Exodus 26:18

KJV

And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} the boards {H7175} for the tabernacle {H4908}, twenty {H6242} boards {H7175} on the south {H5045} side {H6285} southward {H8486}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Make the planks for the tabernacle as follows: twenty planks for the south side, facing southward.

Berean Standard Bible

Construct twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle,

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards for the south side southward.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:18 details a crucial aspect of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically mandating the creation of twenty boards for its south wall. This verse is part of God's meticulously precise instructions to Moses for building the portable sanctuary, emphasizing divine order and the foundational structural elements necessary for the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites in the wilderness. It underscores the intentionality and exactness required in establishing a sacred space for covenantal worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 26:18 is situated within a highly detailed architectural blueprint for the Tabernacle, spanning from [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Craftsmanship and the Sabbath"). Specifically, [Exodus 26:15-30](/exodus/26-15 "Exodus 26:15-30 - The Tabernacle Framework") outlines the construction of the Tabernacle's wooden framework, including the boards, sockets, bars, and rings that formed its sturdy walls. This section follows instructions for the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, and the Lampstand, and precedes details about the veils, screen, and altar. The meticulous nature of these instructions highlights God's sovereignty and His desire for a precisely ordered worship environment, where every component contributes to the integrity and sanctity of His dwelling place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Moses during Israel's forty-year wilderness journey, a period of nomadic existence where a permanent temple was impossible. The Tabernacle served as a portable, central place of worship and a tangible symbol of God's presence among His people, fulfilling His promise to "dwell among them" ([Exodus 29:45](/exodus/29-45 "God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples were considered the dwelling places of deities, and their construction often involved precise rituals and specifications. For Israel, the Tabernacle not only provided a sacred space for sacrifice and communion but also reinforced their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh, distinguishing their worship from surrounding pagan practices. The use of durable materials like acacia wood, as mentioned in [Exodus 25:5](/exodus/25-5 "Materials for the Tabernacle"), was practical for the harsh desert environment and symbolic of the enduring nature of God's covenant.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boards (קְרָשִׁים, _qerashim'_):** This Hebrew term refers to the solid, upright planks or frames that formed the structural walls of the Tabernacle. These were not mere thin panels but substantial pieces of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, designed to interlock and stand firmly. Their function was to provide the rigid, enclosed structure for the sacred space, distinguishing the holy from the common and supporting the elaborate curtains that formed the inner and outer coverings. The use of such sturdy components underscores the permanence and stability of God's presence, even within a portable dwelling.
* **South side southward (נֶגְבָּה תֵימָנָה, _neg̣bāh teymānāh'_):** The repetition of "south" (from _negev_, meaning "south" or "dry land," and _teyman_, meaning "south" or "right hand" as one faces east) serves to emphasize absolute precision in orientation. It leaves no ambiguity regarding the exact placement of these twenty boards. This hyper-specific directional instruction highlights God's demand for meticulous adherence to His divine blueprint, ensuring that the Tabernacle was constructed exactly as He intended, reflecting His nature as a God of order and perfect design.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make the boards for the tabernacle":** This initial clause issues a direct divine command to Moses, emphasizing the imperative nature of the construction. The "boards" (_qerashim_) are identified as essential structural components, forming the very framework of the Tabernacle. This highlights that the physical dwelling place was not an optional or arbitrary structure but a divinely ordained necessity for God's covenantal presence among His people.
* **"twenty boards on the south side southward":** This specifies both the quantity and the precise location of these boards. The number "twenty" indicates a standardized module for the Tabernacle's walls, ensuring uniformity and balance. The double emphasis on "south side southward" underscores the exact orientation and placement, leaving no room for human interpretation or deviation. This level of detail reinforces the concept of divine blueprint, where every element, no matter how seemingly minor, contributes to the overall sacred integrity and purpose of the Tabernacle.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Precision/Detailing**, a hallmark of the Tabernacle instructions in Exodus. The exact number "twenty boards" and the specific orientation "south side southward" leave no room for ambiguity, emphasizing God's meticulous design and His demand for strict adherence. This precision serves to convey the **Holiness** of the space being constructed; only a perfectly executed structure could adequately house the divine presence. Furthermore, there is an element of **Repetition** in "south side southward," which functions to reinforce the exactness of the command and ensure no misunderstanding. This repetition, common in ancient Near Eastern legal and cultic texts, highlights the critical importance of spatial orientation for the sacred structure, which was designed to reflect heavenly patterns. The Tabernacle itself is a grand **Symbolism** of God's desire to dwell with humanity, and the precise construction of its individual components, like these boards, contributes to the overall symbolic integrity of this divine-human meeting place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 26:18, with its focus on the precise construction of the Tabernacle's boards, underscores several profound theological themes. It reveals God's nature as a God of order, intentionality, and holiness, who demands exactness in the establishment of His dwelling place and the worship rendered to Him. The meticulous detail signifies that every component, no matter how seemingly mundane, contributes to the sacred whole, reflecting the interconnectedness of God's design for His people and their spiritual lives. The Tabernacle, built with such precision, served as the physical manifestation of God's covenant presence, a tangible reminder that He chose to dwell among His people, providing a means for atonement and communion. This divine blueprint for a sacred space foreshadows God's ultimate desire for intimate fellowship with humanity, a theme that reverberates throughout redemptive history.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "God Commands a Sanctuary")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "The Heavenly Pattern")
* [1 Kings 6:1](/1_kings/6-1 "Solomon Begins Temple Construction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine precision evident in Exodus 26:18 serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order and intentionality, for whom every detail matters. While we no longer construct a physical Tabernacle, the principles embedded in its design remain profoundly relevant for our spiritual lives. This verse challenges us to consider the intentionality and care we invest in our own "spiritual dwelling places"—our hearts, our homes, our communities, and our service to God. Just as each board contributed to the structural integrity and sacred purpose of the Tabernacle, so too does every aspect of our lives, when offered to God, contribute to the building of His kingdom and the manifestation of His presence in the world. It encourages us to approach our faith with diligence, seeking to align our actions, thoughts, and words with God's divine blueprint for our lives, understanding that even the seemingly small details can have significant spiritual weight in His grand design.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's demand for precision in the Tabernacle's construction inform our understanding of His character?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be called to greater intentionality and "precision" in your service or worship?**
* **How does the idea that "every detail matters" in God's plan encourage or challenge you in your daily walk?**
* **Considering the Tabernacle as a place for God's dwelling, how do we, as believers, embody this concept in our lives today?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of specifying "twenty boards" and "south side southward" with such detail?**

Answer: The meticulous detail in [Exodus 26:18](/exodus/26-18 "Tabernacle Boards") and throughout the Tabernacle instructions highlights God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for precise obedience. Specifying "twenty boards" ensures structural uniformity and stability, while "south side southward" eliminates any ambiguity regarding orientation. This level of detail was crucial because the Tabernacle was not merely a building but a sacred space, a physical manifestation of God's presence, designed to reflect heavenly patterns ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "The Heavenly Pattern")). Every component had to be exact to maintain the holiness and integrity of this divine-human meeting place, demonstrating God's perfect order and His desire for a worship environment that perfectly aligned with His will.

**What were these "boards" made of, and why was that significant?**

Answer: The boards for the Tabernacle were made of acacia wood (often referred to as "shittim wood" in older translations), as specified in [Exodus 25:5](/exodus/25-5 "Materials for the Tabernacle"). Acacia wood was readily available in the Sinai wilderness and known for its durability, resistance to decay, and hardness, making it ideal for constructing a portable yet sturdy structure in a harsh desert environment. This practical choice also carried symbolic weight: the enduring nature of the wood could represent the enduring covenant between God and Israel. Furthermore, these boards were overlaid with gold ([Exodus 26:29](/exodus/26-29 "Gold Overlay for Boards")), signifying the immense value, purity, and divine glory of the structure and the holy presence it contained.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle's boards, as detailed in [Exodus 26:18](/exodus/26-18 "Tabernacle Boards"), finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, with its precise components and sacred design, was the Old Testament's primary symbol of God dwelling among His people. This profound truth is fully realized in the Incarnation, as [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh") declares, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (literally, "tabernacled among us"). Jesus is the ultimate "dwelling place" of God, the perfect embodiment of divine presence and glory, far surpassing any physical structure. He is the true and living Temple, in whom all the types and shadows of the Tabernacle find their substance ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Fullness of Deity in Christ")). Just as the Tabernacle provided access to God through specific rituals and sacrifices, Jesus, through His once-for-all sacrifice, opened a new and living way to the Father ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Access Through Christ's Blood")). Moreover, through the Holy Spirit, believers themselves become the temple of God, the new dwelling place for His Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Believers as God's Temple")), extending the reality of God's presence from a physical structure to a spiritual community, all made possible by the perfect work of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.