Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 36:35 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 36:35 is a pivotal moment in the narrative of the construction of the Tabernacle, which was to serve as the dwelling place of God among His people, Israel. This verse, while seemingly straightforward in its description, is rich in theological significance and practical implications for Christians today. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, and modern-day relevance of Exodus 36:35. We will also delve into its application in life and its relationship to other biblical texts.
The Context of Exodus 36:35 (KJV)
To understand Exodus 36:35 fully, we must first appreciate the broader context in which it appears. Exodus 36 is part of the larger section of the book where God commands Moses and the Israelites to build the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was to be a portable sanctuary that symbolized God’s presence with His people during their journey through the wilderness. It was a place for worship, offering sacrifices, and a means by which the Israelites could experience the nearness of God.
Exodus 36 Overview
In the chapters leading up to Exodus 36, God gave detailed instructions to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle. These included specifications for the materials to be used, the design of the curtains, the altar, the furnishings, and the priestly garments. The Israelites responded generously, bringing their gold, silver, and other precious materials to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 36 details the actual work of constructing the Tabernacle according to God’s design. Skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God, took charge of the work and oversaw the construction process. Exodus 36:35 appears within this narrative, describing a specific element of the Tabernacle’s furnishings—the veil or curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
Exodus 36:35 (KJV)
“And he made a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it, of cunning work.”
Exodus 36:35 describes the creation of the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Tabernacle. This veil was made from luxurious materials, including blue, purple, and scarlet threads, along with fine linen. The veil featured intricate designs of cherubim, and it was crafted with great skill by the artisans.
The Exodus 36:35 Meaning
To understand the meaning of Exodus 36:35, we must consider several key elements: the materials used, the symbolism of the veil, and the significance of cherubim.
The Materials of the Veil
The veil was made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with fine twined linen. These colors were chosen for their association with royalty and holiness.
Blue: Blue is often associated with the heavens and the divine, representing God’s majesty and His presence. It was a color used in the priestly garments (Exodus 28:31), emphasizing the connection between the Tabernacle and the divine realm.
Purple: Purple is the color of royalty, often associated with kingship and the sovereignty of God. In the Tabernacle, purple would have symbolized God’s kingship and His rule over the nation of Israel.
Scarlet: Scarlet symbolizes sacrifice and redemption, often associated with the blood of atonement. In the context of the veil, scarlet points to the sacrificial system and the need for atonement for sin.
Fine Twined Linen: Linen is often associated with purity and righteousness in the Bible. The fine twined linen used in the veil represents the holiness of God and His requirement for purity in His presence.
The Symbolism of the Veil
The veil itself was a significant symbol in the Tabernacle. It represented the separation between God and man due to sin. The most holy place, the Holy of Holies, was where the presence of God dwelled, and it was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by the veil. This veil symbolized the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. No one could enter the Holy of Holies except the high priest, and even then, only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2).
In the New Testament, the veil takes on additional meaning. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the Jerusalem Temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). This event signified that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed through the atoning death of Christ. Jesus, as the ultimate sacrifice, opened the way for all believers to approach God directly.
The Cherubim
The cherubim on the veil also carry significant meaning. Cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence of God and His glory. In the Garden of Eden, God placed cherubim to guard the way to the tree of life (Genesis 3:24). Similarly, the cherubim on the veil symbolized the holiness of God and the guarding of His presence. They were a reminder of God’s majesty and the reverence due to Him. The cherubim also pointed to the reality that the presence of God was not accessible to all but was limited to the high priest once a year.
Exodus 36:35 Application in Life
While Exodus 36:35 is a description of the construction of the Tabernacle, it carries significant spiritual lessons that can be applied to the lives of Christians today.
The Beauty of Worship
The veil, made with fine materials and intricate craftsmanship, reflects the beauty and holiness of worship. Just as the Tabernacle was designed with great care and detail to honor God, our worship and service to God should be offered with excellence and reverence. In the New Testament, Christians are called to offer their lives as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). Our worship is not limited to church services but extends to every area of life. Just as the artisans in Exodus gave their best to create a sacred place for God, we are called to give our best in our worship and service to Him.
The Barrier Between God and Man
The veil also reminds us of the barrier between God and sinful humanity. This separation existed because of sin, and it was only through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus that this barrier was removed. Today, Christians have direct access to God through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 10:19-20 says, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh.” The veil in Exodus 36:35 points to the ultimate reconciliation between God and man made possible by Christ’s sacrifice.
Holiness and Purity
The fine linen and the careful craftsmanship of the veil reflect God’s holiness. We are called to pursue holiness in our own lives. As the Apostle Peter wrote, “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15). The veil, made of pure linen, reminds us that God desires holiness in His people, and it is through Christ that we are enabled to live in purity and righteousness.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 36:35 can be compared to other passages in both the Old and New Testaments that emphasize God’s holiness, the symbolism of the veil, and the need for reconciliation with God.
The Veil in the Temple
Exodus 36:35’s description of the veil has parallels with the veil in the Temple of Solomon. The Temple’s veil was also a physical barrier that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Temple. This separation was a reminder of the holiness of God and the separation between Him and sinful humanity. When Jesus died, the veil of the Temple was torn in two, symbolizing the removal of this barrier (Matthew 27:51). The tearing of the veil signifies that, through Jesus, all believers now have direct access to God.
The Concept of Holiness
The concept of holiness is found throughout Scripture, from the instructions about the Tabernacle in Exodus to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. In 1 Peter 1:16, Peter quotes Leviticus 11:44, saying, “Be holy, for I am holy.” The holiness of God, symbolized by the veil in Exodus 36:35, is a central theme in Scripture. It is this holiness that believers are called to reflect in their own lives, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Access to God Through Christ
The New Testament teaches that through Christ, we have access to God. Ephesians 2:18 says, “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” The veil in the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 36:35, points to the need for mediation between God and man. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ fulfills that role as the ultimate mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), opening the way for believers to approach God directly.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 36:35, though part of an ancient narrative, remains highly relevant for Christians today. The themes of worship, holiness, access to God, and sacrifice all speak to the Christian experience.
The Call to Worship
In a world full of distractions and competing priorities, the call to worship God with excellence and reverence is crucial. Worship is not limited to Sunday services or special events but is an ongoing act of honoring God in all aspects of life. Just as the artisans gave their best to create a beautiful and holy space for God in the Tabernacle, Christians today are called to live lives that reflect God’s glory and honor His holiness.
The Need for Reconciliation
The barrier between God and man that the veil symbolized is no longer in place, thanks to Christ’s death on the cross. However, the reality of sin still creates a separation from God. The invitation to come near to God through Jesus is as relevant today as it was when the veil was torn. Believers are encouraged to draw near to God with a sincere heart and full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22).
Conclusion
Exodus 36:35, while seemingly a simple description of the Tabernacle’s veil, holds profound spiritual significance. It speaks of the holiness of God, the need for separation due to sin, and the future reconciliation through Christ. The symbolism of the veil is echoed throughout Scripture, and its meaning remains relevant to Christians today. We are called to live lives of holiness, to worship with excellence, and to approach God with reverence, knowing that the way has been opened to us through Jesus Christ. As we reflect on Exodus 36:35, let us be reminded of the sacredness of God’s presence and the privilege we have in drawing near to Him.
Exodus 36:35 Commentary
Exodus 36:35 reveals the high level of craftsmanship and care that went into the construction of the Tabernacle. It is a testimony to the Israelites’ devotion to God and their desire to create a space worthy of His presence. The symbolism of the veil, with its colors and cherubim, reinforces the themes of separation, holiness, and God’s glory. It serves as a reminder that worship, in any form, should be done with reverence, and that God’s holiness must always be acknowledged and respected.
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