specific instructions given by God for constructing the main tent structure that formed the outer covering of the tabernacle. The verse reminds us of the reverence and holiness associated with God’s presence and His desire for His people to approach Him with awe and respect.