Exodus 36:36

KJV

And he made thereunto four pillars [of] shittim [wood], and overlaid them with gold: their hooks [were of] gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} thereunto four {H702} pillars {H5982} of shittim {H7848} wood, and overlaid {H6823} them with gold {H2091}: their hooks {H2053} were of gold {H2091}; and he cast {H3332} for them four {H702} sockets {H134} of silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made for it four posts of acacia-wood and overlaid them with gold, and gold hooks; and cast for them four silver sockets.

Berean Standard Bible

He also made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold, along with gold hooks; and he cast four silver bases for the posts.

American Standard Version

And he made thereunto four pillars of acacia, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:36 meticulously describes the construction of four pillars for the Tabernacle, fashioned from durable shittim wood, meticulously overlaid with pure gold, and equipped with gold hooks. These pillars were firmly set into four heavy sockets made of silver. This detailed account highlights the divine precision, the preciousness of the materials, and the structural integrity required for the sacred dwelling place of God, specifically for supporting the inner veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the extensive and highly detailed narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, which spans Exodus chapters 35 through 40. Following the divine revelation of the Tabernacle's blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-30), these chapters meticulously chronicle the faithful execution of those commands by the divinely gifted artisans, Bezalel and Aholiab, and the generous contributions of the Israelite community. Specifically, [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle") focuses on the fabrication of the Tabernacle's structural components and coverings. Exodus 36:36 details the creation of the support structure for the inner veil, known as the _parokhet_, whose design and purpose were first commanded in [Exodus 26:31-33](/exodus/26-31-33 "Exodus 26:31-33 - The Veil's Design and Purpose"). This veil was a pivotal element, establishing a sacred boundary and regulating access to the very presence of God, where the Ark of the Covenant would ultimately reside. The verses immediately preceding Exodus 36:36 describe the making of the Tabernacle's frames and bars, while subsequent verses continue with the construction of the veil itself, the screen for the tent door, and other crucial furnishings, all contributing to the complete, divinely ordered sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle was a foundational act for the newly liberated Israelite nation, establishing a portable sanctuary that symbolized God's abiding presence amidst their nomadic journey through the wilderness. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples and sacred spaces were invariably constructed with the finest available materials, reflecting the honor, power, and perceived nature of the deity worshipped. The specific use of precious metals like gold and silver, combined with the resilient, desert-native shittim (acacia) wood, was both pragmatic for a movable structure in a harsh environment and profoundly symbolic of the Tabernacle's sacred purpose. The meticulous adherence to God's precise specifications, down to the exact number of pillars and the specific materials for each component, sharply distinguished Israel's worship from the often syncretistic and human-devised religious practices of surrounding cultures. This emphasis on divine instruction underscored that God's dwelling was not based on human ingenuity or aesthetic preference, but on His holy, precise commands, reflecting His desire for a unique, set-apart relationship with His chosen people, as commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 36:36 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Presence and Holiness**. The Tabernacle, and specifically the Most Holy Place separated by the veil, was the designated locus of God's presence among His people. The use of precious and pure materials like gold emphasizes the absolute holiness and glory of the God who condescends to dwell with humanity. Another key theme is **Divine Specification and Human Obedience**. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, meticulously followed by Bezalel and Aholiab, highlight God's precise design and the necessity of human faithfulness in executing His commands. This underscores that true worship and access to God are on His terms, not humanity's. Finally, the verse subtly points to the theme of **Atonement and Redemption**, particularly through the symbolic use of silver for the sockets. While not explicitly stated here, silver in the Tabernacle context often relates to the half-shekel atonement money ([Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - The Atonement Money")), suggesting that the very foundation of God's dwelling among His people rests upon a basis of redemption. These themes collectively portray a holy God who desires to dwell with His people, but only on terms that uphold His absolute purity and provide a pathway for sinful humanity to approach Him.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pillars (Hebrew, _ʻammûwd'_):** From a root meaning "to stand," this word refers to a column or support. In the context of the Tabernacle, these pillars were essential structural elements, providing vertical support for the inner veil. Their presence signifies stability and the necessary framework for maintaining the sacred separation within God's dwelling.
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to shimmer," gold is consistently used in the Tabernacle accounts to signify divine glory, purity, holiness, and the preciousness of God's presence. Its incorruptible nature and radiant beauty make it a fitting symbol for the unblemished character of God and the sacredness of His dwelling. The overlay of gold on the shittim wood pillars suggests that the divine glory covers and elevates the natural, earthly elements, transforming them for sacred use.
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden'_):** From a root conveying "strength" or "basis," this term denotes a foundation or base, specifically for a building or column. In this verse, the silver sockets provide the stable and weighty foundation upon which the pillars rest. Symbolically, the foundation of God's dwelling place resting upon silver, a metal often associated with redemption, suggests that the very support of God's presence among His people is grounded in His redemptive provision.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made thereunto four pillars [of] shittim [wood]":** This clause describes the creation of four distinct pillars, specifically designed to support the inner veil. The number four often symbolizes universality or the earthly realm (e.g., the four corners of the earth), suggesting that these pillars, while supporting a sacred barrier, are rooted in the physical world. The choice of shittim (acacia) wood emphasizes its exceptional durability, density, and resistance to decay, making it an ideal material for the structural elements of the Tabernacle in the harsh desert climate, thus highlighting the strength and longevity required for this crucial structural element.
* **"and overlaid them with gold":** The shittim wood pillars were not merely functional but were meticulously adorned with pure gold. This overlay elevated their appearance and profound symbolic value. It signifies that though the core material was earthly and natural, it was consecrated and covered with divine glory, reflecting the sacredness and preciousness of the space they guarded and the holy God they served.
* **"their hooks [were of] gold":** Even the smaller, functional elements like the hooks, which would hold the veil in place, were made of gold. This precise detail underscores the meticulousness of the divine blueprint and the comprehensive nature of God's glory, extending to every single part of His dwelling, no matter how seemingly minor or utilitarian. It signifies that every aspect of God's house must reflect His perfection and holiness.
* **"and he cast for them four sockets of silver":** The pillars were firmly anchored into four heavy silver sockets. These sockets provided essential stability and a firm foundation for the entire structure. The specific use of silver for the base, distinct from the gold overlay, carries significant symbolic weight, often pointing to redemption or atonement. This suggests that the very support and foundation of God's dwelling place and His relationship with His people rests upon a basis of redemption.

#### Literary Devices
The passage prominently employs **Symbolism**, where each material and structural element carries profound theological meaning. The **shittim wood** symbolizes endurance, resilience, and God's provision in the wilderness; **gold** represents divine glory, purity, and the preciousness of God's presence; and **silver** alludes to redemption and atonement, forming the stable foundation upon which God's dwelling rests. The **veil** itself, supported by these pillars, is a powerful symbol of separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, a barrier that both conceals and protects. Furthermore, the meticulous **Detail** and **Precision** in the description serve as a powerful literary device to emphasize the divine origin of the Tabernacle's blueprint and the absolute necessity of human obedience in its execution. This level of exactitude highlights God's character of order, holiness, and His intentional, perfect design for worship and relationship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:36, in its precise description of the Tabernacle's construction, powerfully conveys several core theological truths. It underscores God's absolute holiness and His meticulous nature, revealing that His dwelling place must be built according to His exact specifications, using materials that reflect His glory and the means of access He ordains. The pillars, supporting the veil, emphasize the necessary separation between a holy God and sinful humanity under the Old Covenant, highlighting the inaccessibility of His immediate presence without proper mediation. Yet, the preciousness of the materials also speaks to God's profound desire to dwell among His people, providing a tangible, though temporary, manifestation of His presence and a pathway for relationship, albeit restricted. This divine blueprint, perfectly executed, foreshadows the ultimate, perfect provision for access to God.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Precious Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The intricate details of Exodus 36:36, far from being mere architectural specifications, invite us into a deeper understanding of God's character and His profound desire for relationship with humanity. The meticulousness with which the Tabernacle was constructed, using the finest materials and adhering to every divine instruction, teaches us that God values excellence, precision, and holiness in all matters pertaining to worship and service. The pillars supporting the veil remind us of the necessary boundary between a holy God and sinful humanity, a barrier that once limited access to His immediate presence. This historical reality should cultivate within us a profound reverence for God's majesty and a deep appreciation for the divinely provided means of drawing near to Him. As we consider the symbolism of gold (glory) and silver (redemption), we are prompted to reflect on the preciousness of God's presence and the costly means by which our access has been secured. This passage encourages us to approach God with intentionality, reverence, and gratitude, recognizing the immense privilege of communion with Him, a privilege secured not by our works, but by His perfect provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform our understanding of God's character and His expectations for our worship?**
* **In what ways do the materials used (gold, silver, acacia wood) offer spiritual insights into God's glory, redemption, and enduring presence?**
* **Considering the veil's purpose, how does this passage deepen your appreciation for the access we now have to God through Christ?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of these four pillars?**

Answer: These four pillars were specifically designed to support the inner veil, known in Hebrew as the _parokhet_. This veil served as a crucial barrier, separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (also called the Holy of Holies), where the Ark of the Covenant, representing God's throne and presence, was located. The veil symbolized God's absolute holiness and the limited, divinely ordained access to His immediate presence under the Old Covenant, as described in [Exodus 26:31-33](/exodus/26-31-33 "Exodus 26:31-33 - The Veil's Design and Purpose").

**Why were specific materials like shittim wood, gold, and silver chosen?**

Answer: The choice of materials was both practical and profoundly symbolic. [Shittim wood](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - Ark made of Shittim Wood") (acacia) was durable, rot-resistant, and readily available in the desert, symbolizing endurance and God's provision in challenging environments. Gold, consistently used throughout the Tabernacle, represented divine glory, purity, and the preciousness of God's presence. Silver, particularly in the context of sockets or bases, often symbolized redemption or atonement, as seen with the half-shekel offering in [Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - Atonement Money"). Thus, these materials collectively communicated the sacredness, glory, and redemptive foundation of God's dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The four pillars of Exodus 36:36, supporting the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, powerfully foreshadow the ultimate work of Jesus Christ. The veil itself symbolized the profound barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity, a separation necessitated by sin. Yet, this very barrier pointed to its eventual removal. When Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross, the [temple veil was miraculously torn in two from top to bottom](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil"). This dramatic event, occurring at the moment of Christ's death, signified that the way into God's immediate presence was now fully and eternally opened, not through ritual or physical barriers, but through Christ's atoning work. He is our "new and living way" into the Most Holy Place, as [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Boldness to Enter the Holy Place") declares, His very flesh being the ultimate "veil" through which we gain access. The gold overlay on the shittim wood pillars points to Christ's divine glory and perfect righteousness, which covers and transforms us. Meanwhile, the silver sockets, often linked to redemption and atonement, prefigure the costly atonement secured by His precious blood, by which we are truly redeemed and given a firm foundation for our faith ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption by Precious Blood")). Thus, the meticulous construction of these Tabernacle pillars ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, who is the foundation, the glory, and the sole means of our eternal access to God.

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

Jeremiah 1:18

For, behold, I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brasen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land.