“And the curtain of the tent was of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; with cherubims made by the workman.”– Exodus 39:37 (KJV)
“The curtain for the entrance of the courtyard was made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, the work of an embroiderer.”– Exodus 39:37 (NLT)
“The curtain at the entrance to the courtyard was made of blue, purple, and red yarn and fine linen, sewn by a skilled worker.”– Exodus 39:37 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 39:37 Mean?
Exodus 39:37 is a verse that provides rich imagery and insight into the craftsmanship and significance of the entrance to the courtyard of the tabernacle. This curtain is not merely functional; it is also deeply symbolic. The use of blue, purple, scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen speaks volumes about the artistry involved and the spiritual meanings behind each color and material.
Blue often represents heaven and divine revelation. It’s a color that conveys purity and speaks to our relationship with God, serving as a reminder of His heavenly kingdom. Purple is traditionally associated with royalty and majesty, indicating the Kingship of God. Scarlet, or red, could symbolize blood, sacrifice, or the love of God poured out for His people. Finally, finely twisted linen signifies righteousness and purity, reminding us that we are called to be holy as God is holy.
Together, these elements combined create a powerful visual that emphasizes the holiness of the place they represent. The courtyard was a space where people could approach God but with solemnity and respect. Through this verse, we can see that worship isn’t just what we do; it’s also about how we prepare our hearts and spaces to meet God.
Exodus 39:37 Explanation and Commentary
In studying Exodus 39:37, we can learn much about God’s desire for beauty and excellence in our worship. The artisans carefully crafted the curtain for the entrance, and this attention to detail reflects God’s character. God cares about how we come before Him. We can apply this message to our lives: Are we taking the time to approach God with the honor and respect He deserves?
The intricate design showcases not only skill but also intent. The skilled workers put their talents to use, weaving something that was pleasing not just aesthetically but spiritually. This teaches us that our talents, just like theirs, should be used for God’s glory. We are all endowed with different skills, and we should not hide them but use them in ways that honor our Creator.
Furthermore, the combination of these colors points toward a beautiful tapestry of faith. The materials used were not just any fabrics; they were chosen for their representation of various attributes of God. God places a high value on symbolism and meaning. Everything in the tabernacle serves to remind us of His attributes, His love, and His sacrifice. We can also create atmospheres that remind others of God’s grace, mercy, and love.
We may not be artisans crafting beautiful curtains, but we can create spaces in our lives that invite God’s presence and declare His glory. This may involve our homes, our churches, or even our workplaces. Each of these areas can reflect God’s beauty through love, kindness, and excellent conduct.
Context of Exodus 39:37
To fully grasp the significance of Exodus 39:37, it’s essential to understand the context within the book of Exodus. The Israelites were in the process of establishing their identity as God’s people after being freed from slavery in Egypt. God established the tabernacle as a central place of worship, reflecting His desire to dwell among His people. Every piece of furniture, every garment, and curtain had specific meanings crucial for worship.
In preceding chapters, we find that God gave Moses detailed instructions about how to build the tabernacle. God wanted it to be more than just a tent; it was to be a holy dwelling place that mirrored His heavenly residence. The artisans who worked on these designs were filled with the Spirit of God, illustrating that God empowers and equips His people to accomplish His purposes.
The construction of the tabernacle included communal effort. The Israelites contributed their resources, including gold, silver, and textiles. This communal investment reminds us how important it is to work together in our faith community. Each person contributed something, reflecting individual gifts that God has given them. As we think about our own churches and communities, we are reminded that we are called to participate and actively give our time, talents, and resources for God’s work.
This preparation points us towards something deeper. The entrance curtain created a barrier, symbolizing that a price must be paid for sin for anyone to approach God. It foreshadowed the coming of Christ, who would one day tear that barrier, allowing us to enter the Holy of Holies freely through faith in Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 39:37
As we explore the verse, we can break it down into key components: the materials used, the skilled craftsmanship, and the significance of the symbolism. Each aspect contributes to our understanding of what this verse teaches us about God’s nature and our worship.
The choice of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn symbolizes important spiritual truths. Blue can be seen as the heavenly aspect of God, reminding us that we serve a God who reigned from heaven and gave His only son for us. Purple signifies royalty, affirming that God is indeed the King of kings, and scarlet speaks of the sacrifice that allows us to approach God with confidence. Finely twisted linen reflects God’s desire for purity among His people, calling each of us to reflect His holiness.
One cannot overlook the importance of the craftsmanship involved. The workers did not create this curtain haphazardly. The diligent effort involved in weaving these materials signifies that worship is not throwaway or trivial – it’s impactful, intentional, and worthy of our best effort. We can take this as an analogy for how we live our lives. Are we living intentionally for God? What “craftsmanship” are we putting into our relationships, our service, and our witness to the world?
The curtain also marks a transition. It separates the everyday life of the Israelites from the holiness of God. This physical barrier illustrates a spiritual truth: we should approach God with reverence and prepare our hearts to meet Him. This invites us to check our motivations and attitudes as we come before God in prayer, worship, and daily life.
In essence, we are being reminded about the beauty and intentionality that we can bring into our lives and worship. It is a divine call to reflect His glory, engage our skills for His kingdom, and create sacred spaces not just in our surroundings but also in our hearts.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 39:37
From Exodus 39:37, there are myriad lessons we can learn about our relationship with God and how we live out our faith. First, we can appreciate the importance of artistry in worship. Just as the artisans took pride in their work, we too should strive for excellence in our endeavors. Whether it’s serving in church, being a good friend, or pursuing our careers, each task can be an act of worship if we dedicate it to God’s glory.
The passage also teaches us the significance of preparation. Coming before God requires a heart ready for worship. It isn’t something we should approach casually or lightly. Like the careful design of the tabernacle and its entrance, there must be thought in how we approach worship time – whether in church services, personal prayers, or community gatherings.
Another lesson is about involvement and community. The work on the tabernacle was a collective effort. This serves as a reminder that we are part of a community called the church, and our contributions matter. We can encourage and support one another, using our individual talents for a greater purpose. Every act of service, no matter how small, carries significance in the kingdom of God.
We also observe the usage of color and symbolism. God has a vast vocabulary of imagery that conveys truth about His nature. When we reflect on colors and symbols in our lives and worship practices, we can discern deeper truths about who God is and what He desires for His people. It invites us to think about our own symbolism in worship today.
Lastly, we recognize that these curtains foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. As the veil tore at His death, it symbolized the end of the barrier between God and humanity, offering us direct access to Him. This profound truth should encourage us to approach Him boldly, knowing that our relationship with Him is built on grace and love.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 39:37 serves as an inspirational reminder of the beauty of holiness and the devotion we are invited to practice in our walk with God. As we reflect on each aspect of the curtain that adorned the courtyard entrance, we are reminded that our worship should be intentional, artistic, and beautiful. The colors are symbols of God’s attributes, reminding us who He is and what He has done for us.
As we continue through life, we should hold these lessons close to our hearts. Let us strive for excellence in everything we do, actively participate in our faith community, and prepare our hearts as we engage with God. This verse is more than an ancient instruction; it speaks to our modern life and our ongoing relationship with the Almighty. Each day presents us with opportunities to create sacred spaces for God. May we accept that invitation, carrying the spirit of worship and reverence into every facet of our lives.
If you’re interested in exploring more about God’s design and teachings through Scripture, check out this link to Matthew 11. You’ll find more insights into the beauty of faith, love, and how we can embody His teachings.