Exodus 35:6 is part of a larger section where Moses is instructing the Israelites on what materials they should contribute to build the Tabernacle (the portable sanctuary used before the Temple). The list in verse 6 ("blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair") specifies specific materials desired for the construction and decoration of the Tabernacle. Here's a breakdown of what each item represents:
Blue (Hebrew: tekelet): This dye was derived from a rare sea snail and was highly prized. Blue was associated with the heavens and divinity, representing God's presence and authority.
Purple (Hebrew: argaman): Purple dye was extracted from another type of sea snail, making it even more expensive than blue. Purple was often associated with royalty and wealth, symbolizing prestige and power.
Scarlet (Hebrew: tola'at shani): This dye was derived from a specific type of worm and was less expensive than blue and purple. Scarlet was associated with blood, life, and potentially atonement.
Fine Linen (Hebrew: shesh): This was a high-quality fabric made from flax, known for its smoothness and brightness. Fine linen symbolized purity, righteousness, and holiness, befitting its use in the Tabernacle.
Goats' Hair (Hebrew: izzim): This refers to the coarse hair of goats, likely used to make durable fabrics for tents or coverings. It represents a more practical, utilitarian material necessary for the Tabernacle's construction.
In summary, these materials held both practical and symbolic importance for the Tabernacle:
Practical Use: They were essential for building the structure and creating its furnishings, curtains, and coverings.
Symbolic Meaning: Each color and material carried symbolic weight, representing aspects of God's nature, holiness, and the relationship between God and the Israelites.
The inclusion of these specific materials highlights the care and craftsmanship required for building the Tabernacle and emphasizes its significance as a place of worship and divine encounter. The act of contributing these valuable materials was also a way for the Israelites to express their devotion to God and participate in the creation of the Tabernacle.
Exodus 35:6 is part of a larger section where Moses is instructing the Israelites on what materials they should contribute to build the Tabernacle (the portable sanctuary used before the Temple). The list in verse 6 ("blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats’ hair") specifies specific materials desired for the construction and decoration of the Tabernacle. Here's a breakdown of what each item represents:
Blue (Hebrew: tekelet): This dye was derived from a rare sea snail and was highly prized. Blue was associated with the heavens and divinity, representing God's presence and authority.
Purple (Hebrew: argaman): Purple dye was extracted from another type of sea snail, making it even more expensive than blue. Purple was often associated with royalty and wealth, symbolizing prestige and power.
Scarlet (Hebrew: tola'at shani): This dye was derived from a specific type of worm and was less expensive than blue and purple. Scarlet was associated with blood, life, and potentially atonement.
Fine Linen (Hebrew: shesh): This was a high-quality fabric made from flax, known for its smoothness and brightness. Fine linen symbolized purity, righteousness, and holiness, befitting its use in the Tabernacle.
Goats' Hair (Hebrew: izzim): This refers to the coarse hair of goats, likely used to make durable fabrics for tents or coverings. It represents a more practical, utilitarian material necessary for the Tabernacle's construction.
In summary, these materials held both practical and symbolic importance for the Tabernacle:
Practical Use: They were essential for building the structure and creating its furnishings, curtains, and coverings.
Symbolic Meaning: Each color and material carried symbolic weight, representing aspects of God's nature, holiness, and the relationship between God and the Israelites.
The inclusion of these specific materials highlights the care and craftsmanship required for building the Tabernacle and emphasizes its significance as a place of worship and divine encounter. The act of contributing these valuable materials was also a way for the Israelites to express their devotion to God and participate in the creation of the Tabernacle.