Exodus 26 28

Exodus 26:28 kjv

And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.

Exodus 26:28 nkjv

The middle bar shall pass through the midst of the boards from end to end.

Exodus 26:28 niv

The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames.

Exodus 26:28 esv

The middle bar, halfway up the frames, shall run from end to end.

Exodus 26:28 nlt

The middle crossbar, attached halfway up the frames, will run all the way from one end of the Tabernacle to the other.

Exodus 26 verses

Exodus 26 28 Meaning

Exodus 26:28 describes a crucial structural element of the Tabernacle: a central, unifying bar that ran the entire length of its north and south walls. This bar served as the primary connector, joining all the individual wooden planks (boards) together to form a stable, cohesive framework. Its specific function was to provide strength and continuity, ensuring the Tabernacle's integrity as God's dwelling place among His people.

Exodus 26 28 Context

Exodus chapter 26 is part of the extensive instructions given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments for the priests. This particular chapter details the specifications for the inner dwelling (the Tent itself), including the curtains, the framework of boards, and the bars that would hold these boards together. Verses 15-30 meticulously describe the forty-eight acacia wood boards forming the north, south, and west walls, and how they were to be fitted into silver bases. Our verse, Exodus 26:28, specifically focuses on the pivotal role of one unique bar—the "middle bar"—among the system of bars (Ex 26:26-27). This detailed construction plan emphasizes God's precision and holiness, providing a tangible, portable sanctuary for His presence in the midst of Israel during their wilderness journey. The extreme care and specific instructions given to Moses underscore that this was not merely an architectural project, but a divinely ordained blueprint for meeting with God.

Exodus 26 28 Word analysis

• And: Connects this instruction to the previous ones about the boards and other bars, indicating it is an integral part of the Tabernacle's construction sequence.
• the middle: Hebrew: hathawwekh (הַתָּוֶךְ), meaning "the midst" or "the middle part." This distinguishes this specific bar from the others described, highlighting its unique central position and role. Its location was paramount to its function.
• bar: Hebrew: habberiah (הַבְּרִיחַ), meaning "the bar" or "the bolt." These were acacia wood poles used to connect and strengthen the Tabernacle walls. This term signifies an object designed for securing and holding things together.
• in the midst of: This phrase reiterates the centrality of the bar. It implies it was positioned centrally on the broad face of the boards, possibly through rings, reinforcing the structural integrity.
• the boards: Hebrew: haqqerashim (הַקְּרָשִׁים), referring to the standing acacia wood planks (panels) that formed the walls of the Tabernacle. These were significant in number (48 in total), forming a robust wall.
• shall reach: Implies extension and connection over a long span. It underscores the active role of this bar in unifying the entire structure.
• from end to end: Hebrew: miqqatzeh 'el-qatzeh (מִקָּצֶה אֶל-קָצֶה), literally "from extremity to extremity." This is the most crucial detail. It means this particular middle bar traversed the entire length of the Tabernacle walls (approximately 30 cubits or 45 feet for each of the long sides), unlike the other bars that would have run in shorter sections or linked only subsets of boards. This detail emphasizes its unparalleled unifying power and continuity.

Words-group analysis:

• "And the middle bar...shall reach from end to end": This highlights the uniqueness and critical function of this bar. While there were other bars for connecting, this specific "middle bar" served as the single, continuous structural spine that held the entire long wall together. It provided overarching stability and continuity, running unbroken along the extensive expanse of the Tabernacle.
• "in the midst of the boards": This phrase pinpoints the precise location of the bar—not on the top or bottom edge, but centrally positioned among the vertical planks. This central placement likely offered optimal leverage for stability and distributing structural load, binding the individual planks into a robust, integrated whole. The description indicates a seamless and profound integration, making the whole structure greater than the sum of its parts.

Exodus 26 28 Bonus Section

The mention of five bars for each side (Ex 26:26) might seem contradictory to the idea of a single middle bar that spans from "end to end." However, biblical commentators and scholars generally reconcile this by suggesting that the "middle bar" was uniquely continuous, running the entire length, while the other four bars (two above, two below) were likely shorter, spanning multiple boards but not the entire wall length. Some visualize them as four broken bars and one whole, representing an integrated yet distinct system for structural reinforcement. This interpretation further emphasizes the uniqueness and indispensable nature of the continuous middle bar. Practically, this bar would have been threaded through rings fixed on the boards (Ex 26:29; 36:33), creating an internal and hidden strength that held the visible structure together. This could parallel the unseen yet powerful work of Christ and the Holy Spirit in upholding the Church.

Exodus 26 28 Commentary

Exodus 26:28 presents a detailed engineering specification that carries profound spiritual implications. The middle bar, distinguished by its central placement and unbroken span "from end to end," was the essential element ensuring the structural unity and stability of the Tabernacle walls. Without it, the individual acacia wood boards, despite their silver bases, would have lacked the complete cohesion necessary for a movable sanctuary that could withstand the wilderness journey.

Theologically, this specific bar is widely understood as a powerful type of Jesus Christ. Just as this physical bar united every part of God's dwelling place, so Christ is the One who holds all things together (Col 1:17) and is the unifying principle of God's spiritual dwelling—the Church (Eph 2:19-22). He is central ("in the midst") and His work spans "from end to end," covering all generations, all peoples, and every aspect of salvation. He perfectly connects humanity to God and believers to one another, making the diverse parts of the Body of Christ into a cohesive, enduring whole (Eph 4:15-16). The detailed nature of this command underscores God's wisdom and purpose in every aspect of redemption, emphasizing that the strength and unity of His presence among His people come through a divinely appointed, singular means.