Exodus 36:23
And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:
Exodus 36:23 (KJV)
Context
Exodus is the second book of the Bible and part of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament. It tells how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt through Moses and made a covenant with them. In chapters 25 through 31, God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where Israel would worship God during their wilderness journey. The Tabernacle showed that God lived among His people, and it remained central to Israelite worship until the Temple was built in Jerusalem.
Exodus 36:23 records the making of twenty boards for the south side of the Tabernacle. These boards were part of the framework that supported the curtains and coverings. The people were carrying out exactly what God had commanded, and the verse emphasizes their faithful obedience to His design.
Meaning
The boards were made of acacia wood, a durable and long-lasting material suited for a structure that would travel with Israel. The south side, facing southward, was one of the two long sides of the Tabernacle, and it required twenty boards. This detail shows that God cared about every part of the construction, not just the visible or beautiful elements. Nothing was left to chance or human preference.
The work was done by skilled craftsmen, described elsewhere as wise-hearted and filled with God’s Spirit. Bezalel and Oholiab led the work, and the people contributed their talents and materials willingly. The verse highlights that the Tabernacle was built through divine enablement and human cooperation, with each person using their God-given abilities for His glory.
Biblical connections
The Tabernacle was a symbol of God’s presence among His people, and its construction pointed forward to a greater reality. In the New Testament, Christ is described as the true tabernacle, the one in whom God dwells fully with humanity. The careful preparation of the Tabernacle also reminds us that worship requires reverence and obedience, because God is holy and His presence is sacred.
The unity and cooperation seen in building the Tabernacle reflect the way the Church, described as the body of Christ, should work together. Each member has a unique role, and all are needed for the body to function well, as taught in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Just as the Israelites worked side by side for a common purpose, believers today are called to serve together in harmony.
Application
God is interested in the details of our lives, just as He was interested in the details of the Tabernacle. The twenty boards for the south side may seem small, but they were essential to the whole structure. In the same way, our daily tasks, even those that seem ordinary, are significant when done for God’s glory. We should serve with excellence and precision, knowing that He sees and values our faithful work.
We are also reminded to use our skills and wisdom in service to God. Whatever talents we have, whether artistic, practical, or intellectual, can be used to build up His people and advance His kingdom. The craftsmen of the Tabernacle did not work for their own praise but for God’s honor, and we are called to the same attitude.
Reflection
The boards standing upright symbolize stability and strength, reminding us that our faith should be firmly grounded. Just as the Tabernacle was built according to God’s plan, our lives should be built on His Word and His will. We can trust that He who gave such careful instructions for a tent in the wilderness is equally faithful to guide us in every detail of our journey with Him.
As we consider the construction of the Tabernacle, we see God’s desire to dwell with His people and His plan to bring salvation through Jesus Christ. The same God who commanded the twenty boards and the skilled workmanship invites us to know His presence and to serve Him with reverence and joy.
