Exodus 26:8 describes the dimensions of the curtains used to form the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them in the wilderness. Let's break down what the verse means:
"The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits...": This means each individual curtain was 30 cubits long. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly the length of a forearm (from elbow to the tip of the middle finger). The exact length of a cubit is debated, but is generally taken to be around 18 inches (45 cm). So each curtain was approximately 45 feet (13.5 meters) long.
"...and the width of each curtain four cubits...": Each curtain was 4 cubits wide, or approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters).
"...the eleven curtains shall have one measure.": This means that all eleven curtains were to be made to the same dimensions of 30 cubits long and 4 cubits wide. This was important for ensuring uniformity and proper assembly of the Tabernacle. The curtains needed to match so they could be joined together correctly to form the walls of the tent-like structure.
In summary:
This verse specifies that eleven curtains were to be made, and each one must have precisely the same size: 30 cubits long and 4 cubits wide. This emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions with exactness and uniformity in constructing the Tabernacle. These were not just random pieces of fabric; they were precisely crafted elements essential to the structure and its symbolism.
Exodus 26:8 describes the dimensions of the curtains used to form the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them in the wilderness. Let's break down what the verse means:
"The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits...": This means each individual curtain was 30 cubits long. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, roughly the length of a forearm (from elbow to the tip of the middle finger). The exact length of a cubit is debated, but is generally taken to be around 18 inches (45 cm). So each curtain was approximately 45 feet (13.5 meters) long.
"...and the width of each curtain four cubits...": Each curtain was 4 cubits wide, or approximately 6 feet (1.8 meters).
"...the eleven curtains shall have one measure.": This means that all eleven curtains were to be made to the same dimensions of 30 cubits long and 4 cubits wide. This was important for ensuring uniformity and proper assembly of the Tabernacle. The curtains needed to match so they could be joined together correctly to form the walls of the tent-like structure.
In summary:
This verse specifies that eleven curtains were to be made, and each one must have precisely the same size: 30 cubits long and 4 cubits wide. This emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions with exactness and uniformity in constructing the Tabernacle. These were not just random pieces of fabric; they were precisely crafted elements essential to the structure and its symbolism.