THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
What does this signify, Palladius? If He has ten coverings made of linen, why aren’t the damp coverings made of leather considered equal, with one additional covering, the eleventh? For He commands, “connect” five of the coverings together specifically, and six more as extras. Palladius. I cannot articulate that. Cyril. However, the arrangement itself will clarify the inquiry. P. In what manner? K. He indicates that there should be five veils joined together, and five others of the same kind set in opposition. Thus, while they were raised on both sides, facing each other as if positioned from north to south, or east to west, the neglected space of the central covering divided the ten, which were split in two.
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The eleventh covering of leather was extended on that side, secured with hooks and loops to keep both sides in place. As I have previously mentioned, the ten coverings measured twenty-eight cubits in length, while the central covering, situated among them, was only five cubits wide (with each of the other coverings being four cubits in width) and measured twenty cubits in length. Hence, He instructs, “Thou shalt make the sixth covering double on the front side of the tabernacle,” so that if it is stretched too far, it would not spoil the beauty of the tabernacle. Therefore, on this side, positioned among the others, and essentially acting as the eleventh, the sacred and Divine vessels were arranged, showcasing various aspects of Immanuel. This number may also symbolize that in the last days of the age, as it were at a moment of singularity, Christ and the tabernacle which houses Him, namely the Church, became manifest. P. This perspective appears reasonable, and it seems fitting to acknowledge this interpretation.