While reading Exodus 26:1-9, It occurred to me that there was a lot of information that may or may not be attractive to itching ears. It doesn't appeal to the spirit of adventure in us, it doesn't appear to be an important subject, and it doesn't provide generous stories that challenges faith. What it does provide, is a new and fresh prospective on the God that I serve; hence the awesome title, the God of the details.
I was surprised that so much time and energy was devoted to talk about "curtains?" On a scale of importance, I would have ranked it pretty low. But the fact that significant attention is given to unexpected challenges (i.e. the entire book of job) whereas only two verses talk about Jabez, who gave us one of the most well recognized prayer's in the Bible that begins ("Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed..." demonstrates that my level of importance differs greatly from the author. However, the fact is that we are favored with the details surrounding God's instructions to the children of Israel with the task of curtain making.
Before we delve more, it would be interesting to note what happened before these instructions were handed down to the children of Israel. They were enslaved under the leadership of Pharoah. While in slavery the Children of Israel were learning the skill of brick making. A skill in contrast to curtain making for various reasons. First, brick making is hard on the hands and the body, it doesn't challenge the imagination, and it is performed in harsh conditions. As a result of adherance to the demands of the Pharoah, the Israelites would have been very skilled in this craft. They would have served God well in this area. However, God saw fit to call them to a different skillset.
Curtain making is not even remotely close to brick making. First, bricks are typically used on the outside. The material used would need to be durable enough to withstand the elements. Curtains are an added detail, an accessory, that is used to add to the attractiveness of the tabernacle. They set the tone of the room. Verse 1alone, mentions four uniquely different concepts (Quantity, Texture, Color, and Quality). It was a part of their responsibility as slaves to make as many bricks as quickly as possible. But God introduces a controlled concept. He tells them to make a limited amount of curtains. This leads me to the conclusion that quantity control is important as too much would be overwhelming and too little underwhelming. Texture of bricks is rough and durable, unlike curtains which are soft, delicate, and need to be handled with care. Brick color is pretty standard; but, rich hues of vibrant colors are introduced in curtain making. The last concept, quality with bricks would be pretty uninspirational; however, with curtains it would allow the creator to show off their skill with cunning craftsanship. In essence, curtains would allow the artistry of the people to take on a level that far surpasses that of brick making.
Why is all this important? Maybe God is trying to pull the Israelite's mind out of the mundane aspect of brickmaking. Maybe God is trying to show them that details do matter. Or maybe God is trying to tell us that what is on the inside is just as important as on the outside. Maybe some of you can identify or are brickmakers yourselves but instead of bricks you try to capitalize on making more money. You get up day after day doing the same thing over and over because you think making more and more money is the answer. God is waiting almost as if letting you know that he can and will bring you out of slavery, part seas for you to cross, and lead you out of the wilderness into the promised land. But this is taking us to a place where details will eventually matter.
It is unfortunate, that many will get to this point (from slavery to the palace) to skip over the details in an effort to begin "ruling" the land. But God demonstrates the importance of building the tabernacle first. Foundations need to be laid and set. Then frames must go up and drywall needs to be hung. Next, painting and mudding needs to take place. Afterwards, decoration takes place. After all of this, you can be in a place where you can serve and worship God. The whole point of the matter...Don't forget to serve and worship God. He did, afterall, not miss any of the important details.
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