Bible Commentaries
Exodus 36

Verse 1

CONTENTS

This Chapter contains the relation of the progress of the work, in the building of the tabernacle: the liberality of the people is so great, that Moses desires them, to refrain. Here is the account of the fine curtains of the tabernacle being finished, the boards, and bars, and partition vail, and the vail for the hanging at the door.

Exodus 36:1

May we not from hence learn, that, in the spiritual building it must be the Lord which puts it in the heart to build a temple for his honour? Ephesians 4:11-13 .

Verse 2

Doth not this call of Moses correspond to the gospel call? 2 Timothy 1:9 .

Verse 3

Doth not this receiving from Moses materials for the work, carry with it a spiritual sense, that in salvation work we must all first receive, before that we can begin? Creating work and renewing work are both from God. 1 Corinthians 4:7 .

Verses 4-7

Reader! remark the blessed effects of grace in the heart. Nothing was thought too good, too great, or too costly for God. Paul bears testimony to a like liberality in the church in his day. Philippians 4:10-18 ; 2 Corinthians 8:3-4 .

Verses 8-13

Was not the construction of the tabernacle itself symbolic of the Church of the Lord in the world? It was not of stone, or earth, or timber; but curtains only. The Church of God, while on earth, is not founded in the earth, neither is it of this world. Revelation 21:2 ; John 18:36 . Moreover; the tabernacle was a moveable tent: meaning perhaps thereby, that the Church is not intended to be settled here; the worshippers belonging to it are looking for a city that hath foundations. Hebrews 11:16 . Moreover, the tabernacle was a very humble building, and not large, nor spacious; compare Jeremiah 22:14-15 with 2 Samuel 7:2 . But observe; though the tabernacle was thus humble, made of curtains only, yet the curtains were embroidered. Was not this meant to represent the dignified state of the humble believer? His body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 6:19 . He is all glorious within. Psalms 45:13-14 . And the high and holy One, who inhabiteth eternity, dwells with him. Isaiah 57:15 .

Verses 14-38

Some have thought that the gold which was spread upon the several parts of the building and furniture of the tabernacle, was intended to represent the Godhead of Christ; whilst the coarser parts typified his human nature. The coverings also carried this idea with them, that God is the covering of his people. Isaiah 4:6 . The vail of separation, we have authority to conclude, meant the separation between God and us while in an unrenewed state, and without Christ. Hebrews 10:19-22; Hebrews 10:19-22 .

Verse 38

REFLECTIONS

My soul! dost thou behold the readiness of the people to bring their offerings unto the Lord, even while approaching God in a tabernacle state: and wilt thou not seek grace to bring all thou hast to his service, since Jesus hath came down and tabernacled in thy nature, to bring thee nigh by his blood and righteousness? Oh! thou precious God and Saviour! the tabernacle of my soul, and my hiding place; may I live in thee, and be built upon thee. Thou art indeed the true tabernacle, the gold that perisheth not, the pearl of great price; be thou to me all I stand in need of, in this tabernacle state, until thou shalt bring me home to thy temple, which is above, where the gates are one pearl, and the street of the city is pure gold: but where infinitely above all these, the Lord God Almighty, and the Lamb are the temple of it. Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, be thou my God, and my guide, even unto death.