“And he made the vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubims made he it of cunning work.”– Exodus 36:36 (KJV)
“Then he made the curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine twisted linen, with cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman.”– Exodus 36:36 (NLT)
“So he made the curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, with designs of cherubim worked into it by a skilled craftsman.”– Exodus 36:36 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 36:36 Mean?
In Exodus 36:36, we are given a detailed description of a significant element within the tabernacle, the sacred place where God would dwell among His people. This verse specifically talks about the making of the curtain, also referred to as the veil, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies. The Holy of Holies was a special area of the tabernacle where the presence of God dwelled, and access to this sacred space was limited to a select few.
The mention of colors such as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn speaks volumes about the importance and the high value associated with this curtain. Blue often symbolizes divinity; purple is a color of royalty, and scarlet can signify sacrifice. Together, these colors reflect the glory and holiness of God, as well as the sacredness of the space they create. Cherubim were crafted into this curtain, signifying their role as guardians of God’s holiness. This beautiful artistry done by skilled craftsmen serves to remind us that everything related to God is done with excellence and beauty.
Exodus 36:36 Explanation and Commentary
When we think about the curtain described in Exodus 36:36, we need to remember its significance in the ancient Israelite worship system. The tabernacle was not just a tent; it was the place where God instructed His people to meet with Him. It was a physical representation of God’s desire to be connected with His people. The curtain was central to this relationship, acting as a boundary that kept the holiness of God separate from humanity’s imperfection.
This separation was vital. In earlier sections of the Book of Exodus, we read about how the Israelites were instructed to approach God with reverence and caution. Exodus 19:12 mentions boundaries that God placed around Mount Sinai, emphasizing His holiness and the need for the people to prepare themselves properly before approaching Him. The curtain in the tabernacle served a similar purpose. It was a reminder of God’s presence, yet it also safeguarded His holiness from a people who were still learning how to live in accordance with God’s commands.
Understanding the craftsmanship behind the curtain is another fascinating element. The phrase “cunning work” or “skilled craftsman” indicates that this was not merely a functional piece of fabric; it was a work of art meant to glorify God. God’s creativity can be seen not only in the beauty of nature but also in the talents and abilities He gives to people. When we think about our own contributions to the church or the community, we should consider how we can use our skills to honor God and bless others.
Additionally, the cherubim woven into the curtain symbolize protection, as they are often seen as guardians in the Bible. Their presence on the curtain highlights the relationship between the sacred and the commonplace, serving as a link between humanity and God. It reflects a rich theological concept: God’s desire to reach out to us, and at the same time, the necessity of recognizing His holiness. We must never forget that, just as the curtain existed between God and the Israelite people, there are still elements that keep us in healthy boundaries when approaching God today.
Context of Exodus 36:36
To fully appreciate Exodus 36:36, we should look at the broader narrative surrounding it. This chapter falls within the book of Exodus, where God gives specific instructions to Moses about building the tabernacle. The Israelites had just escaped from slavery in Egypt and were learning how to live as a nation under God’s authority.
The tabernacle’s construction was an essential part of this life. God made a covenant with His people, and He desired to dwell among them. The detailed descriptions of the tabernacle, including materials, colors, and craftsmanship, were not random; they all pointed toward God’s holiness and His desire for relationship. Each item had a specific purpose and was part of a larger divine plan.
As we read through Exodus, we see that God meticulously prepared His people to understand who He was—a God of both grace and justice—and the tabernacle served as a physical manifestation of that understanding. Throughout the chapters leading to Exodus 36:36, we see countless references to God’s intentions with the design and purpose of the tabernacle.
Moreover, in chapters preceding 36, we read about the successful gathering of materials by the Israelites who willingly brought what they had to create a house for God. This encourages us to reflect on our own willingness to bring our talents and resources to fulfill God’s vision for our lives and our communities.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 36:36
There are several key parts of Exodus 36:36 that we can break down for clearer understanding. The colors blue, purple, and scarlet represent different attributes of God. Blue signifies heaven and divinity, reminding us that God is supreme over all. Purple alludes to royalty and majesty. The scarlet thread ties into sacrificial themes in scripture—pointing toward the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and separated the way for us to approach God without fear.
Another critical aspect discussed in this verse is the skill involved in the making of the curtain. This reminds us to give our best to God. Whether it’s crafting a piece of furniture, creating art, or participating in a church ministry, whatever we put our hands to should be a reflection of the talents God has given us. This is a call for each of us to evaluate how we approach our designated responsibilities and to consider how to bring excellence into every task, whether simple or complex.
The imagery of cherubim serves as an interesting focus in both a literal and metaphorical sense. They are typically associated with God’s presence. Their place on the curtain reminds us of God’s closeness, even while demonstrating that he also has the authority to separate Himself from sin. This delicate balance is necessary as we seek to understand our relationship with God today. We never want to take for granted the access that we have to Him, nor should we approach with a lack of respect.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 36:36
As we reflect on Exodus 36:36, there are numerous lessons we can glean. The detailed work that went into crafting the curtain teaches us the value of excellence in our endeavors. We live in a world where mediocrity can often be accepted, but God calls us to a higher standard. In whatever we do, we should strive for quality and make a concerted effort to use our gifts in ways that are pleasing to Him.
This verse also encourages us to notice the importance of beauty in our faith. The colors and the craftsmanship depicted in the tabernacle challenge us to see holiness in the details of our lives. Every moment can be spiritual if we choose to view it through the lens of faith. Whether we are painting a picture, cooking a meal, or even spending time with loved ones, this calls us to see how all aspects of our lives can reflect God’s glory.
The concept of boundaries is another lesson from this verse. Just as the curtain separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, there are boundaries in our spiritual lives that help us maintain healthy relationships with God and others. We must respect our own personal boundaries, as well as those of others, and always prioritize our relationship with God above everything else.
Finally, Exodus 36:36 leads us to reflect on the importance of community and collaboration. The Israelites worked together to build the tabernacle, bringing their talents and resources together for a common purpose. In today’s world, we have a similar responsibility to come together in our churches and communities, using our diverse gifts for the greater good. Recognizing that each of us plays a part in the body of Christ encourages unity and strengthens our collective witness.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Exodus 36:36 is rich with meaning and lessons for us today. It invites us to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into creating a space for worship, reminding us of God’s holiness and our need for relationship with Him. As we reflect on this verse, we can assess how we use our skills, respect boundaries, and work together as a community. The beauty found within the pages of scripture continues to inspire us to honor God in all aspects of our lives.
As we grow in our understanding of scripture and its application in our lives, let us continue to explore more topics that deepen our faith. For those interested in further studies, consider checking out Genesis 18 or Matthew 11. These passages encapsulate important teachings that can enrich our walk with God and strengthen our community.