Exodus 26:6

Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit.

Study Bible

Make fifty gold clasps as well
The use of gold clasps signifies the importance and sacredness of the tabernacle. Gold, a precious metal, is often associated with divinity and purity in the Bible. The number fifty can symbolize completeness or fullness, as seen in the Jubilee year (Leviticus 25:10), which was a time of liberation and restoration. The clasps' role in the tabernacle construction highlights the meticulous attention to detail and the divine order prescribed by God.

and join the curtains together with the clasps
The joining of the curtains with gold clasps emphasizes unity and cohesion within the tabernacle structure. This unity can be seen as a reflection of the unity of God's people, Israel, and their relationship with Him. The curtains themselves, made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, represent the heavenly and royal nature of God's dwelling place. The act of joining them signifies the bringing together of different elements to create a harmonious whole, much like the body of Christ is made up of many members (1 Corinthians 12:12).

so that the tabernacle will be a unit
The tabernacle as a unit symbolizes the dwelling place of God among His people, a central theme in the Old Testament. It served as a portable sanctuary during Israel's wilderness journey, representing God's presence and guidance. The unity of the tabernacle foreshadows the unity of the Church, the body of Christ, where believers are brought together as one in Him (Ephesians 4:4-6). The tabernacle's design and function point to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with humanity (John 1:14), and the perfect mediator between God and man.

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 that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. Curtains
The fabric panels that formed the walls and covering of the tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between the holy and the common.

4. Gold Clasps
The connectors made of gold used to join the curtains, signifying unity and the preciousness of the tabernacle.

5. Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to construct the tabernacle according to the divine pattern given to Moses.

Teaching Points

Unity in the Body of Christ
Just as the gold clasps unified the curtains into one tabernacle, believers are called to maintain unity in the body of Christ. This unity is precious and should be preserved through love and humility.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the tabernacle remind us of the importance of obedience to God's Word. Our lives should reflect His design and purpose.

The Value of Holiness
The use of gold for the clasps signifies the value and holiness of the tabernacle. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence. Today, we are reminded that God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's desire to dwell with His people, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the eternal dwelling with God in the new creation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the unity of the tabernacle, as symbolized by the gold clasps, reflect the unity we are called to have as believers in Christ?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are aligned with God's instructions, similar to how the Israelites followed the detailed plans for the tabernacle?

3. What does the use of gold in the tabernacle's construction teach us about the value God places on holiness and purity in our lives?

4. How can we cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, knowing that we are His dwelling place?

5. How does the concept of the tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people find its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, and what implications does this have for our faith today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:8-9
These verses provide the initial command to build the tabernacle, emphasizing that it is to be made according to the pattern shown to Moses on the mountain.

Hebrews 8:5
This New Testament passage reflects on the tabernacle as a shadow of heavenly realities, highlighting the importance of following God's precise instructions.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as the temple of God, drawing a parallel to the holiness and unity symbolized by the tabernacle.

Ephesians 4:3-6
This passage emphasizes the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, akin to the unity of the tabernacle as a single unit.

Revelation 21:3
The ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with His people, as foreshadowed by the tabernacle, is seen in the new heaven and new earth.