Exodus 35:23

Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, or articles of fine leather, brought them.

Study Bible

Everyone who had blue, purple, or scarlet yarn, or fine linen
In the ancient Near East, blue, purple, and scarlet yarns were highly valued due to the labor-intensive process of dyeing. Blue dye was often derived from the murex snail, while purple was a symbol of royalty and wealth. Scarlet, a vivid red, was also a costly dye. Fine linen was a luxury fabric, often associated with purity and righteousness. These materials were used in the construction of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the beauty and holiness of God's dwelling place. The use of these colors and materials is echoed in Revelation 19:8, where fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.

goat hair
Goat hair was a common material in the ancient world, used for making tents and garments due to its durability and availability. In the context of the Tabernacle, goat hair was used for the tent covering, providing protection and insulation. This practical material highlights the provision and care of God for His people, ensuring that His dwelling place was both beautiful and functional.

ram skins dyed red
Ram skins dyed red were used as an outer covering for the Tabernacle, symbolizing sacrifice and atonement. The red dye likely came from natural sources such as madder root or insects like the kermes. The ram, often associated with sacrifice (as seen in Genesis 22 with Abraham and Isaac), points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

or articles of fine leather
Fine leather, possibly referring to the hides of sea cows or other durable animals, was used for the outermost covering of the Tabernacle. This provided additional protection from the elements. The use of leather signifies the strength and resilience of God's covenant with His people, enduring through time and adversity.

brought them
The act of bringing these materials was a voluntary offering from the Israelites, demonstrating their willingness to contribute to the work of God. This communal effort reflects the principle of giving found in 2 Corinthians 9:7, where God loves a cheerful giver. The Israelites' generosity in providing for the Tabernacle foreshadows the New Testament church's call to support the work of the ministry and care for one another.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who conveyed God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.

2. Israelites
The people of God who were called to contribute materials for the Tabernacle.

3. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people during their journey in the wilderness.

4. Materials
Blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, fine linen, goat hair, ram skins dyed red, and fine leather were all materials required for the construction of the Tabernacle.

5. Wilderness
The setting where the Israelites were journeying and where the Tabernacle was to be constructed.

Teaching Points

Willingness to Give
The Israelites were called to give willingly from what they had. This teaches us the importance of a willing heart in our service and offerings to God.

Diversity of Gifts
The variety of materials shows that God values different contributions. Each person’s unique gifts and resources are important in the body of Christ.

Symbolism of Materials
The colors and materials have symbolic meanings (e.g., blue for divinity, purple for royalty, scarlet for sacrifice) that point to the character and work of Christ.

Community Involvement
The construction of the Tabernacle was a community effort, reminding us of the importance of working together in the church.

Obedience to God’s Instructions
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle highlight the importance of following God’s commands precisely.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the willingness of the Israelites to give their materials teach us about our attitude towards giving to God’s work today?

2. How can the diversity of materials contributed by the Israelites inspire us to appreciate and utilize the different gifts within our church community?

3. In what ways do the symbolic meanings of the materials used for the Tabernacle point us to the person and work of Jesus Christ?

4. How can we ensure that our contributions to God’s work are done with a willing and cheerful heart, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:7?

5. What lessons can we learn from the community involvement in the construction of the Tabernacle that can be applied to our local church projects and missions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25
This chapter provides the initial instructions for the Tabernacle, highlighting the importance of the materials and their symbolic meanings.

2 Corinthians 9:7
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving willingly and cheerfully, which parallels the Israelites' contributions for the Tabernacle.

Hebrews 9:11-12
These verses discuss Christ as the greater and more perfect Tabernacle, connecting the physical Tabernacle to its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus.