These beautiful curtains for the tabernacle could only be seen from the inside, for there were three other coverings over the top of them. How this reminds us that the unsaved cannot see any beauty in the Lord Jesus. By contrast those who are saved, like the priests who entered the tabernacle, can look up and gaze on the loveliness of Jesus. We delight to do so! It is this occupation with Himself that causes us to raise our songs of praise to Him.
The Boards of the Tabernacle
This wonderful covering of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen hung down over the boards and down the back of the tabernacle. We might wonder why we are not told about the boards first, just as we would speak of the sides of a building before we plan the roof, but there is a perfect reason for this. This covering all by itself is called “the tabernacle,” and speaks of Christ, whereas the boards are typical of believers; therefore He must come first, and we after. How the wisdom of God shines out in every line of God’s holy Word, and only blind unbelief cannot see it. “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psa. 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130)).
Goat’s Hair Curtains
Over the top of these lovely curtains was a covering of goat’s hair. We remember how, on the great Day of Atonement, there were the two goats, one of which had to be slain and its blood brought into the holy place, while over the other the sins of the people were confessed. This covering of goats’ hair would tell us of Christ in the twofold aspect of His work on the cross — propitiation (the slain goat) and substitution (the other goat). As the propitiation He satisfied all God’s holy claims against sin and became the Mercy Seat where God can meet the sinner. As the substitute He took the place of believers who had deserved to be judged for their sins. God dealt with Him instead of us, laying our sins upon His blessed holy head in those three dark hours on Calvary.
We have also noticed that there were eleven curtains of goats’ hair, which contrasts with the ten inside the curtains; and each goats’ hair curtain was two cubits longer as well. The increased numbers and dimensions remind us that the Lord Jesus’ work on the cross not only answered the claims of the broken commandments, but also brought us into a far more wonderful place of blessing than we could ever have enjoyed even if we could have kept the law. What marvelous grace!
The curtains were held together with brass clasps. The curtains underneath had been held by gold clasps. Brass, in the Scripture, speaks to us of the judgment of God against sin as at the brazen altar, and so is used with these curtains, reminding us of Jesus suffering at the hand of God for our sins.
Hidden for Faith’s Sight Only
These wonderful goats’ hair curtains could not be seen from inside the tabernacle, because the curtains of fine-twined linen were under them, nor could they be seen from the outside, for there were two other coverings over them. Surely we learn in this that salvation is “by faith, not by sight,” (2 Cor. 5:77(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2 Corinthians 5:7)). How many are beset with doubts and fears simply because they will not take God at His Word. God says that He is satisfied with the work that His Son has accomplished, and faith believes it and rejoices. We cannot see or feel it, any more than the Israelite could see or feel the covering of goats’ hair, but “we know,” because God has spoken.
Further Meditation
1. What does brass represent in Scripture?
2. In what ways are the boards a good representation of a Christian?
3. Propitiation and substitution seem like technical words but they contain very necessary truth about Christ and bring rest to the soul. Present Truth for Christians by H. E. Hayhoe gives excellent instruction on these topics and many others in a very simple format.