Definition: And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 36:17. It's a bit complex, but we can understand it as describing a really important system for keeping food safe in ancient times. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it describes a very elaborate and secure way to keep meat and other perishable goods from spoiling. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts: “And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain…” – This refers to a large cloth or curtain that was used to cover food in the Tabernacle (a special building where God lived with his people). It's saying that the fabric had 50 loops woven into it. “and fifty loops made upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.” – This is where it gets a little trickier, but imagine this: The 50 loops were also woven onto the edge of the curtain, and these loops were linked together . Think of it like a complex web or pattern. So, what was the purpose? The idea was to create a system that would prevent food from drying out, rotting, or becoming unsafe. The 50 loops were designed to act as a barrier – a way to protect the food from contamination and make sure it remained fresh for a long time. It’s like a layered defense! Historical Context: This is one of the oldest known examples of sophisticated security measures in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It suggests a very high level of care and concern for preserving goods, which was common practice at the time. Important Note: While it seems complex now, these loops were actually quite simple in design compared to what we see today! They weren’t about stopping spoilage completely – they were just a way to prevent it. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts further? Give an example of how this system might have been used in the Old Testament?