What is the meaning of Exodus 36:8? The skilled craftsmen among the workmen – God personally endowed Bezalel, Oholiab, and others “with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every kind of craft” (Exodus 31:1-6). – Their calling shows that manual skill is a divine gift, not a merely human achievement (Exodus 35:30-35; 1 Chronicles 28:21). – By naming them “workmen,” Scripture dignifies labor; by adding “skilled,” it underscores excellence. Believers today likewise serve the Lord with both diligence and quality (Colossians 3:23-24; 2 Timothy 2:15). Made the ten curtains for the tabernacle – The tabernacle’s heart was not wood or gold but fabric—portable holiness that moved with Israel (Numbers 9:15-23; John 1:14, “the Word became flesh and dwelt [literally, tabernacled] among us”). – Ten symbolizes completeness (Genesis 1:31 + Genesis 2:1; Exodus 34:28); every inch of the sanctuary was covered, illustrating God’s total provision (Psalm 132:13-14). – Curtains prefigure the veil later torn at Christ’s death, granting believers direct access to God (Exodus 26:31-33; Matthew 27:50-51; Hebrews 10:19-22). Finely spun linen – Linen, a pure white fabric, pictures righteousness (Revelation 19:8). – Its fineness required patience and precision, mirroring the holiness God demands (Leviticus 11:44-45). – The linen’s strength and breathability suited the desert climate, reminding us that God’s commands are both beautiful and practical (Deuteronomy 6:24). Blue, purple, and scarlet yarn – Blue evokes heaven and divinity (Numbers 15:38-40; Ezekiel 1:26), pointing to God’s transcendence. – Purple, the royal dye, speaks of kingship (Judges 8:26; John 19:2-3). – Scarlet, the color of blood, foreshadows atonement (Leviticus 17:11; Isaiah 1:18). – Together they present a tapestry of Christ: heavenly, royal, and redemptive (Revelation 1:5-6). With cherubim skillfully worked into them – Cherubim guard God’s holiness (Genesis 3:24; Psalm 99:1) and attend His throne (Ezekiel 10:1-22; Revelation 4:6-8). – Their woven presence declared that even within covenant grace, God remains awe-inspiringly holy. – The artistry—“skillfully worked”—teaches that doctrine and beauty belong together; truth should be displayed attractively (Exodus 25:40; Philippians 4:8). summary Exodus 36:8 reveals that God equipped skilled artisans to create ten flawless curtains of fine linen, richly colored and embroidered with cherubim, forming the tabernacle’s walls. Every detail—expert craftsmanship, complete coverage, pure linen, royal hues, and angelic images—points to God’s righteous, majestic, and redemptive presence dwelling among His people, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ who “tabernacled” with us and opened the way into God’s holy place. |
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