Exodus 26:23

KJV

And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

KJV (with Strong's)

And two {H8147} boards {H7175} shalt thou make {H6213} for the corners {H4742} of the tabernacle {H4908} in the two sides {H3411}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the corners of the tabernacle in the rear, make two planks;

Berean Standard Bible

and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle,

American Standard Version

And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the hinder part.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 26:23 provides a specific, meticulous instruction within the divine blueprint for constructing the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary. This verse details the fabrication of two crucial boards designed for the corners of the structure, highlighting their essential role in ensuring the structural integrity and unified framework of the sacred dwelling place for God's presence among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a larger, highly detailed section of Exodus, specifically chapters [25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions Begin") through [31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Bezalel and Oholiab Appointed"), where God reveals the precise plans for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments to Moses on Mount Sinai. Prior to verse 23, the instructions have already covered the main side boards for the Tabernacle's frame ([Exodus 26:15-18](/exodus/26-15 "Exodus 26:15-18 - Main Tabernacle Boards")), specifying their dimensions, materials (acacia wood overlaid with gold), and the silver sockets they rested upon. Verse 23 then shifts focus to the specialized boards required for the *corners*, indicating a progression from the general structure to the critical connecting elements. These corner pieces were vital for seamlessly joining the long side walls to the shorter rear wall, ensuring a stable and unified framework for the dwelling place of God's presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Israel while they were encamped at Mount Sinai, shortly after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt. They were a nomadic people, living in tents in the wilderness, which underscores the necessity of a portable sanctuary. The Tabernacle was to be the central point of their camp, a visible sign of God's presence among them, fulfilling His command, "Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them" ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples and sacred spaces were often considered the dwelling places of deities, but Israel's Tabernacle was unique in its portability and the direct, intimate relationship it signified between Yahweh and His chosen people. The meticulous detail in the instructions, down to individual boards and their placement, reflects God's holiness and His desire for worship conducted with exactness and reverence, setting Israel apart from surrounding nations whose worship practices were often chaotic or idolatrous.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boards (Heb. קֶרֶשׁ, _qeresh_):** This term refers to the upright frames or planks that formed the structural walls of the Tabernacle. These were not mere thin panels but substantial pieces of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, designed to interlock and stand securely in silver sockets. The repeated emphasis on these "boards" throughout [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Tabernacle Construction Details") highlights their foundational role, underscoring the solidity and preciousness of God's dwelling.
* **Corners (Heb. מִקְצֹעֹת, _miqtsa'oth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "end" or "extremity," this word specifically denotes the corner pieces. These were not simply standard boards placed at an angle but specially crafted elements designed to provide structural reinforcement and a seamless connection between the perpendicular walls. Their unique function underscores the importance of strong, integrated joints in the overall stability and unity of the Tabernacle's frame.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And two boards shalt thou make":** This phrase directly commands Moses to create two specific wooden planks. The number "two" indicates their symmetrical placement at the rear corners of the Tabernacle, ensuring balance and structural completeness. The divine imperative "shalt thou make" emphasizes that this is a non-negotiable part of God's precise design, not an optional addition.
* **"for the corners of the tabernacle":** This clause specifies the exact purpose and location of these two boards. They are not for the main side walls but are uniquely shaped and purposed for the critical junctures where the side walls meet the back wall. This highlights their function as connecting elements, crucial for the overall stability and integrity of the entire structure.
* **"in the two sides.":** This final phrase clarifies the precise placement of these corner boards. It refers to the two rear corners of the Tabernacle, where the north and south side walls would meet the west (back) wall. This detail ensures that the structure is fully enclosed and robust, with no weak points at its extremities, thus completing the rigid frame that would support the fabric coverings.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 26:23, like the entire Tabernacle narrative, is characterized by **Precision** and **Detailing**, reflecting the divine mind that conceived every aspect of the sacred dwelling. The meticulous instructions, down to the number and placement of specific boards, convey God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for exact obedience in worship. This serves to impress upon the reader the holiness of God and the seriousness of approaching Him according to His prescribed ways. Furthermore, the Tabernacle itself functions as a profound **Symbolism**. Each component, including these corner boards, contributes to a larger symbolic representation of God's presence, His order, and His desire for a relationship with humanity. The corner boards, in particular, symbolize **Unity** and **Stability**, representing the critical points that hold a structure together, a metaphor often applied to spiritual communities. The entire Tabernacle narrative also serves as **Typology**, foreshadowing greater realities in Christ and His Church, where every part contributes to the whole.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The instruction for the corner boards, while seemingly minor, underscores profound theological truths. It speaks to God's nature as a God of order, precision, and holiness, who leaves nothing to chance in His sacred dwelling. Every detail, no matter how small, contributes to the integrity and purpose of the whole. This meticulousness reflects the divine standard for worship and the seriousness with which God desires to be approached. The corner boards, as connecting and stabilizing elements, also highlight the themes of unity and foundational strength, which are vital not only for a physical structure but also for the spiritual "building" of God's people.

* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - The Church Built on Apostles and Prophets")
* [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ as the Only Foundation")
* [Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 26:23 invites us to consider the profound significance of seemingly small details in God's grand design. Just as the corner boards were indispensable for the structural integrity of the Tabernacle, so too are foundational truths, seemingly minor acts of obedience, and the unity of believers essential for the strength and effectiveness of God's work today. This verse challenges us to value precision and intentionality in our spiritual lives, recognizing that our individual contributions, no matter how humble, play a vital role in building up the body of Christ. It reminds us that God is a God of order, and His dwelling place, whether a physical sanctuary or a spiritual community, is meant to reflect His perfect design and holiness. We are called to be "fitly framed together," ensuring that our lives and ministries are securely joined to Christ, the true cornerstone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be overlooking "small" details that are crucial for overall integrity and stability, much like the Tabernacle's corner boards?**
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform my understanding of His character and His expectations for our worship and service?**
* **Considering the corner boards' role in unity, how can I actively contribute to strengthening the "connecting points" within my spiritual community or family?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the corner boards in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the corner boards was to provide structural integrity and a seamless connection between the Tabernacle's perpendicular walls. Specifically, they were designed to join the long north and south side walls with the shorter west (rear) wall, creating a robust and unified frame. Without these specially crafted corner pieces, the structure would lack stability at its critical junctures, compromising the overall strength of God's portable dwelling. They ensured that the Tabernacle was "fitly framed together," capable of withstanding movement and providing a secure enclosure for the holy furnishings within, as described in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Tabernacle Construction Details").

**Why did God provide such incredibly detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, even down to specific boards?**

Answer: God's meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle, including details like the corner boards in [Exodus 26:23](/exodus/26-23 "Exodus 26:23 - Tabernacle Corner Boards"), served multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, they underscored His absolute holiness and transcendence, emphasizing that His dwelling place must be constructed precisely according to His divine will, not human ingenuity. This precision communicated the seriousness of approaching a holy God. Secondly, the detailed blueprint ensured uniformity and order, reflecting God's own character as a God of order, not chaos. Thirdly, every element of the Tabernacle was imbued with symbolic meaning, pointing to deeper spiritual realities and ultimately foreshadowing Christ. The exactness ensured that these symbols were correctly represented. Finally, it was an act of divine provision, equipping His people with everything necessary to establish a proper place of worship and encounter with Him in the wilderness, as outlined in [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8-9 - God's Command and Blueprint for the Sanctuary").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 26:23, with its focus on the essential corner boards of the Tabernacle, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Tabernacle itself was a type, a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, foreshadowing the ultimate and perfect dwelling of God in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the corner boards provided structural integrity and unity to the physical sanctuary, Christ is the foundational "cornerstone" upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of God's people is built. The Apostle Peter declares that believers are "living stones... being built up as a spiritual house" upon Christ, "a chosen and precious cornerstone" ([1 Peter 2:4-6](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-6 - Christ, the Living Stone")). Similarly, Paul teaches that the church is "built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone" ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - The Church's Foundation in Christ")). The meticulous design of the Tabernacle, down to these critical corner pieces, points to the divine precision with which God orchestrated the incarnation of His Son, who perfectly fulfilled every shadow of the Old Covenant. Jesus, the Word made flesh, "tabernacled among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), becoming the true meeting place between God and humanity, the ultimate and eternal "corner board" holding all things together in Him ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")).

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.