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Exodus 36

38 verses

TL;DR

Exodus 36 describes the skilled craftsmen—Bezaleel, Aholiab, and the wise men—building the Tabernacle according to God’s instructions, including curtains, boards, and ornamental coverings.

Summary

In Exodus 36, Moses calls together the artisans entrusted with the Tabernacle’s construction, emphasizing that they possess divine wisdom. The Israelites’ generous offerings are regulated so the craftsmen have exactly what they need, preventing excess. The chapter gives a detailed account of the curtain’s dimensions, the use of linen, goat hair, and animal skins, and the interweaving of cherubs. Shittim wood boards are fashioned with silver sockets and gold overlays, forming the structural frame of the Tabernacle. Pillars, doors, and the covering (vail) are also crafted with intricate designs and precious materials. The passage concludes with the installation of the doors, pillars, and their adornments, completing the sacred space.

Outline
  1. Artisans and community offerings regulated
  2. Construction of curtains, tent, and structural boards
  3. Installation of pillars, doors, and ornamental coverings
Themes
Divine instruction and craftsmanshipCommunity generosity and regulationOrder and precision in worship
Keywords
tabernacleBezaleelAholiabcurtainssilvergoldcherubimshittim woodram's skinbadger skinboardspillars
People
BezaleelAholiabMosesthe children of Israelthe wise men
Places
the camp
Things
Tabernaclecurtainstapestrygoats' hairram's skinbadger's skinshittim wood boardssilver socketsgold overlayscherubspillarsdoor hanger
Key Verses
  • Exodus 36:8: Shows the craftsmen’s skill and the specific design of the curtains.
  • Exodus 36:20-22: Details the construction of boards, silver sockets, and gold overlays.
  • Exodus 36:35: Describes the vail’s colors and cherubic design.
  • Exodus 36:36-38: Illustrates the pillars, doors, and their adornments.
Questions
  • What does the detailed description of the Tabernacle’s construction reveal about Israel’s priorities and worldview?
  • How does the regulation of offerings in this chapter reflect the community’s relationship with divine instruction?
  • In what ways does the text emphasize the intersection of artistry and worship?
  • Why might the craftsmen be described as having “wisdom” in God’s sight?
  • What is the symbolic significance of the specific materials (linen, goat hair, animal skins) used in the Tabernacle?
Sentiment

neutral
Descriptive account; neither overtly positive nor negative in tone.