Exodus 36:34

And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings [of] gold [to be] places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

And he overlaid {H6823} the boards {H7175} with gold {H2091}, and made {H6213} their rings {H2885} of gold {H2091} to be places {H1004} for the bars {H1280}, and overlaid {H6823} the bars {H1280} with gold {H2091}.

He overlaid the planks with gold, made gold rings for them through which the crossbars could pass and overlaid the crossbars with gold.

And he overlaid the frames with gold and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. He also overlaid the crossbars with gold.

And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold for places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Commentary

Context

Exodus 36:34 is part of the detailed narrative describing the construction of the Tabernacle, God's portable sanctuary in the wilderness. Following the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, skilled artisans like Bezalel and Aholiab, empowered by the Spirit of God, meticulously carried out the work. This particular verse focuses on the finishing touches of the Tabernacle's structural framework. The "boards" refer to the acacia wood planks that formed the walls of the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, while the "bars" were used to hold these boards together, providing stability and unity to the structure. The detailed instructions for these elements are found earlier in Exodus 26:15-30.

Key Themes

  • Divine Glory and Purity: The pervasive use of gold throughout the Tabernacle, especially for overlaying the structural elements, symbolizes God's absolute holiness, purity, and supreme worth. Gold was the most precious metal, representing the divine presence that would inhabit this sacred space.
  • Meticulous Obedience: The repeated emphasis on "overlaid with gold" underscores the craftsmen's exact adherence to God's detailed blueprints. This highlights the profound importance of obedience in serving God, ensuring His will is accomplished precisely as commanded.
  • Enduring Strength and Beauty: While the acacia wood provided the necessary strength and integrity for the Tabernacle's walls and connections, the gold overlay added an unparalleled layer of beauty and symbolic value. This signifies that God's dwelling place is not only structurally sound but also divinely beautiful and glorious.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "overlaid" is tsaphah (ืฆึธืคึธื”), which means to cover, plate, or deck. It implies a thorough, complete covering rather than a mere superficial coating. This suggests the deep integration of the gold with the underlying acacia wood, signifying that the preciousness and glory were intrinsic to the structure, not just an external decoration. The repeated mention of "gold" (Hebrew: ื–ึธื”ึธื‘, zahab) reinforces its paramount symbolic and material importance in the Tabernacle's design, emphasizing its value, purity, and connection to the divine.

Significance and Application

  • God's Presence Among Us: The Tabernacle, with its gold-covered components, was the tangible sign of God's holy presence among His people. This Old Testament dwelling place foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity through Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled among us" (John 1:14).
  • Spiritual Foundation and Character: Just as the gold-covered boards and bars provided the foundational framework for the Tabernacle, believers are called to build their lives on a foundation of divine truth and purity. Our character, even the unseen "bars" of our inner strength and spiritual commitments, should be "overlaid" with the glory of God, reflecting His holiness and beauty in our daily walk.
  • Value in God's Eyes: The immense cost and effort put into the Tabernacle's construction, funded by the freewill offerings of the Israelites (Exodus 35:5), highlight the value God places on His dwelling place and His relationship with His people. This reminds us that our contributions to God's work, whether through resources, time, or talent, are precious acts of worship that build up His spiritual dwelling place today.

Reflection

Exodus 36:34 offers a glimpse into the exquisite beauty and sacredness of God's dwelling place. It challenges us to consider how we, as living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), should reflect His glory. Just as the Tabernacle's structure was both strong and overlaid with precious gold, our lives should be built on a firm spiritual foundation, adorned with purity, obedience, and the radiant presence of God.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.