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What Does Exodus 38:31 Mean?

Exodus 38:31 is a verse found in the midst of a detailed description of the materials and craftsmanship used to construct the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as a dwelling place for God‘s presence among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. This chapter, like much of Exodus, is filled with specific instructions regarding the creation of sacred objects and the furnishings necessary for the Tabernacle’s use. Exodus 38:31 reads:

“And the chapiters upon the two pillars were of lily work in the porch, four cubits.” (Exodus 38:31, KJV)

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At first glance, this verse may seem like a mere detail about the construction of the Tabernacle, but it holds rich theological significance, symbolizing deeper truths about God’s holiness, beauty, and the worship He desires from His people. Understanding Exodus 38:31 requires considering its context, exploring its meaning, and applying its lessons to our lives today. This article will examine these aspects of the verse in depth.

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The Context on Exodus 38:31 KJV

Exodus 38 comes at the end of a section in the Book of Exodus that describes the construction of the Tabernacle, which was to be the focal point of Israel’s worship and a symbol of God’s presence among His people. This chapter is primarily concerned with the materials and work involved in building the Tabernacle, including the altar, the curtains, and various other elements like the pillars and their adornments.

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The verses leading up to Exodus 38:31 detail the use of different metals and materials—gold, silver, bronze, and acacia wood—as well as the exact measurements and design for each piece of the Tabernacle’s structure. Exodus 38:31 falls in the midst of a description of the two pillars at the entrance to the Tabernacle, which were placed in the porch (or entranceway) to support the Tabernacle’s structure.

These pillars, which were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, had capitals (tops) that were adorned with “lily work”—a type of ornamental design. The “lily work” mentioned here refers to decorative motifs in the shape of lilies, often associated with purity, beauty, and divine perfection. The phrase “four cubits” refers to the height of the pillars’ chapiters (about six feet), which was a substantial height, particularly for the structure’s entrance.

By including this detail, Exodus 38:31 emphasizes the importance of beauty, holiness, and the meticulous care taken in building the Tabernacle. God’s presence in the Tabernacle was not only a matter of functionality but also one of aesthetic beauty, reinforcing that our worship and devotion should be done with the best materials and utmost care.

The Exodus 38:31 Meaning

Exodus 38:31, although describing a physical feature of the Tabernacle, carries theological meaning that extends beyond the construction of an ancient sanctuary. The key components of the verse—the chapiters, lily work, and the overall design of the pillars—point to several important themes.

1. The Chapiters: Symbolizing the Glory of God

The chapiters (or capitals) of the pillars were adorned with ornamental work, specifically “lily work.” Chapiters served as the top portions of the pillars, acting as both structural elements and decorative features. In the case of the Tabernacle, these chapiters were part of the sacred space where God’s presence would dwell, and their design reflected the divine holiness and beauty of the Lord.

In the Bible, the use of gold, along with other precious materials, is often associated with the glory of God. The chapiters, overlaid with gold, symbolize God’s majesty and beauty, reminding us that worshiping God requires us to give Him our very best, in both material offerings and the purity of our hearts.

2. Lily Work: Symbolizing Purity and Beauty

The “lily work” mentioned in Exodus 38:31 refers to the specific ornamental pattern or design shaped like lilies, which were a symbol of purity, beauty, and renewal. Lilies are mentioned frequently in the Bible, especially in the Song of Solomon (2:1), where the bride says, “I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.” The lily is associated with purity, beauty, and the refined nature of the divine. Its use on the Tabernacle’s pillars suggests that God desires purity and beauty in the worship of His people.

Lily work also speaks to the notion of sanctification in worship. Just as the lily is pure and beautiful, so God desires the worship of His people to be pure and sincere. It points to the expectation that our hearts should be sanctified and our actions motivated by a love for God’s holiness.

3. Four Cubits: Significance of Size and Stability

The measurement of “four cubits” (approximately six feet) for the height of the chapiters speaks to the significance of the entrance into the Tabernacle. These pillars were not just functional; they were designed to create a sense of awe and reverence as one approached the sacred space. Their size—sturdy and towering—indicates the importance of stability in the worship of God. Just as these pillars stood firm in the entrance, so must our faith be strong and unwavering when we approach God in worship.

Exodus 38:31 Application in Life

While Exodus 38:31 speaks to the physical structure of the Tabernacle, its lessons can be applied to our spiritual lives today. The themes of beauty, purity, and holiness that emerge from this verse have a direct bearing on how we live as Christians and how we approach God in our everyday lives.

1. Approaching God with Reverence and Purity

The Tabernacle’s ornate and carefully designed pillars remind us that God is holy and that we should approach Him with reverence and purity. In our lives today, this translates into offering God not only our best in material things but also our best in terms of spiritual devotion. This includes living in holiness, avoiding sin, and dedicating ourselves to lives that reflect the purity and beauty of God’s character. The “lily work” can inspire us to cultivate pure hearts and lives that honor God in every way.

2. Worshiping God with Excellence

The attention to detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, especially the gold overlay and the intricate lily work, teaches us that worship should be done with excellence. Whether we are offering God our time, talents, or financial resources, we should not give Him leftovers or be complacent in our worship. Just as the Israelites gave of their best materials for the construction of the Tabernacle, so too must we give our best in service to God.

This can be applied to our work in the church, the way we serve others, and even in how we manage our personal relationship with God. Everything we do should reflect the glory and beauty of His nature, just as the Tabernacle’s structure reflected His holiness.

3. Building a Strong Foundation in Faith

The four cubits of the chapiters suggest stability and strength. In our Christian lives, we are called to build a strong foundation in our faith, one that will stand firm in the face of challenges and temptations. Just as the pillars were sturdy and immovable, our faith must be grounded in the truth of God’s Word and His promises. We must be deliberate in cultivating a relationship with God that is stable and unshakable, even when life’s difficulties arise.

Comparison with Other Biblical Texts

Exodus 38:31 can be compared with other parts of Scripture that speak about the importance of holiness, beauty, and excellence in worship.

1. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul reminds believers that they are the temple of God, and God’s Spirit dwells in them. Just as the Tabernacle was a place set apart for God’s presence, so our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, set apart for holiness. The design and beauty of the Tabernacle’s pillars are symbolic of the purity and holiness God desires in His people today. We are called to honor God with our lives, ensuring that we maintain purity, beauty, and excellence in our walk with Him.

2. Psalm 27:4

The psalmist expresses a deep longing to dwell in the house of the Lord and behold His beauty. “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple” (Psalm 27:4, KJV). This reflects the longing for the beauty and purity that was represented by the Tabernacle. The lily work of Exodus 38:31 can be seen as a symbol of the beauty of God’s holiness, which should be the object of our desire as well.

3. Matthew 23:27

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their outward displays of righteousness, saying, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.” While the Tabernacle’s beauty was meant to reflect inner holiness, Jesus highlights that mere external appearances are not enough. We must ensure that our internal lives—our hearts and motives—match the beauty and purity we present outwardly.

Modern-Day Relevance

Exodus 38:31 speaks to Christians today in many ways. First, it reminds us that God desires our best in worship and devotion. This can be seen in the way we live our lives—striving for purity, holiness, and excellence in all that we do. Just as the Israelites worked with gold and precious materials for the Tabernacle, we should offer our best to God in everything, from our relationships to our work and service.

Moreover, the emphasis on beauty and purity in worship calls us to examine our hearts and lives. Are we approaching God with reverence and sincerity, or are we offering Him half-hearted worship? The Tabernacle’s ornate pillars and their lily work challenge us to cultivate a faith that is not only outwardly respectable but also inwardly pure and pleasing to God.

Conclusion

Exodus 38:31 is more than a simple description of the Tabernacle’s pillars; it serves as a profound reminder of the beauty, purity, and holiness that God desires in His people. By reflecting on the significance of the chapiters, lily work, and their symbolism, we are called to live lives marked by reverence, excellence, and devotion to God. Whether in our personal lives, our worship, or our service to others, we are to offer God the best of what we have—just as the Israelites offered their finest materials for the Tabernacle. As we seek to build lives that reflect the glory and beauty of God, may we always approach Him with hearts full of purity and devotion.

Exodus 38:31 Commentary

Biblical scholars have noted that the use of gold and decorative features in the Tabernacle reflects the importance of beauty in worship. While the world often emphasizes materialism and external beauty, God’s beauty is one that reflects purity, holiness, and righteousness. The use of lily work on the chapiters is a reminder that God’s presence is not only majestic and powerful but also beautiful in its holiness. Just as the Tabernacle was carefully designed to reflect God’s glory, so too should our lives reflect His beauty and holiness.

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