Exodus 26:19

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:19 provides meticulous divine instructions for the foundational support of the Tabernacle's walls, specifying the creation of forty silver sockets. These substantial bases, two for each of the twenty acacia wood boards, were crucial for anchoring the structure's upright stability, ensuring the portable sanctuary was precisely assembled according to God's exact blueprint for His dwelling among His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within the extensive divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, as revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, primarily detailed in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - The Spirit of God and the Sabbath"). Specifically, [Exodus 26:15-18](/exodus/26-18 "Exodus 26:15-18 - The Boards of the Tabernacle") meticulously describes the twenty upright acacia wood boards that formed the north and south walls of the sanctuary. Verse 19 then transitions to the critical foundational elements, detailing the silver sockets that would receive the tenons of these boards, ensuring their stability and proper alignment within the overall structure. The subsequent verses continue to describe the framework, including the bars that would hold the boards together, further emphasizing the structural integrity of God's dwelling place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Israel during their nomadic journey through the wilderness, a period marked by God's direct presence and guidance. As a mobile people, they required a portable sanctuary, a tangible symbol of God's dwelling among them, rather than a permanent temple. The use of silver for the sockets is particularly significant; [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Money") reveals that this silver was derived from the half-shekel atonement money collected from every Israelite male twenty years old and upward. This collective contribution, a ransom for their souls, symbolically imbued the very foundation of God's dwelling with the redeemed identity of His people. Culturally, such precise architectural specifications were not uncommon for sacred structures in the ancient Near East, but the divine origin and the symbolic meaning of each component set the Tabernacle apart as uniquely sacred and divinely ordained.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Presence and Holiness**, as the Tabernacle was the designated space for God to dwell among His people, and every detail of its construction was designed to reflect His holy character. It also highlights **Divine Precision and Order**, demonstrating that God's plans are meticulous and require exact obedience, leaving no room for human improvisation in matters of worship. Furthermore, the use of silver from the atonement money powerfully reinforces the theme of **Redemption and Covenant**, illustrating that God's dwelling among His people is founded upon their redemption and their covenant relationship with Him, a theme central to the narrative of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden'_):** From a root conveying strength, this term refers to a basis or foundation. In the context of the Tabernacle, these were heavy, foundational blocks designed to bear significant weight and provide stability for the upright boards. They represent the secure and immovable foundation upon which God's dwelling was established, emphasizing the necessity of a strong base for the sacred structure.
* **Silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** This precious metal, known for its pale color, often implies money or price. In the Tabernacle's context, silver signifies value, purity, and notably, redemption. Its use for the foundational sockets, sourced from the atonement money (as detailed in [Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - The Ransom for the Soul")), imbues the very base of God's dwelling with the profound theological meaning of collective redemption and the value of His people.
* **Tenons (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** This primitive word primarily means "hand," often signifying power, means, or direction. In the context of the Tabernacle, it refers to the projections at the base of the boards, likened to "hands" that would firmly grip and interlock with the sockets. This imagery conveys a strong, divinely engineered connection, ensuring the stability and integrity of the Tabernacle's structure by providing precise fitting and secure anchorage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver":** This phrase conveys a direct divine imperative to Moses, highlighting God's meticulous involvement in every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction. The precise number "forty" and the material "silver" are not arbitrary but signify God's exactness and the inherent value and sacredness of these foundational components, which were literally purchased by the atonement of the people.
* **"under the twenty boards":** This specifies the exact placement of the sockets, indicating their role as the direct, unseen support system for the upright walls of the sanctuary. They were literally the "feet" upon which the entire structure rested, providing elevation and separation from the wilderness ground, ensuring the Tabernacle's stability despite its portable nature.
* **"two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons":** This clause reiterates the divine precision, detailing the exact pairing of sockets to boards. Each board had two tenons, or "hands," at its base, which would fit perfectly into two corresponding silver sockets. This interlocking design ensured maximum stability, preventing the boards from shifting or collapsing, and demonstrating God's perfect engineering for His dwelling place, where every connection was secure and intentional.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 26:19 is rich in **Precision** and **Exactitude**, characteristic of the Tabernacle instructions. Every detail, from the specific number of sockets (forty) to their material (silver) and their precise placement (two under each of the twenty boards), underscores God's meticulous design and His demand for absolute adherence to His blueprint. This level of detail elevates the construction from a mere architectural task to an act of worship and obedience. Furthermore, the verse employs profound **Symbolism**: the silver sockets, derived from the atonement money, symbolize the redeemed community as the very foundation upon which God's presence rests. The "tenons" are described by a form of **Metonymy** or vivid imagery as "hands" (_yâd_), suggesting a firm, gripping connection, reinforcing the idea of a perfectly interlocking and stable structure. This detailed description of a seemingly minor component highlights that in God's economy, even the smallest parts are vital and carry significant meaning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly technical verse profoundly illustrates several key theological truths. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for holiness and order in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence. The meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction, down to the foundational sockets, teaches that God's plan is comprehensive and perfect, leaving no room for human improvisation where His sacred dwelling is concerned. The silver sockets, purchased with the atonement money, also highlight the principle that the very foundation of God's dwelling among His people is built upon redemption and the collective, redeemed contributions of His community. This emphasizes that God's presence is not merely physical but deeply rooted in the spiritual reality of His covenant relationship with His people, a relationship secured by ransom.
* [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")
* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 26:19, though focused on ancient architecture, offers timeless principles for our spiritual lives. Just as the Tabernacle required a firm, divinely specified foundation, our faith and lives must be built upon an unshakeable bedrock. This verse reminds us that God cares about every detail, no matter how small, and that our faithfulness in seemingly minor aspects of obedience contributes to the stability and integrity of the larger spiritual structure. Furthermore, the collective contribution of silver for the sockets serves as a powerful reminder that the church, as God's dwelling place today, is built by the redeemed contributions of every believer, each playing a vital role in supporting the whole. We are called to live lives of intentionality and precision, recognizing that our actions, even the foundational ones, are part of God's grand design for His dwelling among humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's Tabernacle instructions encourage or challenge your own approach to spiritual disciplines and service?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to ensure a more solid "foundation," trusting in God's precise blueprint rather than human improvisation?**
* **Considering the silver sockets were made from atonement money, how does your redeemed life contribute to the stability and building up of God's presence in the world today?**

### FAQ
**Why were the sockets made of silver, and not gold or bronze?**

Answer: The choice of silver for the sockets carried significant symbolic weight. While gold was reserved for the most sacred elements within the Holy Place and Most Holy Place, and bronze for the outer court, silver held a unique association with redemption. [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Money") specifies that the silver for the Tabernacle's sockets and pillars came from the half-shekel atonement money collected from every Israelite male. This meant the very foundation of God's dwelling was literally built upon the collective ransom paid for the souls of His people, symbolizing that God's presence among them was rooted in their redemption and atonement.

**What were the "tenons" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "tenons" (Hebrew: _yâd_, literally "hand") were precisely crafted projections extending from the bottom of each acacia wood board. Their purpose was to fit snugly and securely into the corresponding silver sockets. This interlocking design was critical for the structural integrity and stability of the Tabernacle's walls, ensuring that each board stood firmly upright and that the entire portable sanctuary could withstand the rigors of wilderness travel and assembly. They represented the firm, gripping connection essential for the Tabernacle's stability.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 26:19, with its emphasis on the foundational silver sockets, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle itself was a shadow of the true dwelling place of God, and its components pointed to spiritual realities. Just as the silver sockets provided an unshakeable base for the Tabernacle, Christ is the sole and eternal [foundation upon which the church is built](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation"). The silver, derived from atonement money, powerfully foreshadows the infinitely greater "ransom" paid by Christ's own precious blood, which truly [redeems us from all iniquity](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ Redeemed Us"). He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), making it possible for God to dwell among humanity. The perfect fit of the tenons into the sockets speaks to Christ's perfect obedience and His role as the [cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone") that perfectly joins and stabilizes God's spiritual house. Through Him, we, as living stones, are [built into a spiritual house](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones") for God's dwelling, a foundation far more enduring than silver, secured by His finished work on the cross.

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.

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,