Exodus 36:8
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 36:8
8 And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them.
Chapter Context
Exodus 36 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, grace, 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 36:8
8 And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them.
Analysis
The actual tabernacle construction begins with 'every wise hearted man' making ten curtains of fine twined linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh mashzar) and colored threads. These innermost curtains, visible only to ministering priests, featured cherubim embroidered with 'cunning work' (מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב, ma'aseh choshev—'designer's work')—artistic excellence dedicated to God though rarely seen. This teaches that God deserves our finest work regardless of human visibility; we work for Him, not for applause. The cherubim design recalls Eden's guarded entrance (Genesis 3:24), now opened through the sacrificial system.
Historical Context
These ten curtains, each approximately 42' × 6', joined to form the tabernacle's ceiling and walls. The fine linen represented purity, while blue (heaven), purple (royalty), and scarlet (sacrifice) woven with gold thread (divinity) created a magnificent display visible only to priests—teaching that God values hidden excellence.
Reflection
- What does the creation of beautiful curtains seen only by priests teach about working for God's eyes rather than human applause?
- How do the cherubim embroidered on the inner curtains connect Eden's closed entrance to the tabernacle's mediated access?