Exodus 36 28

Exodus 36:28 kjv

And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

Exodus 36:28 nkjv

He also made two boards for the two back corners of the tabernacle.

Exodus 36:28 niv

and two frames were made for the corners of the tabernacle at the far end.

Exodus 36:28 esv

He made two frames for corners of the tabernacle in the rear.

Exodus 36:28 nlt

along with two additional frames to reinforce the rear corners of the Tabernacle.

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 28 Meaning

Exodus 36:28 describes a specific detail in the construction of the Tabernacle's walls: the fabrication of eight boards and their corresponding sixteen silver sockets. These boards, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, formed the upright structure of the Tabernacle, likely referring to the rear (west) side. The silver sockets served as foundational bases, providing stability and support for these boards. This verse highlights the precise and meticulous adherence by Bezalel, Oholiab, and the craftsmen to the divine architectural instructions, ensuring the strength and integrity of the dwelling place for God among His people.

Exodus 36 28 Context

Exodus chapter 36 details the execution of the instructions given by God in earlier chapters (primarily Exodus 26-27) for the construction of the Tabernacle. This chapter shifts from divine command to human fulfillment, emphasizing the immediate and faithful obedience of Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other skilled craftsmen whom God had gifted with wisdom for this sacred task. Specifically, verse 28 falls within the section describing the framing elements of the Tabernacle's walls (Exod 36:20-30), which include the upright boards, their tenons, and the foundational silver sockets. The historical context is that of the Israelites in the wilderness after their deliverance from Egypt, building a portable sanctuary as a tangible representation of God's presence among them, designed to exact specifications given directly by Yahweh to Moses on Mount Sinai. This construction was paramount for their relationship with God, establishing a pattern for holy worship and communal order. The meticulous detail in this verse highlights the importance of precise obedience to divine commands for the establishment of a sacred space.

Exodus 36 28 Word analysis

• And they made: Indicates direct, active construction by the gifted craftsmen. It signifies human response and obedience to the divine blueprint.
• eight boards: (Hebrew: קְרָשִׁים, qerashim). These were sturdy wooden frames, likely acacia wood, which formed the vertical walls of the Tabernacle. "Eight" specifies the exact number for one of the Tabernacle's sides, usually understood as the rear (west) wall, where two additional boards were designed for corner stability. This demonstrates the exactitude of the divine blueprint.
• with their sockets: (Hebrew: אֲדָנִים, adanîm). These were the heavy bases or foundations into which the lower tenons (projections) of the boards were inserted. Their presence ensured stability and verticality for the boards, forming a secure wall.
• of silver: (Hebrew: כֶּסֶף, kesef). Silver was a precious metal used for the sockets. Crucially, the silver for the sockets of the Tabernacle came from the census money or atonement money (Exod 30:11-16; Exod 38:27-28), which every male Israelite contributed as a "ransom for his life." This connection imbues the very foundation of the Tabernacle with a theme of atonement, redemption, and collective participation.
• sixteen sockets: This precise number is double the number of boards.
• two sockets under one board: This reiteration clarifies the design. Each board required two separate sockets, one for each tenon at its base. This ensured firm, stable support for each individual board and the integrity of the overall structure.
• and two sockets under another board: This confirms the consistent application of the two-socket design for every board, emphasizing uniform construction according to the divine specification.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And they made eight boards": This phrase shows the commencement of a specific construction task, carried out by the collective effort ("they made") of the divinely enabled artisans, with the exact number "eight" indicating precision and adherence to detailed instructions.
• "with their sockets of silver": This highlights the integral relationship between the boards and their supporting bases, emphasizing the choice of material ("silver"). The use of silver, especially linked to atonement money, signifies that the very support structure of God's dwelling was rooted in the concept of redemption and community contribution.
• "sixteen sockets, two sockets under one board and two sockets under another board": This repetition and specific numbering underscore the divine meticulousness and the craftsmen's faithful execution. The exact count (sixteen for eight boards) and the specific placement ("two... under one board") confirm stability, balance, and unvarying adherence to the prescribed blueprint for every single component, reinforcing the importance of a firm and well-grounded foundation for the sacred dwelling.

Exodus 36 28 Bonus section

• The collective weight of these silver sockets was immense, likely exceeding 7500 pounds for all of the Tabernacle's wall foundations (based on 100 talents of silver for the sockets, and 61 sockets total mentioned in Exod 38:27). This emphasized the value, stability, and enduring nature of God's dwelling place.
• The fact that these components were meticulously crafted to interlock highlights the interdependence of parts within God's divine plan, paralleling the body of Christ where each member has a specific, interlocking role.
• The transition from explicit command (Exodus 26) to detailed execution (Exodus 36) serves as a divine example for believers to follow: to not merely hear God's word but to faithfully and thoroughly act upon it, contributing their divinely gifted skills to build His spiritual house.
• The detailed structural elements emphasize the reality and tangibility of God's presence, despite His transcendence, establishing a concrete, sacred space amidst the transient desert life of the Israelites.

Exodus 36 28 Commentary

Exodus 36:28 is not merely an architectural detail; it's a profound statement on obedience, divine provision, and the nature of God's dwelling. The precision in numbers ("eight boards," "sixteen sockets") and design ("two sockets under one board") reflects God's ordered nature and the meticulous care required in His service. The workmen, gifted by the Spirit (Exod 35:31), are diligently executing every instruction without deviation. The "boards" formed the very walls of God's sanctuary, indicating structural integrity. Most significantly, the "silver sockets" point to the theological bedrock of the Tabernacle. Since this silver originated from the atonement money (Exod 30:11-16), the Tabernacle's foundational stability was literally rooted in the redemption of Israel. Every aspect, from the materials to their specific arrangement, testified to God's precise design for fellowship with His people, made possible through His provision and their atonement. This foreshadows Christ as the ultimate, secure foundation and dwelling place (1 Cor 3:11, Jn 1:14), with believers as "living stones" built upon Him (1 Pet 2:5), supported by divine grace and redeemed through His ultimate sacrifice.