Exodus Chapter 36
Building the Tent of Meeting
A. The People Bring an Offering
(Exodus 36:2–3)
“Then Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, everyone whose heart was stirred, to come and do the work. And they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of making the sanctuary. So they continued bringing to him freewill offerings every morning.”
The preparation and instruction for the tabernacle were now complete, and the time came for the work to begin. Moses called together Bezalel, Aholiab, and every skilled artisan whom the LORD had filled with wisdom and whose heart was stirred with devotion. These men were not driven by compulsion or obligation, but by a genuine desire to serve God with the gifts He had given them. The phrase “everyone whose heart was stirred” literally means “whose heart was lifted up,” describing a voluntary and joyful willingness to engage in the sacred task. Such enthusiasm is the mark of true service to God, for when the Spirit stirs the heart, obedience follows naturally.
They received from Moses all the offerings that had already been gathered from the children of Israel for the building of the sanctuary, yet the people did not stop giving. Every morning they continued to bring additional freewill offerings, displaying a continual spirit of generosity and worship. This giving was not done under coercion, but flowed from hearts eager to contribute to the dwelling place of God. Even the most willing hearts, however, often need leadership and direction, and Moses wisely guided the people by declaring that the time to give had arrived, prompting their faithful response.
(Exodus 36:4–7)
“Then all the craftsmen who were doing all the work of the sanctuary came, each from the work he was doing, and they spoke to Moses, saying, ‘The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which the LORD commanded us to do.’ So Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, ‘Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctuary.’ And the people were restrained from bringing, for the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much.”
The abundance of the people’s generosity soon became apparent. The craftsmen, who were diligently engaged in the construction of the tabernacle, interrupted their work to report to Moses that the offerings had exceeded what was required. This rare and beautiful testimony revealed the power of cheerful, Spirit-led giving. When God moves the hearts of His people, they often respond with more than enough to accomplish His purposes. There were no manipulative appeals or emotional coercion, only willing hearts guided by God’s Spirit. As one commentator noted, when the heart is stirred by love for God, giving ceases to be calculated or stingy; no cost is considered too great when the offering is unto the LORD.
In response, Moses demonstrated remarkable integrity and discernment. He issued a command throughout the camp, restraining the people from bringing any more gifts. This showed that Moses and the leaders had carefully planned the work, knowing how much material was necessary to complete it. There was no greed or misuse of resources; once the work was provided for, the offering was stopped. The purpose of God’s command was not to accumulate wealth, but to fulfill a specific mission—to build the place where He would dwell among His people.
The text emphasizes that “the material they had was sufficient for all the work to be done—indeed too much.” This mirrors the generosity of God Himself, who always provides more than enough for His children. Just as God’s grace is abundant and overflowing, the offerings of His people reflected that divine generosity. Yet there is also a sober warning in this passage: those who delayed in giving out of hesitation or greed missed their opportunity to participate in the work of God. The project was complete, and their chance to contribute was gone. This reminds believers that obedience delayed is often obedience denied, and that opportunities to serve and give to the LORD should be seized while they remain open.
Summary:
Exodus 36:2–7 records the remarkable outpouring of generosity among the Israelites as they began building the tabernacle. Those whom God had filled with wisdom stepped forward to labor, and the people continually brought offerings until there was more than enough. Moses, discerning the sufficiency of their giving, halted further contributions. This passage teaches the importance of willing hearts, proper stewardship, and integrity in leadership, showing that when God’s people respond freely to His prompting, His work is always fully supplied.
B. The Building and Assembling of the Curtains, Boards, Pillars, and Veils of the Tabernacle
This section marks the beginning of the construction of the Tabernacle, continuing nearly to the end of the Book of Exodus. The earlier chapters (Exodus 26–31) gave the divine instructions and blueprints; now those plans are faithfully executed. This careful repetition serves an important theological and literary purpose. It demonstrates that Moses and the people obeyed God’s word precisely as He commanded, without alteration or improvisation. The attention to detail affirms the holiness of God and the seriousness of obedience in worship. As Cole observed, “As an architect delights to pore over plans or blueprints, so the pious priest would have rejoiced in this meticulous re-listing of specifications already given.” The text invites the reader to appreciate both the beauty and precision of the dwelling God designed for His presence among His people.
(Exodus 36:8–13)
“Then all the gifted artisans among them who worked on the tabernacle made ten curtains woven of fine linen, and of blue, purple, and scarlet thread; with artistic designs of cherubim they made them. The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; the curtains were all the same size. And he coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled to one another. He made loops of blue yarn on the edge of the curtain on the selvedge of one set; likewise he did on the outer edge of the other curtain of the second set. Fifty loops he made on one curtain, and fifty loops he made on the edge of the curtain on the end of the second set; the loops held one curtain to another. And he made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains to one another with the clasps, that it might be one tabernacle.”
The work began with the inner curtains of the Tabernacle—the most beautiful and symbolically rich components. The artisans, described as “gifted” and Spirit-filled, made ten curtains from fine linen, interwoven with blue, purple, and scarlet threads. These colors held deep meaning in Israel’s worship. Blue symbolized heaven and divine truth, purple represented royalty and majesty, and scarlet depicted sacrifice and atonement. Together, they pointed forward to the person and work of Christ, who embodies heavenly authority, divine kingship, and the shedding of blood for redemption.
Cherubim were artistically embroidered into the fabric, symbolizing God’s holiness and the guarding of His glory, just as cherubim stood at the entrance of Eden after the fall (Genesis 3:24). Their presence on the inner curtains reminded Israel that access to God’s dwelling was restricted by His holiness and could only be granted through the prescribed means of atonement.
The construction itself demonstrated unity and perfection. Each curtain was exactly the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide—and the craftsmen coupled them together in two groups of five, fastening them with loops of blue yarn and golden clasps. These golden fasteners united the separate sections into “one tabernacle.” The symbolism is rich: the unity of the Tabernacle’s covering reflects the unity of God’s dwelling with His people. Though composed of many individual parts, it was made “one,” just as believers—though many—are united as one body in Christ (Ephesians 4:4–6). Gold, a symbol of divinity and purity, bound the fabric together, emphasizing that only through divine work can true spiritual unity exist.
(Exodus 36:14–18)
“He made curtains of goats’ hair for the tent over the tabernacle; he made eleven curtains. The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and the width of each curtain four cubits; the eleven curtains were the same size. He coupled five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves. And he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that is outermost in one set, and fifty loops he made on the edge of the curtain of the second set. He also made fifty bronze clasps to couple the tent together, that it might be one.”
Above the inner layer of fine linen was another covering made of goats’ hair. This served as the first protective layer “for the tent over the tabernacle.” There were eleven of these curtains, slightly longer than the inner ones, measuring thirty cubits each in length, allowing them to fully cover and protect the sacred space beneath. The use of goats’ hair points to the concept of sacrifice and atonement, as goats were frequently used in offerings, especially on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:5–10). This layer thus symbolized the covering of sin, a foreshadowing of Christ, whose sacrifice covers the sins of His people.
The curtains were joined together in two groups—five and six—linked by loops and bronze clasps. The use of bronze, rather than gold, represented a lesser but still significant level of sanctity. Bronze, being refined by fire, often symbolizes judgment. This suggests that access to God’s presence is not only through beauty and holiness (the inner curtains), but also through judgment and atonement, satisfied in the person of Christ. Once again, the structure was “one,” emphasizing divine order and the completeness of God’s provision. Every loop, clasp, and measure reinforced that nothing about the Tabernacle was arbitrary; every detail served both practical and spiritual purpose.
(Exodus 36:19)
“Then he made a covering for the tent of ram skins dyed red, and a covering of badger skins above that.”
The outermost coverings completed the layered structure of the Tabernacle. Over the goats’ hair curtains came two additional layers: one of ram skins dyed red, and above that, one of badger skins. The ram skins dyed red symbolized sacrifice and consecration, reflecting the ram caught in the thicket in Genesis 22:13 and the substitutionary nature of atonement. This red-dyed covering reminded Israel that the dwelling place of God was secured through blood.
Above the ram skins was a covering of badger skins, or as some translations suggest, hides of sea cows or porpoises. The exact animal is uncertain, but the meaning is clear—the outermost layer provided protection from the elements. It was likely tough, durable, and unattractive compared to the ornate interior, showing that the Tabernacle’s outer appearance was plain, while its interior was filled with divine beauty and glory. This, too, typified Christ, who “has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2), yet within Him dwelt all the fullness of the Godhead bodily (Colossians 2:9).
These four coverings—fine linen with cherubim, goats’ hair, ram skins dyed red, and badger skins—each represent a layer of spiritual truth: the holiness of God, the atonement for sin, the cost of sacrifice, and the protection of divine grace. The structure as a whole was not only a tent of meeting but also a prophetic picture of the incarnation of Christ and the redemption He would accomplish.
4. (Exodus 36:20–34) The Boards and Connecting Bars for the Frame and Walls of the Tabernacle
“For the tabernacle he made boards of acacia wood, standing upright. The length of each board was ten cubits, and the width of each board a cubit and a half. Each board had two tenons for binding one to another. Thus he made for all the boards of the tabernacle. And he made boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side. Forty sockets of silver he made to go under the twenty boards: two sockets under each of the boards for its two tenons. And for the other side of the tabernacle, the north side, he made twenty boards and their forty sockets of silver: two sockets under each of the boards. For the west side of the tabernacle he made six boards. He also made two boards for the two back corners of the tabernacle. And they were coupled at the bottom and coupled together at the top by one ring. Thus he made both of them for the two corners. So there were eight boards and their sockets—sixteen sockets of silver—two sockets under each of the boards. And he made bars of acacia wood: five for the boards on one side of the tabernacle, five bars for the boards on the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle on the far side westward. And he made the middle bar to pass through the boards from one end to the other. He overlaid the boards with gold, made their rings of gold to be holders for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.”
The framework of the Tabernacle was constructed with precise care and divine symmetry. Each board was made of acacia wood, a strong and durable wood native to the Sinai region. Acacia wood was chosen because of its resistance to decay and insects, symbolizing the incorruptible nature of Christ’s humanity. The boards stood upright, measuring ten cubits in height (approximately fifteen feet) and one and a half cubits in width (approximately two and a quarter feet). Each board had two tenons, or projecting pegs, at the base, which fit into sockets of silver. These tenons and sockets held the boards firmly in place, forming a stable structure while still allowing for portability when the Tabernacle was moved.
The silver sockets represented redemption, as silver in Scripture often symbolizes the price of atonement (Exodus 30:13–16). Thus, the boards rested upon the foundation of redemption. This imagery points beautifully to the believer’s standing in Christ—the Church rests securely upon the redemptive work of Jesus. Just as the boards stood upright upon their sockets, so believers are upheld by the grace and righteousness of the Redeemer.
The arrangement of the boards also reflected divine order. Twenty boards were placed on both the north and south sides, with forty sockets of silver for each set—two sockets under each board. The west side, forming the rear of the Tabernacle, was composed of six boards, with two additional boards forming the corners. These corner boards were coupled at both the bottom and top with a ring, symbolizing unity and strength. The entire structure was thus bound together in perfect alignment and proportion, suggesting both the stability and harmony of God’s dwelling place.
To reinforce the walls, Moses constructed bars of acacia wood—five on each side and five on the west. The central bar ran through the middle of the boards from end to end, unseen but holding everything together. This hidden bar is a powerful symbol of the unseen presence of Christ, who holds together His people, His Church, by the bond of the Spirit. The Apostle Paul alludes to this truth when he says that “in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17). Though unseen, Christ is the unifying strength and stability of His house.
Finally, the boards and bars were overlaid with gold, and the rings that held the bars were also made of gold. The gold overlay represents divine glory and righteousness. It revealed that, though the framework was made of common wood—symbolic of humanity—it was covered in gold, symbolizing God’s nature. Thus, the Tabernacle itself was a picture of the incarnation, where Christ’s divine glory was clothed in human form (John 1:14). The golden boards standing upright together formed a magnificent and holy dwelling place, typifying the Church, made of redeemed people covered in the righteousness of Christ and joined together by His Spirit.
5. (Exodus 36:35–38) The Veil with Its Four Pillars, and the Screen with Its Five Pillars
“And he made a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen; it was worked with an artistic design of cherubim. He made for it four pillars of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold, with their hooks of gold; and he cast four sockets of silver for them. He also made a screen for the tabernacle door, of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, made by a weaver, and its five pillars with their hooks. And he overlaid their capitals and their rings with gold, but their five sockets were bronze.”
The veil was the most significant barrier in the Tabernacle, dividing the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat rested. This veil was made of fine woven linen in the same colors as the inner curtains—blue, purple, and scarlet—each color rich in symbolic meaning. Blue represented the heavenly nature of God, purple His royalty and majesty, and scarlet His sacrificial atonement. Woven into this fabric were artistic designs of cherubim, the heavenly beings that signified the holiness of God and the guarded access to His presence. This veil stood as a constant reminder that sinful man could not enter into God’s presence without mediation and atonement.
The veil hung upon four pillars of acacia wood overlaid with gold, standing in four sockets of silver. These four pillars may be seen as representing the four Gospels, which together reveal the person and work of Christ—the One who opens the way to God. The sockets of silver again symbolize redemption, for it is through Christ’s redemptive work that the barrier between God and man is ultimately removed.
This veil found its fulfillment in the death of Jesus Christ. When He gave up His spirit on the cross, “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51). The tearing of the veil signified that the separation between God and man had been abolished through the finished work of the Son of God. The writer of Hebrews explains this clearly, saying, “Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh” (Hebrews 10:19–20).
In addition to the inner veil, a screen was made for the entrance to the Tabernacle. This screen was similar in design but distinct in purpose, serving as the outer doorway into the Holy Place. It was woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread with fine linen, supported by five pillars of acacia wood. The capitals and rings of these pillars were overlaid with gold, while their sockets were made of bronze. The bronze sockets at the entrance symbolized judgment, reminding all who entered that before approaching God, sin must be judged and dealt with through sacrifice. Only after passing through judgment (bronze) could one enter into redemption (silver) and ultimately into glory (gold).
Thus, from the outer screen to the inner veil, the Tabernacle portrayed the progressive access to God—from the place of sacrifice, through cleansing and service, and finally into the holy presence of the Almighty. The entire structure, from its boards to its veils, testified to the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, and the mediating grace provided through the coming Redeemer.
