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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 26:15–30.
Very particular directions are here given about the boards of the tabernacle, which were to bear up the curtains, as the stakes of a tent which had need to be strong, Isa 54:2. These boards had tenons which fell into the mortises that were made for them in silver bases. God took care to have every thing strong, as well as fine, in his tabernacle. Curtains without boards would have been shaken by every wind; but it is a good thing to have the heart established with grace, which is as the boards to support the curtains of profession, which otherwise will not hold out long. The boards were coupled together with gold rings at top and bottom (Exo 26:24), and kept firm with bars that ran through golden staples in every board (Exo 26:26), and the boards and bars were all richly gilded, Exo 26:29. Thus every thing in the tabernacle was very splendid, agreeable to that infant state of the church, when such things were proper enough to please children, to possess the minds of the worshippers with a reverence of the divine glory, and to affect them with the greatness of that prince who said, Here will I dwell; in allusion to this the new Jerusalem is said to be of pure gold, Rev 21:18. But the builders of the gospel church said, Silver and gold have we none; and yet the glory of their building far exceeded that of the tabernacle, Co2 3:10, Co2 3:11. How much better is wisdom than gold! No orders are given here about the floor of the tabernacle; probably that also was boarded; for we cannot think that within all these fine curtains they trod upon the cold or wet ground; if it was so left, it may remind us of Exo 20:24, An altar of earth shalt thou make unto me.
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Summary
Exodus 26:22 provides a precise and foundational instruction for the construction of the Tabernacle, specifying that six boards are to form the western side of this sacred, portable sanctuary. This seemingly minor architectural detail is part of God's meticulously revealed blueprint for His dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness journey, underscoring divine order, the importance of precise obedience, and the foundational elements necessary for the manifestation of God's holy presence.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 26 is a pivotal chapter within the larger block of instructions concerning the Tabernacle's construction, spanning from Exodus 25 through Exodus 31. Specifically, this chapter focuses on the structural components: the inner curtains, the outer coverings, and the wooden framework. Verse 22, detailing the western side's boards, follows the description of the twenty boards for the north and south sides (Exodus 26:18-21), which formed the longer walls of the rectangular structure. It precedes the instructions for the two crucial corner boards and the connecting bars (Exodus 26:23-30), which would complete the Tabernacle's skeletal frame. This meticulous progression reveals God's comprehensive and exact design for every element of His dwelling place, emphasizing that no detail was left to human discretion.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Tabernacle was commanded by God to be built during Israel's forty-year wilderness sojourn, following their liberation from Egyptian bondage. Its primary purpose, as articulated in Exodus 25:8, was for God to "dwell among them." In a nomadic existence, a portable sanctuary was essential, symbolizing God's continuous presence, guidance, and covenant faithfulness. The materials, such as acacia wood (often called "shittim wood"), were readily available in the desert regions and known for their durability and resistance to decay. While sharing some architectural concepts with ancient Near Eastern temples (e.g., a tripartite division), the Tabernacle's design distinctively emphasized the holiness and transcendence of Yahweh, who condescended to dwell among His people. The precise orientation (facing east) and the exact number and placement of boards were critical for the structural integrity and sacred functionality of a space that would house the Ark of the Covenant and serve as the focal point of Israelite worship and atonement.
Key Themes
The instructions for the Tabernacle, including the specific details in Exodus 26:22, contribute to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. First, they highlight God's holiness and transcendence, demonstrating that His presence requires a specially consecrated space, built according to His exact specifications. Second, the meticulous blueprint underscores God's sovereignty and divine order, revealing a God who is precise and intentional in all His dealings, leaving no room for human improvisation in matters of worship. Third, the Tabernacle serves as a tangible symbol of God's immanent presence among His people, fulfilling His desire to "dwell among them" (Exodus 29:45). Finally, the entire structure, with its various components, points to the theme of atonement and access to God, foreshadowing the ultimate means by which sinful humanity could approach a holy God.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term properly refers to the "flank" or "thigh," but is used figuratively here to denote the "rear" or "recess." In the context of the Tabernacle, it refers to the structural walls, specifically the lateral or end sections. Its use emphasizes the precise boundary and enclosure formed by the boards, defining the sacred space.
This word literally means "sea" (referring to the Mediterranean Sea, which was west of Israel) and is used locally to denote the "west." Its inclusion here is crucial for the precise orientation of the Tabernacle, indicating that this particular wall was to face the western direction, opposite the entrance which faced east. This established the sacred alignment of the entire structure.
This term refers to a "slab" or "plank." In the Tabernacle's construction, these were thick, upright planks of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, which formed the skeletal walls. These boards were the fundamental structural elements, providing stability and support for the precious coverings and forming the sacred enclosure. Their solidity underscored the strength and glory of God's dwelling.
Verse Breakdown
"And for the sides of the tabernacle westward"
This clause precisely identifies the specific section of the Tabernacle under instruction. "Sides" refers to the structural walls, and "westward" indicates the rear of the sanctuary, facing the setting sun. This precise directional instruction was vital for the overall layout of the Tabernacle within the Israelite camp, ensuring its proper alignment and the sacred orientation of its internal components, particularly the Holy of Holies, which was situated at the western end.
"thou shalt make six boards"
This is a direct command to Moses, specifying the exact number of primary structural planks required for the western wall. These six boards, along with the two corner boards mentioned in the subsequent verses (Exodus 26:23), formed the complete framework for the narrower end of the Tabernacle. The divine mandate for a specific number underscores God's meticulous attention to detail and the necessity of absolute obedience in constructing His dwelling place.
Literary Devices
The text of Exodus 26:22, as part of the broader Tabernacle instructions, primarily employs Architectural Language and Detailed Specification. God acts as the ultimate architect, providing an exhaustive blueprint that leaves no detail to human discretion. This precise language emphasizes the divine origin and authority behind the Tabernacle's construction. There is also an inherent Symbolism in the very structure. The Tabernacle itself is a profound symbol of God's immanent presence among His people, a "heaven on earth" where the divine and human realms could meet. The solidity of the "boards" and their precious gold overlay further symbolize the strength, purity, and glory of God's dwelling. The meticulous counting and placement of each component, down to the "six boards" for the western side, reflect God's perfect order and His demand for holiness and precision in all matters related to His worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, exemplified by the detail in Exodus 26:22, reveal profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. God is a God of order, precision, and holiness, who desires to dwell among His people but on His own terms. The Tabernacle served as the tangible manifestation of God's presence, a sacred space where atonement could be made and communion could occur. Every detail, from the number of boards to the materials used, pointed to the necessity of a divinely ordained means for sinful humanity to approach a holy God. This foreshadows the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity, achieved through a greater sanctuary and a perfect sacrifice.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 26:22, though a minute detail in the grand blueprint of the Tabernacle, serves as a powerful reminder of God's meticulous care and His insistence on divine order. Just as every board contributed to the structural integrity and sacred purpose of the Tabernacle, so too does every aspect of our lives contribute to our spiritual structure and purpose as God's dwelling place in the world today. This verse challenges us to consider the "boards" that form the framework of our faith – our core beliefs, our spiritual disciplines, our character. Are they sturdy, precisely aligned with God's word, and overlaid with the gold of His glory, reflecting purity and divine purpose? God's desire for order and excellence in His ancient sanctuary calls us to pursue holiness and intentionality in our personal lives and in the corporate life of the church, ensuring that we are fit dwelling places for His Spirit and effective witnesses of His presence and glory in a chaotic world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was the western side specifically mentioned with six boards, and not more, like the other sides?
The Tabernacle's design was rectangular, with the longer north and south sides each requiring twenty boards (Exodus 26:18-21). The western (rear) side was narrower than the north and south sides. The six boards mentioned in Exodus 26:22 formed the main section of this narrower wall. Additionally, Exodus 26:23 specifies two corner boards for the western side, which were specially designed to connect the west wall to the north and south walls, providing extra stability and forming the four corners of the structure. So, while only six main boards are mentioned for the western side, the total structural elements for that end would include these six plus the two corner boards, making it structurally sound for its width. This precise number ensured the exact dimensions and stability of the Tabernacle's rear, which housed the Holy of Holies.
What was the significance of the "boards" themselves, beyond their structural function?
The boards, made of durable acacia wood and overlaid with gold, carried significant symbolic weight. Structurally, they provided the rigid framework for the Tabernacle, supporting the elaborate curtains and coverings, ensuring the sanctity and integrity of the enclosed space. Symbolically, their strength and unyielding nature represented the steadfastness, immutability, and faithfulness of God's presence. The gold overlay, a precious and incorruptible metal, symbolized purity, divinity, and glory, signifying that God's dwelling place was sacred, set apart, and of immense value. As the foundational elements of the sanctuary's walls, they underscored the importance of a strong, pure, and divinely ordained framework for God's presence to be manifest among His people, reflecting His own character.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 26:22, with its meticulous detail concerning the Tabernacle's structure, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among humanity, was a shadow of the reality to come. John's Gospel declares that "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14). The Greek word translated "dwelt" (ἐσκήνωσεν, eskēnōsen) literally means "tabernacled," signifying that Jesus Himself became the living Tabernacle, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. Just as the Tabernacle's boards provided a stable framework for God's presence, Christ's perfect humanity and divine nature provided the secure and holy means for God to dwell fully among us. He is the new temple, as He declared, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (John 2:19), referring to His body. Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for all believers to become part of God's spiritual temple (Ephesians 2:21-22), where God's Spirit now dwells within us individually and corporately (1 Corinthians 6:19). The temporary, physical structure of the Tabernacle, with its precise boards, pointed forward to the eternal, living reality of God's dwelling with His people through Christ, culminating in the New Jerusalem where God will fully "tabernacle" with humanity forever (Revelation 21:3).