Exodus 36:34

And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Exodus 36:34 (KJV)

Context

The book of Exodus recounts the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey toward the Promised Land. In the wilderness, God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where His presence would dwell among the people. This construction was a central event, involving the offering of time, skills, and resources as an act of worship. Exodus 36:34 records the fulfillment of God’s earlier command in Exodus 26:29, showing the people’s detailed obedience to His specific instructions.

Meaning

This verse focuses on the boards, rings, and bars that formed the Tabernacle’s framework. The boards were wooden panels overlaid with thin plates of gold, providing structural support for the walls. The rings were made of solid gold and attached to the boards as holders for the bars. The bars, also overlaid with gold, were passed through the rings to connect and stabilize the boards, giving strength and unity to the whole structure. The gold overlay was not merely decorative; it signified the preciousness and holiness of God’s dwelling place, emphasizing His majesty and purity.

Biblical connections

The skilled work was carried out by Bezalel and Oholiab, whom God filled with His Spirit, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge to perform the task (Exodus 31:1-6). This connection shows that the beauty and precision of the Tabernacle were not human achievements alone but gifts empowered by God. The gold-covered boards and bars point to the excellence of the place where God chose to meet His people, reflecting His glory and the reverence due to Him.

Application

• Excellence in God’s Service: The use of gold to overlay the boards and bars reflects the principle of giving our best to God. The Israelites were not instructed to use cheap materials or to be careless, but to offer their finest craftsmanship. In our lives, we are called to serve the Lord with excellence, using our skills and talents to the best of our ability.

• Unity and Harmony: The boards were interconnected with bars, forming a unified structure. This unity symbolizes the importance of harmony within the community of believers. Just as each board had a specific place and function, each member of the body of Christ plays a vital role within the Church.

• Gold as a Symbol of Holiness: Gold is often associated with purity and holiness in the Bible. The gold overlay signifies the sanctity of the Tabernacle, set apart as a holy place for God’s presence. This reminds us of God’s holiness and the need for reverence and awe when approaching Him.

• God’s Presence among His People: The Tabernacle was where God’s glory dwelt and where the Israelites could approach Him in worship. Today, believers have the assurance of God’s indwelling presence through the Holy Spirit. We are called to be living temples, and just as the Tabernacle was a place of encounter with God, our lives should reflect continuous fellowship with Him.

Reflection

Exodus 36:34 reminds us of the Israelites’ devotion and their willingness to use their resources and skills to construct a place where God’s presence would dwell. As we meditate on this verse, we are encouraged to offer our best to God, live in unity with fellow believers, remember the holiness of God, and embrace His indwelling presence in our lives.