Exodus 26:36

KJV

And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} an hanging {H4539} for the door {H6607} of the tent {H168}, of blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8438}{H8144}, and fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}, wrought {H4639} with needlework {H7551}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For the entrance to the tent, make a screen of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely woven linen; it should be in colors, the work of a weaver.

Berean Standard Bible

For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:36 describes the precise specifications for the entrance curtain to the Tabernacle's Holy Place, detailing its luxurious materials and intricate craftsmanship. This "hanging" served as a critical boundary, regulating access for the priests into the sacred space and visually distinguishing the holy interior from the outer court. Its vibrant colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—combined with fine twined linen and elaborate needlework, underscored the majesty, purity, and sacrificial nature associated with God's dwelling, emphasizing both the divine beauty and the reverent, divinely appointed approach required to enter His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 26:36 is strategically positioned within God's exhaustive instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary. The preceding verses in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Detailed Tabernacle Instructions") meticulously outline the Tabernacle's inner coverings, its foundational wooden frames, and most significantly, the inner veil ([Exodus 26:31-35](/exodus/26-31-35 "Exodus 26:31-35 - The Inner Veil and Its Purpose")) that created an absolute separation between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant would reside. Following this description of the innermost, most restricted barrier, verse 36 then turns to the outer entrance to the Holy Place. This curtain was the first significant barrier encountered when moving from the public outer courtyard into the sacred tent itself. This deliberate progression from the innermost sanctum outwards highlights the graded holiness of the Tabernacle, illustrating the increasing levels of restriction, reverence, and purity required as one approached God's immediate, manifest presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The divine blueprints for the Tabernacle were delivered to Moses while the Israelites were encamped at the base of Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment following their miraculous liberation from Egyptian bondage. In the broader ancient Near Eastern world, temples and sacred precincts were frequently adorned with opulent materials and brilliant colors. Such embellishments were not merely aesthetic but served to proclaim the exalted status and immense power of the deity worshipped, as well as the wealth and devotion of the patrons. The specific dyes mandated for the Tabernacle—blue, purple, and scarlet—were exceptionally valuable and rare, often reserved for royalty, high-ranking officials, and divine representations. Their prominent use in the Tabernacle underscored the supreme majesty, holiness, and unique sovereignty of Yahweh, the God of Israel. While the concept of a "tent" or "tabernacle" was familiar from nomadic life, this was no ordinary dwelling; it was a divine tent, a portable earthly residence for God Himself amidst His people, symbolizing His intimate presence and guiding hand throughout their wilderness sojourn. The meticulous craftsmanship, specifically "wrought with needlework," further emphasized that nothing less than the finest artistry and most dedicated labor were acceptable for the dwelling place of the Creator of the universe, reflecting the profound reverence and devotion expected in approaching the divine.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 26:36 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the **holiness of God**, vividly portrayed by the elaborate and costly materials, which demand a reverent approach. The very existence of a "hanging for the door" underscores the theme of **regulated access** to God's presence, indicating that while God desires to dwell among His people ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")), access is on His terms, not ours. The specific colors, particularly scarlet, subtly introduce the theme of **atonement and sacrifice**, foreshadowing the blood necessary to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, a concept central to the Levitical system detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Holiness and Sacrifice"). Furthermore, the detailed instructions and the call for skilled craftsmanship highlight the theme of **divine order and perfection**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to every detail in His dwelling place, reflecting His own perfect character and the order He desires for His people's worship. This verse, along with the entire Tabernacle account, serves as a tangible representation of God's covenant relationship with Israel, a visible sign of His presence among them as they journeyed toward the Promised Land, as seen in the final setup in [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - The Tabernacle Erected and Filled with Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hanging (Hebrew, _mâçâk'_):** This term (H4539) refers to a cover or veil, specifically a curtain that functions as a door or entrance. In the context of the Tabernacle, it denotes a barrier that, while beautiful and symbolic, served to regulate and restrict access. Unlike the more substantial inner veil that completely separated the Holy of Holies, this "hanging" marked the initial, primary point of entry into the Holy Place, signifying that while God desired His priests to serve Him, His holiness necessitated a controlled and reverent approach.
* **Tent (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** This word (H168) denotes a tent or dwelling place, emphasizing the portable, temporary nature of God's sanctuary during Israel's wilderness wanderings. It highlights God's condescension to dwell among His nomadic people, yet it is a divine "tent" far removed from ordinary human dwellings, signifying His transcendent presence and the sacredness of His abode.
* **Wrought with needlework (Hebrew, _maʻăseh râqam'_):** This phrase combines H4639 (_maʻăseh_), meaning "work" or "product," with H7551 (_râqam_), a primitive root meaning "to variegate color" or "embroider." It describes the skilled craftsmanship of an embroiderer, where intricate patterns or designs are worked onto the fabric. This indicates that the curtain was not merely dyed but adorned with elaborate, artistic embellishments, distinct from the background fabric. This detailed artistry underscored the immense value and reverence due to the sacred space and the God who would dwell within it, reflecting the divine aesthetic and the high standards God commanded for His sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent":** This directive establishes the specific object, its function, and its precise location. It is a curtain ("hanging") designed to serve as the entrance ("door") to the main compartment of the Tabernacle, specifically the Holy Place. This signifies the initial, divinely appointed point of entry into the consecrated space, clearly distinguishing it from the outer courtyard and regulating who could enter and under what conditions.
* **"[of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen":** This clause specifies the luxurious, costly, and profoundly symbolic materials from which the curtain was to be made. "Fine twined linen" (white) represented purity, righteousness, and the holiness required to approach God. "Blue" (tᵉkêleth) symbolized the heavens, divinity, and God's transcendent glory. "Purple" (ʼargâmân), a rare and expensive dye, signified royalty, majesty, and the kingship of God. "Scarlet" (tôwlâʻ shânîy) pointed to life, vitality, and most significantly, the necessity of blood and sacrifice for atonement, foreshadowing the means by which sinful humanity could approach a holy God.
* **"wrought with needlework":** This final phrase emphasizes the intricate and highly skilled craftsmanship required for the curtain's creation. It was not a plain or simple fabric but a work of art, meticulously embroidered with patterns. This detail underscores the immense value and reverence due to the sacred space and the God who would dwell within it, reflecting the divine aesthetic and the high standards God commanded for His sanctuary, demanding nothing less than the finest human skill offered in devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Exodus 26:36 is **Symbolism**. Every element of the curtain—its colors, material, and craftsmanship—carries profound theological weight. The vibrant **colors** (blue, purple, scarlet) are not merely decorative but convey essential truths about God's transcendence, His royal sovereignty, and the indispensable role of atonement. The **fine twined linen** symbolizes purity and righteousness, qualities absolutely essential for those who would draw near to a holy God. The very existence of a **"hanging for the door"** symbolizes both the **separation** of the sacred from the common and the **provision of a designated access point** for the authorized. The phrase "wrought with needlework" emphasizes **divine artistry** and the meticulous care required for God's dwelling, underscoring the preciousness and glory of the divine presence. The verse also subtly uses **Contrast** when compared to the inner veil described just verses prior ([Exodus 26:31](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - The Inner Veil")), which was of "cunning work" and depicted cherubim, highlighting the different levels of holiness and restricted access within the Tabernacle's design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 26:36 beautifully encapsulates several core theological themes: the **holiness of God**, the **necessity of regulated access** to His presence, and the **foreshadowing of atonement**. The rich materials and vibrant colors speak eloquently to God's immense majesty, glory, and transcendent nature, demanding the highest reverence from His people. The curtain itself, while a physical barrier, simultaneously represents the divinely designated point of entry, illustrating that God, in His sovereign grace, provides a specific way for humanity to draw near, albeit strictly on His terms. The prominent use of scarlet, in particular, subtly but powerfully points to the sacrificial system that would become central to Israel's worship, emphasizing that sin must be addressed and atoned for before communion with a holy God is possible. This verse thus sets the stage for understanding the profound spiritual journey from the outer court to the Holy Place, a journey of increasing sanctity and a profound reminder that approaching God is not a casual endeavor but a privileged and sacred act, requiring intentionality and adherence to divine instruction.

* [Exodus 40:8](/exodus/40-8 "Exodus 40:8 - Setting up the Courtyard and Hanging")
* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - Aaron's Entry into the Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary and Its Furnishings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of the Tabernacle's entrance curtain in Exodus 26:36 offer profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. While we no longer approach God through physical curtains, elaborate rituals, or a geographically fixed sanctuary, the underlying principles of reverence, holiness, and intentionality in worship remain eternally paramount. The sheer beauty, preciousness, and meticulous craftsmanship of the materials remind us that our worship, whether expressed individually in private devotion or corporately in communal gathering, should reflect the immense worth, infinite glory, and perfect character of God. We are called to approach Him not with casual indifference, but with a heart prepared, a spirit of humility, and a deep recognition of His infinite majesty and our utter dependence. The curtain, as a point of access, also serves as a powerful and gracious reminder that our ability to draw near to God today is not predicated on our own merit, works, or inherent righteousness, but solely upon the magnificent provision He has made. This profound truth should inspire within us both a deep sense of awe and an overflowing gratitude, compelling us to live lives that consistently honor the sacred and unhindered access we have been so graciously granted through Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed description of the Tabernacle's entrance curtain in Exodus 26:36 deepen your understanding of God's character, particularly His holiness and His desire for a relationship with humanity?**
* **In what practical ways can New Testament believers cultivate a profound sense of reverence and intentionality in their approach to God in prayer, worship, and daily life, even without a physical Tabernacle?**
* **Considering the rich symbolism of the colors (blue, purple, scarlet) and fine linen, how do these ancient meanings resonate with your understanding of the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ today?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary function of the "hanging for the door of the tent" compared to the inner veil?**

Answer: The "hanging for the door of the tent" (Exodus 26:36) served as the primary entrance curtain for the Holy Place, which was the first main compartment of the Tabernacle. Its fundamental function was to regulate and restrict access for the priests who ministered daily within the Holy Place, clearly distinguishing the sacred interior from the outer, less consecrated courtyard. In stark contrast, the inner veil ([Exodus 26:31](/exodus/26-31 "Exodus 26:31 - The Inner Veil")) created an absolute barrier between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place (or Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne, resided. Only the High Priest was permitted to pass beyond this inner veil, and then only once a year on the solemn Day of Atonement ([Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")), bearing the blood of sacrifice. Thus, the outer hanging provided general priestly access for service, while the inner veil guarded the very presence of God, symbolizing the ultimate separation between a perfectly holy God and sinful humanity.

**Why were these specific colors (blue, purple, scarlet) chosen for the Tabernacle's curtains and furnishings?**

Answer: The selection of blue, purple, and scarlet for the Tabernacle's components, including the entrance curtain, was deeply symbolic and held immense significance within ancient Israelite culture and theology. **Blue** (_tekhelet_) often represented the heavens, divinity, and God's transcendent glory, visually connecting the earthly sanctuary to the celestial realm from which God reigns. **Purple** (_argaman_), an exceedingly rare and costly dye, was universally associated with royalty, kingship, and majesty, signifying God's sovereign rule as the King of Kings over all creation. **Scarlet** (_tola'at shani_) symbolized life, vitality, and, most profoundly, blood and sacrifice, pointing directly to the necessity of atonement for sin and the life-giving power inherent in the shedding of blood. These vibrant colors, combined with the pure white of the "fine twined linen" (symbolizing purity and righteousness), painted a vivid and comprehensive picture of a holy, majestic, and atoning God who, in His grace, condescended to dwell among His people, yet required a blood sacrifice for reconciliation and fellowship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 26:36, with its vibrant colors, costly materials, and regulated access, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle's entrance curtain, while beautiful, served as a tangible, restrictive barrier, foreshadowing humanity's inherent inability to approach a holy God apart from a divinely appointed way. The **blue** of the curtain, symbolizing heaven and divinity, points directly to Christ's divine nature and heavenly origin, for He is the [Son of God who descended from heaven](/john/3-13 "John 3:13 - Jesus, the Son of Man from Heaven"). The **purple**, representing royalty and kingship, finds its perfect embodiment in Jesus, the true [King of Kings and Lord of Lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings"). Most profoundly, the **scarlet**, symbolizing blood and sacrifice, points directly to Christ's atoning work on the cross, where His [precious blood was shed for the remission of sins](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the Covenant") for all who believe. The "fine twined linen," signifying purity and righteousness, is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who was [without sin](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sinless High Priest") and offers His perfect righteousness to us. Unlike the physical curtain that limited and restricted access, Christ Himself is the "new and living way" ([Hebrews 10:20](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way")) through His torn flesh, which is His body broken for us, granting all believers direct, unhindered access to God's very presence. He is the ultimate "door" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")) through whom we enter into salvation, abundant life, and eternal communion with the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 36:37

And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;

Exodus 40:28

And he set up the hanging [at] the door of the tabernacle.

Exodus 40:29

And he put the altar of burnt offering [by] the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered upon it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 35:11

The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,

John 14:6

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Psalms 78:60

So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent [which] he placed among men;

2 Samuel 7:6

Whereas I have not dwelt in [any] house since the time that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle.