Exodus 26:6

Make fifty gold clasps as well, and join the curtains together with the clasps, so that the tabernacle will be a unit.

Study Bible

Make fifty gold clasps
The instruction to "make fifty gold clasps" signifies the precision and intentionality in God's design for the tabernacle. The number fifty in Hebrew culture often symbolizes completeness or fullness, as seen in the Jubilee year, which occurs every fifty years. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, reflects the holiness and sacredness of the tabernacle. The use of gold clasps indicates the value and importance of the structure being built, as it is a dwelling place for God's presence among His people.

and use them to fasten the curtains together
The phrase "and use them to fasten the curtains together" highlights the unity and cohesion required in the construction of the tabernacle. The Hebrew word for "fasten" (חָבַר, chabar) implies joining or binding together, suggesting that the tabernacle is not just a physical structure but a spiritual one, symbolizing the unity of God's people. The curtains, representing the separation between the holy and the common, are brought together by these clasps, indicating that God's presence bridges the gap between the divine and the human.

so that the tabernacle will be a unit
The purpose "so that the tabernacle will be a unit" underscores the concept of oneness in the worship of God. The Hebrew word for "unit" (אֶחָד, echad) is the same word used in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4), which declares the oneness of God. This unity in the tabernacle's construction reflects the unity that should exist among God's people and their singular devotion to Him. The tabernacle, as a unit, serves as a physical manifestation of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where He dwells among them as their God, and they are His people.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. Curtains
The fabric panels that formed the walls and covering of the tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between the holy and the common.

4. Gold Clasps
The connectors made of gold used to join the curtains, signifying unity and the preciousness of the tabernacle.

5. Israelites
The people of God who were commanded to construct the tabernacle according to the divine pattern given to Moses.

Teaching Points

Unity in the Body of Christ
Just as the gold clasps unified the curtains into one tabernacle, believers are called to maintain unity in the body of Christ. This unity is precious and should be preserved through love and humility.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the tabernacle remind us of the importance of obedience to God's Word. Our lives should reflect His design and purpose.

The Value of Holiness
The use of gold for the clasps signifies the value and holiness of the tabernacle. As believers, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God's purposes.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence. Today, we are reminded that God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, and we should live in a way that honors His presence.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle serves as a symbol of God's desire to dwell with His people, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the eternal dwelling with God in the new creation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the unity of the tabernacle, as symbolized by the gold clasps, reflect the unity we are called to have as believers in Christ?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are aligned with God's instructions, similar to how the Israelites followed the detailed plans for the tabernacle?

3. What does the use of gold in the tabernacle's construction teach us about the value God places on holiness and purity in our lives?

4. How can we cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, knowing that we are His dwelling place?

5. How does the concept of the tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people find its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament, and what implications does this have for our faith today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25:8-9
These verses provide the initial command to build the tabernacle, emphasizing that it is to be made according to the pattern shown to Moses on the mountain.

Hebrews 8:5
This New Testament passage reflects on the tabernacle as a shadow of heavenly realities, highlighting the importance of following God's precise instructions.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as the temple of God, drawing a parallel to the holiness and unity symbolized by the tabernacle.

Ephesians 4:3-6
This passage emphasizes the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, akin to the unity of the tabernacle as a single unit.

Revelation 21:3
The ultimate fulfillment of God's dwelling with His people, as foreshadowed by the tabernacle, is seen in the new heaven and new earth.