Exodus 26:36

For the entrance to the tent, you are to make a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen.

Study Bible

You are to make a curtain
The Hebrew word for "curtain" is "מָסָךְ" (masak), which implies a covering or a screen. In the context of the Tabernacle, the curtain served as a barrier between the sacred space and the outside world, symbolizing the separation between God’s holiness and human sinfulness. This curtain was not just a functional piece but a divinely instructed element, emphasizing the importance of approaching God with reverence and respect.

for the entrance to the tent
The "entrance" or "doorway" (Hebrew: פֶּתַח, petach) of the tent was the point of transition from the outer court into the holy place. This signifies the movement from the common to the sacred, a journey that requires preparation and purification. The tent itself, the Tabernacle, was the dwelling place of God among His people, a precursor to the incarnation of Christ, who is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity.

woven of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn
The colors "blue, purple, and scarlet" were not only visually striking but also rich in symbolism. Blue (תְּכֵלֶת, tekhelet) often represents the heavens and divine revelation. Purple (אַרְגָּמָן, argaman) is a color of royalty and wealth, signifying the majesty of God. Scarlet (שָׁנִי, shani) symbolizes sacrifice and atonement, pointing to the blood of Christ. The use of these colors in the curtain reflects the multifaceted nature of God’s character—His sovereignty, holiness, and redemptive plan.

and finely spun linen
The "finely spun linen" (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh mashzar) indicates a high level of craftsmanship and purity. Linen, being a natural fiber, was considered clean and was often used in priestly garments. Its inclusion in the curtain underscores the purity required to approach God, reminding believers of the righteousness imputed to them through faith in Christ.

with embroidered cherubim
The "cherubim" (כְּרוּבִים, keruvim) are angelic beings associated with the presence of God. Their embroidery on the curtain signifies the guarding of sacred space, reminiscent of the cherubim placed at the entrance of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24). This imagery serves as a reminder of the holiness of God’s dwelling and the protection of His glory. The presence of cherubim also points to the heavenly reality that the Tabernacle foreshadows, where God’s presence is fully realized.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, where the curtain described in this verse was to be placed.

3. The Entrance Curtain
A specific curtain made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, designed by an embroiderer, serving as the entrance to the Tabernacle.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Colors
The blue, purple, and scarlet yarns symbolize royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. Reflect on how these colors point to the nature of Christ.

Craftsmanship and Worship
The curtain was the work of an embroiderer, highlighting the importance of skill and dedication in worship. Consider how we can use our talents to honor God.

Access to God
The curtain served as a barrier, reminding us of the separation between God and humanity due to sin. Jesus' sacrifice removed this barrier, granting us direct access to God.

Obedience to God's Instructions
Moses followed God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle. Reflect on the importance of obedience in our spiritual lives.

The Presence of God
The Tabernacle was where God's presence dwelled among His people. Consider how we can cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. What do the colors blue, purple, and scarlet represent in the context of the Tabernacle, and how do they point to the character of Christ?

2. How does the craftsmanship of the curtain reflect the importance of using our skills for God's glory in today's context?

3. In what ways does the tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death change our understanding of access to God?

4. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in Moses' construction of the Tabernacle to our own spiritual journey?

5. What practices can we incorporate into our daily lives to cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence, similar to the Israelites with the Tabernacle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the broader context of the Tabernacle's construction, detailing God's specific instructions to Moses.

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and its elements, including the curtain, as a foreshadowing of Christ's work.

Matthew 27:51
The tearing of the temple curtain at Jesus' death symbolizes the new access to God through Christ, connecting to the purpose of the Tabernacle curtain as a barrier between God and man.