Exodus 26:36

For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen.

Study Bible

For the entrance to the tent
The entrance to the tent refers to the entrance of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This entrance was significant as it was the only way into the Holy Place, symbolizing the singular path to God. The Tabernacle itself is a type of Christ, who declared Himself the "door" (John 10:9), emphasizing that access to God is through Him alone.

you are to make a curtain
The curtain served as a barrier between the outside world and the sacred space within. It represents the separation between God and humanity due to sin. In the New Testament, the tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signifies the removal of this barrier, granting believers direct access to God.

embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn
These colors hold deep symbolic meaning. Blue often represents heaven or divinity, purple signifies royalty, and scarlet symbolizes sacrifice or atonement. Together, they foreshadow the nature of Christ as divine, kingly, and the ultimate sacrifice for sin. The use of these colors in the Tabernacle's design reflects the heavenly and kingly nature of God's dwelling among His people.

and finely spun linen
Finely spun linen was a luxury item in ancient times, indicating purity and righteousness. Linen's use in the Tabernacle's construction underscores the holiness required to approach God. In Revelation 19:8, fine linen is described as the righteous acts of the saints, further connecting the material to purity and holiness in the biblical narrative.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Tabernacle
A portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where the curtain described in this verse was to be placed.

3. The Entrance Curtain
A specific curtain made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, designed by an embroiderer, serving as the entrance to the Tabernacle.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Colors
The blue, purple, and scarlet yarns symbolize royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. Reflect on how these colors point to the nature of Christ.

Craftsmanship and Worship
The curtain was the work of an embroiderer, highlighting the importance of skill and dedication in worship. Consider how we can use our talents to honor God.

Access to God
The curtain served as a barrier, reminding us of the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Jesus' sacrifice removed this barrier, granting us direct access to God.

Obedience to God's Instructions
Moses followed God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle. Reflect on the importance of obedience in our spiritual lives.

The Presence of God
The Tabernacle was where God's presence dwelled among His people. Consider how we can cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What do the colors blue, purple, and scarlet represent in the context of the Tabernacle, and how do they point to the character of Christ?

2. How does the craftsmanship of the curtain reflect the importance of using our skills for God's glory in today's context?

3. In what ways does the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death change our understanding of access to God?

4. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Moses' construction of the Tabernacle to our own spiritual journey?

5. What practices can we incorporate into our daily lives to cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence, similar to the Israelites with the Tabernacle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the broader context of the Tabernacle's construction, detailing God's specific instructions to Moses.

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and its elements, including the curtain, as a foreshadowing of Christ's work.

Matthew 27:51
The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death symbolizes the new access to God through Christ, connecting to the purpose of the Tabernacle curtain as a barrier between God and man.