Exodus 26:22

KJV

And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the sides {H3411} of the tabernacle {H4908} westward {H3220} thou shalt make {H6213} six {H8337} boards {H7175}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"For the rear part of the tabernacle, toward the west, make six planks.

Berean Standard Bible

Make six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side,

American Standard Version

And for the hinder part of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") through [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Craftsmanship and the Sabbath"). 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](/exodus/26-18-21 "Exodus 26:18-21 - Boards for the North and South Sides")), 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](/exodus/26-23-30 "Exodus 26:23-30 - Corner Boards and Connecting Bars")), 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](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary"), 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](/exodus/26-22 "Exodus 26:22 - Boards for the Western Side"), 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](/exodus/29-45 "God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel")). 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
* **Sides (Hebrew, _yᵉrêkâh'_):** From H3411, 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.
* **Westward (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** From H3220, 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.
* **Boards (Hebrew, _qeresh'_):** From H7175, 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](/exodus/26-23 "Exodus 26:23 - Corner Boards")), 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.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary") - "And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." This verse provides the overarching purpose for all the detailed instructions, including the boards for the western side, emphasizing God's desire for fellowship.
* [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle") - "Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle." This demonstrates the fulfillment of God's desire to dwell, confirming the Tabernacle's divine purpose and validation through the manifestation of His glory.
* [Hebrews 9:11](/hebrews/9-11 "Christ, the Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle") - "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building." This New Testament truth reveals that the earthly Tabernacle was a shadow pointing to Christ, who is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God.

### 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
* **How does God's meticulous design of the Tabernacle, as seen in [Exodus 26:22](/exodus/26-22 "Exodus 26:22 - Boards for the Western Side"), inform our understanding of His character and His expectations for our lives and worship?**
* **In what ways can we, as "temples of the Holy Spirit," reflect God's order, precision, and holiness in our daily lives, decisions, and ministries?**
* **What "foundational boards" (core beliefs, spiritual disciplines, moral values) are essential for the stability and integrity of your personal spiritual walk? Are they aligned with God's blueprint for a life consecrated to Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was the western side specifically mentioned with six boards, and not more, like the other sides?**

Answer: The Tabernacle's design was rectangular, with the longer north and south sides each requiring twenty boards ([Exodus 26:18-21](/exodus/26-18-21 "Exodus 26:18-21 - Boards for the North and South Sides")). The western (rear) side was narrower than the north and south sides. The six boards mentioned in [Exodus 26:22](/exodus/26-22 "Exodus 26:22 - Boards for the Western Side") formed the main section of this narrower wall. Additionally, [Exodus 26:23](/exodus/26-23 "Exodus 26:23 - Corner Boards") 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?**

Answer: 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](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). 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](/john/2-19 "John 2:19 - Jesus Predicts His Resurrection")), 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](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")), where God's Spirit now dwells within us individually and corporately ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as Temples of the Holy Spirit")). 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](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God's Dwelling with Humanity in the New Jerusalem")).

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.