Exodus 36 33

Exodus 36:33 kjv

And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other.

Exodus 36:33 nkjv

And he made the middle bar to pass through the boards from one end to the other.

Exodus 36:33 niv

They made the center crossbar so that it extended from end to end at the middle of the frames.

Exodus 36:33 esv

And he made the middle bar to run from end to end halfway up the frames.

Exodus 36:33 nlt

He made the middle crossbar to attach halfway up the frames; it ran all the way from one end of the Tabernacle to the other.

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 33 Meaning

Exodus 36:33 describes a pivotal element in the construction of the Tabernacle's framework: a singular middle bar designed to run continuously through all the connecting boards from one end of the structure to the other. This bar served as the critical unifying and strengthening component, ensuring the structural integrity and stability of the sacred dwelling place, reflecting God's meticulous design for His presence among His people.

Exodus 36 33 Context

Exodus 36:33 falls within the detailed account of the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings by Bezalel and Oholiab, as well as the skilled craftsmen whom the Lord had gifted. This chapter specifically describes the creation of the Tabernacle's framework (verses 20-34), followed by the veil and the screen for the entrance (verses 35-38). The immediate context shows the fulfillment of the precise instructions given by God to Moses in earlier chapters (Ex 26).

Historically, this verse emphasizes the meticulous attention to detail required in building God's dwelling place among the nomadic Israelites. The Tabernacle was not merely a tent but a meticulously designed, portable sanctuary that housed God's presence, signifying His willingness to reside among His chosen people even in their wilderness wanderings. Its precise construction, including the often-unseen but crucial elements like the middle bar, underscores the divine blueprint and the absolute necessity of human obedience to God's every command. This contrasted sharply with the chaotic and often haphazard construction of pagan temples dedicated to idol worship, which were typically static, adorned with man-made images, and often driven by human caprice rather than divine instruction. The Tabernacle, a portable structure crafted by specific divine command, was an implicit polemic against the localized, human-driven pagan worship practices prevalent in the ancient Near East.

Exodus 36 33 Word analysis

• And he made (וַיַּעַשׂ – vayya’as): A common Hebrew verb "to make" or "to do." Here, it signifies the action of Bezalel or the craftsmen executing God's specific instruction (previously given in Ex 26:28). It emphasizes the obedient performance of divine commands.

• the middle (הַתִּיכוֹן – hatiknon): From the root תָּוֶךְ (tawêḵ), meaning "middle" or "midst." This identifies a distinct, unique bar—not one of the outer support bars, but the central, inner one crucial for holistic stability. Its centrality highlights its indispensable nature.

• bar (בְּרִחַ – bəriyaḥ): A Hebrew word for "bar," "bolt," or "beam." It denotes an element that provides structural support, closure, or security. Its function is to secure and fasten components together.

• to reach (לְהַבְרִיחַ – lehavriakh): Literally "to cause to flee," "to thrust," "to stretch out," or "to bar through." This infinitive verb conveys the dynamic action of the bar penetrating and running continuously through the entire sequence of boards. It is not just placed, but driven through.

• from end to end (מִן־הַקָּצֶה אֶל־הַקָּצֶה – min haqqatzeh ’el haqqatzeh): A phrase indicating full length, complete span, or continuous extension. It stresses that this specific bar connected all the boards across the entire side of the Tabernacle, not just sections.

• across the boards (מִתֹּוךְ הַקְּרָשִׁים – mittôḵ haqqərashîm): Literally, "from within the midst of the boards." This detail clarifies that the bar was hidden from direct view, running internally within the hollowed-out boards, reinforcing its foundational and less-seen yet powerful role.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "the middle bar": Signifies a specific, central element among other bars (two upper and two lower mentioned in Ex 26:27). Its designation as "the middle" implies its unique and singular importance as a primary unifier.
  • "to reach...across the boards": This phrase highlights the bar's unifying function. It binds separate components (the boards) into a cohesive, singular structure, essential for stability and integrity. It conveys a deep, internal connection.
  • "from end to end": Emphasizes the comprehensive and all-encompassing reach of the middle bar. Its continuity ensures no weakness or disconnection along the entire length of the Tabernacle's walls, providing full strength and solidity.

Exodus 36 33 Bonus section

The instructions for this unique middle bar are given in Ex 26:28, differentiating it from the other four bars that were each half the length of the Tabernacle (two on each side). The other bars secured portions, but this middle bar literally interlocked all the planks, threading through rings attached to their framework. This meant it was a continuous piece running along the bottom edge of the planks (or at their midpoint, depending on interpretation of Ex 26:28, though "midst of the boards" suggests central to their depth). This level of structural integrity highlights the perfect wisdom of God's design. The fact that the Tabernacle was designed to be mobile, yet structurally sound for all conditions, showcases a blend of adaptability and unyielding divine order, all unified by this crucial, central, often-hidden component.

Exodus 36 33 Commentary

Exodus 36:33 highlights the craftsmanship in forming the Tabernacle's essential framework, specifically the "middle bar." Unlike the other segmented bars (Ex 26:27), this bar was unique; it extended unbroken through all the standing boards, making it the hidden but vital unifying element for the entire structure. This structural detail underscores several theological points: First, it demonstrates God's precision and forethought in design, leaving nothing to chance regarding His dwelling place. Second, it profoundly symbolizes unity and stability. Just as this bar held the physical sanctuary together, the unseen divine principle or, ultimately, Christ, unifies and upholds His spiritual dwelling, the Church (Eph 2:19-22). The hidden nature of the bar also parallels Christ's foundational work, often unseen but indispensable in holding God's people together and giving strength to the body. This continuous, central element ensured the integrity of the movable sanctuary against the forces of the wilderness, pointing to God's preservation and sustaining power for His people.

For practical application, consider:

• In a family, a strong core set of shared values (like God's word) acts as a "middle bar" holding everyone together through various life stages.
• In a Christian community, devotion to Christ as the center (Col 1:17) and His Word serves as the unifying "middle bar" preventing disunity and decay.