“And they made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and continues the narrative from the end of Genesis. It recounts the story of how the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the Israelites) became slaves in Egypt and their subsequent liberation under the leadership of Moses. During their time in the wilderness, God gave them instructions on building the Tabernacle, a portable dwelling place where He would meet with them.
The verse in question is part of a larger passage that describes the construction of the Tabernacle and its components. In Exodus 36, we find detailed accounts of the skilled craftsmen and artisans working on the construction, under the guidance of Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to carry out this sacred task (Exodus 36:1-2).
Verse Analysis:“And they made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,”
Bars of Shittim Wood:In this verse, we see the construction of bars made from shittim (or acacia) wood. The shittim wood was a durable and sturdy type of wood, suitable for the construction of various components of the Tabernacle. It is important to note that the use of specific materials and following God’s instructions to the letter were essential for the sacredness and significance of the Tabernacle.
Five Bars for the Boards:These bars were specifically made for the boards of one side of the Tabernacle. The boards formed the framework or structure of the Tabernacle’s walls, which were arranged in a rectangular shape. The bars served as horizontal supports, holding the boards together, and contributing to the stability and strength of the entire structure.
Spiritual Significance:The Tabernacle was not just a physical structure; it held profound spiritual significance for the Israelites and provides spiritual lessons for us today:
- Obedience to God’s Instructions:The careful attention to details, including the materials and construction, highlights the importance of obedience to God’s instructions. God gave specific directions for the construction of the Tabernacle to emphasize the holiness of His dwelling place among His people. Similarly, obedience to God’s commands in our lives is essential for our relationship with Him.
- Unity and Support:The bars made of shittim wood, holding the boards together, reflect the concept of unity and support among God’s people. In the New Testament, the Church is described as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Each member plays a vital role, and just as the bars supported the boards, we are called to support and encourage one another in our faith journey.
- Christ as the Foundation:In the New Testament, Jesus is often symbolized by the Tabernacle. He referred to Himself as the Temple (John 2:19-21), and the Tabernacle itself foreshadows His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The bars could symbolize Christ’s role as the foundational support of the Church and the means by which believers are united with God.
Conclusion:Exodus 36:29 may seem like a small detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, but every aspect of this sacred dwelling holds spiritual significance. The bars of shittim wood were instrumental in supporting the boards of the Tabernacle, illustrating the importance of unity, obedience, and Christ as the foundation in our lives as believers. This verse reminds us of the care and precision with which God designed His dwelling place among His people and the lessons we can draw from it to shape our spiritual walk with Him.
