Exodus 36:14 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:14 mean?

Exodus 36:14 describes how skilled workers made eleven curtains out of goats' hair to cover the tent that was over the tabernacle. This verse gives a specific detail about the construction of the tabernacle, focusing on the outer covering made from goats' hair and the number of curtains used.

In this part of Exodus, Moses is overseeing the building of the tabernacle, following the instructions God gave him on Mount Sinai. The people of Israel are in the wilderness, and these curtains are part of the portable sanctuary where they will worship. The verse highlights the careful attention to materials and numbers, showing the importance of following God's directions exactly.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:14

• "Curtains" (יְרִיעָה, yeriah): This word refers to large fabric panels, not just small drapes. Here, it means the sizable sections that made up the tent covering.
• "Goats'" (עֵז, ez): The use of goats' hair is significant because it was a common, durable material in the ancient Near East, especially for tents. It provided both strength and weather resistance.
• "Tent" (אֹהֶל, ohel) and "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): "Ohel" refers to the outer tent structure, while "mishkan" is the inner sanctuary. This verse distinguishes between the two, showing that the goats' hair curtains were for the outer tent, not the inner holy place.
• "Eleven" (אַחַת עֶשְׂרֵה, achat esreh): The specific number of curtains—eleven—shows careful adherence to the instructions given earlier in Exodus, underlining the importance of precision.

Why Exodus 36:14 matters

• This verse clarifies that the tabernacle had more than just one layer; the goats' hair curtains formed a protective outer covering, which was separate from the inner linen curtains described earlier.
• The distinction between "tent" and "tabernacle" helps readers understand the structure's layout: the tabernacle had an inner sanctuary and an outer tent, each with its own coverings.
• By mentioning the exact number of curtains, the verse emphasizes the importance of following God's instructions in detail, which is a recurring theme in the tabernacle's construction.