Exodus 36:37
And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, of needlework;
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֤עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְפֶ֣תַח
door
H6607
לְפֶ֣תַח
door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
3 of 12
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
הָאֹ֔הֶל
for the tabernacle
H168
הָאֹ֔הֶל
for the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
4 of 12
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
of blue
H8504
תְּכֵ֧לֶת
of blue
Strong's:
H8504
Word #:
5 of 12
the cerulean mussel, i.e., the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
H8438
וְתוֹלַ֥עַת
Strong's:
H8438
Word #:
7 of 12
a maggot (as voracious); specifically (often with ellipsis of h8144) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cl
שָׁנִ֖י
and scarlet
H8144
שָׁנִ֖י
and scarlet
Strong's:
H8144
Word #:
8 of 12
crimson, properly, the insect or its color, also stuff dyed with it
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
H8336
וְשֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
9 of 12
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
Historical Context
The veil hung from golden clasps on four pillars, approximately 30 feet high. Its thickness prevented seeing through, and the cherubim design recalled Eden's guarded entrance (Genesis 3:24), emphasizing holiness and exclusion. Only one person (high priest) entered once yearly (Day of Atonement).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the veil's tearing at Christ's death demonstrate the completeness of His atoning work?
- What do the cherubim on the veil teach about the holiness barrier sin created at the Fall?
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Analysis & Commentary
The veil (פָּרֹכֶת, parokhet) of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen with cherubim worked in 'cunning work' separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, barring access to God's immediate presence. This barrier represented sin's separation between God and humanity—only the high priest could pass through once yearly with blood (Hebrews 9:7). At Christ's death, this veil tore top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), signifying that His sacrifice opened direct access to God's presence for all believers (Hebrews 10:19-20).