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Exodus 36:38 Meaning, Context & Commentary

Read the Daily Bible VerseExodus 36:38 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.

Exodus 36:38 is a verse that concludes the detailed description of the construction of the Tabernacle, one of the most significant symbols of God‘s presence among the Israelites. This article will explore the context, meaning, and application of Exodus 36:38, comparing it with other relevant Biblical texts and highlighting its modern-day relevance for Christians today. It will also include an in-depth commentary on the verse and its spiritual significance.

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The Context of Exodus 36:38 KJV

The Building of the Tabernacle

Exodus 36:38 is situated within a broader narrative that describes the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, God’s earthly dwelling place during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. The Israelites, having been freed from Egyptian bondage, were given detailed instructions by God regarding the construction of this sacred space, which would be the focal point of their worship and the symbol of God’s presence with them (Exodus 25:8-9).

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Moses, under God’s guidance, appointed skilled artisans to carry out the work, primarily Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to execute the craftsmanship with excellence (Exodus 31:1-6). The materials for the Tabernacle were gathered from the willing offerings of the people, and every detail, from the outer curtains to the inner furnishings, was designed according to God’s instructions.

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The construction of the Tabernacle took place in phases, as described in Exodus 35 through 40. Each section of the Tabernacle, including the courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies, was built with precision, with an emphasis on holiness, order, and divine purpose. Exodus 36, specifically, focuses on the creation of the curtains and the building of the structure, with a particular focus on the skill and dedication of the workers.

Exodus 36:38 in Context

Exodus 36:38, KJV reads:

“And the little vail of the door of the tent, which is of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and the hanging for the court gate, which is of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, and twenty cubits long, and five cubits high, and answerable to the hangings of the court.”

This verse is the conclusion of a section that describes the creation of the gate and entrance for the Tabernacle. Specifically, Exodus 36:38 details the construction of the small veil (or curtain) that covered the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, as well as the hanging for the court gate. This entrance veil and the court gate were significant components of the Tabernacle, as they marked the boundary between the holy space and the outside world.

The colors and materials mentioned in this verse—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—are similar to those used in other parts of the Tabernacle, symbolizing purity, royalty, and the divine nature of God’s presence. The precise measurements given in the verse reflect the meticulousness of the work, reinforcing the importance of every detail in the construction of the Tabernacle.

The Meaning of Exodus 36:38

Symbolism of the Colors and Materials

The specific mention of blue, purple, and scarlet in Exodus 36:38 speaks to the symbolic meaning of these colors in the context of the Tabernacle. Blue represents heaven and the divine presence of God. It is the color often associated with God’s holiness, as it is the color of the sky, where God’s throne is established (Isaiah 66:1). Purple is the color of royalty, a reminder that God is King and sovereign over all creation. In the ancient world, purple dye was costly and rare, making it a fitting color for the royal robe of God. Scarlet is associated with sacrifice and atonement, pointing to the blood that would later be shed for the forgiveness of sins. The fine twined linen represents purity and righteousness, a necessary quality for anything that would come into close contact with the holy presence of God.

Together, these colors symbolize the nature of God—He is holy, sovereign, and requires sacrifice for atonement. The materials used for the curtain and the hanging for the gate reflect the sacredness of the space they were meant to enclose. The Tabernacle, and by extension the entrance, was not merely a physical structure; it was a symbol of the presence of God and the holiness of the worship that would take place inside it.

The Significance of the Entrance Veil and Gate

The entrance veil and the gate described in Exodus 36:38 served as the boundary between the holy space within the Tabernacle and the outer courtyard. The veil was not just a physical object; it symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. In the Old Testament system, this separation was a necessary feature of worship, as no one could enter God’s presence without the proper atonement and purification.

The entrance veil provided a clear distinction between the sacred and the profane. Only those who were purified could enter the Tabernacle, and this purification was accomplished through sacrifice and ritual. The gate, similarly, acted as a threshold that separated the people from the sacred space where God’s presence dwelt.

Exodus 36:38 Application in Life

Understanding the Separation Between God and Humanity

The veil and the gate in Exodus 36:38 teach us about the holiness of God and the separation between humanity and God due to sin. In the New Testament, we see this separation fully realized in the tearing of the veil in the Temple at the moment of Jesus’ death (Matthew 27:51). Jesus’ death on the cross opened the way for believers to approach God directly, without the need for earthly barriers or sacrifices.

As believers today, we can approach God with boldness and confidence because of Christ’s sacrifice, but we must never lose sight of His holiness. The veil in Exodus 36:38 reminds us of the need for reverence and humility in our approach to God. Though we have access to God’s presence through Christ, we must always approach Him with awe and respect.

The Role of Sacrifice and Atonement

The veil and the gate also point us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who was the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). In the Old Testament, the curtain and the gate symbolized the need for blood sacrifices to approach God. However, in the New Testament, Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice has removed the need for such rituals. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice who cleanses us from sin and allows us to enter into God’s presence freely.

This underscores the importance of remembering the cost of our salvation. Exodus 36:38 can serve as a reminder to believers of the great price paid for our access to God. We should never take for granted the incredible privilege of having direct access to the Creator of the universe through Christ.

Excellence in Worship and Service

The detailed description of the Tabernacle, and specifically the careful construction of the entrance veil and gate, calls us to offer our best in worship and service to God. The Israelites were meticulous in their work, ensuring that everything was done according to God’s specifications. This sets a standard for how we should approach our work and our worship today. Whether in church, in our daily lives, or in our private devotion, we are called to offer our best to God as an act of worship. Excellence in all things, especially in our relationship with God, is a reflection of His glory.

Comparison with Other Biblical Texts

The Veil and the Temple

The veil in the Tabernacle is not the only veil mentioned in the Bible. In the Temple built by Solomon, the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was similar in design and function to the veil described in Exodus 36:38. Both veils symbolized the separation between God and His people.

In the New Testament, the tearing of the veil at Jesus’ death in Matthew 27:51 is the climactic fulfillment of the symbolism of the veil. The veil, which had previously symbolized the barrier between God and humanity, was torn from top to bottom, signifying that through Christ’s atoning work, the barrier had been removed. We now have direct access to God through Jesus, the true and ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Jesus as the Door

Jesus Himself referred to Himself as the door or the gate through which we enter into eternal life (John 10:9). This directly contrasts with the entrance veil and gate in the Tabernacle, which required ritual purity to enter. Jesus, the fulfillment of all the Old Testament types and shadows, is the true gate through which all believers must enter to receive salvation and communion with God.

Modern-Day Relevance of Exodus 36:38

Christ’s Atoning Work and Access to God

Exodus 36:38, with its reference to the gate and veil, points us to the ultimate reality of Christ’s atoning work. Through Christ, we are no longer separated from God by barriers or rituals. We are called to come boldly into God’s presence, but we do so with reverence and respect, recognizing the holiness of the one we approach. This understanding encourages us to live lives worthy of the calling we have received and to approach God with gratitude for the access He has provided through Christ.

The Call to Holiness and Excellence

The detailed construction of the Tabernacle, especially the gate and veil, also serves as a call to holiness and excellence in our daily lives. The Israelites were instructed to offer their best in the construction of the Tabernacle, and similarly, we are called to offer our best in our service to God. Whether through acts of worship, service to others, or personal integrity, the standard of excellence in our work and worship reflects our devotion to God.

Conclusion

Exodus 36:38 is more than just a description of the physical elements of the Tabernacle; it points us to profound spiritual truths about God’s holiness, the need for atonement, and the excellence with which we should serve Him. The entrance veil and the gate serve as symbols of the separation between God and humanity, a separation that has been removed through the work of Jesus Christ. As believers, we are called to approach God with reverence, humility, and excellence, offering our best in worship and service to Him. By understanding the deeper meaning of Exodus 36:38, we are reminded of the great privilege we have in Christ and the responsibility to live lives that honor Him.

Exodus 36:38 Commentary

Exodus 36:38, like much of the Tabernacle construction narrative, emphasizes the need for both attention to detail and the recognition of God’s holiness. The choice of colors and materials for the entrance veil reflects the deeper spiritual truths about God’s nature—His majesty, His holiness, and His sacrificial love. The construction of the gate and the veil is a reminder of the separation between God and man, and the need for divine intervention to remove that separation. Through Christ’s sacrifice, the veil is torn, and we now have the privilege of direct access to God.

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