Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 36:33 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 36:33 is part of a broader narrative in the Bible where the Israelites, having received God‘s specific instructions on how to construct the Tabernacle, begin putting those instructions into practice. The Tabernacle was not just a physical structure; it was a symbol of God’s presence among His people, a place where God’s glory would dwell. Exodus 36:33, though a relatively brief verse, contains profound theological and spiritual meaning for Christians today, as it speaks to the nature of God’s presence, His holiness, and how humans interact with the divine.
In this article, we will explore the context of Exodus 36:33, its meaning, practical application, and comparisons with other biblical texts. We will also discuss its modern-day relevance and provide an insightful commentary to better understand its significance for believers today.
The Context of Exodus 36:33 KJV
Exodus 36:33 comes at a pivotal moment in the construction of the Tabernacle. After the Israelites received the detailed instructions from God, they began following them to build the various elements of the Tabernacle, which would serve as the sacred place of God’s dwelling among His people. The chapter provides a detailed account of how skilled craftsmen carried out God’s commandments with exactitude.
The verse reads as follows in the King James Version (KJV):
“And he made the screen for the door of the Tabernacle, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;”
In Exodus 36:33, the focus is on the “screen” or curtain that covered the entrance to the Tabernacle. This screen was an essential part of the Tabernacle’s design, serving both as a literal entrance to the sacred space and as a symbol of the holiness of God. Its materials—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—were chosen with great care, reflecting not only the beauty of the Tabernacle but also its sacred purpose.
This screen marked the threshold between the outer court, where the people could gather, and the inner sanctum, where God’s presence would manifest in a powerful way. The verse also emphasizes that this was no ordinary screen, but one that was skillfully crafted—an example of the craftsmanship and dedication required to build a dwelling place for God.
The Tabernacle’s Structure and Function
The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, consisted of three main parts:
The Outer Court: The space where the people could gather and where the altar of burnt offerings stood. This area was accessible to all Israelites.
The Holy Place: The first inner room where the priests performed their duties, including the altar of incense and the table of showbread.
The Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies): The innermost room, separated by the veil, where the Ark of the Covenant rested and where God’s presence was believed to dwell in a unique way. This room was off-limits to all but the high priest, and even he could only enter once a year on the Day of Atonement.
Exodus 36:33 specifically refers to the screen that separated the outer court from the Holy Place. This was the entrance to the Tabernacle and symbolized a boundary between the people and the divine presence. Just as the entire Tabernacle was carefully constructed to exact specifications, this screen was designed to reflect the sacredness and importance of the space it protected.
The Exodus 36:33 Meaning
To understand the meaning of Exodus 36:33, it is crucial to explore the significance of the screen itself, as well as the symbolism of the materials used in its construction.
The Screen (Curtain) as a Symbol
The screen was not just a physical barrier but a powerful symbol of the holiness of God and the separation between the sacred and the ordinary. In the Old Testament, God was seen as utterly holy and transcendent, and His presence was not something that could be approached carelessly or without proper mediation. The screen served as a reminder that only those appointed by God—such as the priests—could enter into the sacred space.
In a spiritual sense, the screen represented the distance between humanity and God. It spoke to the fact that, due to sin, mankind could not freely approach the divine without mediation. This was in keeping with the overall function of the Tabernacle as a place where sacrifice and ritual were necessary to address the problem of sin and restore relationship with God.
The Materials: Blue, Purple, Scarlet, and Fine Linen
The materials mentioned in Exodus 36:33—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen—are rich in symbolic meaning. Each of these colors carries specific theological implications that help explain the spiritual meaning of the screen and the broader Tabernacle.
Blue: The color blue in the Bible often represents the divine or heavenly realm. In the Tabernacle context, it could signify the transcendence and holiness of God, pointing to His heavenly throne and His divine authority. Blue, therefore, symbolizes God’s dominion over all creation and His distinct nature as sovereign.
Purple: Purple was a color associated with royalty and wealth. In the Tabernacle, it signifies the kingship of God. The use of purple suggests that God is the King of the universe and that the Tabernacle is His royal dwelling place.
Scarlet: Scarlet is a color linked with sacrifice, sin, and atonement. It may be seen as foreshadowing the sacrificial system in the Tabernacle, which pointed forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The scarlet in the screen suggests that access to God’s presence is made possible through sacrifice and atonement.
Fine Twined Linen: The fine linen was a symbol of purity and holiness. It indicates that the materials of the Tabernacle were set apart for God’s service and that only what is pure and holy could be used in constructing a dwelling place for the holy God.
These materials combine to create a screen that was both beautiful and highly symbolic, reflecting the majesty, holiness, and sacrificial nature of God’s presence.
Craftsmanship and Skillful Workmanship
The verse highlights that the screen was made “of needlework” and crafted skillfully. This speaks to the importance of the craftsmanship in building the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was not just any structure; it was to be a holy dwelling place for God, and as such, it required the best of human craftsmanship. The skill involved in creating this screen reflects the reverence and care with which God’s house should be constructed and the way in which the people should approach Him—with reverence, respect, and devotion.
Exodus 36:33 Application in Life
The message of Exodus 36:33 extends far beyond the historical construction of the Tabernacle. Its principles have profound applications for Christians today, particularly regarding how we approach God and the holiness of His presence.
1. Reverence in Our Worship
The meticulous craftsmanship and the sacred materials used to construct the Tabernacle serve as a reminder that our worship and relationship with God should be approached with reverence. Just as the Israelites were careful to follow God’s instructions when building the Tabernacle, so should we approach God in worship with sincerity and awe. We are reminded that God is holy, and our worship should reflect that holiness.
This reverence is not limited to formal worship in a church building but extends to every aspect of our lives. In Colossians 3:23, Paul encourages believers to “do all things heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” Our lives should reflect a deep reverence for God’s presence in everything we do.
2. The Call to Holiness
The screen of the Tabernacle, as a symbol of separation between the sacred and the common, reminds us of God’s call to holiness. The holiness of God’s dwelling place calls us to live holy lives, set apart for His purposes. 1 Peter 1:15-16 commands, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
God’s holiness is a standard that we are called to reflect in our own lives. Just as the screen separated the holy space from the rest of the world, our lives should reflect the holiness of God by being set apart for Him.
3. The Role of Christ as Mediator
In the Old Testament, the screen separated the people from God’s presence, but through Jesus Christ, that separation has been removed. Hebrews 10:19-20 explains, “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.” Jesus, through His death and resurrection, has torn down the barrier that once separated humanity from God.
Exodus 36:33, with its symbolism of separation, points to the need for a mediator—someone who could bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Jesus fulfills this role, providing access to God for all who believe in Him.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 36:33 has several parallels in the Bible that further explain its theological and spiritual significance.
Matthew 27:51 (KJV)
“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.”
This verse recounts the moment when Jesus died, and the veil of the temple was torn in two, signifying that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed. The tearing of the veil fulfills the symbolism of the Tabernacle’s screen, as it points to the access believers now have to God through Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 9:11-12 (KJV)
“But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.”
The writer of Hebrews explains that Jesus has entered the true, heavenly Tabernacle, securing for us eternal redemption. While the earthly Tabernacle, with its screens and sacrifices, pointed to the need for a mediator, Jesus fulfilled that need by offering His own blood as the ultimate sacrifice.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 36:33 is deeply relevant to modern-day believers because it speaks to the holiness of God, the need for reverence in worship, and the ultimate access to God provided through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to live holy lives, acknowledging that God’s presence is both a privilege and a responsibility. The materials used to construct the screen and the craftsmanship involved serve as a model for how we should approach God—by offering Him our best and honoring Him with our lives.
Conclusion
Exodus 36:33 is more than a verse about the physical construction of the Tabernacle. It encapsulates profound theological truths about the holiness of God, the need for reverence in worship, and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan through Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to live holy lives, approach God with reverence, and recognize the immense privilege we have to enter His presence through the blood of Jesus. The screen in Exodus 36:33 serves as a reminder of God’s holiness and the ultimate sacrifice that made our access to Him possible.
Exodus 36:33 Commentary
Exodus 36:33 speaks not only to the craftsmanship of the Tabernacle but also to the deeper spiritual truths of God’s holiness, the need for atonement, and the ultimate access to God provided through Jesus Christ. The screen, with its intricate design and symbolic materials, serves as a reminder of the separation between God and humanity that was only remedied through Christ’s sacrifice.
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