Exodus 36:13
And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֕עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֕עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים
taches
H7165
בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים
taches
Strong's:
H7165
Word #:
3 of 14
a knob or belaying-pin (from its swelling form)
זָהָ֑ב
of gold
H2091
זָהָ֑ב
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וַיְחַבֵּ֨ר
and coupled
H2266
וַיְחַבֵּ֨ר
and coupled
Strong's:
H2266
Word #:
5 of 14
to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים
taches
H7165
בַּקְּרָסִ֔ים
taches
Strong's:
H7165
Word #:
11 of 14
a knob or belaying-pin (from its swelling form)
וַיְהִ֥י
H1961
וַיְהִ֥י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
12 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
Historical Context
The fifty gold clasps were likely small hooks or toggles that fastened through the loops, pulling the two curtain sections together into one cohesive ceiling. Gold, the most precious metal, demonstrates the value God places on unity in His dwelling.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of using gold (divine) clasps to make the tabernacle 'one'?
- How does the tabernacle's oneness through divine means prefigure Jesus' prayer for believers' supernatural unity?
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Analysis & Commentary
Fifty clasps of gold (קַרְסֵי זָהָב, karsei zahav) join the curtain sections, making the tabernacle 'one' (אֶחָד, echad)—the same word used of God's unity (Deuteronomy 6:4, 'Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD'). Gold represents divinity; only divine intervention creates genuine oneness. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be 'one' as He and the Father are one (John 17:21)—supernatural unity reflecting Trinitarian unity, accomplished through Christ's divine work, not human effort.