“And he made the screen for the door of the tabernacle of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework.”– Exodus 36:37
What Does Exodus 36:37 Mean?
The verse from Exodus 36:37 describes an important aspect of the construction of the tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. In this verse, we see a detailed description of the screen that served as the entrance to the tabernacle. The materials used, including blue, purple, and scarlet threads, along with fine twined linen, signify not only intricate craftsmanship but also the rich symbolism associated with each color and material. Each element holds significant meaning and reflects the beauty and majesty of God’s presence.
The use of blue in the screen often represents heaven and divine revelation, while purple symbolizes royalty and majesty, and scarlet can signify sacrifice and redemption. Together, these colors work in harmony to create an image of both beauty and holiness. The fine twined linen, known for its quality, serves to reinforce the idea that the tabernacle was to be a place of high regard, set apart from the ordinary. In essence, this verse showcases the thoughtfulness and intentionality behind constructing the elements of worship, as they were designed to honor God.
Exodus 36:37 Explanation and Commentary
When we look closely at Exodus 36:37, it’s important to understand the context of the tabernacle’s construction. God instructed Moses to build a sanctuary so that He could dwell among His people. This wasn’t just any dwelling; it was a space meant to be holy and distinct. The craftsmanship displayed in the tabernacle was a reflection of the reverence that the people had for God.
The meticulous details in the construction, including the screen mentioned in Exodus 36:37, reveal much about the character of God and the expectations He has for His people. The colors used for the screen—blue, purple, and scarlet—not only create a striking visual presentation but also convey deeper meanings. Each color, as we mentioned earlier, carries symbolic significance that speaks to different aspects of God’s nature. For instance, while blue might invoke thoughts of the heavens and the divine, purple speaks to God as King, and scarlet brings the message of sacrificial love and redemption through Christ.
The tabernacle and its furnishings, including the screen, were designed to reflect God’s glory. Each piece was crafted with care, and it’s poignant that this attention to detail reflects a desire to create a space that God could inhabit among His people. The screen itself marked the boundary between the common and the sacred, serving as a reminder of the holiness of God and the need for reverence when approaching Him.
As believers today, we can draw parallels from this verse in our own lives. Just as the Israelites invested their resources and efforts into creating a beautiful and functional space for God, we, too, are called to build our lives in a way that honors Him. This could be through how we treat others, how we cultivate our relationships, or the priorities we set in our lives. We should ask ourselves: Are we giving our best to God in all that we do? Are we mindful of His holiness in our actions?
In examining this verse alongside others within the chapters of Exodus, we find a continuous thread of divine instruction, guidance, and purpose. Exodus 25:8 emphasizes the need for God to dwell among His people, which elevates the importance of the tabernacle and its components. The intricate design of the tabernacle foreshadows future worship practices and the coming of Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice. The elaboration in these verses points towards the vibrant relationship between God and His people, as they navigate the challenges of their wilderness experience together.
Context of Exodus 36:37
To truly understand Exodus 36:37, we must delve into the surrounding chapters and the historical circumstances of the Israelite people. The book of Exodus recounts the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to their covenant relationship with God at Sinai. After receiving the Law, they were instructed to create a dwelling place—a tabernacle—where God could reside among them.
In Exodus 35 to 40, we witness the Israelites’ commitment to following God’s instructions in building the tabernacle, showcasing their eagerness for God’s presence. During this time, the skilled craftsmen, like Bezalel and Oholiab, were appointed to oversee this monumental task, reflecting the communal effort of the people. Their willingness to give their time, skills, and resources for the building project exhibits how they valued God’s dwelling as central to their identity as His people.
Exodus 36:37 specifically focuses on one aspect of the larger narrative—the entrance to the tabernacle. It emphasizes not only the beauty but also the symbol of access and invitation. The screen represented a threshold; behind it lay the holy place where offerings and sacred rituals would take place. As we reflect on this, it serves as a reminder of how God invites us into relationship with Him, despite our flaws and shortcomings.
In verses leading to Exodus 36, we see repeated themes of obedience and community involvement. The call to unite in service, generosity, and attention to detail was not just a project; it was a way for the Israelites to show love and dedication to God. This historical context lays the groundwork for understanding the spiritual significance behind the tabernacle and its furnishings, urging us to realize the value of collaboration in our relationship with God and one another today.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 36:37
We find several key components to consider in Exodus 36:37. Each part resonates with greater meaning than just a physical description, as we can relate the elements back to our lives as believers. First, let’s break down the colors used: blue, purple, and scarlet.
Blue stands for heaven and the divine. It reminds us of God’s authority and transcendent nature. As Christians, we seek to reflect this through our actions, aiming for our lives to communicate Christ’s character to the world around us. This color serves as a call to remember where our hope comes from and who holds our future.
Then, we have purple, which signifies royalty and kingdom authority. This color reminds us of Jesus as our King and emphasizes how we are to serve under His leadership. It beckons us to surrender our lives to His will, allowing Him to guide our paths and influence our choices. Romans 14:17 states, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Scarlet, or red, is particularly significant as it symbolizes sacrifice, both in the Old Testament context of offerings made for atonement and in light of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity. It brings to mind Hebrews 9:22 which states, “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.” As we contemplate the red thread in the fabric of the entrance, we are reminded to live lives marked by gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice.
In conjunction with these colors, the “fine twined linen” acts as a marker of quality craftsmanship. It helps us recognize the effort and care that go into worship. Whether in worship on Sundays or as we carry our faith into the week, our expression of love towards God should reflect this same quality. Colossians 3:23 encourages us, saying “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Lessons From Exodus 36:37
As we reflect on Exodus 36:37, we can draw many lessons applicable to our daily lives and faith journeys. The first lesson is the importance of intentionality in worship. Just as the Israelites poured their heart and skill into creating the tabernacle, we, too, should engage thoughtfully and purposefully in our acts of devotion. For instance, whether participating in corporate worship or engaging in personal prayer, it invites our best effort, attention, and hearts to be in sync with God’s presence.
This leads us to the next lesson: beauty deserves to play a role in our worship. The intricate and colorful design of the tabernacle screen reflects the worth of God. The same principle applies today; infusing beauty into our worship practices, be it through song, art, or even the arrangement of our communities, can inspire us to seek God’s presence more earnestly. God Himself appreciates beauty, as seen in the natural world and even the detailed instructions found throughout the Bible.
Another significant lesson surrounds the idea of accessibility. The screen at the entrance marked the boundary between the ordinary and the sacred but also represented an opportunity for the Israelites to draw near to God. Today, we uphold the truth that through Christ, we have direct access to the Father. This understanding brings comfort, knowing we can approach God with our prayers and concerns without fear of rejection or distance. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Additionally, the screen’s craftsmanship invites us to work together to support God’s mission in our own communities. Whether in our churches, families, or workplaces, our individual skills and talents come together to represent a united front in glorifying God. Every act of kindness and service we perform has meaning and purpose when rooted in love for Him.
As we identify these lessons, we also recognize the importance of prayerfully reflecting on how we use our resources. Just as the Israelites willingly contributed their wealth and skills to the tabernacle, we must ask ourselves, are we using our time, talents, and treasures wisely for God’s work? This reflection can lead to a deeper understanding of stewardship and service that honors Him.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 36:37 carries profound truth in its few words, speaking directly to the heart of worship, beauty, and accessibility. When we reflect on the significance of the tabernacle’s entrance screen, we also address our lives and the choices we make toward glorifying God. Every color we see in that screen and every thread tells a story—His story, the one that includes us as His cherished children.
The invitation remains; let us draw nearer to God with confidence, appreciating the beauty of His presence, and involving ourselves in the sacred act of worship. Let us give our best for His glory as we engage in community, recognizing that each effort, no matter how small, plays a role in building His kingdom. Much like the Israelites, whether through creativity or service, our actions should reflect our love for God and love for others. As we do this, may we continually experience the joy and peace of God dwelling among us.
For further reading on themes of creation and faith, consider exploring resources such as Genesis 1 and Genesis 2. These passages can deepen our understanding of God’s relationship with His people and the creation of a world brimming with beauty and purpose.