(The Lord speaking is red text)
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.
For the corners of the tabernacle in the rear, make two planks;
and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle,
And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the hinder part.
And two{H8147} boards{H7175} shalt thou make{H6213} for the corners{H4742} of the tabernacle{H4908} in the two sides{H3411}.
Exodus 26:23 is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle, which was the portable dwelling place for God's presence among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings after the Exodus from Egypt. The Tabernacle was a central aspect of Israelite worship until the Temple was built in Jerusalem by Solomon.
**Themes:**
1. **Divine Presence:** The Tabernacle was designed to be a sacred space where God would dwell among His people, symbolizing His immanence and accessibility.
2. **Holiness and Separation:** The structure and its furnishings were to be made according to a precise pattern, emphasizing the holiness of God and the need for separation between the sacred and the profane.
3. **Craftsmanship and Order:** The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction highlight the importance of skillful work and order, reflecting the beauty and structure of God's creation.
4. **Community and Unity:** The Tabernacle was a communal project, requiring the contributions and cooperation of the entire Israelite community, which fostered unity among them.
**Historical Context:**
The Israelites were in the Sinai desert after being delivered from slavery in Egypt. God intended to live among them, and the Tabernacle was the means by which He would do so. The boards mentioned in Exodus 26:23 were part of the framework for the Tabernacle structure. These corner boards would have been essential for maintaining the shape and stability of the Tabernacle, ensuring that the coverings and curtains were properly supported. The precise construction of the Tabernacle, including these boards, was overseen by artisans whom God had filled with wisdom and skill for the task (Exodus 31:1-6).
In summary, Exodus 26:23 reflects the intricate planning and communal effort involved in creating a sanctuary that would house the divine presence, embodying the themes of God's holiness, order, and nearness to His people within the historical context of the Israelites' journey towards the Promised Land.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)