“And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.”
Context: In the book of Exodus, the Israelites have been delivered from slavery in Egypt by God’s mighty hand. God leads them through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. At Mount Sinai, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell among His people.
Analysis: In this particular verse, God instructs Moses to make the boards for the tabernacle. These boards would serve as the foundational structure of the tabernacle, forming its walls. The verse specifically mentions the south side of the tabernacle, indicating the direction in which these boards should be placed.
Key Points:
- Symbolism of the Tabernacle: The tabernacle was a significant symbol in the Old Testament, representing the dwelling place of God among His people. It foreshadowed the later temple in Jerusalem and ultimately pointed to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would be the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14).
- The Boards’ Construction: The boards mentioned in Exodus 26:18 were made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:15-17). The choice of materials reflects the importance and grandeur of the tabernacle as a place of worship for the Lord.
- Unity and Structure: The boards were joined together to form a sturdy and unified structure. The unity of the boards illustrates the unity of God’s people and their collective worship. Each board had two tenons, or projections, which fit into corresponding sockets, providing stability and cohesion to the entire tabernacle structure.
- Symbolic Meaning: The construction of the boards reminds us of the importance of a strong foundation and structure in our spiritual lives. Just as the boards formed the walls of the tabernacle, we are called to build our lives upon the solid foundation of God’s Word and His principles (Matthew 7:24-27).
Application:
- God’s Presence Among His People: The tabernacle served as a visible reminder of God’s presence in the midst of the Israelites. As believers today, we have the privilege of experiencing an even closer relationship with God through Jesus Christ. We are called to recognize and appreciate His presence in our lives.
- Unity and Fellowship: The boards joined together to form a unified structure. Similarly, as followers of Christ, we are called to live in unity and fellowship with one another, supporting and encouraging each other in our faith journeys (Ephesians 4:3-6).
- Building on a Solid Foundation: Just as the boards provided stability to the tabernacle, we should ensure that our lives are built upon the solid foundation of God’s Word. By studying and applying the Scriptures, we can grow in our faith and withstand the challenges of life (Matthew 7:24-27).
Conclusion: Exodus 26:18 reminds us of the detailed instructions God gave to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle. It highlights the importance of unity, structure, and a strong foundation. As we study this verse, may we be inspired to seek God’s presence, live in unity with fellow believers, and build our lives upon the unshakable foundation of His Word.
