Exodus 36:38
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמּוּדָ֤יו
pillars
H5982
עַמּוּדָ֤יו
pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
2 of 12
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וָ֣וֵיהֶ֔ם
of it with their hooks
H2053
וָ֣וֵיהֶ֔ם
of it with their hooks
Strong's:
H2053
Word #:
5 of 12
a hook (the name of the sixth hebrew letter)
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֛ם
their chapiters
H7218
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֛ם
their chapiters
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
7 of 12
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
וַחֲשֻֽׁקֵיהֶ֖ם
and their fillets
H2838
וַחֲשֻֽׁקֵיהֶ֖ם
and their fillets
Strong's:
H2838
Word #:
8 of 12
attached, i.e., a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars
זָהָ֑ב
with gold
H2091
זָהָ֑ב
with gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
9 of 12
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
Historical Context
The four gold-overlaid pillars supported the massive weight of the thick veil. Their silver sockets (redemption foundation) demonstrated that even the separation barrier stood on God's provision for atonement. The hooks of gold held the veil securely.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of the veil-supporting pillars incorporating gold, wood, and silver (divinity, humanity, redemption)?
- How do these pillars holding the separation barrier prefigure Christ who embodies all three elements and removes the barrier?
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Analysis & Commentary
The veil hangs on four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, standing in sockets of silver—combining the primary tabernacle materials (gold/divinity, wood/humanity, silver/redemption). These pillars holding the veil teach that the barrier between God and humanity stands on redemption, involves humanity, and reflects divinity—all elements coming together in the separation caused by sin. Christ embodies all three: divine-human mediator providing redemption that removes the barrier. The four pillars may represent universality (four corners of earth)—the barrier affected all humanity.