“And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work.”– Exodus 36:35 (KJV)
“He crafted the veil from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely spun linen. It was skillfully made with cherubim embroidered on it.”– Exodus 36:35 (NLT)
“He made the curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine twisted linen. It was decorated with skillfully woven cherubim.”– Exodus 36:35 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 36:35 Mean?
This verse is part of a larger narrative in the book of Exodus that describes the construction of the Tabernacle, a sacred place of worship for the Israelites. This particular verse highlights the detailed craftsmanship that went into creating the veil for the Tabernacle. The veil was an important symbol representing the separation between God and humanity caused by sin. The materials used—blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with fine linen—indicate that this was not just a simple curtain, but a beautifully crafted piece of art with deep spiritual symbolism. The presence of cherubim in the design further emphasizes the heavenly nature of the veil, reminding us of the presence of God and the seraphim that surround His throne. This verse teaches us about the importance of reverence and dedication when creating spaces for worship, as well as the significance of beauty in our relationship with God.
When we think about the meaning of this verse in our lives, we see that everything we do in service to God should reflect our best efforts. Just as the artisans in Exodus dedicated their skills and talents to create something beautiful for God, we too are called to use our gifts in service of His kingdom. It’s a reminder that God deserves our best, and we should strive to offer wonderful things to Him, whether through art, music, service, or just living out our daily lives in a way that glorifies Him.
Exodus 36:35 Explanation and Commentary
In Exodus 36, we are reading about the desire and commitment that the Israelites showed in building the Tabernacle, a central place of worship for them. When we notice the verse about the veil, we recognize that it was not merely a functional object; it was deeply symbolic. The choices of colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—were often reserved for royalty or divinity, meaning this veil signified a royal access to God’s presence, bridging the gap between humanity and the divine.
The cherubim depicted on the veil added a layer of celestial beauty and significance. In ancient Israel, cherubim were often linked to God’s presence and protection. When the Israelites looked at this veil, they were reminded of the holiness of God. It served as a constant reminder of the divine presence that dwelt in the Tabernacle, serving as a barrier between the ordinary and the sacred. The veil became an invitation and a reminder that while God is holy and separates from sin, He desires to dwell among His people.
For us today, the veil symbolizes the separation that occurs in our sinful lives. Just as the veil kept the common people from entering the most sacred parts of the Tabernacle, our sins can keep us from fully experiencing God’s presence. However, with Jesus’s sacrifice and the tearing of the veil (as described in the New Testament), we are given direct access to God. This transformation illustrates the importance of understanding our relationship with the Creator—He desires closeness with us.
As we reflect on this, we should also think about what our lives look like. Are we striving to create spaces where we can meet with God, both personally and in community? The effort that went into creating the veil serves as an example for us to dedicate time and resources to worship and spiritual growth. Each aspect of our lives should reflect the beauty and holiness of God.
Context of Exodus 36:35
The context surrounding Exodus 36:35 is crucial to understanding its full significance. At this point in the narrative, Moses has received detailed instructions from God about how the Tabernacle was to be built. The Israelites had just escaped from Egypt and were receiving guidance in life as a nation. They were becoming God’s chosen people while learning how to worship Him properly.
In this particular chapter, skilled artisans are brought together, showcasing collaboration and shared purpose within the community. Bezalel and Oholiab were appointed as the chief craftsmen. They were filled with the Spirit of God and were given special skills, knowledge, and creativity for this task. This highlights that God values our collective efforts and talents when we serve Him. So, it’s not just about the materials or the technique but also about the heart behind the creation.
We see that the entire building process of the Tabernacle was an act of worship, emphasizing that offerings of our time, skill, and resources are acts of devotion. In a world that often prioritizes productivity over spirituality, we could learn a lot from the example of these artisans. Every detail mattered because it was linked to their identity as God’s chosen people and their relationship with Him.
The passage shows us the type of commitment we need to have when it comes to serving God. It also serves as a reflection on our own ‘building projects,’ whether literally within our churches or metaphorically in our daily lives. How can we use our skills and resources in ways that honor God and foster community?
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 36:35
As we look closely at Exodus 36:35, several key parts stand out, starting with the materials used. The mention of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn is intentional. Blue often represents the divine; it is a color associated with heaven and God’s majesty. Purple signifies royalty, while scarlet is often connected with sacrifice. Together, these colors mark the significance of the veil as a divine artifact that bridges the heavenly realm and the earthly experience.
Next, we have the reference to the fine twined linen. This material is associated with purity and holiness, suggesting that anything connected to worship needs to meet a standard that honors God. The quality of this linen elicits another layer of reverence in how we approach our worship today. Are we giving our best efforts when we serve? Just like the artisans who dedicated themselves to their trades, we too are encouraged to specialize in our gifts for the glory of God.
The mention of the cherubim adds richness and depth. Cherubim were heavenly beings often depicted in scripture as guardians of God’s presence. By including them in the design of the veil, we are reminded not only that God’s presence is holy but also that we are invited to be in relationship with Him. The veil effectively symbolizes both the beauty and the separation of the sacred; it teaches us that while we are deemed worthy through Christ, we still approach God with reverence.
This verse also encapsulates the craftsmanship involved. The techniques employed are not merely logistical but are skillful acts of worship. Each stitch in the fabric signifies care, dedication, and praise. As Christians, we are called to translate our own talents into acts of worship, whether that be through our professions, gifts in the arts, or acts of kindness.
Lastly, understanding that every aspect of this process was executed to reflect God’s character encourages us to look at our own lives through the lens of how we represent God. How do our daily actions showcase Him to the world around us?
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 36:35
Many lessons can be drawn from Exodus 36:35, mainly about how we approach worship and our role in community. The first lesson is one regarding excellence in service. The artisans did not see their work as merely manual labor; they saw it as a privilege to create something delightful for God. This serves as a challenge for us in how we approach our daily work or service. Whether it is in our jobs, volunteer efforts, or even in our relationships, striving for excellence matters. Every act can be worship if we bring our best selves.
The second lesson is about working together. In the context of the Israelites, they came together as a community to create a sacred space. This cooperative effort teaches us the value of teamwork. God equips each of us with unique gifts, and it is through collaboration that those gifts are showcased in the best light. We enhance each other’s strengths as we build relationships with others. This lesson encourages us to invest in each other and recognize that we are all part of God’s grand design.
Next, we are reminded of the importance of beauty in worship. As we see the splendor in the artistry of the veil, we should evaluate how we present worship today. Beauty can be a powerful way to draw us closer to God, to elevate our worship experience from one of mere obligation to one that resonates deeply. This can be expressed through music, art, or even how we arrange our worship spaces.
Lastly, the veil serves as an invitation for personal reflection on how we approach God in our lives. We are called to enter into His presence without fear due to Christ’s sacrifice, but we must do so acknowledging His holiness. This awareness promotes humility in our hearts. So, every time we come to prayer, worship, or any moment in the presence of God, we should pause to appreciate His greatness and our place in His kingdom.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 36:35 beautifully encapsulates how artistry, devotion, and community work together in the service of God. As we consider the deep meanings behind the veil, we can draw parallels to our own lives today. We are encouraged to use our talents, work together harmoniously, and appreciate the beauty found in our worship. Together, let us reflect on how we serve God and how we can make our environments radiate His presence.
This verse invites us to explore areas in our lives that may be lacking dedication, whether it be in worship, service, or our daily routines. Let us seek to honor God through our actions, offering our very best, just as those artisans did. We are reminded that God deserves nothing less than our total commitment and excellence in serving Him. Every little task can hold spiritual significance, and together, as we come to Him, let us do so with open hearts and minds, celebrating the relationship we have with our Creator.
If you are interested in learning more about connections between worship, art, and community, feel free to check out additional resources like Genesis 19:17, or explore other interesting topics in the Bible at Bible Repository. Every verse we share has a unique story and lesson, and we are here to discover them together.