Exodus 36:13

He also made fifty gold clasps to join the curtains together, so that the tabernacle was a unit.

Study Bible

He made
The phrase "He made" refers to the skilled craftsmanship of Bezalel and his team, who were divinely inspired and equipped for the task of constructing the tabernacle. The Hebrew root for "made" is עָשָׂה ('asah), which implies not just the act of making but also the intention and purpose behind it. This highlights the importance of divine guidance in the work of our hands, reminding us that our efforts should align with God's purposes.

fifty gold clasps
The number "fifty" in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or fullness, as seen in the Jubilee year, which occurs every fifty years. The use of "gold" signifies purity, value, and divinity, reflecting the sacred nature of the tabernacle. Gold clasps were used to join the curtains, symbolizing unity and the divine connection between the different parts of the tabernacle. This unity is a reflection of the unity within the body of Christ, where each member is joined together in love and purpose.

fastened the curtains together
The act of fastening the curtains together signifies the bringing together of different elements to create a cohesive whole. The Hebrew word for "fastened" is חָבַר (chabar), which means to join or bind together. This is a powerful image of how God desires His people to be united, working together in harmony to fulfill His purposes. The curtains themselves represent the separation between the holy and the common, and their joining signifies the bridging of that gap through divine intervention.

with the clasps
The clasps serve as connectors, holding the curtains in place. In a spiritual sense, they represent the bonds of love and faith that hold the community of believers together. Just as the clasps were essential for the structural integrity of the tabernacle, so too are love and faith essential for the spiritual integrity of the church. This reminds us of the importance of maintaining strong, faith-based relationships within the body of Christ.

so that the tabernacle was a unit
The phrase "so that the tabernacle was a unit" emphasizes the purpose of the construction: to create a single, unified dwelling place for God's presence. The Hebrew word for "unit" is אֶחָד (echad), which means one or unified. This reflects the oneness of God and His desire for His people to be one with Him and with each other. The tabernacle, as a unit, symbolizes the unity and wholeness that God desires for His creation, pointing forward to the ultimate unity found in Christ.

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

4. The Curtains
Part of the tabernacle's structure, made of fine linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, symbolizing the beauty and holiness of God's dwelling.

5. The Gold Clasps
Used to join the curtains together, symbolizing unity and the preciousness of God's presence.

Teaching Points

Unity in the Body of Christ
Just as the gold clasps unified the curtains into one tabernacle, believers are called to be united in Christ, forming one body.

The Value of God's Presence
The use of gold signifies the preciousness of God's presence among His people. We should cherish and prioritize God's presence in our lives.

Attention to Detail in Worship
The specific instructions and craftsmanship involved in the tabernacle's construction remind us of the importance of reverence and care in our worship practices.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle serves as a foreshadowing of Christ and His work, encouraging us to see the Old Testament as pointing to the New Testament fulfillment.

Spiritual Gifts and Service
Bezalel and Oholiab's roles highlight the importance of using our God-given talents and skills for the service of the church and the glory of God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the unity of the tabernacle, as described in Exodus 36:13, reflect the unity that should exist within the church today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are valuing God's presence in our daily lives, similar to the preciousness of the gold clasps?

3. How can the detailed instructions for the tabernacle's construction inform our approach to worship and service in the church?

4. What parallels can we draw between the tabernacle and the role of Christ as described in the New Testament?

5. How can we identify and utilize our spiritual gifts, like Bezalel and Oholiab, to contribute to the unity and growth of the church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 26
Provides the detailed instructions given by God to Moses regarding the construction of the tabernacle, including the use of gold clasps.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Relates to the concept of believers being the temple of God, emphasizing the holiness and unity that should characterize the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:3
Speaks to the importance of maintaining unity in the Spirit, which can be related to the unity of the tabernacle as a single unit.

Hebrews 9:11-12
Discusses Christ as the high priest of a greater and more perfect tabernacle, drawing a parallel to the earthly tabernacle's role in foreshadowing Christ's work.