Exodus 36:31

And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

Exodus 36:31 (KJV)

Context

Exodus is the second book of the Bible and part of the Torah, the first five books. It tells how God delivered Israel from slavery in Egypt and led them toward the Promised Land. During their journey, God gave detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where His presence would dwell among His people. This verse describes part of that construction, specifically the making of bars for the Tabernacle’s framework. These bars were not an afterthought; they were part of God’s precise design for a holy place. The work was carried out by skilled craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God for this sacred task (Exodus 36:1-2).

Meaning

Shittim wood, also called acacia wood, was a durable and long-lasting material used throughout the Tabernacle. The bars were long wooden beams that connected and stabilized the boards of the Tabernacle’s walls. They were inserted into gold rings attached to the boards, keeping them tight, close, and firm together. The verse specifies five bars for one side, with four placed at the upper and lower ends and one in the middle, ensuring structural integrity. This careful detail shows God’s desire for order and stability in His dwelling place. The acacia wood, known for its resistance to decay, points to the enduring nature of God’s covenant with His people. The bars’ function of unifying the boards can symbolize the unity and stability that God provides for His people.

Biblical connections

The making of these bars follows the command given earlier in Exodus 26:26, where God first instructed Moses to construct them. This shows faithful execution of divine commands. The skilled craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab, filled with the Spirit of God, carried out the work (Exodus 36:1-2). The use of acacia wood, often overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:29), points to a combination of strength and beauty, a theme that finds its fullest expression in Christ, who unites humanity and divinity. The bars’ function of holding the boards together symbolizes the unity and stability that God provides for His people. Just as the bars connected the boards, so Christ connects believers into one body.

Application

Just as the bars held the boards of the Tabernacle together, unity among believers is essential for strength and stability in the Church. We should strive to support and encourage one another in our journey of faith. Shittim wood, being durable and sturdy, reminds us to build our lives on the solid foundation of God and His Word. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle emphasize the importance of following God’s prescribed order in worship, approaching Him with reverence and obedience. Through faith in Jesus Christ, God’s Spirit now dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19), so we can cherish this relationship and walk in close fellowship with Him. Our lives, like the bars, are meant to hold others up in love.

Reflection

The bars were hidden within the structure, yet they were vital for its stability. In the same way, quiet acts of faithfulness and service may go unnoticed by others, but they hold the body of believers together. God sees and values every part of His dwelling place, and He calls each of us to play our role in maintaining unity and strength. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves whether we are contributing to the stability of God’s people, supporting others in love, and remaining firmly rooted in His Word. Consider how your daily choices, even the unseen ones, help build a community where God’s presence can dwell.