Exodus 35:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 35:6
6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
Chapter Context
Exodus 35 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, prayer, wisdom. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 35:6
6 And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,
Analysis
Blue, purple, and scarlet materials (תְּכֵלֶת, וְאַרְגָּמָן, וְתוֹלַעַת שָׁנִי—tekhelet, argaman, tola'at shani) represent colors of royalty and divinity. Blue symbolizes heaven, purple represents royalty (combining heavenly blue with earthly red), and scarlet signifies blood and sacrifice. Fine linen (שֵׁשׁ, shesh) represents purity and righteousness. These materials foreshadow Christ who embodies all these attributes: heavenly origin, royal priesthood, sacrificial blood, and perfect righteousness.
Historical Context
These dyes were extremely valuable in the ancient world. Blue dye came from Mediterranean mollusks, purple from Phoenician murex snails (worth more than gold by weight), and scarlet from oak scale insects. Their presence indicated wealth and status.
Reflection
- How do the colors and materials of the tabernacle communicate theological truths about God's character?
- In what ways do these physical materials point forward to Christ's nature and work?