Exodus 26:29

Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.

Study Bible

Overlay the frames with gold
The use of gold in the tabernacle signifies the divine nature and glory of God. Gold, being a precious and incorruptible metal, symbolizes purity and holiness. In the ancient Near East, gold was often associated with royalty and deity, underscoring the sacredness of the tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people. The overlaying of the frames with gold points to the heavenly reality and the majesty of God's presence. This can be seen as a type of Christ, who embodies the divine nature in human form, as described in John 1:14, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

and make gold rings to hold the crossbars
The gold rings served a practical purpose, allowing the crossbars to stabilize the structure of the tabernacle. Symbolically, the rings and crossbars represent unity and strength within the body of believers, as the tabernacle was a place of communal worship and meeting with God. The use of gold for the rings emphasizes the importance of maintaining holiness and integrity in the community of faith. This can be connected to Ephesians 4:16, where the body of Christ is described as being joined and held together, growing in love and unity.

Also overlay the crossbars with gold
The crossbars, like the frames, were overlaid with gold, reinforcing the theme of divine presence and holiness throughout the tabernacle. This complete covering with gold signifies that every aspect of the tabernacle was to reflect God's glory. The crossbars' role in supporting the structure can be seen as a type of Christ's sustaining power in the church, as He is the one who holds all things together (Colossians 1:17). The overlaying of gold on the crossbars also points to the idea that every part of our lives should be consecrated and dedicated to God's service, reflecting His glory in all we do.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were on their way to the Promised Land.

4. Mount Sinai
The mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments and the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
The use of gold in the Tabernacle signifies the holiness and majesty of God. As believers, we are called to reflect God's holiness in our lives (1 Peter 1:15-16).

God's Dwelling Among Us
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell with His people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, making our bodies His temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Attention to Detail in Worship
The specific instructions for the Tabernacle's construction highlight the importance of reverence and attention to detail in our worship and service to God.

Symbolism of Gold
Gold represents purity, value, and incorruptibility. As Christians, we are called to live lives that are pure and valuable in God's sight, reflecting His glory to the world.

The Role of Skilled Workers
Bezalel and Oholiab were gifted by God for the work of building the Tabernacle. This reminds us that God equips each of us with unique gifts and talents for His service (Ephesians 2:10).

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of gold in the Tabernacle reflect the character of God, and how can we apply this understanding to our personal worship practices?

2. In what ways does the concept of God dwelling among His people in the Tabernacle relate to the New Testament teaching of the Holy Spirit dwelling within believers?

3. How can we ensure that our worship and service to God are done with the same attention to detail and reverence as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle?

4. What are some practical ways we can use our God-given gifts and talents to serve the church and glorify God, as Bezalel and Oholiab did?

5. How does the symbolism of gold in the Tabernacle and other biblical passages inspire us to pursue purity and holiness in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:8-9
These verses provide the initial command to build the Tabernacle, emphasizing that it is to be a sanctuary for God to dwell among His people.

Hebrews 9:1-5
This passage in the New Testament describes the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings, drawing a parallel to the heavenly sanctuary.

1 Kings 6:20-22
Solomon's Temple, which was later built in Jerusalem, also featured extensive use of gold, reflecting the glory and holiness of God.

Revelation 21:18-21
The New Jerusalem is described with streets of gold, symbolizing the ultimate dwelling place of God with His people.