He also made fifty bronze claspsThe use of bronze in the construction of the tabernacle signifies strength and durability. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was commonly used in ancient times for tools and weapons, symbolizing judgment and endurance. The number fifty often represents completeness or fullness in biblical numerology, as seen in the Year of Jubilee (
Leviticus 25:10). The clasps were essential for holding the tent structure together, indicating the importance of unity and cohesion in the community of believers.
to join the tent together
The tent refers to the tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The joining of the tent signifies the unity and oneness of the structure, reflecting the unity of God's people. This act of joining can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament concept of the church as the body of Christ, where believers are joined together in faith and purpose (Ephesians 4:16).
as a unit
The tabernacle was designed to be a single, cohesive unit, symbolizing the singularity of God's covenant with Israel. This unity is a reflection of the divine order and harmony intended for God's creation. The concept of being a unit also points to the future unity of believers in Christ, as seen in Jesus' prayer for unity among His followers (John 17:21). The tabernacle's construction as a unified whole prefigures the ultimate unity of heaven and earth in the new creation (Revelation 21:3).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Bezalel and OholiabSkilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. They were filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.
2.
The TabernacleA portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites, constructed according to the divine pattern given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
3.
The IsraelitesThe people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying through the wilderness to the Promised Land.
4.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle.
5.
The Bronze ClaspsThese were used to join the curtains of the Tabernacle, symbolizing unity and completeness in the structure.
Teaching Points
Unity in DiversityJust as the bronze clasps unified the various parts of the Tabernacle, believers are called to unity in the body of Christ, despite diverse gifts and roles.
Divine Order and DesignThe detailed instructions for the Tabernacle remind us that God is a God of order and purpose. Our lives should reflect His order and design.
The Role of Skilled WorkmanshipGod values skilled work and craftsmanship, as seen in the roles of Bezalel and Oholiab. We should use our talents and skills for God's glory.
Symbolism of CompletenessThe clasps symbolize completeness and wholeness. In Christ, we find our completeness and are held together by His love and purpose.
Obedience to God's InstructionsThe Israelites' adherence to God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle construction is a model of obedience and faithfulness for us today.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 36:18?
2.How does Exodus 36:18 demonstrate God's attention to detail in worship?
3.What significance do the "fifty loops" have in the tabernacle's construction?
4.How can we ensure our worship spaces honor God like in Exodus 36:18?
5.What other biblical instances show God's specific instructions for worship?
6.How can we apply the principle of obedience from Exodus 36:18 in our lives?
7.What is the significance of the ram skins dyed red in Exodus 36:18?
8.How does Exodus 36:18 reflect God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction?
9.Why were specific materials chosen for the Tabernacle in Exodus 36:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 36?
11.(Exodus 35) Is there any concrete historical or archeological evidence to verify that such a grand construction project occurred in the Sinai wilderness?
12.Exodus 26 - How do these tabernacle measurements align or conflict with other biblical or historical texts regarding the scale and feasibility of such a dwelling?
13.Who were Bezalel and Oholiab in the Bible?
14.What was the laver's purpose in the tabernacle?What Does Exodus 36:18 Mean
He also made- Moses records that Bezalel and the craftsmen obeyed God’s precise instructions (Exodus 35:30–35; 36:1).
- The phrase reminds us that every part of the tabernacle was handcrafted in response to divine revelation, not human creativity (Exodus 25:8–9).
- Obedience in the smallest detail reflects wholehearted devotion to the LORD, echoing Jesus’ words inJohn 14:15, 21 about loving Him through obedience.
fifty bronze clasps- Bronze, a durable metal able to withstand fire, often pictures judgment or protection (Numbers 21:8–9;Revelation 1:15).
- Exactly fifty clasps indicates intentional design; nothing in God’s blueprint is accidental (1 Corinthians 14:33).
- The fixed number points to completeness, much like the jubilee fiftieth year that signals freedom and restoration (Leviticus 25:10).
to join the tent- The clasps linked two sets of coverings so the whole tabernacle functioned as one, illustrating unity among God’s people (Psalm 133:1;Ephesians 4:3).
- Each clasp held together embroidered linen (representing heaven’s purity,Exodus 26:1), goat hair (human need,Exodus 26:7), rams’ skins dyed red (atonement,Exodus 26:14), and durable outer coverings—all secured by bronze.
- In Christ, individual believers are “joined together” into a dwelling for God’s Spirit (Ephesians 2:21–22).
together as a unit- The end result was a seamless sanctuary where God’s glory would reside (Exodus 40:34–35).
- Unity allowed mobility; Israel could dismantle and reassemble the sanctuary in perfect order (Numbers 9:15–23).
- The same principle guides the church: many members, one body, each part essential (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).
summaryExodus 36:18 highlights meticulous obedience, intentional design, and covenant unity. Fifty bronze clasps secured separate coverings into one tent, prefiguring how God unites redeemed people into His dwelling through steadfast, protective grace.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He also madeוַיַּ֛עַשׂ(way·ya·‘aś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makefiftyחֲמִשִּׁ֑ים(ḥă·miš·šîm)Number - common plural
Strong's 2572:Fiftybronzeנְחֹ֖שֶׁת(nə·ḥō·šeṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5178:Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, baseclaspsקַרְסֵ֥י(qar·sê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7165:A knob, belaying-pinto join the tentהָאֹ֖הֶל(hā·’ō·hel)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 168:A tenttogetherלְחַבֵּ֥ר(lə·ḥab·bêr)Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2266:To unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charmas a unit.אֶחָֽד׃(’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, first
Links
Exodus 36:18 NIVExodus 36:18 NLTExodus 36:18 ESVExodus 36:18 NASBExodus 36:18 KJV
Exodus 36:18 BibleApps.comExodus 36:18 Biblia ParalelaExodus 36:18 Chinese BibleExodus 36:18 French BibleExodus 36:18 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 36:18 He made fifty clasps of brass (Exo. Ex) 
