“And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward.”
Context:Exodus 36 describes the construction of the tabernacle, a portable and sacred dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This section of the book of Exodus details the skilled workmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God, to construct the various components of the tabernacle.
The Tabernacle:The "tabernacle" refers to the central structure of worship for the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. It was a large, tent-like structure designed by God Himself (Exodus 25:8-9) and was constructed according to precise instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31).
Boards for the Tabernacle:In verse 28, it mentions the construction of the boards for the south side of the tabernacle. These boards were made of acacia wood and were essential for forming the walls of the tabernacle. They stood upright and were securely interlocked using tenons and sockets, forming the framework for the structure.
Twenty Boards:The verse specifies that there were twenty boards made for the south side. The same number of boards was used for both the north and south sides of the tabernacle, totaling 40 boards altogether. These boards were each ten cubits (approximately 15 feet) in length and one and a half cubits (approximately 2.25 feet) in width (Exodus 26:16).
South Side Southward:The text specifies that the twenty boards were used for the south side "southward." This indicates that these boards formed the southern wall of the tabernacle. The south side was one of the longer sides of the tabernacle.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Obedience to God’s Instructions:The construction of the tabernacle was carried out according to the precise instructions given by God to Moses. It teaches us the importance of following God’s word and His plans for our lives. God is detailed and intentional in His guidance, and our obedience to His instructions leads to blessings and the fulfillment of His purposes.
- The Tabernacle as a Symbol:The tabernacle itself holds significant symbolic meaning. It represented God’s desire to dwell among His people and foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ. In John 1:14, it says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (KJV). The word "dwelt" in Greek is "skenoo," which means "to tabernacle" or "to pitch a tent." Jesus, God in human form, came to dwell among humanity just as God’s presence dwelt in the tabernacle among the Israelites.
- Unity and Interconnection:The construction of the boards showcases how each individual board was an integral part of the whole structure. Likewise, in the body of Christ, believers are interconnected and form one unified body (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). We each have unique gifts and callings, but we are designed to work together in harmony for the glory of God.
- Sacred Spaces:The tabernacle was a sacred place where God’s presence dwelt. Today, as believers, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). It reminds us of the need to maintain purity and reverence in our lives, as we are now the dwelling place of God’s Spirit.
In conclusion, Exodus 36:28 provides a glimpse into the careful construction of the tabernacle and the importance of following God’s instructions with obedience. It also serves as a reminder of God’s desire to be among His people and the significance of Christ’s incarnation, where He dwelt among us to reconcile humanity to God. Additionally, it highlights the unity and interconnectedness of believers in the body of Christ and the sacredness of our lives as temples of the Holy Spirit.
