Exodus 36:37

And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;

Exodus 36:37 (KJV)

Context

In the preceding chapters of Exodus, God gave Moses precise instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments. The Tabernacle was a sacred place where the Israelites could worship and seek God’s presence as they journeyed through the wilderness. This verse records the completion of the hanging for the tabernacle door, fulfilling God’s earlier command in Exodus 26:36.

Meaning

Exodus 36:37 highlights the precision and craftsmanship involved in the Tabernacle’s construction. The hanging was made of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, all crafted with skillful needlework. These materials were costly and often used for sacred and royal purposes, making the hanging a work of art, not a simple piece of fabric. The needlework shows that skilled artisans gave their best to God, and the beauty of the entrance reflected the glory and holiness of the Lord.

Biblical connections

The colors carry symbolic weight. Blue is often associated with heavenly and spiritual matters, reminding us of God’s transcendence and authority. Purple symbolizes royalty and divine kingship, pointing to God’s sovereignty and majesty. Scarlet represents sacrifice and blood, foreshadowing the coming sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Fine twined linen signifies righteousness and purity, reflecting the holiness required to approach God. The Tabernacle’s outer door allowed the Israelite community to enter the courtyard, while the innermost sanctuary was reserved for priests. Likewise, Jesus declared Himself the door (John 10:9), emphasizing that access to the Father is through Him alone. The Tabernacle served as a type of Christ, the ultimate High Priest and Mediator, whose redemptive work reconciles humanity with God.

Application

Just as the skilled artisans worked diligently with attention to detail, we are called to serve God with excellence in whatever capacity He has given us. Our work, whether great or small, can become an act of worship. The colors and materials remind us of God’s holiness and majesty. When we come before Him in prayer, worship, or study, we should do so with awe and a reverent heart. Recognizing Jesus as the door to the Father encourages us to approach God through Him, as He declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The scarlet hanging points to Christ’s sacrificial blood. Through faith in His shed blood, we receive forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life.

Reflection

Exodus 36:37 reminds us of the beauty, detail, and symbolic richness of the Tabernacle’s construction. It points forward to the greater truths fulfilled in Jesus Christ—our access to God, our call to serve with excellence, and the invitation to approach the Holy One with reverence.