Exodus 36:31 kjv
And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
Exodus 36:31 nkjv
And he made bars of acacia wood: five for the boards on one side of the tabernacle,
Exodus 36:31 niv
They also made crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle,
Exodus 36:31 esv
He made bars of acacia wood, five for the frames of the one side of the tabernacle,
Exodus 36:31 nlt
Then he made crossbars of acacia wood to link the frames, five crossbars for the north side of the Tabernacle
Exodus 36 31 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Exod 26:26 | "You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the frames of the one side…" | Blueprint for crossbars. |
| Exod 26:27 | "five for the frames of the other side of the tabernacle…" | Symmetrical construction of bars. |
| Exod 26:28 | "The middle bar… shall pass from end to end." | Binding element for unity. |
| Exod 26:29 | "You shall overlay the frames with gold… their rings… gold, and make bars…" | Complete assembly with gold. |
| Exod 35:11 | "the Tabernacle, its tent and its covering…its frames, its bars…" | List of Tabernacle components. |
| Exod 25:10 | "They shall make an ark of acacia wood…" | Acacia wood specified for sacred objects. |
| Exod 37:1 | "Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood…" | Bezalel's use of acacia wood. |
| Deut 10:3 | "So I made an ark of acacia wood…" | Moses using acacia for a second ark. |
| Isa 41:19 | "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia…" | God's provision even in barren places. |
| Exod 35:30-31 | "See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel…and has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill…" | God gifts specific individuals for the work. |
| Exod 39:32 | "Thus all the work of the Tabernacle…was finished; and the people of Israel had done all that the Lord had commanded Moses…" | Fidelity to divine instructions. |
| Exod 40:16 | "Moses did everything just as the Lord had commanded him." | Emphasis on obedient execution. |
| Heb 8:5 | "They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, 'See that you make everything according to the pattern…'" | Earthly Tabernacle reflecting a heavenly pattern. |
| Exod 25:8 | "And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst." | Core purpose of the Tabernacle. |
| Lev 26:11-12 | "I will make my dwelling among you…And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people." | God's desire for intimate dwelling. |
| Jn 1:14 | "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory…" | Jesus as the ultimate dwelling (tabernacling). |
| Rev 21:3 | "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them…" | Future eternal dwelling. |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." | Unity in God's people. |
| Eph 2:19-22 | "So then you are no longer strangers…but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation…Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone…In whom you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit." | Church as a spiritual dwelling, built with unity. |
| Col 2:19 | "and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God." | Importance of spiritual unity and connections. |
| Phil 2:2 | "complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." | Call for unity in Christian community. |
| Zech 6:12-13 | "Behold, the man whose name is the Branch…He shall build the temple of the Lord; it is he who shall build the temple of the Lord…" | Prophecy of Christ building the spiritual temple. |
Exodus 36 verses
Exodus 36 31 Meaning
Exodus 36:31 describes a specific detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for God among His people. It states that Bezaleel, or the skilled craftsmen under his direction, created five crossbars from acacia wood for one of the main sides of the Tabernacle structure. These crossbars were essential horizontal components designed to interlock and provide stability, strength, and unity to the upright frames (boards) that formed the walls of the holy sanctuary. Every part of the Tabernacle's construction, down to these seemingly minor structural elements, was precisely according to God's detailed instructions, ensuring its functionality, sacred purpose, and portability.
Exodus 36 31 Context
Exodus chapter 36 details the execution of the blueprint for the Tabernacle, precisely as instructed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Following the generous offerings from the people, skilled artisans—primarily Bezaleel and Oholiab, who were filled with divine wisdom and understanding—commenced the construction. The chapter recounts the creation of the Tabernacle's various components, from the finely woven curtains and their golden clasps to the sturdy acacia wood frames that formed its walls. Verse 31 specifically focuses on the five crossbars for one side, underscoring the meticulous attention to structural integrity. This level of detail in the narrative emphasizes God's precision in divine design and the unwavering obedience expected in constructing a dwelling fitting for His holy presence, making it not only a place of worship but a physical manifestation of God's covenant with Israel during their desert wanderings.
Exodus 36 31 Word analysis
- He made: This refers to Bezaleel and the other Spirit-filled craftsmen. The Hebrew word is ‘āśâ (עָשָׂה), meaning "to make," "to do," or "to prepare." It signifies active, intentional creation based on the divine pattern, demonstrating human skill guided by God's wisdom (Exod 35:30-35).
- crossbars: The Hebrew is bərîḥîm (בְּרִיחִ֖ם). These were strong, horizontal beams or rods. Their primary function was to bolt or bar the upright frames together, providing essential stability and binding them into a cohesive structure. They are fundamental to the Tabernacle's stability and portability.
- of acacia wood: The Hebrew term is ‘ăṣê šiṭṭîm (עֲצֵ֥י שִׁטִּֽים֙), meaning "wood of shittim." Acacia wood was abundantly available in the Sinai wilderness and possessed exceptional qualities: it is hard, durable, resistant to rot, and resistant to insect infestation. Its selection reflects God's practical wisdom, providing materials suitable for desert conditions and ensuring the longevity of the sacred furnishings. Symbolically, its durability can represent the steadfastness of God's covenant.
- five: The Hebrew ḥămiššāh (חֲמִשָּׁ֛ה) simply denotes the quantity. In the Tabernacle's detailed plans (Exod 26:26-27), each long side (north and south) had five bars: two for each end of the frames, and crucially, a middle bar that ran through the frames from end to end, binding the entire wall. This numerical specificity emphasizes the divine precision of the design, where every detail contributed to structural soundness and overall harmony.
- for the frames: The Hebrew qərāšîm (קְרָשִׁ֖ים) refers to the upright, gold-overlaid boards that formed the main walls of the Tabernacle. These frames were interconnected by means of sockets and the crossbars, highlighting the necessity of mutual support within the sacred structure.
- of one side: The Hebrew ṣela‘ (צֶ֖לַע) means "side," "flank," or "rib." In this context, it refers to one of the long longitudinal walls of the Tabernacle (either the north or south side). This specification indicates the symmetrical and modular nature of the Tabernacle's construction, where components were identical for efficient assembly and disassembly during travel.
- of the tabernacle: The Hebrew miškan (מִשְׁכַּ֑ן) means "dwelling place" or "sanctuary." This term consistently identifies the purpose of the structure: to be a holy abode for God's presence among His people. Even minute structural components like crossbars directly contributed to the integrity and holiness of this divine dwelling.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "He made crossbars of acacia wood": This phrase highlights divine design, material suitability, and inspired craftsmanship working in tandem. The craftsmen, guided by the Spirit, diligently follow God's specific material choice, understanding its intrinsic qualities for longevity and its availability.
- "five for the frames of one side of the tabernacle": This emphasizes the meticulous precision and orderly arrangement intrinsic to God's instructions. Each component has a designated number and place, demonstrating a systematic and thoughtful construction. The unity of the Tabernacle structure through these hidden, connecting elements foreshadows the unity intended for God's spiritual dwelling place, the Church.
Exodus 36 31 Bonus section
The emphasis on the crossbars—often hidden from view by the inner hangings—reminds us that God’s focus is not only on outward splendor but also on internal strength and foundational integrity. In practical terms, these bars facilitated the seamless joining and swift disassembly of the massive wooden frames, allowing the Tabernacle to be set up and taken down with divine order during Israel's wanderings. This particular verse reflects a profound balance of engineering wisdom, material science, and theological significance within a single phrase, reinforcing that God’s commands are perfect in every detail, whether visible or concealed, for the fulfillment of His divine purpose.
Exodus 36 31 Commentary
Exodus 36:31, though seemingly a simple detail about carpentry, holds significant weight in the grand narrative of the Tabernacle's construction. It demonstrates the meticulous adherence of God's chosen artisans, Bezaleel and Oholiab, to the divine blueprint. The crossbars were not merely utilitarian elements but foundational to the structural integrity and portability of the sacred dwelling. Crafted from resilient acacia wood, these unseen supports highlight the principle that even the less glorious, hidden components are vital for the unity and stability of the whole. This level of precise detail reinforces the profound reverence commanded by God's presence. Just as these crossbars bound the Tabernacle's frames into a cohesive unit, the spiritual structure of God's people requires fundamental elements of connection, mutual support, and adherence to divine principles to maintain its integrity and witness as His dwelling place in the world.