Exodus 36:36

He also made four posts of acacia wood for it and overlaid them with gold, along with gold hooks; and he cast four silver bases for the posts.

Study Bible

He also made four posts of acacia wood for it
The use of acacia wood is significant due to its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant. Acacia trees were common in the Sinai region, making the wood accessible for the Israelites. The number four often represents universality or completeness in the Bible, suggesting the comprehensive nature of God's presence and protection.

and overlaid them with gold
Gold in the tabernacle signifies divinity and purity, reflecting God's holiness. The overlaying of gold on the acacia wood can be seen as a type of Christ, who is both divine (gold) and human (wood). This duality points to the incarnation of Jesus, who is fully God and fully man.

along with gold hooks
The gold hooks were functional, used to hang the curtains of the tabernacle. They also symbolize the connection between the divine and the earthly, as the hooks held the fabric that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This separation was later removed through Christ's sacrifice, as described in Hebrews 10:19-20.

and he cast four silver bases for the posts
Silver often represents redemption in the Bible, as seen in the silver shekels used for the atonement money (Exodus 30:11-16). The silver bases provided a foundation for the posts, symbolizing that the structure of God's dwelling place is founded on redemption. This foreshadows the redemptive work of Christ, who is the foundation of the Church.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. They were filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.

2. Tabernacle
The portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice.

3. Acacia Wood
A durable and resistant wood used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. It symbolizes incorruptibility and endurance.

4. Gold
A precious metal used to overlay the posts, symbolizing purity, divinity, and the glory of God.

5. Silver Bases
The foundation for the posts, representing redemption and the price paid for the Israelites' freedom, as silver was often associated with redemption in the Bible.

Teaching Points

Divine Appointment and Skill
God equips those He calls. Just as Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with the Spirit for their task, believers today are given spiritual gifts to serve the body of Christ.

Symbolism of Materials
The use of acacia wood, gold, and silver in the Tabernacle construction points to the enduring, pure, and redemptive nature of God's presence and work among His people.

Foundation of Redemption
The silver bases remind us that our foundation in Christ is built upon His redemptive work. Just as the posts stood firm on silver, our lives must be grounded in the redemption we have in Jesus.

God's Presence Among Us
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within believers, making us living temples.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle teaches us the importance of reverence and care in our worship and service to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab encourage you in using your own gifts and talents for God's work?

2. In what ways does the symbolism of acacia wood, gold, and silver in the Tabernacle construction deepen your understanding of God's character?

3. How can the concept of being a "living temple" influence your daily life and interactions with others?

4. What parallels can you draw between the foundation of the Tabernacle posts and the foundation of your faith in Christ?

5. How can you apply the principle of attention to detail in worship to your personal or corporate worship practices today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 31
This chapter introduces Bezalel and Oholiab, highlighting their divine appointment and the skills given to them by God for the construction of the Tabernacle.

Hebrews 9
This New Testament passage discusses the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings, drawing parallels between the Tabernacle and the heavenly sanctuary, emphasizing the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ.

1 Corinthians 3
Paul speaks of believers as God's temple, drawing a connection between the physical Tabernacle and the spiritual dwelling of God within His people today.