“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
Exodus 36:35 Meaning
In this verse, we find a beautiful description of an intricate piece of craftsmanship in the construction of the Tabernacle, which served as a sacred place for the Israelites to worship God. The veil mentioned here is not just a decorative item; it serves as a significant religious symbol. Made from blue, purple, scarlet fabrics, and fine twined linen, the veil is both visually striking and spiritually meaningful. The colors represent richness, royalty, and divinity. The blue fabric is often associated with heavens or the divine, purple is linked to royalty, and scarlet points to sacrifice and redemption.
This veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to make a sacrifice for the sins of the people. The intricate design and the presence of cherubim woven into the veil tell us that it was designed with great care and purpose. It highlights the holiness of God and the barrier that sin creates between humanity and the divine. The craftsmanship mentioned signals the importance of reverence when approaching God, emphasizing that worship requires dignity and honor.
Exodus 36:35 Commentary and Explanation
As we look deeper into Exodus 36:35, we can appreciate how skilled artisanship is emphasized in the biblical narrative. Bezalel and Oholiab, who were appointed by God to lead the construction of the Tabernacle, are praised for their incredible talents. They didn’t just throw together a structure; they meticulously created something meant to honor God and fulfill His instructions. This teaches us that God values our best efforts and our dedication to serving Him with the talents He has given us.
The choice of materials like blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen undoubtedly reflects the seriousness of what the Tabernacle represented. Each color adds to the depth of the veil’s meaning, suggesting that worship involves an understanding of God’s majesty and holiness. Imagine the awe of entering such a place, where vibrant colors and intricate designs all pointed towards the ineffable presence of God.
When we think of cherubim woven into the fabric, we are reminded of the heavenly realm and the angels that serve around God’s throne. This helps us understand that the veil is not just a physical barrier; it symbolizes the heavenly reality of God’s dwelling place. It brings to mind the deeper spiritual truths that we find in the New Testament, where the veil is torn during Jesus’ crucifixion (Matthew 27:51). That act symbolizes our access to God through Christ—something the early Israelites could only anticipate. The intricacies of the veil and its role in the Tabernacle demonstrate how God has always desired relationship, even in the midst of our brokenness.
As Christians, we can relate this to our present worship. We are encouraged to bring our gifts, abilities, and creativity into our relationship with God. Just like the artisans poured their skills into making the veil, we should pour our hearts into worship, serving God wholeheartedly—whether it be through art, music, teaching, or kindness. The spirit of service and dedication is what ultimately honors God.
Context of Exodus 36:35
To fully appreciate Exodus 36:35, it’s important to look at the broader context of Exodus chapters 25 through 40, which focus on God’s instructions for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the roles of the priests. The Israelites, having been freed from slavery in Egypt, were to create a dwelling place for God among them. The significance of these chapters demonstrates not just the practicalities of worship but also the profound relationship between God and His people.
This period in history was crucial for the Israelites. They were transitioning from slavery to freedom, and the establishment of the Tabernacle marked a new chapter in their lives. It served as a constant reminder of God’s presence with them, guiding them throughout their journey. The craftsmanship seen in the Tabernacle’s construction was not merely ornamental; it was about affirming their identity as the people of God.
The details matter immensely here—God’s meticulous instructions show that He desires to dwell among His creation in a relationship based on holiness and reverence. The artistic designs, particularly in the veil, symbolize the separation between God and humanity due to sin. This slight distance, echoed in the physical veil, serves as a metaphor for our relationships with one another and with God. The Tabernacle becomes a place where God’s people could seek Him, offering sacrifices and prayers. It represented hope and the promise of fully restored access to God, culminating in the work of Jesus.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 36:35
Examining Exodus 36:35 reveals multiple layers of significance. The craftsmanship of the veil exemplifies skill, dedication, and beauty. Each aspect—the colors, the materials, and the design—carries its own meaning. The artisans’ commitment to their work provides inspiration for us to pursue excellence in our endeavors. Like the craftsmen of Exodus, we too should be devoted to our tasks, whether they involve caring for others, teaching, or creating art as we worship our Creator.
The veil, as a divider and a symbol, emphasizes the importance of approaching God’s presence with care and reverence. The meticulous effort involved in creating something that honors God shows us how essential it is to put thought and heart into our worship. In our lives, we can ask ourselves: Are we bringing our best to God? Are we mindful of the holiness we are approaching? Let this lead us to prioritize God’s presence in our daily routines and special occasions.
Interestingly, the presence of cherubim in the design also echoes themes found throughout Scripture. The cherubim symbolize God’s holiness and are reminiscent of angelic beings found later in revelations of God’s nature. In Genesis, we read about cherubim guarding the entrance to the Garden of Eden following mankind’s sin (Genesis 3:24). This connection between the veil containing cherubim and the protection of God’s holiness directs us to consider our need for redemption, continually pointing us to the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.
Lessons From Exodus 36:35
Exodus 36:35 teaches us various lessons. First, it shows the preciousness of worship. Worship is not a casual affair; it involves careful design, commitment, and respect. When we come together to worship, let us remember that we bring our whole selves to God. We should cultivate a heart that encourages excellence, creativity, and thoughtfulness.
Next, it highlights the value of community and working together. The artisans did not work in isolation. They collaborated to create the Tabernacle, which served the entire community. In our lives, we should prioritize collaboration, knowing that our strengths can complement one another. Together, we can create spaces of worship, healing, and encouragement.
Finally, the veil challenges us to see the cost of access to God. The intricate design signifies that while God desires to be known by us, there is a requirement for reverence and holiness. Our access today is through Jesus, who bridged the gap. Grasping the significance of that access can motivate us to express gratitude and lead intentional, worshipful lives.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 36:35 is more than just a historical fact—it’s a profound expression of God’s desire for connection with humanity. The careful craftsmanship of the veil speaks volumes about reverence, worship, and the holiness of God. It’s pivotal for us to recognize that every aspect of our lives can be infused with the same commitment to honoring God. We can find inspiration in the artistry and dedication of those who built the Tabernacle.
As we reflect on this verse, let us aspire to approach God with intentionality. Let’s seek to bring forth the best of our talents in our acts of service and worship. In our hearts, if we commit ourselves to join in community like those craftsmen, we have the potential to create beautiful expressions of faith, love, and gratitude towards God.
For those interested in learning more, feel free to check out related verses such as Exodus 36:34 and Exodus 36:30. The story of the Tabernacle is rich and filled with lessons that inspire our faith and understanding of worship.