“And he made a screen for the tabernacle door, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of cunning work.”– Exodus 36:37 (KJV)
“He also made a curtain for the entrance of the tabernacle. It was made of finely woven linen and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet thread.”– Exodus 36:37 (NLT)
“He made the curtain for the entrance to the tent of meeting. It was made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, the work of an artist.”– Exodus 36:37 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 36:37 Mean?
Exodus 36:37 tells us about a vital component of the Tabernacle, specifically the entrance curtain. This curtain was no ordinary piece of fabric, but rather a significant creation, meticulously crafted to serve both beauty and purpose. The color scheme, featuring blue, purple, and scarlet, holds deep symbolism in biblical texts. These colors speak of royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. The use of fine twisted linen implies purity and righteousness, which are essential elements in God’s presence.
The craftsmanship involved indicates the importance of the tabernacle as a sacred meeting place between God and His people. It wasn’t just a mere structure; it was a holy site, a divine dwelling where God’s presence would meet with humanity. The curtain served as a barrier, symbolizing the holiness of God. People understood that approaching God required reverence and careful preparation. In a way, the entrance depicted the idea that while God is accessible, He is also transcendent, suggesting the need for adequate respect in His presence.
Exodus 36:37 Explanation and Commentary
In this verse, we see the fulfillment of God’s command as given to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle. Earlier instructions detailed precisely how each component of the tabernacle should be made. This attention to detail reflects God’s desire for excellence in worship and service. The craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, were filled with the Spirit of God, granting them wisdom and artistic skills to create this divine dwelling. This verse highlights their skill and dedication to creating something that glorified God.
The curtain at the entrance not only served a functional purpose but was also a profound symbol. It told the Israelites that to enter into God’s presence required cleanliness, sacrifice, and a sincere heart. The beauty and complexity of the curtain remind us that our approach to God should be done with thoughtful consideration, respecting His holiness. This curtain will separate the holy place of worship from the outside world, reinforcing the concept of holiness being distinct from common or sinful elements.
Through this verse, we are reminded of the significance of worship. It conveys the notion that worship should be intentional and beautiful, filled with heart and soul, whether in our obedience, our offerings, or our praise to God. The intricate designs and colors represent a deep appreciation for the privileges of approaching God through the means He has provided.
As we reflect on Exodus 36:37, we can draw parallels to our lives today. Just as the curtain was a boundary, we must consider what boundaries exist in our relationship with God. Are we taking the relationship seriously? Are we preparing our hearts before coming into His presence? God desires an ongoing relationship with us, inviting us to enter, but we must recognize it requires commitment and honor.
Context of Exodus 36:37
This verse is part of the broader narrative found within Exodus during the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. God was guiding them under Moses’ leadership towards the Promised Land, and He provided intricate details for every aspect of worship and service, emphasizing how vital the Tabernacle was to their journey. In the previous chapters, God gave Moses specific instructions on the design, materials, and the purposeful crafting of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
The Israelites were living in a time where they were learning to be God’s chosen people, which came with new responsibilities and moral laws. Having a Tabernacle served as their method to worship God, to enact covenants, to offer sacrifices, and ultimately to symbolize God dwelling among them. Exodus 36:37 places the construction of the entrance curtain into the narrative of these significant developments, highlighting the importance of worship in the life of the community. This curtain signified both privilege and responsibility.
The context also hints at the preparatory work and the joy found in serving God. The artisans mentioned worked diligently, revealing their enthusiasm and commitment to creating a space for worship. We also notice the collective effort and contributions of the people which led to the successful completion of the projects around the Tabernacle.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 36:37
Here are some of the crucial aspects of this verse worth carrying into our thoughts. First, the phrase “made a curtain for the entrance to the tabernacle” represents God’s dwelling place among His people. The fact that it wasn’t merely a door but rather a well-crafted curtain speaks volumes about God’s desire for beauty and excellence in worship.
Next, the materials used—blue, purple, and scarlet yarn—each have historical and symbolic meanings. The color blue often represents the divine or heavenly, purple signifies royalty and nobility, and scarlet represents sacrifice and redemption. Together, they show how our approach to God encompasses all of these elements. It signifies our acknowledgment of Jesus as King, the perfect sacrifice, and as the link between us and God.
The mention of “the work of an artist” underlines the importance of creativity in worship. Artistic expression is diverse, and we can glorify God through various forms, whether through music, art, dance, or other creative endeavors. By recognizing that our offerings can be in the form of sincere, artistic expressions, we are reminded that God appreciates our creativity.
Finally, this verse brings forth God’s active role in providing a way for His people to connect with Him. The curtain, while being a physical barrier, also demonstrates that we can enter into a relationship with God through the means He allowed, implying an inclusive invitation to approach Him with open hearts in reverence.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 36:37
There are various lessons we can glean from Exodus 36:37. One of the most prominent speaks to the importance of preparation when we approach God. Much like the Israelites needed to prepare the tabernacle, we should prepare our hearts and minds before entering into worship or prayer. Preparation allows us to be mindful of God’s holiness and to reflect on our lives appropriately as we approach Him.
We can also learn how worship itself should be intentional and beautified through our efforts. Just as the artisans and craftsmen poured their creativity and skill into the construction of the Tabernacle, we too can bring our gifts and talents to God to create an atmosphere of reverence and honor in worship. Every act of worship, whether big or small, contributes to the overall beauty that God desires.
The various colors used in the curtain symbolize God’s vastness—His sovereignty, majesty, and sacrificial love. We can hold onto this symbolism in our daily lives, reminding ourselves that our relationships with God come with diverse dimensions, filled with depth and importance. Recognizing the various roles God plays in our lives encourages us to embrace Him fully while understanding His responsibility in inviting us to be part of His family.
Finally, Exodus 36:37 speaks to how we should never take our access to God for granted. In biblical times, before Jesus’ sacrifice, approaching God was a serious matter that required preparation and purity, symbolized by the barrier of the curtain. Now, as New Testament believers, we have the privilege to approach God directly. Understanding the weight of this privilege encourages us to cherish our prayer life and personal relationships with God.
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on Exodus 36:37, we find rich insights into worship, reverence, and God’s desire for beauty in our relationship with Him. As we make our way through spirituality, we should not forget the importance of preparing for encounters with God sincerely. Understanding the significance of worship deepens our relationship with Him, encouraging us to create spaces of beauty with what we offer.
We can draw inspiration from the craftsmanship, attention to detail, and heart of service dedicated to creating the tabernacle. We are called to apply that same spirit of excellence in how we serve God today. Whether through our prayers, talents, or acts of kindness, we have the opportunity to express our faith joyfully.
Remember, our approach to God matters greatly. Every effort we make to come closer to Him—whether through worship, confession, or teaching—resonates with the heart of His message for us. If we seek intimacy with God, we can do so with confidence, joy, and respect.
If you are interested in exploring more insightful biblical topics, please take a moment to check out other articles that can deepen your understanding of Scripture. You may particularly enjoy learning more about Matthew 11 for insights into Jesus’ teachings. There is always more to uncover and learn!