(The Lord speaking is red text)
And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.
"For the rear part of the tabernacle, toward the west, make six planks.
Make six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side,
And for the hinder part of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.
And for the sides{H3411} of the tabernacle{H4908} westward{H3220} thou shalt make{H6213} six{H8337} boards{H7175}.
**Themes:**
Exodus 26:22 is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The verse specifically addresses the construction of the tabernacle's framework, focusing on the boards that form the sides of the structure. Key themes include:
1. **Divine Precision:** The specificity of the instructions underscores the importance of following God's commandments exactly, reflecting a broader theme of obedience in the Exodus narrative.
2. **Holiness and Separation:** The Tabernacle was designed to be a sacred space, set apart for worship and communion with God, highlighting the theme of holiness and the distinction between the sacred and the profane.
3. **Community and Unity:** The structure of the Tabernacle, with its interconnected parts, symbolizes the unity of the Israelite community as they come together in worship.
**Historical Context:**
The book of Exodus recounts the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt and their formation as a nation under God's guidance. After the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, God commands Moses to build the Tabernacle, which would serve as the central place of worship until the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Tabernacle's design was intricate and symbolic, with every component, including the six boards for the western side mentioned in Exodus 26:22, having a specific purpose and meaning.
The historical context of the Tabernacle's construction is set within the larger narrative of the Exodus, which likely took place in the late second millennium BCE. The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle reflect ancient Near Eastern practices of tent construction, adapted for a sacred purpose. The materials and craftsmanship required for the Tabernacle's construction would have been sophisticated for the time, indicating a high level of skill among the Israelite artisans and the importance placed on this project by the community.
In summary, Exodus 26:22 reflects themes of divine instruction, holiness, and communal unity within the historical context of the Israelites' journey from slavery to nationhood under God's direction.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)