Exodus 26:19

And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

And thou shalt make {H6213} forty {H705} sockets {H134} of silver {H3701} under the twenty {H6242} boards {H7175}; two {H8147} sockets {H134} under one {H259} board {H7175} for his two {H8147} tenons {H3027}, and two {H8147} sockets {H134} under another {H259} board {H7175} for his two {H8147} tenons {H3027}.

Make forty silver sockets under the twenty planks, two sockets under one plank for its two projections and two sockets under another plank for its two projections.

with forty silver bases under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon.

And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons:

Commentary

Exodus 26:19 is a precise instruction within God's detailed blueprint for constructing the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where His presence would dwell among the Israelites in the wilderness. This verse focuses on the foundational elements of the Tabernacle's walls.

Context of Exodus 26:19

This verse is part of a lengthy passage (Exodus 25-31) where God provides Moses with exact specifications for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments for the priests. Specifically, Exodus 26:15-18 describes the acacia wood boards that formed the structural walls of the Tabernacle. Verse 19 then specifies the essential support system for these boards: "forty sockets of silver." These sockets were crucial for the stability and proper assembly of the entire structure, ensuring each board stood firmly upright.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Detail: The meticulous instructions, down to the number and material of the sockets, underscore God's demand for exactness in all matters pertaining to His worship and dwelling place. Nothing was left to human discretion or improvisation.
  • Foundation and Stability: The "sockets" (Hebrew: 'adanîm, meaning "bases" or "foundations") were the weighty silver anchors that provided the necessary stability for the Tabernacle's walls. This highlights the importance of a firm and secure foundation for any structure, whether physical or spiritual.
  • Value and Significance of Silver: Silver was a precious metal. Historically, the silver used for these sockets came from the half-shekel atonement money collected from every Israelite male (as detailed in Exodus 30:16). This imbues the very foundation of God's dwelling with a symbolic connection to redemption and the collective contribution of the people.
  • God's Ordered Presence: The intricate design and precise execution ensured that the Tabernacle was a fitting and holy place for God to dwell among His people, demonstrating His desire for order and sanctity in His interactions with humanity.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "sockets," 'adanîm (אֲדָנִים), refers to heavy bases or pedestals. These were not light stands but substantial, foundational blocks into which the wooden boards' tenons (projections) would fit. The material, silver, further emphasizes their value and weight, distinguishing them from other components. The "tenons" (יְדֹתָיו - yedōtāw) are literally "hands," referring to the hand-like projections at the base of each board that fit snugly into the silver sockets, illustrating a perfect, interlocking design.

Practical Application

While seemingly a technical detail, Exodus 26:19 offers timeless principles:

  • The Importance of Foundation: Just as the Tabernacle required strong, precisely placed silver sockets, our lives and faith require a solid foundation. 1 Corinthians 3:11 reminds us that "other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
  • God Cares About Details: This verse illustrates that God's plan is comprehensive, down to the smallest component. It encourages believers to be diligent and faithful in seemingly minor tasks, recognizing that every detail contributes to the larger divine purpose.
  • Our Contributions Matter: The silver sockets, purchased with the atonement money, signify that even our redeemed contributions, when brought together, form the very basis of God's dwelling and work in the world.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 38:27

    And of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

  • Exodus 36:24

    And forty sockets of silver he made under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

  • Exodus 36:26

    And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

  • Exodus 38:30

    And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brasen altar, and the brasen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar,

  • Exodus 38:31

    And the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court round about.

  • Exodus 27:10

    And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets [shall be of] brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [shall be of] silver.

  • Numbers 4:31

    And this [is] the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation; the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and sockets thereof,
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