“And every wise-hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, which includes the first five books of the Old Testament. Exodus narrates the account of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses and the establishment of the covenant between God and His chosen people.
In the preceding chapters (specifically, chapters 25-30), God provides detailed instructions to Moses on how to construct the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where the Israelites would worship and commune with God during their journey through the wilderness. The Tabernacle served as a symbol of God’s presence among His people and was a central aspect of Israelite worship until the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
Verse Analysis:1. “And every wise-hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet”: Here, we see that the construction of the Tabernacle involved skilled workers who were “wise-hearted” or filled with wisdom. These individuals were appointed by God to take on the task of creating the various components of the Tabernacle.
“Ten curtains”: These ten curtains were an essential part of the Tabernacle’s construction. They were made of fine twined linen, a luxurious and durable fabric, and were adorned with specific colours: blue, purple, and scarlet.
“With cherubims of cunning work made he them”: These ten curtains were not just plain textiles; they were skillfully crafted with cherubim designs. Cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence of God and His holiness. Their presence on the curtains symbolised God’s dwelling among His people in the Tabernacle.
Spiritual Lessons and Applications:
- The Importance of Skill and Wisdom:In the construction of the Tabernacle, God chose skilled and wise individuals to carry out the work. This teaches us the significance of using our God-given talents and abilities in service to Him and His kingdom. Whatever skills we possess, whether they are artistic, practical, or intellectual, can be used to glorify God and contribute to the well-being of His people.
- The Beauty of God’s Presence:The use of richly coloured fabrics and cherubim designs on the curtains emphasises the beauty and holiness of God’s presence. It reminds us that worship is not a casual activity but a sacred encounter with the Almighty. As believers, we should approach God with reverence, awe, and a heart of worship, knowing that He is always present with us.
- Symbolism of the Curtains:The curtains themselves symbolise the barriers between God’s holiness and humanity’s sinfulness. In the Old Testament, only the High Priest could enter the innermost part of the Tabernacle, the Holy of Holies, once a year on the Day of Atonement. This curtain was later torn in two at the crucifixion of Jesus (Matthew 27:51), signifying that through Christ’s sacrifice, we now have direct access to God’s presence and grace.
- Unity and Cooperation:The construction of the Tabernacle required the collaboration of many people working together for a common purpose. Similarly, in the New Testament, the Church is described as the body of Christ, where each member plays a unique role, contributing to the overall functioning of the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Cooperation and unity among believers are essential in carrying out God’s work and fulfilling His purposes.
In conclusion, Exodus 36:23 reminds us of the importance of using our skills and wisdom in service to God, approaching worship with reverence and awe, understanding the significance of God’s presence among His people, and working together in unity for God’s purposes. As we study the construction of the Tabernacle, we can gain insights into God’s desire for a relationship with His people and His plan to bring salvation through Jesus Christ.
