Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 36:36 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 36:36, part of the Old Testament, stands as a powerful verse that provides deep insight into the building of the Tabernacle, a symbol of God‘s presence among the Israelites. In this article, we will explore the context, meaning, application, and modern-day relevance of Exodus 36:36, as well as compare it with other biblical texts for a fuller understanding.
The Context of Exodus 36:36 KJV
The Tabernacle Construction
Exodus 36:36 comes during the detailed narrative of the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness. After the Israelites were freed from Egyptian bondage, God instructed Moses on how to build a portable sanctuary that would be a place for Him to dwell among His people (Exodus 25:8-9). The people of Israel were tasked with contributing materials for the building, and the work was undertaken by Bezalel and Oholiab, two craftsmen specifically chosen by God (Exodus 31:2-6).
The building process, described in chapters 35 through 40 of Exodus, was a meticulous one, with specific instructions given for everything from the curtains of the Tabernacle to the design of the Ark of the Covenant. Exodus 36 describes the gathering of materials and the actual construction, with emphasis on the people’s willingness and generosity to contribute to the sacred project.
The Significance of Exodus 36:36
Exodus 36:36, KJV reads:
“And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it, of cunning work.”
This verse specifically refers to the creation of the veil (or curtain) that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Tabernacle. The Holy of Holies was the most sacred place, where God’s presence dwelled in a unique way. Only the high priest could enter, and that only once a year on the Day of Atonement. The veil represented the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity.
The materials mentioned—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—were rich and costly, symbolic of purity and holiness. The intricate workmanship of the cherubim woven into the fabric underscores the meticulous care and reverence in the construction of this sacred space.
The Meaning of Exodus 36:36
Symbolism of the Veil
The veil described in Exodus 36:36 holds profound symbolic meaning. In the physical structure of the Tabernacle, it represented the boundary between God and His people. The cherubim on the veil were reminiscent of the cherubim placed at the entrance to the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled (Genesis 3:24). In both instances, the cherubim symbolized God’s holiness and the separation between a holy God and fallen humanity.
The colors and materials mentioned in Exodus 36:36 also hold spiritual significance. Blue was associated with heaven and divine revelation, purple was the color of royalty, signifying God’s kingship, and scarlet symbolized the blood of atonement. The fine twined linen represented purity, an essential attribute of God’s nature.
The veil in the Tabernacle served as a reminder that while God was among His people, there was a necessary separation between the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man. The high priest’s entrance into the Holy of Holies was symbolic of the atoning work that was required for sinful humanity to approach God.
The Work of Bezalel and Oholiab
Exodus 36:36 also highlights the craftsmanship involved in creating this veil, with Bezalel and Oholiab described as the principal artisans. Their craftsmanship was not only skillful but divinely inspired. In Exodus 35:31-32, it is said that God filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, granting him wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all manner of workmanship. This speaks to the idea that the construction of the Tabernacle was not merely a physical endeavor, but a spiritual act. Every detail was an act of worship, dedicated to the glory of God.
Exodus 36:36 Application in Life
Reverence for God’s Holiness
The application of Exodus 36:36 in life begins with an understanding of the holiness of God. The veil served as a constant reminder that God is holy, and access to Him must be approached with reverence. Just as the Israelites could not enter the Holy of Holies without the proper preparation and ritual, we must approach God with reverence in our lives today. This means living with an awareness of God’s presence and holiness, recognizing that He is not just a friend but also a sovereign Lord.
The Role of Sacrifice and Atonement
The veil also points to the need for atonement. The Israelites could not enter into God’s presence without the blood of sacrifices. In the same way, believers today can only approach God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became our high priest and offered Himself as the perfect atonement for sin (Hebrews 9:11-14). This makes the veil in Exodus 36:36 a symbol not only of separation but also of the ultimate reconciliation achieved through Christ’s death.
The Call to Excellence in Service
The detailed work of the Tabernacle, particularly the veil, also calls us to offer our best in service to God. Bezalel and Oholiab did not build the Tabernacle carelessly or half-heartedly, but with great skill and dedication. As believers, we are called to bring our best to God in every area of life, whether through our work, our relationships, or our worship. Excellence in craftsmanship is not merely a physical act but a spiritual one.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
The Veil in the Temple
The concept of the veil is not confined to the Tabernacle. It is also present in the construction of the Temple, which was built by Solomon. The veil in the Temple was similar in design and purpose to the one in the Tabernacle, marking the boundary between the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies (1 Kings 6:31-35).
However, the veil’s significance is most dramatically underscored in the New Testament, when the veil in the Temple was torn from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51). This act symbolized that through Christ’s sacrifice, the barrier between God and humanity had been removed. The torn veil was a dramatic statement that now, because of Christ’s atonement, all believers have direct access to God without the need for an earthly high priest.
The Levitical Priesthood and the Role of the High Priest
The Levitical priesthood and the high priest’s role in entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement is a significant contrast to the New Testament revelation of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). In the Old Testament, only the high priest had the privilege of entering the Holy of Holies once a year, after making a blood sacrifice for the sins of the people. In the New Testament, however, Jesus Christ is our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), and through Him, all believers have access to the presence of God.
Modern-Day Relevance of Exodus 36:36
Christ as Our Mediator
In modern times, Exodus 36:36 and the subsequent tearing of the veil point to the profound truth that Jesus Christ is our mediator, making it possible for us to approach God directly. The veil in the Tabernacle serves as a metaphor for the separation that once existed between humanity and God, but Christ has bridged that gap. This means that today, we can live in constant communion with God, not needing to go through rituals or sacrifices as the Israelites did.
Pursuing Holiness in Our Lives
The symbolic meaning of the veil encourages believers to live lives that reflect the holiness of God. While Christ’s sacrifice has removed the barrier of sin, we are still called to pursue holiness and to live lives that honor God. The veil in Exodus 36:36 reminds us that God’s holiness is not to be taken lightly, and we must approach Him with reverence and awe.
The Importance of Offering Our Best to God
In a world that often encourages mediocrity, Exodus 36:36 calls us to offer excellence in all we do. Just as the craftsmen of the Tabernacle worked diligently and skillfully to create something worthy of God’s presence, so too should we give our best in our service to Him. Whether in our work, our relationships, or our worship, offering God the best of our time, talents, and resources reflects His worthiness.
Conclusion
Exodus 36:36 is more than just a description of a curtain; it holds deep spiritual and theological significance. It speaks to the holiness of God, the need for atonement, and the call to excellence in our service to Him. For modern-day Christians, the veil represents the separation between God and humanity that was removed through Christ’s death. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded to live lives of reverence, holiness, and excellence, offering our best to the One who is worthy of all praise.
This passage from Exodus continues to resonate today, reminding believers of the foundational truths of the gospel, and calling us to approach God with awe, gratitude, and dedication.
Exodus 36:36 Commentary
Exodus 36:36 is often seen as one of many verses that emphasize the beauty, sanctity, and detailed nature of the Tabernacle. It serves as a reminder of how important it was for the Israelites to create a dwelling place for God that was worthy of His presence. The intricate details, including the use of precious materials and skilled craftsmanship, demonstrate that nothing was too good for the Lord. The veil, in particular, symbolized the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect.
The veil also points forward to Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. In the New Testament, the veil no longer remains a barrier, but is torn open, signifying that through Christ’s death and resurrection, humanity can now enter into God’s presence freely.
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