Why were curtains of goats hair used to cover the tabernacle?

The goats’ hair curtains were a practical outer layer for the tabernacle. They were coarser than the fine inner linen curtains and were meant to act like a tent cover, guarding the inner beauty from rain, sun, and dust. Goat hair was a common tent material in that region, so this fit everyday life for the people. At the same time, the rough outer look reminds us that God’s dwelling among his people did not appear outwardly fancy, even though it was full of glory and beauty on the inside.

What is the point of having eleven goat hair curtains instead of ten?

The passage tells us there were eleven goat hair curtains, one more than the inner linen set. Five were joined together in one piece and six in another. The extra curtain allowed for more coverage at the entrance and over the back of the tabernacle. One half curtain hung over the rear, and the extra length on both sides helped cover the sides more fully. This shows careful planning so that the whole structure was well protected and nothing inside was left exposed to the weather.

What do the loops and brass taches teach about the tabernacle tent?

The loops and brass taches, or clasps, were used to join the goat hair curtains into one large covering. Fifty loops on each joining edge matched fifty brass hooks, so the separate pieces could be fastened together and form one tent. The metal was simpler than the gold used inside, which fits the rougher outer layer. This detail shows that God cared about order and unity in his dwelling place. Even the less costly parts were joined carefully so the whole tent would hold together as one.

Why was the backside and sides of the tabernacle covered with extra curtain length?

The goat hair curtains were made longer than the inner linen ones. That extra length hung over the west end, called the backside, and draped down on the north and south sides. A cubit on each side went beyond the inner curtains. This extra hanging cloth helped shield the tabernacle from wind and rain and gave more privacy to what happened inside, especially around the most holy place. It paints a picture of God not only showing his glory within, but also carefully guarding it from harm and from casual view.

What is the meaning of the rams skins dyed red and the badgers skins on top?

On top of the goat hair curtains, God told Moses to add a covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and above that another layer made from strong leather often called badgers’ skins. These formed the upper two layers, likely very tough and weather resistant, like heavy leather used for good shoes. The red rams’ skins added another protective layer, and the top leather shielded everything from harsh sun and rain. Together, they show how fully God covered his dwelling and, by picture, how fully he covers and shelters his people.

What does this passage show about God’s character and care for his people?

These detailed instructions show that God is not careless about how he lives among his people. He arranged for beauty inside and sturdy protection outside. The inner curtains were rich and finely worked, but they were kept safe under plain, rough coverings that took the weather. This shows that God both reveals his glory and hides it, and that where he puts his beauty he also places a strong defense. It hints that his people may look poor and plain in the world, yet are kept, covered, and precious to him inside.

Why does the outside of the tabernacle look so plain compared to the inside?

From the outside, someone would mostly see goat hair and dark leather, not gold, blue, purple, or fine embroidery. The beauty was mainly inside, where God met with his people. This contrast pictures how what God values most is often hidden from casual view. Those who belong to God may look weak or unimpressive from the outside, yet they are made rich and lovely within. The tabernacle’s plain outside and glorious inside gently point to that pattern in God’s ways with his people.

How can these tabernacle coverings help a believer think about the church today?

This passage first of all describes real coverings for a real tent, but it also gives a picture that still speaks. The goat hair and leather show a rough, simple outside, while the inner space was where God’s beauty and glory were seen. In a similar way, the church often looks small, weak, or even despised in the world’s eyes, yet God cares for it and covers it. Remembering how carefully God wrapped his dwelling can help believers trust that he also guards and shelters his people now.

Exod.26.7

Exodus 26:7

King James Version (KJV)

¶ And thou shalt make curtains of goats’ hair to be a covering upon the tabernacle: eleven curtains shalt thou make.

Chapter:

Context:

The Eleven Curtains of Goat Hair

Cross References

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