Exodus 36:8
All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle. They were made of finely spun linen, as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them.
All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle.

The work proceeded according to the pattern God had given Moses on Sinai (Exodus 25:9, 40). Bezalel, Oholiab, and the artisans working with them used abilities God had supplied for the service of His dwelling place (Exodus 31:1–6; 35:30–35). The ten inner curtains formed the richly decorated covering of the sanctuary, joined in two sets of five (Exodus 26:1–6). Israel’s worship involved both willing hearts and careful obedience to God’s revealed design.

Exo 31:1-6 Then the LORD said to Moses,…
Exo 35:30-35 Then Moses said to the Israelites, “See, the LORD has…
1Ch 22:15-16 You also have many workers: stonecutters, masons…

They were made of finely spun linen,

The linen gave the curtains a clean, radiant appearance suited to the holiness of the God who dwelt among His people. Fine linen later becomes an image of the righteous deeds granted to the saints through God’s grace (Revelation 19:8). The sanctuary’s materials taught Israel that access to God required purity, not common or careless approach.

Exo 26:1 You are to construct the tabernacle itself…
Exo 39:2-3 Bezalel made the ephod of finely spun linen…
Exo 28:39 You are to weave the tunic with fine linen,…

as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn,

These costly colors displayed the glory and majesty of the heavenly King. Blue recalled the heavens, purple conveyed royal dignity, and scarlet fittingly anticipated the blood sacrifice through which sinful people could draw near to God. The colors appeared throughout the tabernacle furnishings and priestly garments, uniting Israel’s worship around the holiness, kingship, and redemption of the Lord.

Exo 25:4 blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair;
Exo 35:6 blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair;
Exo 35:23 Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn…

with cherubim skillfully worked into them.

Cherubim marked the boundaries of God’s immediate presence, having guarded Eden after humanity’s fall (Genesis 3:24). Their images on the tabernacle curtains, and later above the ark, portrayed the sanctuary as an earthly representation of God’s heavenly throne room. Sinful humanity could not enter freely beyond the veil; atonement was necessary. In Christ, who “tabernacled” among His people (John 1:14), God provided the true and final way for believers to enter His presence.

2Ch 3:14 He made the veil of blue, purple, and crimson yarn…
Exo 26:31 Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn,…
Heb 9:3-5 Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Skilled Craftsmen
These were the artisans endowed with wisdom and skill by God to construct the tabernacle and its furnishings. Their work was crucial in creating a dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among His people during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice.

3. Curtains
The ten curtains mentioned were part of the tabernacle's structure, made with specific materials and designs as instructed by God. They symbolized the separation between the holy and the common.

4. Finely Spun Linen, Blue, Purple, and Scarlet Yarn
These materials were chosen for their quality and significance. Linen represented purity, while the colors had royal and priestly connotations.

5. Cherubim
Angelic beings depicted in the design of the curtains, symbolizing the presence and protection of God.
Teaching Points
God's Provision of Skills
God equips His people with the necessary skills and wisdom to accomplish His purposes. We should seek to use our talents for His glory.

The Importance of Obedience
The craftsmen followed God's detailed instructions, demonstrating the importance of obedience in our walk with God.

Symbolism in Worship
The materials and designs used in the tabernacle were rich with symbolism, reminding us that our worship should reflect the holiness and majesty of God.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle was a tangible sign of God's desire to dwell among His people, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The Role of Community in Worship
The construction of the tabernacle was a communal effort, illustrating the importance of working together in the body of Christ to build His kingdom.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the role of the skilled craftsmen in Exodus 36:8 inspire you to use your talents for God's purposes today?

2. In what ways does the tabernacle serve as a foreshadowing of Christ and the New Covenant?

3. How can the detailed obedience of the craftsmen in constructing the tabernacle inform our approach to following God's instructions in our lives?

4. What significance do the materials and colors used in the tabernacle hold for our understanding of worship and holiness?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, work together to create spaces (physical or spiritual) where God's presence is honored and experienced?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 31:1-11
This passage describes how God specifically chose and filled Bezalel and Oholiab with His Spirit to lead the construction of the tabernacle, highlighting the divine origin of their skills.

Hebrews 9:1-5
The author of Hebrews describes the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings, drawing a parallel to the heavenly sanctuary and emphasizing the tabernacle's role as a shadow of things to come.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as the temple of God, drawing a connection between the physical tabernacle and the spiritual dwelling of God within His people today.
The Tabernacle MadeJ. Orr Exodus 36:8
Consecrated ArtExodus 36:1-38
False Estimates of Church-WorkersJ. Halsey.Exodus 36:1-38
Indolence in the ChurchJ. Halsey.Exodus 36:1-38
The Work Fails not Either for Gifts or SkillJ. Urquhart Exodus 36:1-38
Jehovah's Dwelling-PlaceJ. Orr Exodus 36:8-38
People
Aholiab, Bezaleel, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Able, Artistic, Best, Bezalel, Blue, Byssus, Cherubim, Cherubs, Craftsman, Cunning, Curious, Curtains, Designer, Designers, Doers, Expert, Fine, Finely, Hearted, Linen, Material, Ones, Performing, Purple, Red, Scarlet, Skilful, Skilfully, Skilled, Skillful, Stuff, Tabernacle, Ten, Twined, Twisted, Winged, Wise, Wise-hearted, Worked, Workman, Workmen, Wrought, Yarn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 36:8

     4150   cherubim
     5211   art
     5258   cloth
     5273   creativity
     5392   linen
     8365   wisdom, human

Exodus 36:8-38:11

     5272   craftsmen

Exodus 36:8-18

     7344   curtain

Library
Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down in the Mishnah and the Jerusalem Talmud.
The terribly exaggerated views of the Rabbis, and their endless, burdensome rules about the Sabbath may best be learned from a brief analysis of the Mishnah, as further explained and enlarged in the Jerusalem Talmud. [6476] For this purpose a brief analysis of what is, confessedly, one of the most difficult tractates may here be given. The Mishnic tractate Sabbath stands at the head of twelve tractates which together from the second of the six sections into which the Mishnah is divided, and which
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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