Exodus 36:35

Next, he made the veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with cherubim skillfully worked into it.

Study Bible

Next, he made the veil
The veil mentioned here is a significant element in the construction of the Tabernacle, serving as a divider between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. This separation symbolizes the barrier between God and humanity due to sin. The veil's construction is attributed to skilled artisans, emphasizing the importance of craftsmanship in worship.

of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn,
The colors used in the veil are rich and vibrant, each with symbolic meaning. Blue often represents heaven or divinity, purple signifies royalty and wealth, and scarlet symbolizes sacrifice and atonement. These colors together reflect the divine nature and kingly authority of God, as well as the sacrificial system that points to the need for atonement.

and finely spun linen,
Linen was a high-quality material, representing purity and righteousness. Its use in the veil underscores the holiness required to approach God. Linen's durability and quality also reflect the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people.

with cherubim skillfully worked into it.
Cherubim are angelic beings associated with the presence of God, often depicted as guardians of sacred spaces. Their inclusion in the veil design signifies the protection of the divine presence and the holiness of the Most Holy Place. This imagery connects to the cherubim placed at the entrance of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24) and the cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-22), reinforcing the theme of God's holiness and the separation caused by sin. The veil, with its cherubim, foreshadows the ultimate removal of this barrier through the death of Jesus Christ, as described in the tearing of the temple veil at His crucifixion (Matthew 27:51).

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

4. Cherubim
Angelic beings depicted in the veil, symbolizing the presence and holiness of God.

5. The Veil
A curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the Tabernacle, representing the barrier between God and humanity due to sin.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of the Veil
The veil represents the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. It reminds us of the need for atonement and reconciliation with God.

Colors and Materials
The use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with finely spun linen, signifies royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. These elements point to the majesty and holiness of God.

Role of the Cherubim
The cherubim woven into the veil symbolize God's presence and serve as a reminder of the cherubim guarding the way to the Tree of Life in Genesis, highlighting the theme of access to God.

Fulfillment in Christ
The tearing of the veil at Christ's death signifies the new access to God through Jesus, our High Priest, who has made a way for us to enter the Most Holy Place.

Craftsmanship and Worship
The skillful work of the craftsmen reflects the importance of using our God-given talents in service and worship, encouraging us to offer our best to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the construction of the veil in the Tabernacle reflect the holiness of God, and what does this teach us about approaching Him in worship today?

2. In what ways do the colors and materials used in the veil's construction point to the character and work of Christ?

3. How does the presence of cherubim in the veil connect to other biblical instances of cherubim, and what does this reveal about God's nature?

4. What is the significance of the veil being torn at the crucifixion of Jesus, and how does this event impact our relationship with God?

5. How can we apply the example of Bezalel and Oholiab's craftsmanship in our own lives, particularly in the context of serving God and the church?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 26:31-33
Provides the original instructions for making the veil, emphasizing its role in separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

Hebrews 9:3-8
Discusses the significance of the veil in the context of the Old Covenant and its fulfillment in Christ.

Matthew 27:51
Describes the tearing of the temple veil at Jesus' crucifixion, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.

2 Chronicles 3:14
Describes the veil in Solomon's Temple, showing continuity in the design and purpose of the veil across different periods.