About Exodus

Exodus tells the story of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the establishment of the tabernacle as the center of worship.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~5 minVerses: 38
DeliveranceRedemptionCovenantLawWorshipGod's Presence

King James Version

Exodus 36

38 verses with commentary

Construction of the Tabernacle Begins

Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.

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KJV Study Commentary

The chapter opens with 'Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab'—moving from calling (ch. 35) to working, from potential to actualization. The phrase 'every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom' (חֲכַם־לֵב אֲשֶׁר נָתַן יְהוָה חָכְמָה, chakham-lev asher natan YHWH chokhmah) emphasizes divine enablement as the source of competence. The repetition 'to know how to work' underscores that spiritual w...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXXVI. THE WORK COMMENCED AND THE LIBERALITY OF THE PEOPLE RESTRAINED. (1) This verse is introductory to the entire section, which may be viewed as extending from the present point to the close of Exodus 39. It states, in brief, that Bezaleel and Aholiab, with the skilled workmen at their disposal, proceeded to the accomplishment of the work which Moses had committed to them, and effected it “acco...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**7. Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched it without the camp--**Not the tabernacle, of which a pattern had been given him, for it was not yet erected, but his own tent--conspicuous as that of the leader--in a part of which he heard cases and communed with God about the people's interests; hence called "the tabernacle of the congregation," and the withdrawal of which, in abhorrence from a pollut...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses calls the workers 'every one whose heart stirred him up' (אֲשֶׁר נְשָׂאוֹ לִבּוֹ, asher nasa'o libbo), repeating the willing-heart theme from chapter 35. This demonstrates that both giving materials (35:21) and giving labor require the same heart motivation—internal compulsion from God's Spirit, not external coercion. The calling to 'come unto the work to do it' emphasizes that good intentio...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **Moses called Bezaleel**—i.e., Moses summoned Bezaleel, Aholiab, and their chief assistants, into his presence, and committed to them the offerings which he had received from the people (Exodus 36:3)—the gold, the silver, the bronze, the shittim wood, the thread, the goats’ hair, the rams’ skins, the seals’ skins, the precious stones, the oil, the spices, &c. “They received of Moses all the o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8. all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door--**Its removal produced deep and universal consternation; and it is easy to conceive how anxiously all eyes would be directed towards it; how rapidly the happy intelligence would spread, when a phenomenon was witnessed from which an encouraging hope could be founded.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And they received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it withal. And they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning.

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KJV Study Commentary

The workers receive 'all the offering which the children of Israel had brought'—passive construction emphasizing that people brought gifts; workers received them. The continuing phrase 'and they brought yet unto him free offerings every morning' describes sustained generosity, not one-time enthusiasm. The daily bringing of freewill offerings (נְדָבָה, nedavah) demonstrates that generous worship fl...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **They brought yet unto him free **offerings.—The liberality of the people continued. After the work was taken in hand, and making progress, they kept still bringing in fresh offerings morning after morning, until the workmen found that they had more than enough. Compare the liberality shown when David was collecting materials for the Temple (1Chronicles 29:6-9); and, again, when Zerubbabel wa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-11. the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle--**How would the downcast hearts of the people revive--how would the tide of joy swell in every bosom, when the symbolic cloud was seen slowly and majestically to descend and stand at the entrance of the tabernacle! **as Moses entered--**It was when he appeared as their mediator, when he repaired from day to day to inte...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And all the wise men, that wrought all the work of the sanctuary, came every man from his work which they made;

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KJV Study Commentary

The wise craftsmen 'came every man from his work which they made' (אִישׁ אִישׁ מִמְּלַאכְתּוֹ, ish ish mi-melakhto)—individually and collectively approaching Moses with their concern. Their wisdom extended beyond craftsmanship to stewardship: recognizing when enough materials had been gathered. This interruption of work to address excess demonstrates that faithful stewardship sometimes requires sa...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-11. the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle--**How would the downcast hearts of the people revive--how would the tide of joy swell in every bosom, when the symbolic cloud was seen slowly and majestically to descend and stand at the entrance of the tabernacle! **as Moses entered--**It was when he appeared as their mediator, when he repaired from day to day to inte...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make.

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KJV Study Commentary

The craftsmen report 'The people bring much more than enough' (מַרְבִּים לְהָבִיא מִדֵּי הָעֲבֹדָה, marbim lehavi midei ha-avodah)—literally 'exceeding to bring more than enough for the service.' This abundance demonstrates that when God's people give from stirred hearts, He ensures more than sufficient provision for His purposes. The phrase 'much more than enough' reflects gospel mathematics wher...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**9-11. the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of the tabernacle--**How would the downcast hearts of the people revive--how would the tide of joy swell in every bosom, when the symbolic cloud was seen slowly and majestically to descend and stand at the entrance of the tabernacle! **as Moses entered--**It was when he appeared as their mediator, when he repaired from day to day to inte...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing.

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KJV Study Commentary

Moses issues a proclamation 'throughout the camp' (בַּמַּחֲנֶה, ba-machaneh) commanding cessation of offerings—perhaps the only biblical instance of commanding people to stop giving. The phrase 'Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering' (אַל־יַעֲשׂוּ־עוֹד מְלָאכָה לִתְרוּמַת הַקֹּדֶשׁ, al-ya'asu-od melakhah litrumah ha-kodesh) demonstrates that even good things (giving) must b...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **So the people were restrained from giving.**—Moses felt it necessary to interfere, and forbid further offerings. By the expression, “Let neither man nor woman *make any more work, *it would seem that the superfluous offerings were chiefly such things as were produced by labour—thread, goats’ hair yarn, and the like. (See Exodus 35:25-26.) The humblest class of contributors would thus appear ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

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KJV Study Commentary

The summary statement 'For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much' (וְהַמְּלָאכָה הָיְתָה דַיָּם לְכָל־הַמְּלָאכָה לַעֲשׂוֹת אֹתָהּ וְהוֹתֵר, veha-melakhah hayetah dayam lekhol-hamelakhah la'asotah vehoter) emphasizes divine sufficiency. The word for 'sufficient' (דַּי, dai) conveys exact adequacy—not lack, not excess, but enough. God's mathematics ensure His w...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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The Tabernacle Curtains

And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet : with cherubims of cunning work made he them.

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KJV Study Commentary

The actual tabernacle construction begins with 'every wise hearted man' making ten curtains of fine twined linen (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh mashzar) and colored threads. These innermost curtains, visible only to ministering priests, featured cherubim embroidered with 'cunning work' (מַעֲשֵׂה חֹשֵׁב, ma'aseh choshev—'designer's work')—artistic excellence dedicated to God though rarely seen. This teache...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE. (8-13) This passage follows exactly Exodus 26:1-6, the tenses of the verbs alone being changed. It relates the construction of the inner covering.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains were all of one size.

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KJV Study Commentary

The precise measurements—28 cubits length, 4 cubits width (approximately 42' × 6')—demonstrate that following God's pattern (25:9) requires exact obedience, not approximate compliance. The phrase 'one size for all the curtains' (מִדָּה אַחַת לְכָל־הַיְרִיעֹת, middah achat lekhol-hayeri'ot) emphasizes uniformity and order in God's house. This consistency enables proper joining and structural integr...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he coupled the five curtains one unto another: and the other five curtains he coupled one unto another.

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KJV Study Commentary

Five curtains coupled together (חֹבְרֹת, chovrot) form larger units, demonstrating how individual elements join to create the whole. The verb 'coupled' (חָבַר, chavar) means 'to unite, join, or associate'—the same root describing covenant partnership. This illustrates that God's dwelling requires both individual faithfulness (each curtain precisely made) and corporate unity (curtains joined togeth...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.

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KJV Study Commentary

Loops of blue (לֻלָאֹת תְּכֵלֶת, lula'ot tekhelet) on curtain edges enable joining through clasps—small details making unity possible. Blue, the color of heaven, symbolizes divine origin and authority. These heavenly-colored loops teach that true unity in God's house comes through divine means, not human strategies. The specific number (fifty loops) and precise placement (edge of the curtain) demo...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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Fifty loops made he in one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain which was in the coupling of the second: the loops held one curtain to another.

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KJV Study Commentary

Fifty loops in one curtain matching fifty loops in the other (חֲמִשִּׁים לֻלָאֹת, chamishim lula'ot) 'coupled one to another' demonstrates perfect correspondence—what God has designed to join, He makes compatible. This precise matching illustrates that genuine unity in Christ's body isn't forced conformity but designed compatibility. When God's pattern is followed, components fit together perfectl...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-23. I beseech thee, show me thy glory--**This is one of the most mysterious scenes described in the Bible: he had, for his comfort and encouragement, a splendid and full display of the divine majesty, not in its unveiled effulgence, but as far as the weakness of humanity would admit. The face, hand, back parts, are to be understood figuratively.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle.

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KJV Study Commentary

Fifty clasps of gold (קַרְסֵי זָהָב, karsei zahav) join the curtain sections, making the tabernacle 'one' (אֶחָד, echad)—the same word used of God's unity (Deuteronomy 6:4, 'Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God is one LORD'). Gold represents divinity; only divine intervention creates genuine oneness. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be 'one' as He and the Father are one (John 17:21)—supernatural ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-23. I beseech thee, show me thy glory--**This is one of the most mysterious scenes described in the Bible: he had, for his comfort and encouragement, a splendid and full display of the divine majesty, not in its unveiled effulgence, but as far as the weakness of humanity would admit. The face, hand, back parts, are to be understood figuratively.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.

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KJV Study Commentary

Curtains of goats' hair (יְרִיעֹת עִזִּים, yeri'ot izzim) form a covering over the beautiful inner curtains, providing protection from elements. Goat hair, coarse and durable, represents humble service concealing inner glory—illustrating that spiritual beauty often hides beneath plain exteriors. This layered structure (glory within, humility without) prefigures Christ who 'made himself of no reput...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14-18) The construction of the outer covering of goats’ hair follows, and is expressed in terms nearly identical with those used in Exodus 26:7-11. Exodus 36:14 is better rendered than that to which it corresponds in the previous passage (Exodus 36:7). There are two omissions of short clauses for the sake of brevity.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-23. I beseech thee, show me thy glory--**This is one of the most mysterious scenes described in the Bible: he had, for his comfort and encouragement, a splendid and full display of the divine majesty, not in its unveiled effulgence, but as far as the weakness of humanity would admit. The face, hand, back parts, are to be understood figuratively.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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The length of one curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits was the breadth of one curtain: the eleven curtains were of one size.

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KJV Study Commentary

Eleven curtains of goat hair (contrasted with ten inner curtains) provide slightly different dimensions, creating proper overlap and coverage. The specific number and measurements demonstrate God's attention to both aesthetic beauty (inner curtains) and practical protection (outer coverings). This dual concern—beauty and function, glory and protection—teaches that God cares about both transcendent...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-23. I beseech thee, show me thy glory--**This is one of the most mysterious scenes described in the Bible: he had, for his comfort and encouragement, a splendid and full display of the divine majesty, not in its unveiled effulgence, but as far as the weakness of humanity would admit. The face, hand, back parts, are to be understood figuratively.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

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KJV Study Commentary

The identical phrase 'one measure was to all the curtains' (מִדָּה אַחַת לְכֹל, middah achat lekhol) appearing again emphasizes consistency even in outer coverings. Whether visible (inner curtains) or hidden (outer coverings), God's standard of excellence remains constant. This teaches that we should work with equal diligence in public ministry and private service, in visible leadership and hidden...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-23. I beseech thee, show me thy glory--**This is one of the most mysterious scenes described in the Bible: he had, for his comfort and encouragement, a splendid and full display of the divine majesty, not in its unveiled effulgence, but as far as the weakness of humanity would admit. The face, hand, back parts, are to be understood figuratively.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

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KJV Study Commentary

Fifty loops on the goat-hair curtain edges mirror the fifty loops on inner curtains (v. 12), demonstrating that both visible and hidden components follow the same unifying principle. Whether gold clasps join beautiful linen or brass clasps join practical goat hair (v. 18), the pattern of unity through divine design remains consistent. This teaches that superficial differences (materials, visibilit...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**18-23. I beseech thee, show me thy glory--**This is one of the most mysterious scenes described in the Bible: he had, for his comfort and encouragement, a splendid and full display of the divine majesty, not in its unveiled effulgence, but as far as the weakness of humanity would admit. The face, hand, back parts, are to be understood figuratively.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one.

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KJV Study Commentary

Fifty clasps of brass (bronze, נְחֹשֶׁת, nechoshet) couple the goat-hair curtains, contrasting with gold clasps for inner curtains (v. 13). Bronze represents judgment and endurance (the bronze altar received sin-offerings), appropriate for outer protection facing harsh elements. The progression from gold within to bronze without teaches that God's dwelling requires both intrinsic glory (gold) and ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.

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KJV Study Commentary

Rams' skins dyed red (עֹרֹת אֵילִם מְאָדָּמִים, orot eilim me'addamim) formed the third covering, explicitly associated with sacrifice (rams were primary offerings, as in Abraham's substitution, Genesis 22:13). The red dye emphasizes blood and atonement—covering sin through substitutionary death. Above this, badgers'/dugongs' skins (עֹרֹת תְּחָשִׁים, orot techashim) provided waterproof outer prote...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) This verse corresponds exactly to Exodus 26:14, and relates the construction of the two outer coverings.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 34 Ex 34:1-35. The Tables Are Renewed. **1. the like unto the first--**God having been reconciled to repentant Israel, through the earnest intercession, the successful mediation of Moses, means were to be taken for the restoration of the broken covenant. Intimation was given, however, in a most intelligible and expressive manner, that the favor was to be restored with some memento of the ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up.

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KJV Study Commentary

The boards (קְרָשִׁים, kerashim) of shittim wood (acacia) overlaid with gold form the tabernacle's structural frame—humanity (wood) clothed in divinity (gold). Standing upright (עֹמְדִים, omedim), these boards represent believers standing firm in God's house, rooted in divine strength. The dual nature (wood and gold) prefigures Christ's two natures (human and divine) and believers' identity (earth...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20-34) After the construction of the roof, that of the walls is described, the order of Exodus 26 being still followed. Exodus 36:20-34 correspond to Exodus 36:15-29 of Exodus 26. The correspondence is closer than would appear from the Authorised Version.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. present thyself ... to me in the top of the mount--**Not absolutely the highest peak; for as the cloud of the Shekinah usually abode on the summit, and yet (Ex 34:5) it "descended," the plain inference is that Moses was to station himself at a point not far distant, but still below the loftiest pinnacle.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half.

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KJV Study Commentary

Precise dimensions (ten cubits length, cubit and a half breadth—approximately 15' × 2.25') emphasize God's exact specifications. Each board's uniformity enabled proper joining, illustrating that believers, though individually complete, must fit together according to divine design. The phrase 'one board' (הַקֶּרֶשׁ הָאֶחָד, ha-keresh ha-echad) repeated for measurements stresses individual accountab...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. no man shall come up with thee ... neither ... flocks nor herds--**All these enactments were made in order that the law might be a second time renewed with the solemnity and sanctity that marked its first delivery. The whole transaction was ordered so as to impress the people with an awful sense of the holiness of God; and that it was a matter of no trifling moment to have subjected Him, so t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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One board had two tenons, equally distant one from another: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

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KJV Study Commentary

Two tenons (יָדוֹת, yadot, literally 'hands') per board, 'equally distant one from another' (מְשֻׁלָּבֹת, meshullavaot, 'joined' or 'set in order'), enabled secure fitting into silver sockets. These 'hands' grasping the foundation picture believers' connection to Christ, the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). The equal distancing demonstrates balanced grounding—not leaning one direction or another, ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. Moses ... took in his hand the two tables of stone--**As Moses had no attendant to divide the labor of carrying them, it is evident that they must have been light, and of no great dimensions--probably flat slabs of shale or slate, such as abound in the mountainous region of Horeb. An additional proof of their comparatively small size appears in the circumstance of their being deposited in the...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:

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KJV Study Commentary

Twenty boards for the south side (פְּאַת־נֶגְבָּה תֵימָנָה, pe'at-negbah teimanah, 'corner of the south, southward') begin the framework, with specific attention to orientation and placement. The south side, facing the desert's heat, required the same careful construction as other sides—teaching that all parts of God's house deserve equal attention regardless of external conditions or visibility. ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. the Lord descended in the cloud--**After graciously hovering over the tabernacle, it seems to have resumed its usual position on the summit of the mount. It was the shadow of God manifest to the outward senses; and, at the same time, of God manifest in the flesh. The emblem of a cloud seems to have been chosen to signify that, although He was pleased to make known much about himself, there wa...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And forty sockets of silver he made under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

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KJV Study Commentary

Forty sockets of silver (אַדְנֵי־כֶסֶף, adnei-keseph, literally 'foundations of silver') under twenty boards (two per board) provided stable foundation. Silver throughout Scripture represents redemption (the half-shekel atonement money, Exodus 30:11-16, provided the silver for these sockets, 38:25-27). Every board resting on redemption-silver teaches that God's house stands entirely on atoning sac...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**6. the Lord passed by before him--**in this remarkable scene, God performed what He had promised to Moses the day before. **proclaimed, The Lord ... merciful and gracious--**At an earlier period He had announced Himself to Moses, in the glory of His self-existent and eternal majesty, as "I am" [Ex 3:14]; now He makes Himself known in the glory of His grace and goodness--attributes that were to...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,

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KJV Study Commentary

Twenty boards for the north side (צֶלַע הַמִּשְׁכָּן הַשֵּׁנִית, tzela ha-mishkan ha-shenit, 'the second side of the tabernacle') mirror the south side's construction, demonstrating symmetry and balance in God's house. The identical number and arrangement teach that God's principles apply consistently regardless of direction or orientation—His standards don't shift with circumstances. Theological ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

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KJV Study Commentary

Forty silver sockets on the north side (identical to the south, v. 24) reinforce that God's dwelling rests equally on redemption throughout—no side lacks proper foundation, no area stands on inferior support. This universal foundation of atonement-silver prefigures Christ's sufficient sacrifice for all believers—His redemption doesn't vary by geography, culture, or time. The gospel's foundation re...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.

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KJV Study Commentary

Six boards form the west side (יַרְכְּתֵי הַמִּשְׁכָּן, yarketei ha-mishkan, 'the rear/back of the tabernacle'), creating the back wall opposite the entrance. The tabernacle's orientation (entrance east, back west) meant worshipers faced west, moving away from the rising sun—a deliberate contrast with pagan sun-worship. Israel's God dwelt in the west, and His people approached Him moving away from...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

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KJV Study Commentary

Two corner boards (קְרָשִׁים, kerashim) for the tabernacle's back corners demonstrate attention to structural integrity even at junction points. Corners, where sides meet, require special reinforcement—illustrating that transitions and connections need particular care in building God's house. These corner boards prevented gaps and maintained stability, teaching that God's dwelling allows no weakne...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And they were coupled beneath, and coupled together at the head thereof, to one ring: thus he did to both of them in both the corners. coupled: Heb. twinned

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KJV Study Commentary

Corner boards 'coupled together beneath' and 'coupled together above' (תָּמִים, tammim—'perfect, complete') ensure seamless joining from foundation to top. This complete coupling illustrates that connections in God's house must be secure throughout, not just superficially. Unity isn't merely external appearance but internal reality, from foundation (doctrine) to crown (practice). The coupling 'unt...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And there were eight boards; and their sockets were sixteen sockets of silver, under every board two sockets . under: Heb. two sockets, two sockets under one board

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KJV Study Commentary

Summary: eight boards and sixteen silver sockets for the west side demonstrate that even the back of God's dwelling stands fully on redemption-foundation. No part of the tabernacle rests on anything inferior to atonement-silver. This universal foundation teaches that God's house—whether front or back, visible or hidden, public or private—stands entirely on Christ's redemptive work. No area of the ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **Under every board two sockets.**—This is undoubtedly the true meaning; but it can scarcely be elicited from the present text. The words, *takhath hak-keresh ha-ekhâd, *which ought to have been repeated twice, as they are in Exodus 26:25, have accidentally fallen out here in one place.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

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KJV Study Commentary

Bars of shittim wood (acacia, בְּרִיחֵי עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים, berichei atzei shittim) overlaid with gold bound the standing boards together horizontally, creating lateral strength. While boards stood individually on redemption-foundations, bars joined them corporately—illustrating that believers, though each individually redeemed, require mutual connection for stability. The bars represent fellowship, a...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle for the sides westward.

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KJV Study Commentary

Five bars for each side (north, south) demonstrate systematic connection—not random or haphazard, but ordered and complete. The number five often represents grace in Scripture (five fingers, five senses, five offerings in Leviticus). These grace-bars binding God's house together suggest that genuine unity comes through divine grace, not human effort. The symmetry (five per side) emphasizes God's c...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **For the sides westward.**—Rather, *for the back *(of the tabernacle) *westward. *(Comp. the Note on Exodus 26:27.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other.

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KJV Study Commentary

The middle bar 'in the midst of the boards' reaching 'from end to end' (הַבְּרִיחַ הַתִּיכֹן בְּתוֹךְ הַקְּרָשִׁים, haberiach ha-tikhon betokh ha-kerashim... מִן־הַקָּצֶה אֶל־הַקָּצֶה, min-hakatzeh el-hakatzeh) provided central, comprehensive support spanning the entire side. This central bar pictures Christ, the unifying center of His church, who binds all believers together from one end (beginni...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

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KJV Study Commentary

Overlaying the boards with gold (וְאֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁים צִפָּה זָהָב, ve'et-hakerashim tzippah zahav) transformed humble desert wood into reflections of divine glory. Gold represents divinity, purity, and royalty—covering wood demonstrates how God clothes His people in righteousness not their own. The boards' identity didn't change (still acacia), but their appearance and function transformed through ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work.

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KJV Study Commentary

Making rings of gold (טַבְּעֹת זָהָב, tabba'ot zahav) as places for bars demonstrates that even connection points must reflect divine glory. The rings, though functional hardware, were made precious through gold—teaching that every aspect of God's house, even practical necessities, should reflect His excellence. In the body of Christ, even seemingly mundane functions (administration, helps, etc.) ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(35, 36) The order of Exo. xxvi is still followed. From the walls which enclosed the Tabernacle the transition is easy to the vail which divided it into two parts. Exodus 36:35-36 correspond to Exodus 36:31-32 of Exodus 26

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver.

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KJV Study Commentary

Overlaying bars with gold (וְאֶת־הַבְּרִיחִם צִפָּה זָהָב, ve'et-habberichim tzippah zahav) ensures that elements binding the structure together share the same glory as elements being bound. Unity mechanisms aren't inferior to individual components—both reflect divine character. This teaches that ministry focused on connection and unity (reconciliation, peacemaking, fellowship) is as valuable as o...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
Read full commentary →

And he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen, of needlework ; of needlework: Heb. the work of a needleworker or, embroiderer

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KJV Study Commentary

The veil (פָּרֹכֶת, parokhet) of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen with cherubim worked in 'cunning work' separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, barring access to God's immediate presence. This barrier represented sin's separation between God and humanity—only the high priest could pass through once yearly with blood (Hebrews 9:7). At Christ's death, this veil tore top to bottom (M...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37, 38) These verses correspond in the main to Exodus 36:36-37 of Exodus 26, which they pre-suppose and confirm, adding, however, one new fact, viz., that the capitals of the five pillars were overlaid with gold. Either God had given no order on this point, or Moses had omitted to record it. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bibl...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
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And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets were of brass.

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KJV Study Commentary

The veil hangs on four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold, with hooks of gold, standing in sockets of silver—combining the primary tabernacle materials (gold/divinity, wood/humanity, silver/redemption). These pillars holding the veil teach that the barrier between God and humanity stands on redemption, involves humanity, and reflects divinity—all elements coming together in the separation ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**8-26. Moses bowed ... and worshipped--**In the East, people bow the head to royalty, and are silent when it passes by, while in the West, they take off their hats and shout.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 36 The making of the tabernacle, The liberality of the people restrained. --The readiness and zeal with which these builders set about their work, the exactness with which they performed it, and the faithfulness with which they objected to receive more contributions, are worthy of our imitation. Thus should we serve God, and our superiors also, in all things lawful. Thus should all w...
Read full commentary →

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