Exodus 36
BBCExodus 36:1
35:2136:1 Many of the people responded generously with the treasures they had brought from Egypt (vv. 21-29). Those who had given gold for the calf lost it all. Those who invested in the tabernacle had the joy of seeing their wealth used for the glory of Jehovah. Moses publicly named Bezalel and Aholiab as the ones whom God had appointed to work in all manner of artistic workmanship. They also had the ability to teach others (35:3036:1).
Exodus 36:2
36:2-7 The skilled workers began the task of making the sanctuary, but the people brought so much material each morning that Moses had to restrain them from bringing more. From verse 8 of chapter 36 to the end of chapter 39 we find a detailed account of the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings. The repetition of so much detail reminds us that God never tires of those things which speak to Him about His beloved Son.
Exodus 36:8
- The Curtains Covering the Tabernacle (36:8-19)The inner curtains, made of fine linen, were called “the tabernacle” (v. 8). Next were curtains of goats’ hair, “the tent” (v. 14). The curtains of ram skins and badger skins (or possibly seal or porpoise skins) were called “the covering” (v. 19).
Exodus 36:20
- The Boards for the Three Sides (36:20-30) These boards were made of acacia wood, the only kind of wood used in the tabernacle. Acacia trees flourished in dry places, were very beautiful, and produced wood that was practically indestructible. Likewise, the Lord Jesus was a root out of dry ground (Isa_53:2), was morally beautiful, and is the Eternal One.
Exodus 36:31
- The Bars Which Held the Boards Together (36:31-34)Four of the bars were visible, one invisible because it passed through the center of the boards. The invisible bar is a good picture of the Holy Spirit, binding believers together into “a holy temple in the Lord” (Eph_2:21-22). The four other bars may suggest the life, love, position, and confession that are common to all God’s people.
Exodus 36:35
- The Veil Leading to the Most Holy Place (36:35, 36)This veil represents the flesh of the Lord Jesus (Heb_10:20), torn on Calvary in order to open the way of approach to God for us. The cherubim on the veil are thought to represent guardians of the righteous throne of God.
Exodus 36:37
- The Screen Leading to the Holy Place (36:37, 38)This screen was made of the same material as the gate of the court and the veil mentioned above, and pictures Christ as the way to God.