Exodus 26:31Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Regarding this matter, it is stated in this manner, and concerning the basin, it is written: ‘Thou shalt make the laver of brass for washing, and its socket of brass, and shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and between the altar’ (Exodus 30:18). Do you comprehend what is conveyed about each item? Palladius replied, "Not entirely; I find myself confused, and I cannot discern its meaning." Cyril responded, "I will strive to provide a clear and understandable explanation for each of the proposed principles, drawing out what is beneficial for their examination.

The canopy of the Tabernacle was adorned with various fabrics in distinct colors: one was purple, another pink, another scarlet, and another resembling hyacinth, with the linen being white. These colors represented the four elements; hyacinth symbolized the air, pink and scarlet represented fire, purple was associated with the sea, from which the shell for that dye is derived, and the linen reflected the earth, from which it is believed to originate.

The Hebrew term for the veil signifies a form of separation or alienation, as noted by Cook. The cherubim were depicted on this veil, similar to the fabric used for covering the top of the tabernacle. O. Gerlach remarks that the entirety of the sanctuary, adorned with images of God’s servants, was designed to inspire the thoughts of both the praying faithful and the priestly minister towards that enigmatic realm where the Lord revealed Himself in all His majesty. According to the English Comm. Bible, Flavius Josephus’s description of the tabernacle's curtain for the Romans makes no mention of the cherubim; instead, he refers to flowers and other decorative elements woven into the fabric, but not a single living being. The Angl. Comm.