“And he made the veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim made he it of cunning work.”– Exodus 36:35
What Does Exodus 36:35 Mean?
Exodus 36:35 describes a significant moment in the construction of the Tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. This particular verse focuses on the creation of a veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place within the Tabernacle. The veil served more than just a decorative purpose; it symbolized the separation between God and humanity due to sin. In this verse, we see rich colors and intricate designs, which reflect the majesty of God’s presence.
The mention of “blue, purple, and scarlet” in the context of the veil is especially important because these colors were associated with royalty and divinity in ancient times. Blue represented the heavens, purple signified royalty, and scarlet was a color of sacrifice. The fine twined linen used in the veil signifies purity, making it a fitting material for something that surrounds the presence of the Lord. Each element of the veil is intentionally chosen to represent important spiritual truths about God’s character and our relationship with Him.
Exodus 36:35 Explanation and Commentary
In understanding Exodus 36:35, we appreciate that every detail about the Tabernacle, including this veil, was divinely inspired. The craftsmanship involved—referred to as “cunning work”—was not just about aesthetics; it was about creating an environment that honored God and reflected His holiness. This brings us to a realization that worship and reverence towards God require attention to detail. The craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, were specifically endowed with skill and talent for this purpose, demonstrating that God equips and calls specific people to serve in particular ways within His plans.
The veil, in separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, serves as a reminder of God’s holiness and our need for mediation. In the Old Testament, this barrier was a significant aspect of worship as it reminded the people that God is separate from human beings, who are often flawed. The fact that only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place once a year on Yom Kippur illustrates the necessity of holiness to approach God. This aspect of the veil invites us to reflect on the need for atonement and the sacrificial system in Israel’s worship.
As we progress in our biblical journey, we recognize that the veil also foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), indicating that through Christ’s sacrifice, the barrier between God and humanity was broken. This echoes the message of Exodus 36:35 but reveals how Christ fulfilled the purpose that this veil originally represented. He becomes our mediator, letting us enter into direct relationship with God without the need for separation.
This verse reminds us that while God’s presence is near, His holiness is something we should approach with awe and respect. It encourages us to live in a way that acknowledges God’s greatness and our need for His grace, allowing us to come before Him with hearts ready for worship and service.
Context of Exodus 36:35
To grasp the significance of Exodus 36:35, we need to look at it in the broader context of the chapters in Exodus that describe the construction of the Tabernacle. After God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, He commanded them to create a sacred dwelling place where He would manifest His presence among them. The instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle spanned multiple chapters in Exodus, emphasizing both the physical and spiritual dimensions of worship.
The artisans involved in the construction, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab, were specifically chosen and filled with the Spirit of God to execute God’s designs (Exodus 31:1-6). This highlights a theme throughout the Bible that God equips individuals with special skills to accomplish His purposes, whether in construction, leadership, or other capacities. Exodus 36 shows the Israelites coming together as a community to follow God’s will, showcasing their dedication through the sacrificial offerings needed for the construction.
During this time in the wilderness, the Tabernacle served as a focal point of worship and communal identity for the Israelites. It was a physical representation of God’s covenant relationship with them. The construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, and each part held deep spiritual meaning, reminding the Israelites of their unique relationship with God.
Exodus 36:35 also connects with the larger themes in Exodus that include God’s desire to dwell with His people, the significance of holiness, and the necessity of obedience. By crafting the Tabernacle according to God’s specifications, the Israelites demonstrated their willingness to respond to His call and to render service. These themes are profound reminders for us as they highlight our calling to live in a way that reflects God’s instructions and desires for our lives.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 36:35
In this verse, several elements stand out: the materials, the craftsmanship, and the symbolic meaning of the veil. Understanding these allows us to deepen our appreciation for how God desires to meet us.
The materials specified—blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen—each carry rich historical and spiritual significance. The colors symbolize aspects of God’s character: blue reminding us of the heavens, purple representing royalty, and scarlet symbolizing the blood and sacrifice. The use of fine twined linen suggests purity, which is essential when approaching something so holy as the presence of God.
The work involved isn’t just manual craftsmanship; it reflects the heart of the craftsmen who labored with intention and inspiration. The phrase “cunning work” acknowledges skill and creativity inspired by God. This encourages us to employ our gifts with excellence and purpose, realizing that all talents come from Him. When we use our skills in service to God, we honor Him and contribute to His work in the world.
Lastly, the veil’s function of separation prompts us to consider our own lives. Just as the veil stood between God and the Israelites, the issues of sin and spiritual disconnection can serve as barriers in our relationship with God. Reflecting on this helps us understand the necessity of repentance and grace in our own lives.
Lessons From Exodus 36:35
Reading Exodus 36:35 not only teaches us about specific historical events, but also carries profound lessons for our lives.
Our God values beauty and skill in our service to Him. We are encouraged to cultivate our gifts, recognizing that they serve His purpose in the world. We should approach our tasks with care and creativity, understanding that God delights in the work done with excellence and joy. Embracing our gifts means we honor the Creator who made us capable of such talent.
The significance of the veil encourages us to think about our relationship with God more deeply. No longer do we have a physical barrier separating us from Him. In Christ, the walls of separation have crumbled, allowing us to experience His presence and grace fully. It leads us to appreciate the weight of our worship and approach God with reverence and awe.
This verse encourages communal worship. The Israelites came together to create the Tabernacle, emphasizing the significance of community in our spiritual lives. This invites us to engage actively with our church family, participating in worship and serving together as we grow in faith.
Lastly, Exodus 36:35 serves as a reminder of our dependence on God’s grace. While God is holy and set apart, He has chosen to dwell among us. We need to live our lives recognizing the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and grace that comes from Christ. This ongoing relationship transforms us, allowing us to grow closer to Him.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 36:35 offers glimpses into the depth of God’s character and His desire for relationship with us. The veil, while a specific physical object, serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives. It reminds us of God’s holiness while simultaneously highlighting the grace available to us through Christ.
As we engage with this scripture, let us reflect on how we can bring our best to God, using our talents and efforts in ways that honor Him. Let us not take for granted the access we have to God through Jesus, but instead, daily approach Him in gratitude and worship. Encouraging others within our community to engage in acts of service and worship fulfills the call God has placed upon us, helping us grow in our faith together.
If you are interested in exploring more Bible verses and stories, consider viewing Genesis 1, which speaks of God’s creation and His intentionality in making all things. Further reading on how we can maintain a relationship with God can be insightful, such as armor of God prayers that help us stand firm in faith.