The curtains and coverings are described in Exodus 26. Each color, each number, each part, has its significance; but for the general reader, it may be well not to enter too far into details.
Curtains of Fine Twined Linen
Four sets of curtains are mentioned. In our picture we shall see each covering is rolled back in a way to show those that are beneath. The first, or under covering, consisted of ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet. These were coupled together in such a way as to form one curtain, and were called the tabernacle, probably because they were the innermost covering of the tabernacle, and it would be roofless until this covering was put over it. We may gather precious thoughts from the various materials used. The fine linen, “clean and white,” mentioned in different parts of Scripture, conveys the thought of spotless purity, and is so used as a symbol. “Blue” speaks of what is heavenly; the symbols used of God are always according to nature; for instance, the earth is carpeted with green, and its many beautiful foliages and deckings are in green; but green is never found among the symbolic colors of Scripture. But if we look into the azure of the vaulted heavens, we find a color that is used to set forth that which is heavenly. “Purple” is the royal color. When Jesus was made a mock king, they put upon Him a purple robe (John 19:2). “Scarlet” speaks of earthly glory (Rev. 17:3-4). Also it makes mention of the scarlet robe, when in mockery they bowed the knee before Him. In Jesus we find these glories combined. “In Him is no sin”; He was the only pure and spotless One. He only could say, “I am from above” (heavenly blue); He is coming “King of kings” (purple); He was born “King of the Jews” (scarlet). Thus we have Christ again brought before us. He will come in heavenly power and glory; He will reign over the earth, and earthly glory will be His also.
Cherubim
These curtains were to be made with cherubim of cunning work. The cherubim, as we have seen, speak of judgment. Here again, that which belongs to Christ is brought before us, for “The Father... hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). When “all nations” shall be gathered together before “the throne of His glory,” it is Christ who from that throne shall say, “Come, ye blessed of My Father,” and “Depart from Me, ye cursed” (Matt. 25). And when “the great white throne” is set, and the wicked dead are assembled there, Christ will be the Judge. Condemnation awaits all who will stand before that throne, for the sentence is “according to their works,” and according to this judgment none can stand, for “all have sinned.” Those who have taken shelter under the blood of the Lamb, will there be seated with Him on His throne. Judgment from God has fallen upon Him who took their place and suffered for their sins, and now they are exempt from the unending sorrow that must come upon those who “will not have this man to reign over” them. (Rev. 20; Luke 19:14.)
Curtains of Goat’s Hair
The next covering, which was placed over these curtains, was the “curtains of goats’ hair.” This covering also points to Christ. It takes all the types and shadows, yes, the whole Scripture, to tell the wonders of that blessed Person; and from God’s Word the believer may ever be learning more of Him. But while the Spirit unfolds these “wondrous things” to those who “seek His face,” when we shall see Him, with rapturous hearts we shall exclaim, “The half hath not been told.” His greatness and worth far exceed that of any other human being; He is the incomparable One. As we trace His glories and perfections in these remarkable types, as we follow Him in His lowly path on earth, as by faith we gaze upon His face in which the glory of God is now shining, our hearts echo the refrain, “Thou art fairer than the children of men.”
In the goats’ hair covering, our thoughts are turned to the prophets whose rough garments of hair marked them as such, in their path of separation (Zech. 13:4; Matt. 3:4). The One who is Prophet, Priest and King may here be seen in His path of complete separation from evil.
Rams’ Skins Dyed Red
The next covering was “rams’ skins dyed red.” When we remember that the ram was the animal used in connection with the consecration of the priests, and that this consecration was marked by devotedness, we can readily see how this covering would point to the devotedness of Christ to God; and as it was dyed red, it would speak of His devotedness even unto death. No numbers are given with this covering, as with the others, for the devotedness of Christ, in His consecration to God, was without measure. How the perfection of God’s Word shines out, as one is able to enter into these details.
Badgers’ Skins
The uppermost covering was made of badgers’ skins. Its character was such as to resist the elements. It could be seen by those outside, and it presented nothing of beauty to the beholder. Those inside could look up and see the innermost covering in the perfect light that was thrown upon it; and in the dazzling splendor of the reflected gold, its beauties and its glories would fill their vision. How was it as to Christ? Listen to the prophet Isaiah: “When we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him.” The natural heart sees no beauty in Christ, and has no desire for Him. (Here we get those without.) But the heart taught of the Spirit of God (those within) sees ever new and fresh beauties in that glorious One. Even as the light revealed the perfections of those wonderful curtains, so the Spirit of God reveals Christ in His spotless perfection and glory to the soul. “He shall glorify Me.” Rain and storm would sometimes beat upon the badgers’ skin covering, but would be perfectly resisted by it. So Satan in his dreadful assaults against our blessed Lord was always resisted. There was nothing in Him that responded to the evil one. “The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me” (John 14:30).
Curtain Lessons
Not only do these coverings give us a deeper understanding of the fullness of Christ, but they convey also lessons of great importance for the Christian who is left in this world to represent Christ, and whose responsibility it is to follow His steps. If the curtains of fine twined linen bring before us the spotless purity of Christ, the believer should learn that he too must seek to be pure. “Every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure” (1 John 3:3).
If the goats’ hair curtains speak of separation from evil in the Servant in whom God finds His delight, the one who would serve Him should see to it that he separates from evil of every kind. “If any man serve Me, let him follow Me” (John 12:26). “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity” (2 Tim. 2:19).
If the rams’ skin curtains speak of the devotedness of Christ in His consecration to God, the life of the Christian should also be characterized by devotedness to Him. Let him heed the exhortation, “That ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Rom. 12:1).
If we learn from the badgers’ skin covering that Christ resisted “the prince of this world,” His followers should be marked as also resisting him; instead of yielding in greater or lesser measure to his alluring power, as too many, alas! do, they should resist him wholly. “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one” (1 John 2:14).