Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 36:31 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 36:31 is a verse found within the larger narrative of the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. The book of Exodus records the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the receiving of the Law at Mount Sinai and their continued journey toward the Promised Land. Within this narrative, the construction of the Tabernacle becomes one of the most pivotal events, as it symbolizes God‘s presence among His people. Exodus 36:31 speaks to the creation of the curtains for the Tabernacle, marking a significant part of the Tabernacle’s overall structure. This seemingly minor detail in the Bible offers profound theological and spiritual insights for Christians today.
In this article, we will explore the context of Exodus 36:31, its meaning, practical applications, and how it compares with other biblical texts. We will also examine its relevance for modern Christians and provide a thorough commentary to deepen our understanding of its significance.
The Context of Exodus 36:31 KJV
Exodus 36 is part of a section where the Israelites, after receiving detailed instructions from God, begin constructing the Tabernacle. This structure was to be a portable sanctuary where the presence of God would dwell among His people as they journeyed through the wilderness. Exodus 36:31 falls within the description of the actual craftsmanship involved in the Tabernacle’s construction.
The verse reads as follows in the King James Version (KJV):
“And he made a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it, of cunning work.”
In Exodus 36:31, the focus is on the creation of the veil for the Tabernacle, which was an important part of the inner sanctum—the Holy of Holies. The veil separated the Most Holy Place, where God’s presence was most closely manifested, from the Holy Place, where the priests performed their duties. The veil, as described in this verse, was intricately woven from fine linen and richly adorned with blue, purple, and scarlet threads. Cherubim, heavenly beings, were intricately woven into the fabric, highlighting the significance of this curtain and its association with God’s divine holiness and glory.
To fully understand the meaning of Exodus 36:31, it is important to consider the broader narrative and the theological implications of the Tabernacle’s design, especially the role of the veil.
The Tabernacle’s Structure and Its Importance
The Tabernacle was essentially the place where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites. It was divided into the outer court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies). The veil created in Exodus 36:31 separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The Most Holy Place was the area where the Ark of the Covenant was kept and where God’s presence was said to dwell. The veil served as a boundary that allowed only the high priest to enter into the Holy of Holies, and only once a year, on the Day of Atonement, to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people.
The veil itself was not just a physical partition but symbolized the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. It was a physical representation of the barriers that existed due to sin, preventing the Israelites from directly experiencing the full presence of God. The beauty and intricacy of the veil, including the cherubim woven into it, also pointed to the heavenly realities and the awe-inspiring presence of God.
The Exodus 36:31 Meaning
Exodus 36:31 describes a veil made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, with cherubim woven into it. Each of these elements carries symbolic meaning.
The Colors: Blue, Purple, and Scarlet
The colors mentioned in Exodus 36:31—blue, purple, and scarlet—are rich in symbolism and represent different aspects of God’s character and the nature of His Kingdom.
Blue: Blue is often associated with heaven and divine revelation. In the context of the Tabernacle, it could symbolize God’s heavenly nature and the transcendence of His holiness. It points to the fact that God is beyond human comprehension and cannot be fully understood apart from His revelation.
Purple: Purple was a color that signified royalty and nobility. It was expensive to dye fabric purple, so it often symbolized wealth, power, and authority. In the Tabernacle, purple likely represented the kingship and authority of God. The presence of purple in the veil speaks to God’s sovereignty and His rule over all creation.
Scarlet: Scarlet is often associated with sacrifice, sin, and atonement. The color can be seen as pointing to the blood of sacrifice, which was required to atone for the sins of the people. It foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Fine Twined Linen
The fine twined linen used to make the veil was a symbol of purity and holiness. Linen was often used in the sacred garments worn by the priests, indicating that the veil itself was made of materials that were set apart for God’s service. The fine quality of the linen also suggested the holiness and perfection required in God’s presence.
Cherubim
Cherubim are heavenly beings often associated with God’s throne and His presence. In Exodus 36:31, the cherubim woven into the veil symbolize the holiness of God and His majesty. Cherubim were also present in the Holy of Holies, above the Ark of the Covenant, where the presence of God was most fully realized. The cherubim, therefore, indicate that the veil not only separated the people from the Most Holy Place but also signified the heavenly and awe-inspiring nature of God’s presence.
The Veil as a Barrier
The veil itself was a barrier between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the separation between sinful humanity and the perfect holiness of God. Because of sin, humanity could not approach God’s presence without the mediation of sacrifice and the high priest. The veil represented the fact that the Israelites could not approach God directly, but it also pointed forward to the ultimate removal of this barrier through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 36:31 Application in Life
Though Exodus 36:31 refers to a physical element of the Tabernacle, its symbolism has profound implications for Christians today. The veil, with its rich symbolism of holiness, separation, and sacrifice, offers several key applications for modern believers.
1. The Need for Holiness
The veil’s intricate design and the materials used to create it serve as a reminder that God is holy and that holiness is required for approaching Him. Just as the veil separated the holy place from the Holy of Holies, our own lives should be set apart as holy and pure in order to approach God in worship. In 1 Peter 1:16, the Bible commands, “Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
As Christians, we are called to pursue holiness in our lives. This means avoiding sin and living in a way that honors God in our thoughts, actions, and relationships. The beauty and intricacy of the veil serve as a metaphor for the spiritual care and attention to detail that we must bring to our own lives in seeking to live in holiness.
2. The Importance of Sacrifice
The colors and materials of the veil, especially the scarlet, point to the concept of sacrifice. The veil reminded the Israelites that they could only approach God through sacrifice. Today, Christians understand that the ultimate sacrifice has been made through the blood of Jesus Christ. 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.”
The veil in Exodus 36:31 prefigures the sacrifice of Christ and the new way to approach God that His death has made possible. Christians are called to embrace the sacrificial work of Jesus and live in light of the redemption He has purchased for us.
3. Separation from Sin
The veil also represents the separation between humanity and God because of sin. In our modern-day context, this serves as a reminder that sin creates a barrier between us and God. Just as the veil prevented the Israelites from directly entering the presence of God, our sin prevents us from experiencing a full relationship with God.
However, through Jesus’ sacrifice, that barrier has been torn down. In Matthew 27:51, when Jesus died on the cross, “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.” This act symbolized the end of the separation between God and humanity. As believers, we can now come boldly before God’s throne of grace because of what Christ has done.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
Exodus 36:31 resonates with other parts of Scripture that speak to the themes of holiness, sacrifice, and the accessibility of God’s presence.
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 passage in the New Testament parallels Exodus 36:31 by showing the ultimate fulfillment of the symbolism of the veil. When Jesus died, the veil of the temple was torn, indicating that the separation between God and humanity was no longer necessary. Through Christ’s death, the way to God is open for all who believe.
Hebrews 9:3-8 (KJV)
“And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all; Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant; And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat…”
In Hebrews 9, the author explains the significance of the Tabernacle’s structure, including the veil, and its connection to the sacrifice of Christ. This passage illuminates how the Old Testament Tabernacle, with its veil and sacrifice, pointed forward to the greater sacrifice of Christ, which opened up the way for all believers to enter God’s presence.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 36:31 holds profound relevance for Christians today. The symbolic meaning of the veil teaches us about the holiness of God, the necessity of sacrifice, and the removal of the barrier between humanity and God. As believers, we can approach God directly because of Christ’s sacrifice, and this calls for reverence, gratitude, and a life set apart for Him.
The message of Exodus 36:31 challenges Christians to live lives of holiness, acknowledging the price that was paid for their salvation. It also invites us to reflect on the beauty and awe of God’s presence, knowing that we have access to the Father through the sacrifice of His Son.
Conclusion
Exodus 36:31 offers more than a historical account of the Tabernacle’s construction. It carries deep theological implications for understanding God’s holiness, the need for sacrifice, and the ultimate access we now have to His presence through Christ. This verse challenges us to live in reverence, to embrace the sacrifice of Jesus, and to recognize the importance of holiness in our daily walk with God. Through Christ, the veil is torn, and the way is opened for all believers to draw near to the Father with confidence and gratitude.
Exodus 36:31 Commentary
Exodus 36:31 serves as a pivotal verse in understanding the Tabernacle’s construction and the spiritual themes it conveys. The intricate design of the veil, with its blue, purple, and scarlet threads, and the cherubim woven into it, speaks to God’s holiness, authority, and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. While the physical veil separated the Israelites from God’s immediate presence, it pointed forward to the removal of that barrier through the death of Christ.
Related topics: