8 Then all the expert workmen among them made the House with its ten curtains; of the best linen, blue and purple and red, they made them, with winged ones worked by expert designers. 9 Every curtain was twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide, all of the same measure. 10 And five curtains were joined together, and the other five curtains were joined together. 11 And they put twists of blue cord on the edge of the outside curtain of the first group, and in the same way on the outside curtain of the second group. 12 Fifty twists on the one curtain and fifty on the edge of the curtain of the other group; the twists being opposite to one another. 13 And they made fifty hooks of gold, joining the curtains one to another with the hooks; and so the House was made.
14 And they made curtains of goats' hair for the tent; eleven curtains were made. 15 Every curtain was thirty cubits long and four cubits wide, all of the same measure. 16 Five curtains were joined together to make one group, and six curtains were joined together to make the other group. 17 And they put fifty twists of cord on the edge of the outside curtain of the first group, and fifty twists on the edge of the outside curtain of the second group,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 36:8-17
Chapter Contents
The making of the tabernacle The liberality of the people restrained.
The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all who are in public trusts abhor filthy lucre, and avoid all occasions and temptations to covetousness. Where have we the representation of God's love towards us, that we by love dwell in him and he in us, save in Emmanuel? John 1:14, wherein, as the original expresses it, he did tabernacle among us.