Exodus 26:7Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What is the significance of this, Palladius? If there are ten coverings made of linen, why are the damp leather coverings not considered equal to them, with the addition of an eleventh? For He commands, ‘connect’ five coverings specifically, and six coverings additionally. Palladius responds that he cannot provide an answer. Cyril explains that the arrangement will clarify the matter at hand. Palladius inquires how this is so. Cyril continues, stating that there should be five veils joined together, along with five others of the same nature, yet positioned in contrast to them. Consequently, they stood on opposite sides, facing one another, reminiscent of a division from north to south or east to west.

The 'scarlet skin' (Ex. 26: 14) and the 'fringes of wool' that embellish the tabernacle carry a deeper significance, representing the mortification of sinful nature, symbolized by the scarlet skin, and the disciplined lifestyle of temperance that uniquely adorns the Church’s tabernacle. The skins, devoid of vital force inherent in nature, are transformed into vibrant colors through the scarlet dye. This illustrates that the grace that flourishes through the Spirit is present only in those who have renounced sin. If the term scarlet signifies pure modesty, I wholeheartedly accept this interpretation.

The eleven veils represent a secondary reflection on the entities within the material world. These three reflections encompass both the entities that are palpable and those that are incorporeal.

And upon the pillars, coverings made of various wet and distinct materials were placed to shield against the rain and the heat.

The goat from the wilderness, which predominantly produces black fleece, now raises questions about the type of wool used to craft the curtains that formed the main structure of the Tabernacle. As previously mentioned, these curtains were likely secured on stakes using ropes. Some scholars, including Dom Calmet, suggest that the Tabernacle tents were constructed from fabric, similarly stretched over stakes by means of ropes. However, this perspective does not align with the nomadic lifestyle, which had long recognized the tent as the preferred shelter in the wilderness, nor does it reflect the elegance highlighted in the Tabernacle's design.