Exodus 36:33

And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other.

Exodus 36:33 (KJV)

Context

The book of Exodus continues the narrative of God’s people, the Israelites, after their enslavement in Egypt. This passage records the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary built according to God’s instructions while the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. The Tabernacle was the place where God’s presence would dwell among the people, and it was central to their worship and obedience to God.

In this verse, the craftsmen made the middle bar to pass through the center of the boards from one end to the other. The boards were made of acacia wood and formed the walls of the Tabernacle. The middle bar, one of the crossbars that held the framework together, ran halfway up the frames and provided additional support and stability to the structure. Because the Tabernacle was designed to be dismantled and carried as the Israelites moved, these bars were essential for maintaining the integrity of the structure during travel.

Meaning

The “he” in this verse is Bezalel, a skilled craftsman chosen by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. The “middle bar” was a horizontal part of the framework that held the wooden boards of the Tabernacle’s walls together, going through the boards from one end to the other. This detail may seem technical, but it carries significant spiritual lessons.

The middle bar was crucial in providing stability and structural integrity to the Tabernacle. It held the boards together, preventing them from shifting or collapsing. As a symbol, it reminds us of the importance of unity and togetherness within the community of believers. Together, the individual boards formed a strong and united structure, reflecting how the body of Christ is strengthened when believers come together in unity.

Biblical connections

The Tabernacle was a foreshadowing of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. The middle bar that ran through the center of the Tabernacle reminds us of the central role of Jesus Christ in our lives and in the Church. He is the foundation and unifying force that holds all believers together.

Application

We can apply the concept of the middle bar to our individual lives. When we allow Christ to be the center of our lives, holding everything together, we experience stability and strength. Through faith in Him, we are united with other believers, forming a spiritual community that supports and encourages one another.

God’s instructions for the Tabernacle included precise details for every element, including the middle bar. This emphasizes the importance of following God’s instructions and paying attention to the details in our spiritual lives. Obedience to God’s Word and His guidance is crucial for our walk with Him.

Reflection

Exodus 36:33 reveals a small but significant detail in the construction of the Tabernacle that points to larger spiritual truths. It emphasizes unity, stability, Christ as the center, and the importance of following God’s instructions in our lives. As we study such passages in the Bible, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s character and His plan for our lives.