Exodus 36:9

The length of one curtaine was twentie & eight cubites, and the breadth of one curtaine foure cubites: the curtaines were all of one cise. Exodus 36:9 (KJV)

The book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible and part of the Pentateuch, records the Israelites’ deliverance from Egyptian bondage and their journey through the wilderness. In Exodus 36:9 the focus turns to the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary God commanded Moses to build as a tangible sign of His presence among His people.

The Tabernacle was central to Israelite worship. God gave Moses precise instructions concerning its design, dimensions, and materials, making the structure a symbol of divine presence and a proper setting for worship and sacrifice. This verse details the wooden framework: five bars of shittim wood for the boards on one side, five bars for the boards on the opposite side, and five bars for the boards on the westward side of the Tabernacle.

The boards were vertical panels that formed the walls, while the bars were horizontal beams that held the boards together, creating a secure and sturdy structure. The interlocking system of boards and bars illustrates how individual components work together to form a unified whole.

Some readers see symbolic meaning in this arrangement. The boards can represent individual believers, and the bars can symbolize the bonds of fellowship and unity that hold the community together. The number five, mentioned repeatedly, is often associated in biblical tradition with grace, favour, and goodness, suggesting divine blessing upon the work of constructing a place where God’s presence could be experienced.

Application to our lives is clear. Building the Tabernacle required meticulous planning, precise execution, and the cooperation of many skilled hands. Likewise, constructing a vibrant community of faith today demands unity, fellowship, and the contribution of diverse gifts and talents. Just as the boards and bars combined to create a sacred space for God’s presence, believers are called to work together, recognizing each person’s role in the body of Christ.

In conclusion, Exodus 36:9 offers a glimpse into the careful craftsmanship behind the Tabernacle and underscores the importance of unity, cooperation, and divine grace in God’s work. May we be reminded to build strong, united communities of faith, seeking God’s presence and blessings in our gatherings and service.