“And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, and their hooks shall be of gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.”
Exodus 26:37 is a verse found in the description of the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites were instructed to build during their time in the wilderness. In this verse, God gives detailed instructions regarding the hanging and pillars within the tabernacle.
The materials used: The hanging was to be made of fine woven linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and adorned with artistic designs of cherubim (Exodus 26:1). The pillars were to be made of shittim wood, also known as acacia wood, which is known for its durability and resistance to decay. These wooden pillars were to be overlaid with gold, symbolizing their significance and importance in the tabernacle.
The purpose and arrangement: The hanging and pillars served a specific purpose in the tabernacle. They were used to create a separation or partition within the sacred space. This partition was intended to separate the Holy Place, where the priests performed their duties, from the Most Holy Place or the Holy of Holies, which housed the Ark of the Covenant. This division symbolized the distinction between the presence of God and the rest of the tabernacle.
The significance of the number five: The verse mentions the use of five pillars. The number five is significant in biblical numerology and often represents the grace of God or His goodness. It may also symbolize the five-fold ministry gifts mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-12 (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) or the five books of the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
The use of gold and brass: Gold and brass were prominent materials used in the construction of the tabernacle. Gold signifies purity, holiness, and divine glory. It represents the presence of God and His divine nature. Brass, on the other hand, represents strength and judgment. The use of brass sockets for the pillars indicates their stability and the firm foundation upon which the tabernacle was built.
Overall, Exodus 26:37 provides insights into the meticulous instructions given by God for the construction of the tabernacle. It emphasizes the significance of the hanging and pillars in creating a separation between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, representing the presence of God. The use of specific materials and numbers adds symbolic meaning to the construction of this sacred structure.
