Exodus 25:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, goats ' hair,

NIV: blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair;

NASB: violet, purple, and scarlet material, fine linen, goat hair,

CSB: blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair;

NLT: blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth;

KJV: And blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats' hair,

NKJV: blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats’ hair;

God is instructing the people of Israel to collect resources for a unique project (Exodus 25:1–2). These will be used to create a sacred meeting place. There, Israel will offer worship and sacrifice. The ark of the covenant is one of these famous items (Exodus 25:10–11). Precious metals are part of the donations needed (Exodus 25:3). Much of the gold will be needed for gilding ritual objects. Metals such as bronze would be useful for structural components and curtain rings.

The sanctuary itself would be called a "tabernacle," or a type of tent. It could be transported as Israel made their way through the wilderness. Most of the materials requested in this verse are for use in making tent fabric (Exodus 26:1). In the ancient world, these colors were expensive and difficult to produce. These textiles will also form a veil separating the two holiest sections of the tabernacle (Exodus 26:36–37).

Goat skins are among the natural materials added to the list (Exodus 25:5).

Exodus 25:1–9 establishes a collection for materials to make sacred objects. The Israelites are to offer precious gems, metals, cloth, building materials, and oils. Much of this probably came from Egyptians who begged their former slaves to leave (Exodus 3:21–22; 11:2–3; 12:33–36). Some may be spoils from the defeat of the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8, 13). The resources will be used to make a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. This will be a "tabernacle:" a large tent. The design of each component is detailed and must be followed exactly.

Israelites are to contribute precious metals, cloth, oils, and other resources to create a sanctuary for worship and sacrifice. These will be used to form various sacred objects. Among these are the renowned ark of the covenant, a table for consecrated bread, and a lampstand with seven ornate lamps. These will be kept in the most sacred parts of the sanctuary. Upcoming chapters will focus on an elaborate tent which will serve as a portable temple (Exodus 26—28).

The Lord has given the foundations of His covenant to Israel (Exodus 20—23) and they have affirmed it (Exodus 24). Now God gives Moses detailed instructions for a system of worship. This begins with designs for a sacred container—the ark of the covenant—as well as a table and lampstand. These will be kept in the "tabernacle:" an ornate tent used as a portable temple for Israel (Exodus 26—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/5/2025 5:50:25 PM