Exodus 36:38

together with five posts and their hooks. He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold, and their five bases were bronze.

Study Bible

together with five posts and their hooks.
The construction of the Tabernacle involved precise instructions, reflecting God's desire for order and holiness. The five posts mentioned here were part of the entrance to the Holy Place, signifying a boundary between the sacred and the common. The use of hooks suggests functionality, likely for hanging the curtain that served as a door. The number five can symbolize grace in biblical numerology, indicating the grace required to enter God's presence.

He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold,
Gold in the Tabernacle symbolizes divinity and purity, reflecting God's holiness. The overlaying of gold on the posts signifies the sanctity of the entrance to the Holy Place. This use of gold connects to other parts of the Tabernacle, such as the Ark of the Covenant, which was also overlaid with gold, pointing to the divine presence. Gold's incorruptibility represents the eternal nature of God.

and their five bases were bronze.
Bronze, often associated with judgment and strength, was used for the bases of the posts. This metal's presence at the foundation of the entrance suggests the need for a firm, righteous base when approaching God. Bronze is also used in the construction of the altar of burnt offering, symbolizing the judgment of sin. The combination of gold and bronze in the Tabernacle's construction reflects the balance of God's holiness and justice.

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 dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The Posts and Hooks
Part of the structure of the Tabernacle, specifically related to the entrance and the support of the curtains.

5. Gold and Bronze
Materials used in the construction of the Tabernacle, symbolizing purity, divinity, and judgment.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Materials
The use of gold and bronze in the Tabernacle construction symbolizes the divine nature and judgment of God. Gold represents purity and divinity, while bronze often symbolizes judgment and strength. Reflect on how these materials point to the character of God.

Attention to Detail
The meticulous detail in the construction of the Tabernacle reflects God's desire for order and beauty in worship. Consider how we can apply this principle of excellence and attention to detail in our own worship and service to God.

God's Presence
The Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people. In the New Covenant, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on how we can cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The Israelites followed God's specific instructions for the Tabernacle. This teaches us the importance of obedience to God's Word in our lives, trusting that His ways are perfect.

Community and Collaboration
The construction of the Tabernacle involved the entire community of Israel, each contributing their skills and resources. Consider how we can work together as the body of Christ to accomplish God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the use of gold and bronze in the Tabernacle construction reflect the nature and character of God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of attention to detail and excellence in our worship and service to God today?

3. How does the concept of the Tabernacle as a dwelling place for God's presence relate to the New Testament teaching that believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to God's specific instructions for the Tabernacle about our own obedience to God's Word?

5. How can we, as a community of believers, work together to fulfill God's purposes, similar to how the Israelites collaborated in the construction of the Tabernacle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, including the use of gold and bronze.

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and its furnishings as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and the heavenly sanctuary.

1 Kings 6-7
Describes the construction of Solomon's Temple, which was a more permanent structure that followed the pattern of the Tabernacle.

Revelation 21
Describes the New Jerusalem, where the presence of God dwells with His people, echoing the purpose of the Tabernacle.