What does Exodus 36:35 mean?
"¶ And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work." - Exodus 36:35

Exodus 36:35 (KJV) states, "And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work."
This verse comes from the book of Exodus, which details the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and the construction of the tabernacle, a sacred tent that served as a place of worship. In this specific verse, the construction of the vail, which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the tabernacle, is described.
The vail, or curtain, was an integral part of the tabernacle and held great significance in the Israelite religious tradition. Its construction from blue, purple, and scarlet colored fine twined linen indicated its importance and connection to the divine. These colors were associated with royalty, holiness, and the heavenly realm, and their use in the vail signified the separation between the sacred and the profane.
The mention of the cherubims in the vail also adds to its symbolic significance. The cherubims were angelic beings often associated with the presence of God, and their inclusion in the vail highlighted the sacredness and sanctity of the space behind it. The intricate and skillful craftsmanship involved in making the vail of cunning work further emphasized its importance as a barrier between the earthly realm and the divine.
The themes present in Exodus 36:35 are numerous and significant. Firstly, the construction of the vail and its materials symbolize the holiness and separation of the divine from the earthly. This theme of separation is central to the Israelite religious tradition, as it signified the need for purity and reverence in approaching God.
Additionally, the vail and its cherubim imagery indicate the presence of God and the importance of His sanctuary. The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's dwelling place among His people, and the vail served as a barrier to the Holy of Holies where His presence resided. This reinforces the theme of God's accessibility and presence among His people, as well as the need for reverence and respect in approaching Him.
The detailed description of the vail's construction also emphasizes the Israelites' dedication to honoring God through skillful craftsmanship and attention to detail. This serves as a reminder of the importance of offering one's best to God and recognizing the sacredness of His dwelling place.
In a broader context, Exodus 36:35 can also be interpreted as a reflection of the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom. The construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, including the vail, symbolizes their newfound identity as a chosen people and their commitment to worshiping God in a sacred space. The vail, with its rich symbolism and craftsmanship, serves as a physical reminder of their liberation and their unique relationship with God.
In conclusion, Exodus 36:35 is a verse rich in symbolism and significance. It highlights the themes of holiness, separation, and the presence of God, and serves as a reminder of the Israelites' dedication to honoring and worshiping Him. The construction of the vail and its materials hold deep spiritual meaning and continue to resonate with readers as a testament to the sacredness of approaching the divine.
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Exodus 36:35 Artwork
Exodus 36:35 - "¶ And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work."
"¶ And he made a vail of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work." - Exodus 36:35
Exodus 32.15-35
Leviticus 19:35-36 - "Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight or quantity. Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt."
Exodus 39:36 - "The table, and all the vessels thereof, and the shewbread,"
Exodus 16:36 - "Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah."
Exodus 35:18 - "The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,"
Exodus 39:35 - "The ark of the testimony, and the staves thereof, and the mercy seat,"
Ezekiel 36:35 - "And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited."
Exodus 35:9 - "And onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate."
Exodus 35:6 - "And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,"
Exodus 35:32 - "And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,"
Exodus 35:8 - "And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,"
Exodus 35:12 - "The ark, and the staves thereof, with the mercy seat, and the vail of the covering,"
Exodus 36:36 - "And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver."
Exodus 36:27 - "And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards."
The Plague of Hail - Exodus 9:13-35
The Plague of Hail - Exodus 9:13-35
Exodus 35:13 - "The table, and his staves, and all his vessels, and the shewbread,"
Exodus 35:28 - "And spice, and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense."
Exodus 35:27 - "And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set, for the ephod, and for the breastplate;"
Exodus 35:7 - "And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,"
Exodus 36:7 - "For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much."
Genesis 36:35 - "And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith."
Exodus 36:28 - "And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides."
Exodus 36:20 - "¶ And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up."
Exodus 36:16 - "And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves."
The Plague of Hail - Exodus 9:13-35
The Plague of Hail - Exodus 9:13-35
Exodus 35:20 - "¶ And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses."