Exodus 26:20

KJV

And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side [there shall be] twenty boards:

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the second {H8145} side {H6763} of the tabernacle {H4908} on the north {H6828} side {H6285} there shall be twenty {H6242} boards {H7175}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"For the second side of the tabernacle, to the north, make twenty planks

Berean Standard Bible

For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, make twenty frames

American Standard Version

and for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty boards,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:20 provides precise architectural instructions for the Tabernacle's north wall, specifying "twenty boards" for its construction. This verse is part of a larger divine blueprint for Israel's portable sanctuary, underscoring God's meticulous attention to detail in establishing His dwelling place among His people. It highlights the divine order necessary for sacred worship and foreshadows the ultimate reality of God's desire to indwell humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 26:20 is situated within a highly detailed section of the Book of Exodus (chapters 25-31) that outlines God's specific commands to Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Preceding this verse, Exodus 26:1-14 describes the coverings and curtains of the Tabernacle, while Exodus 26:15-19 details the upright boards for the south side and the west end. Specifically, Exodus 26:18 mandates "twenty boards" for the south side, establishing a parallel structure that Exodus 26:20 reiterates for the north. Following this verse, Exodus 26:21-30 continues to describe the Tabernacle's structural components, including the silver sockets, bars, and the veil, all contributing to the complete, divinely ordained sanctuary. This meticulous sequence emphasizes the foundational importance of each element to the Tabernacle's structural integrity and symbolic purpose.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:12-18), immediately after the giving of the Law. This period marked the nascent stage of Israel's identity as a covenant people, recently delivered from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 12:29-32). The Tabernacle served as a portable, central sanctuary for a nomadic people, symbolizing God's presence in their midst as they journeyed through the wilderness (Numbers 9:15-23). In the ancient Near East, temples were common, but the concept of a portable dwelling for a deity, designed with such specific divine instructions, was unique to Israel. The materials, such as acacia wood overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:15-16), were likely available in the wilderness or brought from Egypt, underscoring the Israelites' contribution to their worship space. The precision in the divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, including the exact number of boards, contrasted sharply with human-made structures and highlighted the holiness and transcendent nature of the God of Israel, who condescended to dwell among His people. The Tabernacle served as the focal point for all Israelite worship, sacrifice, and communion with God, setting the stage for the later Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kings 6:1-38).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boards (Hebrew, _qeresh'_):** This term refers to the upright planks or frames that formed the walls of the Tabernacle. These were not mere wooden planks but substantial, perhaps interlocking, structures made of acacia wood (Exodus 26:15) and overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:29). The singular form, _qeresh_, can also mean "plank" or "board." The use of the plural here indicates multiple, identical units. Their precise number and construction were critical for the Tabernacle's stability and its ability to be disassembled and reassembled during Israel's wilderness wanderings. The meticulous detail concerning these boards underscores the divine blueprint for a sacred space, where even the seemingly mundane structural elements were divinely ordained.
* **Twenty (Hebrew, _‘esrim'_):** The number twenty is specified for both the south (Exodus 26:18) and north sides of the Tabernacle. This numerical precision is a recurring theme in the Tabernacle's construction, from the number of curtains to the dimensions of the altars. In biblical numerology, while not explicitly symbolic in every instance, exact numbers often convey divine order, completeness, and intentionality. Here, "twenty" signifies the exact, non-negotiable quantity required, ensuring symmetry, structural integrity, and adherence to God's perfect design. It leaves no room for human estimation or improvisation, emphasizing the divine authority behind every detail of the sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the second side of the tabernacle":** This phrase establishes the focus on a specific wall of the Tabernacle, distinguishing it from the first side (the south side, mentioned in Exodus 26:18) and the west end (Exodus 26:22). It implies a symmetrical design and a systematic approach to the construction details, ensuring that each part of the sacred structure is accounted for. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling, was not haphazardly put together but meticulously planned.
* **"on the north side":** This specifies the exact orientation of this particular wall. The Tabernacle was oriented with its entrance facing east, meaning the north side would be to the left when facing the entrance. This directional clarity is crucial for understanding the overall layout and sacred geography of the Tabernacle complex, which had specific placements for the altar, laver, and the Holy of Holies. The divine specification of direction further highlights the comprehensive nature of God's instructions.
* **"[there shall be] twenty boards":** This is the core instruction of the verse, providing the precise quantity of upright boards for the north wall. The number "twenty" is not arbitrary but a divinely commanded measurement, mirroring the south side. These boards, along with their silver sockets and connecting bars, formed the sturdy framework of the Tabernacle walls. This exactitude underscores God's demand for precision and order in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence, reflecting His own perfect character.

#### Literary Devices
The passage, including Exodus 26:20, primarily employs **Precision** and **Repetition** as key literary devices. The meticulous enumeration of every component, down to the exact number of boards, exemplifies **Precision**, showcasing God's absolute control and intentionality in the design of His dwelling. This is not a vague outline but an architectural blueprint of divine origin. Furthermore, the **Repetition** of "twenty boards" for both the south (Exodus 26:18) and north sides (Exodus 26:20) emphasizes symmetry, order, and the non-negotiable nature of the divine instructions. This mirroring reinforces the idea of a perfectly balanced and divinely proportioned structure. Underlying these, there is also profound **Symbolism** in the very act of detailed construction. The sturdy, gold-overlaid boards symbolize the steadfastness, glory, and preciousness of God's presence among His people, while the precise measurements speak to the divine order that undergirds all creation and salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 26:20, with its precise instruction for the Tabernacle's north wall, powerfully communicates God's nature as a God of order, intentionality, and intimate presence. The meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction underscores that God's dwelling among His people is not a casual arrangement but a divinely orchestrated reality, designed to facilitate holy communion and worship. This precision reflects God's character, where every detail matters in the sacred space where He meets humanity. The Tabernacle's structure, built with such exactitude, served as a tangible reminder of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to dwell in the midst of a people set apart for Him, preparing them for a deeper understanding of His holiness and grace.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - The Purpose of the Sanctuary")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Heavenly Pattern")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order, Not Confusion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, exemplified by the precise count of "twenty boards" for the north side, offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. This passage reminds us that God is a God of order, excellence, and intentionality, and He desires these qualities to be reflected in our worship, service, and daily lives. Just as every board was essential for the integrity of the Tabernacle, every believer and every act of obedience contributes to the spiritual dwelling place of God today—the church, and our individual lives. We are called to approach our faith with diligence, attention to detail, and a reverence for God's revealed will, understanding that even seemingly small acts of faithfulness are significant in His eyes. This passage encourages us to consider the quality of our spiritual "building materials" and to strive for excellence in all that we do for the Lord, recognizing that our lives are meant to be a dwelling place for His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge my understanding of God's character and His expectations for my life?**
* **In what areas of my spiritual life or service might I be tempted to be less precise or diligent, and how can I cultivate a greater commitment to excellence?**
* **Considering that God desired to "dwell among" His people, how does this verse inspire me to cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence in my daily life and community?**

### FAQ
**Why did God provide such detailed and specific instructions for the Tabernacle, down to the number of boards?**

Answer: God provided such meticulous instructions for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it underscored His absolute holiness and transcendence, demonstrating that His dwelling place could not be designed by human ingenuity but only by divine revelation. This precision ensured that the Tabernacle would be built exactly according to His will, reflecting His perfect order and glory. Secondly, the detailed blueprint served as a pedagogical tool, teaching the Israelites about the seriousness of approaching a holy God and the necessity of obedience. Every component, including the "twenty boards," held symbolic significance, pointing to deeper spiritual realities. Finally, the exactness ensured structural integrity for a portable sanctuary, allowing it to be disassembled and reassembled as Israel journeyed, always maintaining its sacred form and function.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise construction of the Tabernacle, with its "twenty boards" forming the north wall, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, was a temporary and shadow reality (Hebrews 8:5). Jesus, however, is the true and eternal Tabernacle, for in Him "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" (Colossians 2:9). John's Gospel powerfully declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14), using the Greek word _eskēnōsen_, which literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." Just as the Tabernacle's boards provided a sturdy structure for God's presence in the wilderness, Jesus's humanity provided the perfect, unblemished "structure" for God to fully indwell and reveal Himself to humanity. He is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, the one through whom we have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18). The meticulous design of the Tabernacle foreshadowed the perfect, divinely ordained person of Christ, who is the Lamb of God (John 1:29), the High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), and the very temple of God (John 2:19-21), in whom all the types and shadows of the Old Covenant find their glorious reality.

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.