What does Exodus 26:32 mean?
ESV: And you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, on four bases of silver.
NIV: Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases.
NASB: Then you shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold, their hooks also of gold, on four bases of silver.
CSB: Hang it on four gold-plated pillars of acacia wood that have gold hooks and that stand on four silver bases.
NLT: Hang this curtain on gold hooks attached to four posts of acacia wood. Overlay the posts with gold, and set them in four silver bases.
KJV: And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold: their hooks shall be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver.
NKJV: You shall hang it upon the four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold. Their hooks shall be gold, upon four sockets of silver.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Exodus 26:31–35 describes the veil separating the tabernacle into two rooms. The embroidered walls and ceiling (Exodus 26:2–3) were joined such that their seam reached 20 cubits into the tabernacle's 30-cubit length. This is where the veil was hung, creating a secluded space of 10 cubits on all sides. The veil is ornately embroidered and hangs from a series of gilded wooden pillars. The ark is the only object kept inside this "Most Holy Place." Outside the veil are a table (Exodus 25:23–24), lampstand (Exodus 25:31), and incense altar (Exodus 30:1). Centuries later, when Jesus is crucified, the equivalent inner veil in the temple of Jerusalem tears from the top down (Matthew 27:51).
Chapter Summary:
God gives Israel instructions for the main structure of His sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9). This is a "tabernacle:" a large tent. The inner walls are made of linen curtains embroidered with cherubim. The outer walls are a separate arrangement of goat hair curtains. These are draped over wooden frames. The entire assembly is covered with two more layers of animal skin. The tabernacle has an outer screen and a veil which divides the interior into two spaces. The first room is the Holy Place. The second, called the Most Holy Place, is the resting place of the ark (Exodus 25:10–11).
Chapter Context:
After the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) and a few other rules, the rest of Exodus is mostly descriptions of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9) and its components. Chapter 25 introduced the ark, the table, and the menorah. This chapter details the large tent at the center of a large courtyard (Exodus 27:9). The next chapters describe various altars and sacred garments (Exodus 27—30).
Book Summary:
The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.
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