Exodus 26:22 Meaning Explained

Exodus 26:22

And for the rear of the tabernacle westward you shall make six frames.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Hebrew word translated "westward" actually means "seaward," suggesting the Israelites oriented themselves toward the Mediterranean Sea, even after settling in Canaan. This detail subtly connects their wilderness dwelling to their hoped-for homeland and the geographical perspective they would have developed there.

What Exodus 26:22 means

God is detailing the construction of the Tabernacle, moving from the curtains that formed the roof and sides to the solid framework that gave it structure. This section describes the wooden boards that would make up the walls, specifying the number and placement for the south, north, and finally, the west end of the sanctuary. These boards, along with the corner pieces, formed the stable structure that would house God's presence among His people.

The 'Back' and the 'West'

Why does the Bible use 'westward' and what does it reveal about ancient perspective? This detail points to a unique way of orienting oneself.

The phrase 'westward' here is a fascinating clue. In Hebrew, the word used for 'west' literally means 'seaward'. This makes sense only if you imagine Israel facing west towards the Mediterranean Sea, a perspective that likely developed after they settled in the land of Canaan. So, when the text says 'westward,' it's painting a picture of their physical location and cultural orientation at that time. This isn't just a random direction; it's tied to their history and their place in the world.

Completing the Structure

These 'six frames' might seem like a small detail, but they were essential for the tabernacle's integrity. What do they represent in the grand design?

The tabernacle wasn't just a collection of beautiful curtains; it was a sturdy, enclosed space. The side walls, made of these wooden frames, provided the structure that held everything together. We're told there were six frames for the west end, along with two corner boards. Together, these elements created the back wall, giving the entire structure its form and stability. This highlights the importance of foundational strength and interconnectedness in any important work, whether it's a physical building or a spiritual community.

Understand the original words

Original language

tabernacleמִשְׁכָּן

mishkan · Hebrew Noun

A term denoting the temporary, portable sanctuary where God dwelt among Israel; it was the site of the meeting between God and His people, signifying His presence and holiness.

Historical context

Written: Around the 13th century BC.
Author: Traditionally Moses, though scholarly consensus suggests a compilation by various sources over time.
Location: Written from the perspective of the wilderness wanderings, likely during the Exodus from Egypt or shortly after.
Genre: Instructional narrative, featuring detailed architectural specifications and symbolic elements.

Key themes

01God's dwelling among people
02Careful, exact construction
03Structural integrity of worship

Cross-references

Hebrews 8:5

This passage directly references the Tabernacle's construction as a 'copy and shadow of the heavenly things,' highlighting that these physical dimensions and materials pointed to a greater spiritual reality.

1 Corinthians 3:16

Paul calls believers the 'temple of God,' suggesting that just as the Tabernacle was a constructed dwelling, we too are built up together as God's dwelling place, emphasizing the sacredness and unity of God's people.

Ephesians 2:20-22

This passage describes the church as 'built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone,' drawing a parallel to how the Tabernacle's sturdy boards and framework supported its structure, symbolizing the foundational role of Christ and the apostles in the church.

John 1:14

The verse states that 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,' echoing the Tabernacle's purpose as God's dwelling place among His people, now fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

Scholarly commentary

Exodus 26:22: "And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards."

22 . westward ] lit. sea - ward. Sea (i.e. the Medit. sea) is in Heb. the regular word for ‘west’; and the usage, like that of négeb in v. 18 in the sense of ‘south,’ could only have arisen after Israel had been long settled in Canaan. So Exodus 10:19 ; Exodus 10:27 ; Exodus 27:12 ; Exodus 36:27 ; Exodus 36:32 ; Exodus 38:12 . The twenty frames for the sides of the Dwelling made up its entire length of 30 c…
cambridge

Exodus 26:1-37: "Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them."

And thou shalt make loops of blue upon the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling; and likewise shalt thou make in the uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling of the second.

Facies quoque, laqueolos hya cinthinos in ora cortinae unius in extremo in conjunetione: et sic facies…

calvin

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