Exodus – Chapter 26

Old Testament37 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 26 of Exodus begins: "And thou shalt make the tabernacle in this manner: Thou shalt make ten curtains of fine twisted linen, and violet and purple, and scarlet…" Across its 37 verses, two threads run through the text: God feeding His people and holiness. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And thou shalt make the tabernacle in this manner: Thou shalt make ten curtains of fine twisted linen, and violet and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, diversified with embroidery.

2The length of one curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits; the breadth shall be four cubits. All the curtains shall be of one measure.

3Five curtains shall be joined one to another, and the other five shall be coupled together in like manner.

4Thou shalt make loops of violet in the sides and tops of the curtains, that they may be joined one to another.

5Every curtain shall have fifty loops on both sides, so set on, that one loop may be against another loop, and one may be fitted to the other.

6Thou shalt make also fifty rings of gold, wherewith the veils of the curtains are to be joined, that it may be made one tabernacle.

7Thou shalt make also eleven curtains of goats' hair, to cover the top of the tabernacle.

8The length of one hair-curtain shall be thirty cubits; and the breadth, four: the measure of all the curtains shall be equal.

9Five of which thou shalt couple by themselves, and the six others thou shalt couple one to another, so as to double the sixth curtain in the front of the roof.

10Thou shalt make also fifty loops in the edge of one curtain, that it may be joined with the other: and fifty loops in the edge of the other curtain, that it may be coupled with its fellow.

11Thou shalt make also fifty buckles of brass, wherewith the loops may be joined, that of all there may be made one covering.

12And that which shall remain of the curtains, that are prepared for the roof, to wit, one curtain that is over and above, with the half thereof thou shalt cover the back parts of the tabernacle.

13And there shall hang down a cubit on the one side, and another on the other side, which is over and above in the length of the curtains, fencing both sides of the tabernacle.

14Thou shalt make also another cover to the roof of rams' skins dyed red: and over that again another cover of violet coloured skins.

15Thou shalt make also the boards of the tabernacle standing upright of setim wood.

16Let every one of them be ten cubits in length, and in breadth one cubit and a half.

17In the sides of the boards shall be made two mortises, whereby one board may be joined to another board: and after this manner shall all the boards be prepared.

18Of which twenty shall be in the south side southward.

19For which thou shalt cast forty sockets of silver, that under every board may be put two sockets at the two corners.

20In the second side also of the tabernacle that looketh to the north, there shall be twenty boards,

21Having forty sockets of silver, two sockets shall be put under each board.

22But on the west side of the tabernacle thou shalt make six boards.

23And again other two which shall be erected in the corners at the back of the tabernacle.

24And they shall be joined together from beneath unto the top, and one joint shall hold them all. The like joining shall be observed for the two boards also that are to be put in the corners.

25And they shall be in all eight boards, and their silver sockets sixteen, reckoning two sockets for each board.

26Thou shalt make also five bars of setim wood, to hold together the boards on one side of the tabernacle.

27And five others on the other side, and as many at the west side:

28And they shall be put along by the midst of the boards, from one end to the other.

29The boards also themselves thou shalt overlay with gold, and shalt cast rings of gold to be set upon them, for places for the bars to hold together the boardwork: which bars thou shalt cover with plates of gold.

30And thou shalt rear up the tabernacle according to the pattern that was shewn thee in the mount.

31Thou shalt make also a veil of violet, and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen, wrought with embroidered work and goodly variety:

32And thou shalt hang it up before four pillars of setim wood, which themselves also shall be overlaid with gold, and shall have heads of gold, but sockets of silver.

33And the veil shall be hanged on with rings, and within it thou shalt put the ark of the testimony, and the sanctuary and the holy of the holies shall be divided with it.

34And thou shalt set the propitiatory upon the ark of the testimony, in the holy of holies.

35And the table without the veil, and over against the table the candlestick in the south side of the tabernacle: for the table shall stand in the north side.

36Thou shalt make also a hanging in the entrance of the tabernacle of violet, and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, and fine twisted linen with embroidered work.

37And thou shalt overlay with gold five pillars of setim wood, before which the hanging shall be drawn: their heads shall be of gold, and the sockets of brass.

Important Verses in Exodus 26

And thou shalt make the tabernacle in this manner: Thou shalt make ten curtains of fine twisted linen, and violet and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, diversified with embroidery.

Exodus 26:1

Thou shalt make loops of violet in the sides and tops of the curtains, that they may be joined one to another.

Exodus 26:4

And the veil shall be hanged on with rings, and within it thou shalt put the ark of the testimony, and the sanctuary and the holy of the holies shall be divided with it.

Exodus 26:33

And thou shalt overlay with gold five pillars of setim wood, before which the hanging shall be drawn: their heads shall be of gold, and the sockets of brass.

Exodus 26:37

Historical Context

Exodus addresses israel in every generation, commanded to remember the Passover as a perpetual memorial within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 26 of 40 stands in the central portion of the book, where decisive events or teachings take shape. It is a legal and cultic instruction given to Israel regarding worship, holiness, and daily life with 37 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "And thou shalt make the tabernacle in this manner: Thou shalt make ten curtains of fine twisted linen, and violet and…" It concludes: "And thou shalt overlay with gold five pillars of setim wood, before which the hanging shall be drawn: their heads shall…" Read against its original backdrop, Exodus recounts the defining event of the Old Testament: God's liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt under Pharaoh, most likely Ramesses II. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Describes events of the 13th century BC; reached final written form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Traditionally attributed to Moses, with later inspired editing

When It Was Written

Describes events of the 13th century BC; reached final written form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

The text sets forth laws and observances that distinguished Israel as a people consecrated to the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And thou shalt make the tabernacle in this manner: Thou shalt make ten curtains of fine twisted linen, and violet and purple, and scarlet twice dyed,…" The passage repeatedly touches on God feeding His people.

Catholic exegesis reads Exodus 26 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Church sees the Exodus as prefiguring Baptism and the Eucharist (CIC 1221, 1363). St. Irenaeus and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 113).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • From the manna to the Last Supper, God feeds His people — fully in the Eucharist.
  • 'Be holy, for I am holy': God calls His people to be set apart for Him in every area of life.

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Exodus Chapter 26 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that liberation, law, and worship is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing justice, charity, and the common good.

Let Exodus Chapter 26 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Exodus Chapter 26 about?

Exodus 26 contains 37 verses. It opens with "And thou shalt make the tabernacle in this manner: Thou shalt make ten curtains of fine twisted linen, and violet and…" and closes with "And thou shalt overlay with gold five pillars of setim wood, before which the hanging shall be drawn: their heads shall…". The book as a whole is narrative, law, and liturgical instruction.

What is a key verse in Exodus 26?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And thou shalt make the tabernacle in this manner: Thou shalt make ten curtains of fine twisted linen, and violet and purple, and scarlet twice dyed, diversified with embroidery." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Exodus and when?

Traditionally attributed to Moses, with later inspired editing. Describes events of the 13th century BC; reached final written form between the 10th and 5th centuries BC.

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