“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.”
To understand the significance of this verse, let’s take a closer look at its context within the larger narrative of the book of Exodus:
Context:The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey toward the Promised Land. During their time in the wilderness, God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where His presence would dwell among the people. The construction of the Tabernacle was a central event in the life of the Israelites, and it involved the offering of their time, skills, and resources as an act of worship to God.
Verse Analysis:Exodus 36:34 focuses on the process of constructing the Tabernacle and specifically mentions the boards, rings, and bars. Here’s a breakdown of the components mentioned:
Boards:These were wooden panels used as the framework for the walls of the Tabernacle. The boards provided structural support and formed the basic walls of the sanctuary.
Rings:The rings were made of gold and attached to the boards. They served as holders for the bars, allowing the boards to be connected and stabilised together.
Bars:The bars were also made of gold and were placed through the rings of the boards. These bars contributed to the stability and strength of the Tabernacle’s structure.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Excellence in God’s Service:The use of gold to overlay the boards and bars reflects the principle of giving our best to God in service and worship. The Israelites were not instructed to use cheap materials or to be careless in their work, but to offer their best craftsmanship to create a place of beauty and honour for God. 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 construction of the Tabernacle required the boards to be interconnected with bars, forming a unified structure. This unity and harmony among the individual parts symbolise the importance of unity 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 use of gold to overlay the boards and bars signifies the sanctity of the Tabernacle, which was set apart as a holy place for God’s presence to dwell. This reminds us of the holiness of God and the need for reverence and awe when approaching Him.
- God’s Presence among His People:The Tabernacle was where God’s glory would dwell and where the Israelites could approach Him in worship and seek His guidance. Today, as believers in Christ, we 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 a continuous fellowship with Him.
Conclusion:Exodus 36:34 serves as a reminder of the Israelites’ devotion to God and their willingness to use their resources and skills to construct a place where God’s presence would dwell among them. 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.
