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.

Study Bible

All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen made the ten curtains for the tabernacle.
This phrase highlights the involvement of skilled artisans in the construction of the tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship in worship. The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their wilderness journey, symbolizing God's presence among His people. The number ten often signifies completeness in the Bible, suggesting the thoroughness and perfection required in the tabernacle's construction. The craftsmen's skills were divinely inspired, as seen in Exodus 31:1-6, where God fills Bezalel and Oholiab with His Spirit to lead the work.

They were made of finely spun linen,
Finely spun linen was a luxurious and costly material, indicating the tabernacle's sacredness and the reverence due to God. Linen was often associated with purity and righteousness, as seen in Revelation 19:8, where the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints. The use of such material underscores the holiness required in approaching God.

as well as blue, purple, and scarlet yarn,
These colors were significant in ancient Near Eastern cultures, often associated with royalty and divinity. Blue symbolized the heavens and divine revelation, purple was a color of royalty and wealth, and scarlet represented sacrifice and atonement. The combination of these colors in the tabernacle's curtains pointed to the majesty and holiness of God, as well as the sacrificial system that would be central to Israel's worship.

with cherubim skillfully worked into them.
Cherubim are angelic beings often associated with the presence of God, as seen in Genesis 3:24, where they guard the way to the Tree of Life, and in Ezekiel 10, where they are part of God's throne chariot. Their depiction on the curtains symbolized the heavenly reality of God's throne room, making the tabernacle a microcosm of the divine presence. This foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, as seen in John 1:14, where the Word became flesh and "tabernacled" among us.

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.