Exodus 36 34

Exodus 36:34 kjv

And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Exodus 36:34 nkjv

He overlaid the boards with gold, made their rings of gold to be holders for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Exodus 36:34 niv

They overlaid the frames with gold and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. They also overlaid the crossbars with gold.

Exodus 36:34 esv

And he overlaid the frames with gold, and made their rings of gold for holders for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Exodus 36:34 nlt

He overlaid the frames with gold and made gold rings to hold the crossbars. Then he overlaid the crossbars with gold as well.

Exodus 36 verses

Exodus 36 34 Meaning

Exodus 36:34 describes the final decorative and functional elements applied to the framework of the Tabernacle's dwelling place. It signifies the complete covering of the structural elements—the boards and the connecting bars—with gold. This act, precisely carried out according to divine instructions by the skilled artisans Bezalel and Oholiab, highlights the glory, purity, and preciousness intended for God's dwelling place among His people. It also ensures the stability and unity of the sacred structure through carefully fashioned golden rings and connecting bars.

Exodus 36 34 Context

Exodus chapter 36 details the actual construction of the Tabernacle, supervised by Bezalel and Oholiab, as per the precise instructions given by Yahweh to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exo 25-31). This chapter describes the collective effort of the skilled artisans and willing individuals in assembling the holy dwelling. Verse 34 is specifically concerned with the wooden frame (the mishkan, or dwelling) that formed the outer walls of the Tabernacle, explaining how these acacia wood boards and their connecting bars were covered with gold. This part of the construction followed the cutting and preparation of the wooden elements (Exo 36:20-33). The careful and complete overlaying of every structural part underscores the holiness and preciousness God commanded for His portable sanctuary, emphasizing that no part of His dwelling was to be common or ordinary. This act also sets a sharp contrast to the surrounding pagan cultures, whose deities often resided in crude or less divinely specified structures, emphasizing the uniqueness and detailed care commanded by the one true God.

Exodus 36 34 Word analysis

• He overlaid (וַיְצַף, vay'tsaf from צָפָה tsapah): Means to cover, overlay, plate, or spread over. This signifies a complete covering, not merely decoration. It suggests that the true nature of the structure, while wooden and perishable on its own, was transformed and consecrated by being enveloped in a divine layer. Spiritually, it implies divine covering and glorification.
• the boards (אֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁים, 'et-haq'rashim): These were upright frames or planks of acacia wood (shittim wood). Acacia wood was durable and resistant to decay, symbolic of enduring human nature or creation. The boards provided the fundamental structure for the Tabernacle's walls, holding the curtains in place.
• with gold (זָהָב, zahab): Gold, a highly precious, non-corroding, and reflective metal, consistently symbolizes divinity, purity, glory, righteousness, and immense value in the Bible. Here, it transforms the common wood into something suitable for God's dwelling, indicating consecration and God's glory being present.
• and made (וְעָשָׂה, v'asah): From the verb עָשָׂה (asah), "to do" or "to make." This implies skillful craftsmanship and intentionality in creation, not mere assembly.
• their rings (טַבְּעֹתֵיהֶם, tabba'oteyhem): These were circular loops or rings designed to hold the bars. Their careful fabrication ensures the functionality and structural integrity of the entire framework.
• of gold (זָהָב, zahab): Reiterates the consistent theme of preciousness and divine purity extending even to the functional components. This isn't just decoration but an essential, integral part made precious.
• for holders (בָּתִּים, battim): Literally "houses" or "sockets." This term indicates specifically designed slots or casings within the boards or rings that precisely received and secured the connecting bars. It emphasizes perfect fit, order, and stability in God's design.
• for the bars (לַבְּרִיחִים, lav'rikhim): The Hebrew word is בְּרִיחִים (berichim), meaning "bars," "bolts," or "crossbars." These were long poles, likely also made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, designed to pass through the golden rings, binding all the Tabernacle boards together into a single, cohesive unit.
• and overlaid (וְצִפָּה, v'tsippah from צָפָה tsapah): The verb is repeated for emphasis, indicating the thoroughness and completeness of the gold overlaying.
• the bars with gold (אֶת־הַבְּרִיחִם זָהָב, 'et-hab'rikhim zahab): Confirming that the bars themselves were also fully covered in gold, ensuring uniformity and continued symbolism of divine glory throughout the structure's binding elements.

Words-group analysis:

• "He overlaid the boards with gold": This phrase highlights the transformation of the ordinary (wood) by the divine (gold). It signifies sanctification, where human effort and natural materials are consecrated and rendered glorious by divine instruction and presence, becoming fitting for God's habitation.
• "and made their rings of gold for holders for the bars": This shows the intricate and functional precision in God's design. The rings and their 'holders' were not just decorative but vital for connecting the parts, symbolizing the divine provision for unity and strength. That these essential connectors were also made of gold emphasizes that even the unseen or functional aspects of God's dwelling must be pure and glorious.
• "and overlaid the bars with gold": This repeats and reinforces the main theme. The bars, crucial for holding the structure together, were also fully enveloped in gold, ensuring that every binding and uniting element shared in the overall divine glory and purity. This speaks to the holistic nature of God's design and His desire for complete consecration.

Exodus 36 34 Bonus section

The gold used in the Tabernacle's construction, including the details mentioned in Exo 36:34, likely came from the spoils taken from Egypt during the Exodus (Exo 12:35-36). This origin of the precious metal is significant: God reclaims wealth previously used for idolatry and oppressive empires, redirecting it for His holy purposes. This demonstrates God's sovereignty over all resources and His ability to redeem even those things that were once misused, sanctifying them for His glory. This narrative foreshadows God's transforming power to take broken or corrupt things and repurpose them for His kingdom.

Furthermore, the detailed repetition of the gold overlay throughout the Tabernacle (the Ark, Table, Lampstand, altars, boards, bars) solidifies its symbolic importance not just as a material but as a representation of Yahweh's essence. It speaks to the utter transcendence and absolute holiness of God, indicating that He is separate from and above all creation, yet condescends to dwell among His people in a sacred, glorious space that is "holy of holies." This extensive use of gold ensured that the Tabernacle stood as a visual sermon of God's purity, His divine presence, and the glory awaiting His people.

Exodus 36 34 Commentary

Exodus 36:34 unveils a vital aspect of the Tabernacle's construction, emphasizing God's demand for ultimate glory and meticulous order in His dwelling place. The repeated overlaying of acacia wood—a sturdy yet natural material prone to wear—with pure gold speaks volumes. It symbolizes the divine presence enveloping and consecrating what is otherwise earthly and common, making it suitable for a holy God. This transformation reflects a core biblical truth: when humanity (represented by the wood) is touched and covered by God's glory (gold), it becomes pure and fit for His indwelling.

The meticulous detail of the "rings of gold for holders for the bars" is not arbitrary. It illustrates God's precision and care for both form and function. These golden components were critical for binding the individual boards into a single, strong, and unified structure. This precise interconnection foreshadows the unity and coherence God desires for His spiritual dwelling—His people and the Church. Just as every board was securely held together by golden bars, so too are believers to be unified by Christ (the true Tabernacle) and bound together by the Spirit's indwelling love and truth.

Ultimately, this verse reinforces that God's presence among His people requires purity, holiness, and unparalleled glory, not merely human effort or ingenuity. Every part, from the visible surface to the internal connections, was to reflect His perfect character and majesty. It teaches us about the high standards God sets for sacred things and spaces, pointing forward to the ultimate perfect dwelling of God with humanity found in Jesus Christ, the one who fully embodies God's glory and dwells among us.