For the rear of the tabernacle westward he made six frames.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse, seemingly a simple construction detail, reveals the intentionality behind the Tabernacle's design. The specific number of six boards for the western side is crucial because, when combined with the two corner boards, it creates a unique structural arrangement that completes the square enclosure, symbolizing God's presence filling and covering the entire community.
For the rear of the tabernacle westward he made six frames.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The Israelites have enthusiastically contributed materials for the Tabernacle, so much so that Moses has to tell them to stop. Now, the focus shifts to the skilled craftsmen, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, who are diligently constructing the various components of the sacred dwelling according to God's precise instructions. This verse details the assembly of the back wall of the Tabernacle, specifically the wooden frames that form its structure.
Ever feel like you're just not equipped for the job God's given you? This passage reminds us that true skill for sacred work comes directly from Him.
The building of the Tabernacle wasn't just about skilled labor; it was about divinely imparted wisdom. Bezaleel and Aholiab, along with others, were 'wise-hearted men, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding.' This highlights a crucial principle: God equips those He calls.
Why did God give such detailed instructions for the Tabernacle? It wasn't just about building a structure; it was a powerful message about His presence and holiness.
The meticulous detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, including the six frames for the western side, wasn't arbitrary. Calvin points out the importance of exact conformity to God's pattern as a testament to obedience and a safeguard against human invention.
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Understand the original words
mishkan · Hebrew Noun
The tent of meeting, the portable sanctuary where God manifested His presence and where the Israelites offered sacrifices and worshipped, serving as a type and shadow of Christ and the New Covenant church.
This verse introduces the skilled craftsmen, Bezaleel and Aholiab, whom God specifically equipped with wisdom and understanding for the construction of the Tabernacle, mirroring the divine enablement required for every part of its creation.
Exodus 25:9This earlier command from God to Moses details the requirement that the Tabernacle and all its furnishings be made 'exactly according to the pattern I am showing you,' highlighting the precision and obedience central to its construction, as seen in the specific measurements of the boards mentioned in Exodus 36.
1 Corinthians 3:16This New Testament passage describes believers as the 'temple of God' and the 'Spirit of God dwelling' in them, drawing a parallel to the Tabernacle as God's dwelling place among His people, emphasizing that sacred spaces are where God chooses to be present with humanity.
Hebrews 8:5This verse explains that the earthly Tabernacle was a 'copy and shadow of the heavenly things,' indicating that the meticulous construction described in Exodus was a tangible representation of a greater, divine reality.
calvinExodus 36:1-38: "Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded."
Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding, to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the Lord had commanded.
Fecit ergo Besele…
pooleExodus 36:27: "And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards."
No text from Poole on this verse.
This verse, seemingly a simple construction detail, reveals the intentionality behind the Tabernacle's design. The specific number of six boards for the western side is crucial because, when combined with the two corner boards, it creates a unique structural arrangement that completes the square enclosure, symbolizing God's presence filling and covering the entire community.
The Israelites have enthusiastically contributed materials for the Tabernacle, so much so that Moses has to tell them to stop. Now, the focus shifts to the skilled craftsmen, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, who are diligently constructing the various components of the sacred dwelling according to God's precise instructions. This verse details the assembly of the back wall of the Tabernacle, specifically the wooden frames that form its structure.
The Israelites have enthusiastically contributed materials for the Tabernacle, so much so that Moses has to tell them to stop. Now, the focus shifts to the skilled craftsmen, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, who are diligently constructing the various components of the sacred dwelling according to God's precise instructions. This verse details the assembly of the back wall of the Tabernacle, specifically the wooden frames that form its structure.
"For the rear of the tabernacle westward he made six frames." — This verse, seemingly a simple construction detail, reveals the intentionality behind the Tabernacle's design. The specific number of six boards for the western side is crucial because, when combined…
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Last reviewed October 2026