Exodus 36:13 – “Then they made fifty gold clasps and used them to fasten the two sets of curtains together so that the tabernacle was a unit.”

Extended Explanation

Exodus 36:13 describes the final step in joining the two sets of curtains that formed the outer covering of the Tabernacle. The craftsmen made fifty gold clasps, which were used to securely fasten the curtains together, ensuring that the Tabernacle was a single, unified structure. The use of gold, a precious metal, signifies the sacredness and importance of the Tabernacle as God’s dwelling place among His people. The fact that these clasps were made from gold and used to bind the curtains together highlights the importance of unity and the value placed on the Tabernacle as a holy space.

Historical Context

This verse is set during the construction of the Tabernacle, which took place as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. The Tabernacle was intended to be a portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. God had given Moses detailed instructions for its construction, and the Israelites, led by skilled craftsmen, followed these instructions carefully. The fifty gold clasps mentioned in this verse were used to connect the two sets of curtains, creating a unified structure that would serve as the Tabernacle. The careful construction of the Tabernacle was crucial, as it was the place where God’s presence would reside and where the Israelites would come to worship Him.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Exodus 36:13 emphasizes the importance of unity in the body of believers. The gold clasps that joined the curtains together serve as a symbol of the way God’s people are to be united in their faith and purpose. Just as the Tabernacle needed to be a single, cohesive unit to serve as a proper dwelling place for God, so too must the church be united in order to effectively carry out God’s work on earth. This verse also highlights the value of sacredness and purity in our worship of God, as represented by the use of gold, a symbol of holiness and preciousness. It reminds us that our unity in Christ is precious and should be carefully maintained.

Literary Analysis

In literary terms, Exodus 36:13 serves as a key moment in the narrative of the Tabernacle’s construction. The verse describes the final step in the process of joining the curtains, using fifty gold clasps to create a unified structure. The repetition of the number fifty throughout this passage emphasizes the completeness and perfection of the Tabernacle’s design. The use of gold clasps adds a layer of richness and sacredness to the narrative, underscoring the importance of the Tabernacle as a holy place. The verse is concise yet powerful, illustrating how every detail in the construction process was significant and contributed to the overall unity and sanctity of the Tabernacle.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 26:6 – This verse gives the original instructions for making the gold clasps to join the curtains, which the craftsmen are fulfilling in Exodus 36:13.
• Psalm 133:1 – “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” This verse speaks to the importance of unity among God’s people, symbolized by the joining of the curtains in the Tabernacle.
• Ephesians 4:3 – Paul urges believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” reflecting the unity created by the gold clasps in the Tabernacle.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Exodus 36:13 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of unity within the church. Just as the gold clasps joined the curtains to form a unified Tabernacle, we are called to be united in our faith and purpose. This verse challenges us to consider how we can contribute to the unity of the body of Christ, recognizing that our collective efforts are essential to the church’s mission. The use of gold in the clasps also encourages us to approach our relationships within the church with a sense of reverence and care, understanding that our unity is precious and should be preserved. This verse inspires us to strive for harmony and cooperation in our faith communities, knowing that this unity is crucial to our effectiveness in serving God.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s love in that He desires His people to be united and to work together as one body. The gold clasps that joined the curtains of the Tabernacle symbolize the bond that God creates among His people, a bond that is valuable and holy. God’s love is evident in His detailed instructions for the Tabernacle’s construction, ensuring that it would be a place where He could dwell among His people in unity and peace. The care taken in joining the curtains together mirrors the care that God takes in building His relationship with us, ensuring that we are securely held together in His love.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Exodus 36:13 connects to Jesus Christ in that just as the gold clasps joined the curtains of the Tabernacle into a unified structure, Jesus unites believers into one body through His sacrifice. In Ephesians 2:14, Paul writes, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Jesus’ death and resurrection removed the barriers that separated us from God and from one another, creating a unified body of believers. The unity of the Tabernacle, held together by gold clasps, foreshadows the unity of the church, held together by the love and grace of Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How can you contribute to the unity of your church community, recognizing the importance of being “joined together” in faith and purpose?
2. In what ways can you approach your relationships within the church with the same care and reverence that the craftsmen showed in constructing the Tabernacle?
3. How does understanding the sacredness of unity in the body of Christ inspire you to work towards harmony and cooperation with other believers?
4. What does it mean to you that Jesus unites us as one body, and how can this shape your interactions with others in the church?