Exodus 26:36

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.

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}.

"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.

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

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

Context

Exodus 26:36 is part of God's detailed instructions to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence would dwell among the Israelites in the wilderness. Following the descriptions of the Tabernacle's coverings, frames, and the inner veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:31), this verse specifies the entrance curtain for the Holy Place itself. This "hanging" or screen marked the primary point of entry for the priests into the sacred space, emphasizing both the beauty and the regulated access to God's presence.

Meaning and Symbolism

The description of this entrance curtain is rich with symbolic meaning:

  • "An hanging for the door of the tent": This was the outer curtain, distinguishing the sacred interior from the secular exterior of the Tabernacle courtyard. It was a barrier that signified the holiness of the space within, yet also provided the necessary point of entry for those authorized to serve God.
  • "Blue, and purple, and scarlet": These vibrant and costly dyes held profound significance in ancient Israel.
    • Blue (techelet): Often associated with the heavens, divinity, and God's glory, reminding worshippers of the Lord's celestial nature and omnipresence.
    • Purple (argaman): A color of royalty, kingship, and wealth, signifying God's sovereign rule and majesty. It was a very expensive dye, reflecting the high value placed on the Tabernacle.
    • Scarlet (tola'at shani): Symbolized life, vitality, and most significantly, blood and sacrifice. This color foreshadowed the atonement required for sin and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:22).
  • "Fine twined linen": This pure white, high-quality fabric symbolized purity, holiness, and righteousness. Its use in the Tabernacle underscored the demand for ritual purity and moral uprightness in approaching a holy God.
  • "Wrought with needlework": The Hebrew phrase, ma'aseh roqem, suggests the work of an embroiderer, indicating intricate and skilled craftsmanship. Unlike the cherubim embroidered on the inner veil (Exodus 26:31), the specific designs for this outer hanging are not mentioned, but the detail implies beauty and divine artistry befitting God's dwelling place.

Key Themes

  • Holiness and Separation: The curtain served as a visible boundary, emphasizing the sacredness of the Tabernacle and the separation between God's holy presence and the common world.
  • Divine Majesty and Glory: The rich colors and fine materials reflect the immense glory and sovereignty of God, who is worthy of the finest craftsmanship and most precious resources.
  • Access and Atonement: While a barrier, this curtain also represented the designated point of access to God. The scarlet color subtly pointed towards the sacrificial system necessary for sinful humanity to approach a holy God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "wrought with needlework" (Hebrew: ma'aseh roqem) distinguishes this type of embroidery from the "cunning work" (ma'aseh choshev) mentioned for the inner veil. Roqem typically refers to plain embroidery, perhaps patterns or figures that are distinct from the background fabric, while choshev implies a more intricate, interwoven design where the figures appear as part of the fabric itself, often depicting cherubim.

Practical Application

While we no longer have a physical Tabernacle, the principles behind this verse remain relevant. The beauty and order of the Tabernacle's entrance remind us of the reverence and respect due to God. The symbolism of the colors – pointing to Christ's heavenly origin (blue), His kingship (purple), and His atoning sacrifice (scarlet) – highlights that our access to God today is not through physical curtains or elaborate rituals, but through faith in Jesus Christ, who is our "new and living way" into the Father's presence (Hebrews 10:19-20). Our approach to worship, whether individual or corporate, should reflect a recognition of God's holiness, majesty, and the precious cost of our redemption.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 36:37 (4 votes)

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

  • Exodus 40:28 (2 votes)

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

  • Exodus 40:29 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • John 14:6 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Samuel 7:6 (2 votes)

    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.