Exodus 36:35

And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work.

Exodus 36:35 (KJV)

Context

Exodus 36 continues the account of building the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where Israel worshiped God during their journey through the wilderness. This chapter records how skilled workers, filled with God’s Spirit, carried out the instructions given earlier to Moses. The verse describes the making of the inner veil, a curtain that fulfilled the command in Exodus 26:31. That earlier command specified the exact materials and design, showing that the people followed God’s pattern with care.

Meaning

The veil was a significant piece of fabric that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, also called the Holy of Holies. This inner room held the Ark of the Covenant, and God’s presence dwelt there in a special way. The veil therefore marked the boundary between a holy God and His people, showing both His holiness and the barrier caused by sin. It was not a simple curtain but a divinely designed masterpiece, made with the highest level of artistic skill.

The materials and colors carried deep meaning. Blue often pointed to heavenly things and God’s presence above. Purple represented royalty and majesty, reminding Israel that God is King. Scarlet symbolized sacrifice and the blood shed for forgiveness. Fine twined linen, known for its purity, spoke of the righteousness required to approach God. Together, these elements taught the people about God’s character and the cost of drawing near to Him.

The cherubim woven into the veil were angelic beings associated with guarding God’s glory. They appear in Scripture as guardians of sacred space, as seen in Genesis 3:24. Their presence on the veil emphasized the holiness of the area behind it and the reality of God’s throne. The phrase “cunning work” in the King James Version means skilled craftsmanship. God gave Bezaleel and the other artisans wisdom and ability to create it, showing that He equips people for the work He calls them to do.

Biblical connections

The veil’s purpose finds its fulfillment in the New Testament. At Jesus’ death, the temple veil was torn from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), showing that the way into God’s presence was opened through Christ’s sacrifice. The tabernacle veil foreshadowed this truth, pointing to the mediator who would remove the barrier between God and humanity. This connection reveals both God’s holiness and His grace, as the same curtain that separated also became the means of access through Christ.

Application

The veil teaches several lessons for believers today. First, it reminds us of God’s holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him. Through Jesus, we now have direct access to God, but we should never treat that access lightly. Second, the colors call us to honor God’s sovereignty and to remember the cost of our redemption. Third, the careful work of the craftsmen encourages us to use our God-given talents in service to Him and others. The beauty and precision of the work reflect the order and holiness of God’s dwelling place, and they challenge us to offer our best in worship.

Reflection

Exodus 36:35 shows that God cares about both the beauty and the meaning of worship. The veil was made with the finest materials and the highest skill, reflecting the glory and majesty of God. It also reminds us that God is both holy and gracious, providing a way for His people to dwell with Him. As we consider this verse, we can respond with gratitude for the open access we have through Christ and with a desire to offer our best in worship.