Exodus 36:38
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 36:38
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 36 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, sacrifice, 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 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 36:38
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?