“And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle.”
Historical Context:The book of Exodus primarily deals with the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, a sacred tent that would serve as a dwelling place for God’s presence among His people.
Significance of the Verse:Exodus 36:13 describes the process of connecting the curtains of the Tabernacle using golden clasps called “taches.” These taches or clasps were essential in joining the individual curtains together to form a unified structure. The Tabernacle was made up of several layers of curtains, including fine linen and various colours, and these curtains had to be securely attached to create a single cohesive dwelling place for God.
Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons:
- Unity:The use of golden taches to couple the curtains together symbolises the importance of unity and collaboration among God’s people. Just as the curtains were joined to form one tabernacle, Christians are called to come together in unity and love, working together for the advancement of God’s Kingdom.
- Christ as the Tabernacle:The Tabernacle itself holds significant symbolism in the Bible. It foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would be the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. In John 1:14 (KJV), it is said, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” The word “dwelt” in Greek can be translated as “tabernacled.” Jesus, being fully God and fully man, became the physical manifestation of God’s presence among His people, just as the Tabernacle was a physical representation of God’s presence among the Israelites.
- Our Connection with God:The curtains were connected and held together by the golden taches. Similarly, our relationship with God depends on our connection to Jesus Christ. He is the mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5), and through Him, we can have a personal relationship with God.
- The Value of Gold:Gold is often associated with purity, value, and preciousness. The use of gold in constructing the taches and other elements of the Tabernacle emphasises the sacredness of the dwelling place of God. It also reminds us of the priceless nature of our relationship with God through Christ, something far more valuable than any material possession.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 36:13, several practical applications can be drawn:
- Unity in the Church:As members of the body of Christ, we should strive for unity, love, and cooperation among believers. Together, we form the Church, the dwelling place of God on earth today.
- Appreciating God’s Presence:Just as the Tabernacle was a place where God’s presence dwelt, we must cherish the presence of God in our lives through the Holy Spirit. We should seek to maintain a close and intimate relationship with Him.
- Value our Relationship with God:The construction of the Tabernacle with precious materials reminds us of the significance of our relationship with God. We should not take this relationship for granted but rather treasure and nurture it through prayer, studying the Word, and obeying His commands.
In conclusion, Exodus 36:13 highlights the process of joining the curtains of the Tabernacle to form a single dwelling place for God. This verse holds spiritual lessons for us today, emphasising unity, Christ as the ultimate dwelling place of God, and the preciousness of our relationship with Him.
