Exodus 36:34

And he overlaid the frames with gold and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. He also overlaid the crossbars with gold.

Study Bible

And he overlaid the boards with gold
The act of overlaying the boards with gold signifies the splendor and holiness of the tabernacle, which was to be a dwelling place for God among His people. The Hebrew word for "overlaid" is "צָפָה" (tsaphah), which means to cover or plate. This meticulous covering with gold not only reflects the wealth and resources of the Israelites but also symbolizes the divine nature and glory of God. Gold, being a precious and incorruptible metal, represents purity and the eternal nature of God. Historically, gold was a symbol of royalty and divinity in ancient cultures, underscoring the sacredness of the tabernacle.

and fashioned their rings of gold
The rings served a practical purpose, allowing the boards to be held together by the crossbars. The Hebrew word for "fashioned" is "עָשָׂה" (asah), meaning to make or do. This indicates the careful craftsmanship involved in creating these elements. The use of gold for the rings further emphasizes the importance of every detail in the tabernacle's construction. Each component, no matter how small, was crafted with the utmost care and reverence, reflecting the Israelites' dedication to honoring God.

as holders for the crossbars
The crossbars provided structural integrity to the tabernacle, ensuring stability and unity. The Hebrew term for "holders" is "בַּיִת" (bayit), which can also mean house or dwelling. This dual meaning highlights the function of the tabernacle as a dwelling place for God, held together by these golden rings. The crossbars symbolize the strength and support that God provides to His people, holding them together in unity and purpose.

he also overlaid the crossbars with gold
The crossbars, like the boards, were overlaid with gold, signifying their importance in the overall structure of the tabernacle. The repetition of gold overlaying underscores the theme of divine presence and holiness. In a broader scriptural context, this meticulous attention to detail and the use of gold throughout the tabernacle's construction reflect the heavenly pattern shown to Moses on Mount Sinai. It serves as a reminder of the heavenly reality that the earthly tabernacle was meant to represent, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle, including the overlaying of gold on the boards and crossbars.

2. The Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites, constructed according to divine specifications.

3. The Israelites
The people of God, who contributed materials and labor for the construction of the Tabernacle.

4. The Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites constructed the Tabernacle during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.

5. The Crossbars and Boards
Structural elements of the Tabernacle, symbolizing strength and unity, overlaid with gold to reflect the glory and holiness of God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle according to God's instructions highlights the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Symbolism of Gold
Gold represents purity, holiness, and the divine nature of God. As believers, we are called to reflect God's holiness in our lives.

Unity and Strength in Community
The crossbars and boards symbolize the strength and unity of the community of believers, held together by the presence of God.

Generosity in Giving
The Israelites' contributions to the Tabernacle construction remind us of the importance of generous giving to support God's work.

God's Presence Among His People
The Tabernacle signifies God's desire to dwell among His people, a truth fulfilled in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed construction of the Tabernacle reflect the character of God, and what does this teach us about the importance of following His instructions in our lives?

2. In what ways does the use of gold in the Tabernacle construction symbolize the holiness and majesty of God, and how can we apply this symbolism to our personal walk with Him?

3. How can the unity and strength represented by the crossbars and boards of the Tabernacle inspire us to foster unity within our church communities?

4. What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' willingness to contribute to the Tabernacle, and how can we apply these lessons to our own giving and support of God's work today?

5. How does the concept of God dwelling among His people in the Tabernacle connect to the New Testament understanding of Christ and the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25
Provides the initial instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of following God's detailed plans.

1 Kings 6
Describes the construction of Solomon's Temple, which also involved extensive use of gold, symbolizing God's majesty and holiness.

Hebrews 9
Discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and its furnishings as a foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work.

Revelation 21
Describes the New Jerusalem, where gold is used to symbolize the purity and glory of God's eternal dwelling with His people.