Old Testament · Exodus

Exodus 36

King James Version · Study Bible

Author

Moses

Written

~1446-1406 BC

Key Theme

Divine wisdom empowers worshipful craftsmanship

Setting

Mount Sinai - building the Tabernacle

Key Verse

Exodus 36:8

Total Verses

38

Chapter Introduction

*In this chapter we see the heart of God beating in the hands of those He has called. Bezaleel, Aholiab and every skilled artisan are not just builders; they are vessels of worship. The people bring more than enough, showing that God's grace overflows in generosity. As we read, may we be reminded that when God places wisdom within us, He equips us to build His dwelling on earth.*

Exodus — Chapter 36 — KJV
1

Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.

Simply PutGod gave the craftsmen not just skill, but the deep "wisdom" (H2588) and "understanding" (H795) to build the sanctuary. It reminds us that when we feel inadequate, God can fill our hearts with insight for His work.
2

And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

Simply PutThose called "wise hearted men" (H2588) were stirred by a God-given passion to serve. Even when you feel called in the midst of chaos, trust that God's stirring can guide you to His purpose.
3

And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.

Simply PutThe people brought "offerings" (H4199), freely and daily, to fund the sanctuary's work. In moments of need, this shows how heartfelt generosity fuels God's grand designs.
4

And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made;

Simply PutEvery "wise man" (H2588) came from his own craft to contribute. It teaches that true service involves stepping away from personal pursuits and joining the larger work of God.
5

And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.

Simply PutThe Israelites declared they had brought "more than enough" for the sanctuary. When doubts arise about scarcity, remember that God often provides abundantly beyond our expectations.
6

And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.

Simply PutMoses issued a "commandment" (H3351) to halt further contributions. Sometimes, God sets boundaries to keep us from overgiving and to preserve the sufficiency He has already provided.
7

For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

Simply PutThe materials on hand were "sufficient" (H4837) yet already overflowed. This reminds us that God's provision is ample; we need not strive endlessly for more.
8

And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them.

Simply PutThe craftsmen made ten "curtains" of fine linen, adorned with "cherubims" (H3635). The cherubim symbolize God's heavenly presence, reminding us that our earthly work can reflect divine glory.
9

The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains were all of one size.

Simply PutEach curtain measured the same, demonstrating perfect "size" (H3588). God's design values order and consistency, inviting us to align our efforts with His divine blueprint.
10

And he coupled the five curtains one unto another: and the other five curtains he coupled one unto another.

Simply PutHe "coupled" (H7105) the curtains together, creating a unified whole. In life, our individual parts become stronger when we bind them in fellowship.
11

And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.

Simply PutHe made loops on each edge to hold the curtains together. These tiny "loops" (H7095) show how small details are crucial for the larger structure.
12

Fifty loops made he in one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain which was in the coupling of the second: the loops held one curtain to another.

Simply PutFifty loops per curtain secured one to another. Such precise "loops" (H7095) teach that faithfulness in the small things sustains the big picture.
13

And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle.

Simply PutFifty "taches of gold" (H8420) joined the curtains, making one tabernacle. Gold symbolizes value; God wants His people to join together with priceless devotion.
14

And he made curtains of goats’ hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.

Simply PutHe crafted eleven curtains from "goats' hair" (H6965). Even humble materials, when used by God, become part of the sacred dwelling.
15

The length of one curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits was the breadth of one curtain: the eleven curtains were of one size.

16

And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

Simply PutHe "coupled" five curtains together and six together. This division reminds us that God can work through both groups and individuals to form a complete system.
17

And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

Simply PutFifty loops secured the edges of each curtain. The "loops" (H7095) demonstrate that God’s design relies on precise connections.
18

And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one.

19

And he made a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers’ skins above that.

Simply PutHe made a covering of rams' skins dyed red and another of badgers' skins. These coverings protect the sanctuary, just as God shields us with His providence.
20

And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up.

Simply PutHe fashioned boards from "shittim wood" (H8095). Even modest woods become sacred when chosen and crafted by the Divine.
21

The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half.

Simply PutEach board measured ten cubits in length and one-and-a-half in breadth. The precise dimensions reflect God's meticulous planning.
22

One board had two tenons, equally distant one from another: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

Simply PutEvery board had two "tenons", spaced evenly. Tenons secure the boards, reminding us that God provides stable foundations for our lives.
23

And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:

Simply PutHe made twenty boards for the south side of the tabernacle. The careful assembly of each side reflects God's orderly construction.
24

And forty sockets of silver he made under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

Simply PutForty "sockets of silver" (H4420) were made for the boards. Silver sockets hold the tenons, symbolizing how precious metal secures and supports.
25

And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,

Simply PutHe made twenty boards for the north side as well. The symmetry of both sides reflects God's perfect balance.
26

And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Simply PutForty silver sockets secured those north boards too. Consistency on both sides shows God's commitment to fairness and stability.
27

And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.

Simply PutHe made six boards for the westward side. Even the smaller sides are treated with the same care and purpose.
28

And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

Simply PutTwo boards were made for each corner of the tabernacle. Corners, though small, are crucial to the structure's strength.
29

And they were coupled beneath, and coupled together at the head thereof, to one ring: thus he did to both of them in both the corners.

Simply PutHe "coupled" (H7105) the boards beneath and at the head, using a single ring. This unity ensures that all parts move as one under God's direction.
30

And there were eight boards; and their sockets were sixteen sockets of silver, under every board two sockets.

Simply PutEight boards had sixteen silver "sockets". The careful placement of each socket reinforces the overall integrity.
31

And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

Simply PutHe made five bars for one side's boards. Bars hold the boards together, showing how support is essential in any construction.
32

And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the sides westward.

Simply PutFive bars were made for the other side and five for the westward sides. The consistent support on all sides reflects God's comprehensive care.
33

And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other.

Simply PutHe made a central bar to run through the boards from end to end. This central pillar serves as the spine, just as Christ is our core support.
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.

Simply PutHe overlaid the boards and bars with "gold". Gold overlayer signifies that God coats our work with divine value and beauty.
35

And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work.

Simply PutHe made a veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen with "cherubims" (H3635) of cunning work. The veil separates yet connects, reminding us of the holy mystery between God and His people.
36

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.

Simply PutHe fashioned four "pillars" (H551) of shittim wood, overlaid with gold and set in silver sockets. Pillars stand firm, symbolizing God's steadfast support.
37

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

Simply PutHe made a hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen, "needlework" (H4950). The door's hanging opens with skilled craftsmanship, showing that entry into God's presence requires careful preparation.
38

And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.

Simply PutThe five pillars' heads and fillets were overlaid with gold, while their sockets were of brass. Gold at the top signifies divine honor, and brass foundations ensure lasting durability.
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✦ Cross-References

Exodus 31:2-6This passage records the divine appointment of Bezaleel and Aholiab with wisdom, directly linking to v1–v2 where they are described as the skilled craftsmen.
Exodus 35:30-35The collection of contributions for the tabernacle here explains the source of the materials described in v3–v5, showing the generosity of Israel.
Exodus 38:21-24This accounting shows that the contributions were more than sufficient, confirming v7's statement about excess material.
Numbers 2:1Moses' command that no one should take any contribution for personal use mirrors v6's proclamation throughout the camp.

Reflect

What “boards” are you intentionally building today—through habits, relationships, or spaces—that will stand up as the lasting foundation of your life’s purpose?