Exodus 36: A Detailed Explanation

 

Exodus 36: A Detailed Explanation

Exodus 36 is a continuation of the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, as given to Moses on Mount Sinai. This chapter emphasizes the skill and dedication of the artisans, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab, and how the people's generosity exceeded the needs of the project.

Summary of Exodus 36

1. God-Given Skill of the Artisans (Verses 1-2)

   • Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled workers are chosen by God for the construction of the Tabernacle.

   • Moses calls them to begin the work after confirming that they have received wisdom from God.

2. The Overwhelming Generosity of the Israelites (Verses 3-7)

   • The people bring more than enough materials for the construction.

   • Moses instructs them to stop bringing offerings because the materials exceed the requirement.

3. The Construction of the Tabernacle (Verses 8-38)

   • Skilled craftsmen begin the construction of the Tabernacle’s curtains, coverings, frames, bars, pillars, and veils.

   • Specific measurements and materials, such as fine linen, gold, silver, and acacia wood, are described in detail.

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Verse-by-Verse Explanation of Exodus 36

Verses 1-2: The Appointed Artisans

"Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded." (Exodus 36:1)

• God selects specific individuals for the task of building the sanctuary.

• Bezalel and Oholiab are the two chief artisans, filled with wisdom and skill.

• Other craftsmen assist them, emphasizing that this is a community effort guided by divine inspiration.

"And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it." (Exodus 36:2)

• The willingness of the workers is highlighted—they respond to God’s call with enthusiasm.

• Their talents are not just natural but divinely endowed, showing that craftsmanship is a spiritual gift.

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Verses 3-7: The People’s Abundant Offerings

"And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning." (Exodus 36:3)

• The Israelites generously donate materials such as gold, silver, linen, and precious stones every morning.

• The phrase "free offerings" indicates that these gifts were voluntary and not demanded by force.

"And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made; and they spake unto Moses, saying," (Exodus 36:4-5)

• The artisans pause their work to tell Moses that they have too many resources.

• This is a rare instance where a leader must stop the people from giving because the offerings exceed the need.

"For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much." (Exodus 36:7)

• The materials collected were not just enough but excessive, showing the Israelites' gratitude and generosity.

• This contrasts with later periods in Israel's history when they struggled with disobedience and lack of faith.

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Verses 8-38: The Tabernacle’s Construction

This section provides details about the various elements of the Tabernacle. Each item follows God’s exact specifications, showing the importance of obedience in worship.

1. The Curtains for the Tabernacle (Verses 8-13)

"And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them." (Exodus 36:8)

• The curtains symbolize the holiness and separation of God’s presence.

• They are made of fine linen, interwoven with blue, purple, and scarlet—colors symbolizing divinity, royalty, and sacrifice.

• Cherubim designs are embroidered, indicating that the Tabernacle represents heaven on earth.

"And he coupled the five curtains one unto another: and the other five curtains he coupled one unto another." (Exodus 36:10)

• The curtains are joined together to form one large covering.

• This unity reflects how worshippers must be united in purity and devotion.

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2. The Coverings for the Tent (Verses 14-19)

"And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them." (Exodus 36:14)

• A second layer of curtains, made of goat’s hair, is added for protection.

• Goat’s hair symbolizes atonement (as seen in the Day of Atonement sacrifices).

"And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that." (Exodus 36:19)

• Three layers of coverings (linen, goat’s hair, and ram’s skin) show increasing levels of holiness.

• The red-dyed ram’s skin represents sacrifice, while badger’s skins provide durability and protection.

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3. The Frames and Supports (Verses 20-30)

"And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up." (Exodus 36:20)

• The acacia wood frames are strong and resistant to decay, symbolizing the permanence of God’s dwelling.

• The frames are covered in gold, highlighting the divine presence.

"And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle," (Exodus 36:31)

• The five bars stabilize the structure, representing unity and order in worship.

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4. The Veil and the Screen (Verses 35-38)

"And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work." (Exodus 36:35)

• The veil separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, restricting access to God’s presence.

• The colors are the same as those of the inner curtains, emphasizing holiness.

• This foreshadows Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice removes the barrier between humanity and God (Hebrews 10:19-20).

"And the hanging for the door of the tent was of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;" (Exodus 36:37)

• The entrance curtain serves as a reminder that access to God must be through divine instruction and purity.

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Spiritual Lessons from Exodus 36

1. God Equips Those He Calls

   • Bezalel and Oholiab did not achieve their skills by themselves; God gave them wisdom.

   • This teaches that when God calls someone for a task, He also provides the necessary abilities.

2. Generosity in Worship

   • The Israelites gave freely and abundantly.

   • True worship involves a generous heart, whether in time, talents, or resources.

3. Obedience and Excellence in God’s Work

   • Every detail of the Tabernacle followed God’s precise instructions.

   • This reminds believers to serve God with excellence and faithfulness.

4. Jesus as the True Tabernacle

   • The Tabernacle symbolized God’s dwelling with Israel; in the New Testament, Jesus became God’s presence among us (John 1:14).

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Conclusion

Exodus 36 shows the beauty of faithful obedience, generosity, and divine craftsmanship. The construction of the Tabernacle was a sacred task that foreshadowed Jesus Christ’s role as the ultimate way to God.