“And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,”
Historical Context:The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah, which includes the first five books. Exodus records the history of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey towards the Promised Land. In this particular verse, we find details about the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable place of worship that the Israelites built according to God’s instructions while wandering in the wilderness.
Tabernacle and Its Significance:The Tabernacle held great significance in the Israelite community because it was the place where God’s presence dwelt among His people. It was a place of worship, sacrifices, and offerings, as well as a representation of the heavenly dwelling place of God. The construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings were detailed and precise, showing God’s desire for holiness and order in His worship.
Materials Used – Shittim Wood and Bars:In this verse, we encounter the use of “shittim wood” to make “bars” for the Tabernacle. Shittim wood, also known as acacia wood, was a durable and long-lasting material that the Israelites often used for construction in the wilderness. The bars were likely long wooden beams used to connect and stabilize the framework of the Tabernacle’s walls.
Symbolic and Spiritual Meaning:While this verse seems to focus on the practical aspect of constructing the Tabernacle, there are symbolic and spiritual lessons we can draw from it:
- Unity and Strength: The bars made of shittim wood could symbolize the importance of unity among God’s people. Just as the bars held the boards of the Tabernacle together, unity among believers is essential for strength and stability in the Church.
- Foundation in God: Shittim wood, being durable and sturdy, could represent the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation, which is God and His Word. The Tabernacle itself was a physical representation of the Israelites’ relationship with God, and similarly, our lives should be centered around our relationship with Him.
- God’s Order and Design: The detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle emphasize the importance of following God’s prescribed order. This shows that God cares about the way we approach Him in worship and that we should seek to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 36:31, we can consider the following applications for our lives:
- Unity:We should strive for unity within the body of believers, supporting and encouraging one another in our journey of faith.
- Firm Foundation:Let us ensure that our lives are built on the solid foundation of God’s Word and that we seek His guidance in all aspects of life.
- Order in Worship:Just as God provided specific instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, we should approach God with reverence, following His guidelines for worship as revealed in the Bible.
- God’s Presence:The Tabernacle was a place where God dwelled among His people. Similarly, through faith in Jesus Christ, we have God’s Spirit dwelling within us (1 Corinthians 6:19). Let us cherish this relationship and walk in close fellowship with Him.
Remember, the entire Bible is interconnected, and each verse contributes to the overarching narrative of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Studying individual verses in their broader context can provide a deeper understanding of God’s Word and how it applies to our lives today.
