Exodus 26:26

And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

Exodus 26:26 (KJV)

Context

Exodus records the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt toward the Promised Land. At Mount Sinai, God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people. This verse is part of that blueprint, specifying bars of shittim wood for one side of the structure.

Meaning

Shittim wood, also called acacia, was durable and resistant to decay, making it ideal for the tabernacle. The bars were placed into gold rings to hold the boards tight and firm together. Five bars were assigned to one side, with parallel instructions for the other sides (Exodus 26:27). The middle bar reached from end to end (Exodus 26:28), ensuring the whole structure remained stable and unified. These bars were not decorative; they were essential for the tabernacle’s strength and portability as the people traveled through the wilderness. The same wood was used for the boards themselves (Exodus 26:15), showing that every part of the dwelling was built to last.

Biblical connections

The tabernacle foreshadows Jesus Christ, who “tabernacled” among us (John 1:14). The bars that joined the boards picture how believers are joined together in Christ, forming a stable temple for the Holy Spirit. The fulfillment of these instructions appears in Exodus 36:31, where Bezalel and the craftsmen, filled with God’s Spirit, made the bars exactly as commanded, showing the importance of faithful obedience. Just as the bars held the boards together, Christ holds His church together as one body, giving it unity and strength.

Application

Just as the bars gave stability to the tabernacle, believers need the support and encouragement of fellow Christians. We are called to live in harmony, building one another up in love (Romans 12:16, Ephesians 4:3). The durability of shittim wood reminds us that God’s presence is eternal and unchanging. In Christ, we have access to God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16), who provides stability, comfort, and guidance in every season.

Like the bars, which required skilled craftsmanship, we are vessels being shaped by God’s hands for His purposes (Romans 9:21, Ephesians 2:10). As we yield to His workmanship, He uses us to build His kingdom and display His glory. The detailed instructions also teach us that God values order and precision in worship. He is not a God of confusion, but of peace, and He equips His people to carry out His design faithfully.

Reflection

Consider how the bars held the tabernacle together. In the same way, every believer has a place in God’s spiritual house. No part is unimportant. When we remain connected to Christ and to one another, we become a dwelling place where God’s presence is made known. Let us therefore pursue unity, rely on God’s enduring presence, and allow Him to shape us into vessels that honor Him.