Exodus 36:13

He also made fifty gold clasps to join the curtains together, so that the tabernacle was a unit.

Study Bible

He also made fifty gold clasps
The use of gold in the construction of the tabernacle signifies the preciousness and divine nature of the structure. Gold, being a symbol of purity and value, reflects the holiness of God. The number fifty is significant in biblical numerology, often associated with the concept of jubilee and freedom, as seen in Leviticus 25. The clasps served a practical purpose in joining the curtains, but they also symbolize unity and completeness in the divine design.

to join the curtains together
The curtains of the tabernacle were made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, representing the heavenly, royal, and sacrificial aspects of God's presence. The joining of the curtains with gold clasps signifies the unity and coherence of God's dwelling place among His people. This unity can be seen as a foreshadowing of the unity of believers in Christ, as described in Ephesians 4:3-6, where the church is called to maintain the unity of the Spirit.

so that the tabernacle was a unit
The tabernacle as a unit represents the dwelling place of God among the Israelites, a central theme in the Old Testament. It was a portable sanctuary, reflecting God's desire to be present with His people as they journeyed through the wilderness. This unity of the tabernacle prefigures the unity of the body of Christ, the church, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. The tabernacle's design and function point to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with humanity, as stated in John 1:14, where the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the construction of the tabernacle from God.

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

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The Curtains
Part of the tabernacle's structure, made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, symbolizing the beauty and holiness of God's dwelling.

5. The Gold Clasps
Used to join the curtains together, symbolizing unity and the preciousness of God's presence.

Teaching Points

Unity in the Body of Christ
Just as the gold clasps unified the curtains into one tabernacle, believers are called to be united in Christ, forming one body.

The Value of God's Presence
The use of gold signifies the preciousness of God's presence among His people. We should cherish and prioritize God's presence in our lives.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The specific instructions and craftsmanship involved in the tabernacle's construction remind us of the importance of reverence and care in our worship practices.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle serves as a foreshadowing of Christ and His work, encouraging us to see the Old Testament as pointing to the New Testament fulfillment.

Spiritual Gifts and Service
Bezalel and Oholiab's roles highlight the importance of using our God-given talents and skills for the service of the church and the glory of God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the unity of the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 36:13, reflect the unity that should exist within the church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are valuing God's presence in our daily lives, similar to the preciousness of the gold clasps?

3. How can the detailed instructions for the tabernacle's construction inform our approach to worship and service in the church?

4. What parallels can we draw between the tabernacle and the role of Christ as described in the New Testament?

5. How can we identify and utilize our spiritual gifts, like Bezalel and Oholiab, to contribute to the unity and growth of the church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 26
Provides the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle, including the use of gold clasps.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Relates to the concept of believers being the temple of God, emphasizing the holiness and unity that should characterize the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:3
Speaks to the importance of maintaining unity in the Spirit, which can be related to the unity of the tabernacle as a single unit.

Hebrews 9:11-12
Discusses Christ as the high priest of a greater and more perfect tabernacle, drawing a parallel to the earthly tabernacle's role in foreshadowing Christ's work.