Introduction
Now, the writer of Exodus could have shortened the book by saying, Moses had the people build the tabernacle, after the pattern that was shown him on the mount. Already, in Exodus 24-26, we have read of the Lord’s command to build the various components of the tabernacle. In Exodus 34-36, we read the details of the fulfilment of the commandment. The repetition underscores the importance of the tabernacle. It was their temple-their access to Jehovah.
Exodus 36:4-5 The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work
Wouldn’t it be great if we were able to accomplish this great feat, to bring much more than enough in our offering to the Lord? In a rare moment of greatness for the people, the Israelites brought “much more than enough for the service of the work.” O that we could bring the Lord “much more than enough” of a broken heart. O that we could bring the Lord “much more than enough” of a contrite spirit. O that we could bring “much more than enough” gratitude for his goodness.
Exodus 36:8-19 [they] made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet
“Because the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness at this time, the tabernacle had to be portable. The walls were formed of panels that could be joined together (see Exodus 25:15–16). Then the walls and open ceiling were covered with four different layers of fabric.
“The inner fabric was made of fine-twined linen. The Hebrew word translated “linen” signifies not only the fabric but also “whiteness” (Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies, s.v. “linen,” p. 255; see also Fallows, Bible Encyclopedia, s.v. “linen,” 2:1068). Scholars believe it was either a fine cotton fabric or one made from flax. Because of the length of the tabernacle, ten curtains, or pieces of fabric, were needed to cover it. This inner layer was to have cherubim (angels) embroidered upon it and was to incorporate, besides the whiteness, the colors blue, purple, and scarlet.
“The selvage of these curtains was a special border at the edge of each woven piece that prevented raveling. This border was usually of different size threads and was sometimes of a different weave than the rest of the curtain.
“By means of golden clasps or pins called taches, the selvages of adjacent curtain segments were joined together, creating the appearance of a single drape over the tabernacle.
The other three fabrics consisted of goats’ hair, rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins (see Exodus 26:7, 14). (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/old-testament-student-manual-genesis-2-samuel/exodus-25-30-35-40-the-house-of-the-lord-in-the-wilderness?lang=eng)
Exodus 36:18 he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together
Exodus 36:20 He made boards for the tabernacle
Exodus 36:35 he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet
“’Speak to the children of Israel and let them take for Me a portion; you shall take a portion for Me from every person whose heart is so moved by a spirit of generosity. And this is the portion that you shall accept from them: gold, silver, and copper; blue, purple, and crimson wool, fine linen, goats’ hair; tanned ram skins, tachash skins, and acacia wood; oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the aromatic incense; shoham stones and stones for setting, for the Ephod and for the Breastplate.'
“And they shall make Me a Sanctuary that I may dwell among them." (Exodus 25:1-8)
“The continuation of parashat Terumah and much of the rest of the book of Exodus will focus on HaShem's instructions how to build for Him a Sanctuary, the many details of the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred vessels of service to be used by the kohanim, and the fashioning of the priestly garments, focusing on the eight garments to be worn by the Kohen Gadol (High Priest).
“For the Temple Institute these verses are nothing less than the breath of life that informs everything we do, from research and writing, to reproducing the sacred vessels and the priestly garments, to creating an unparalleled archive of paintings depicting life in the Holy Temple, all of which can be experienced in person at our Jerusalem exhibition. (https://templeinstitute.org/)
Exodus 36:37 he made an hanging for the tabernacle door of blue, and purple, and scarlet
