THEOSISCyrill of Alexandria
What does this signify, Palladius? If there are ten coverings of linen, why are the damp leather coverings not considered equal, with one additional covering, namely, the eleventh? For He instructs, “connect” five coverings closely, and six coverings in addition. Palladius responds, “I cannot determine.” Cyril continues, “However, the arrangement of these coverings will bring clarity to the inquiry at hand.” Palladius asks, “In what manner?” Cyril explains that five veils should be joined together, and another five of the same kind that stand in opposition. Thus, as these were raised on both sides and faced one another, as if from the north and south, or the east and west, the middle section—the eleventh covering—was somewhat overlooked, dividing the ten into parts.
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The eleventh leather covering was extended with hooks and loops to secure both ends. The ten coverings measured twenty-eight cubits in length, while the central covering, positioned among the others, was five cubits wide (with each of the surrounding coverings being four cubits) and only twenty cubits long. Hence, He states, “Thou shalt make the sixth covering double on the front side of the tabernacle,” to prevent it from being overstretched, which might detract from the beauty of the tabernacle. Therefore, this central space, akin to the eleventh, was where holy and divine vessels were placed, each representing various aspects of Immanuel. Furthermore, this number may also symbolize that in the final days of the age, and in a sense during a singular moment, Christ, along with the tabernacle that embodies Him, which is the Church, became manifest. Palladius concludes, “This interpretation seems reasonable and should be considered valid.”