Exodus 36:38

Context of Exodus 36:38

Exodus 36 is part of the extensive narrative detailing the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary God commanded the Israelites to build in the wilderness. This chapter records the skilled craftsmen, led by Bezaleel and Aholiab, diligently following the precise divine blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Specifically, Exodus 36:38 describes the final elements of the screen that served as the entrance to the Holy Place, the first chamber of the Tabernacle proper, as originally instructed in Exodus 26:37. Every detail, from the materials to the number of components, was specified by God, highlighting the importance of this sacred structure for His presence among His people.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Precision in Design: The meticulous description of the five pillars, their hooks, chapiters, fillets, and sockets underscores God's absolute attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction. This was not merely a functional tent but a sacred space built according to a perfect heavenly pattern.
• Symbolism of Materials: The use of specific materials like gold and brass (bronze) was highly symbolic. Gold, used for the chapiters (capitals) and fillets (connecting bands), often represents divinity, purity, and glory, pointing to God's holy nature. Brass (or bronze) for the sockets typically symbolizes judgment, strength, or the earthly foundation, which was necessary for carrying the weight of the structure and enduring the wilderness conditions.
• Access to God's Presence: These five pillars formed the very entrance to the Holy Place, signifying a divinely ordained way to approach God. While the veil separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33), this outer screen marked the threshold for priests to perform their duties.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV terms used here are significant:

• Chapiters: These refer to the decorative tops or capitals of the pillars, often ornamented, which would have been visible at the entrance.
• Fillets: While sometimes referring to decorative bands, in this context, they likely denote connecting rods or bands that linked the pillars, providing structural integrity for the screen.
• Brass: The Hebrew word for 'brass' here is nechoshet (נְחֹשֶׁת), which more accurately translates to 'bronze'. Bronze was a common and durable metal in ancient times, often associated with strength and the bearing of judgment in biblical symbolism (e.g., the bronze altar in the outer court where sacrifices were made).

Practical Application

The enduring message of Exodus 36:38, within the broader Tabernacle narrative, is profound:

• God Cares About Details: The intricate instructions teach us that God is a God of order and precision, and He expects faithfulness in executing His commands, even in seemingly minor details.
• The Way to God is Specific: Just as there was a precise entrance to the Holy Place, the New Testament reveals that there is only one way to truly approach God: through Jesus Christ, who declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
• Symbolism Pointing to Christ: The gold on the pillars can be seen as foreshadowing Christ's divine nature and glory, while the bronze sockets may subtly point to His strength and the judgment He bore on our behalf, forming the solid foundation of our salvation.