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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 26:26 provides precise divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, specifically detailing the creation of the connecting bars from shittim wood. This verse, part of God's meticulous blueprint for His portable sanctuary, underscores the divine emphasis on structural integrity, unity, and the vital role of every component, no matter how seemingly minor, in establishing a stable and unified dwelling place for God among His people.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 26:26 is embedded within a highly detailed and prescriptive section of the book of Exodus (chapters 25-31 and 35-40), which outlines the comprehensive divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly vestments. Immediately preceding this verse, the text meticulously describes the upright boards (Exodus 26:15-25) that formed the walls of the Tabernacle. These boards, crafted from shittim wood and overlaid with gold, were designed to stand in silver sockets, creating a modular yet robust structure. The bars introduced in Exodus 26:26 were essential for connecting and securing these individual boards, transforming them from separate planks into a cohesive and unified wall system. This divine attention to interlocking components highlights the Tabernacle's dual nature: a sacred space for divine presence and a portable structure suitable for Israel's nomadic journey, all meticulously designed to facilitate God's promise to dwell among His people.
Historical & Cultural Context
The instructions for the Tabernacle were revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment in Israel's post-exodus history. Having been liberated from Egyptian slavery, the Israelites were now a nomadic community in the wilderness, requiring a central, portable sanctuary that could accompany them. The Tabernacle served as the tangible symbol of God's covenant presence and the focal point for worship, reinforcing the unique relationship between Yahweh and His chosen people. The material specified, "shittim wood" (acacia wood), was a practical choice, as this durable, decay-resistant timber was indigenous to the desert regions the Israelites traversed. The meticulousness of God's instructions, extending to the number and material of these connecting bars, resonates with ancient Near Eastern concepts of sacred architecture, where divine presence demanded absolute purity, order, and adherence to specific, divinely revealed forms. This was not merely an architectural plan but a profound theological statement, instructing Israel on the holiness of God and the reverence due to His dwelling place.
Key Themes
Exodus 26:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Order and Precision, revealing God as a meticulous architect who leaves no detail to chance, underscoring His sovereignty and the sacredness of His commands. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of Unity and Cohesion, as the bars are designed to bind individual components into a single, stable structure, foreshadowing the importance of unity within the community of faith. Thirdly, it speaks to Divine Provision, as God specifies the use of readily available yet highly durable "shittim wood," demonstrating His foresight and care for His people's needs even in the wilderness. Finally, the verse reinforces the theme of God's Dwelling Among His People, as the Tabernacle's structural integrity, ensured by these bars, was crucial for maintaining the sacred space where God's glory would reside, making tangible the promise found throughout Exodus that He would be their God.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (H1280) refers to a bolt or a crossbar. In the context of the Tabernacle, these were not merely decorative elements but critical functional components designed to secure and strengthen the entire framework. There were five such bars for each of the Tabernacle's long sides (north and south) and five for the west side. The middle bar on each side was particularly significant, running through the very heart of the boards, symbolizing a deep, unifying connection, while the other four were external. Their purpose was to hold the forty-eight upright boards firmly together, creating a unified and stable wall system for the sanctuary.
The term "shittim" (H7848) refers specifically to the acacia tree, known for its thorny nature, while "wood" (H6086, ʻêts') denotes the material from a tree. Acacia wood was abundant in the Sinai wilderness and surrounding desert regions. It is renowned for its exceptional hardness, density, durability, and resistance to decay and insect infestation, making it an ideal material for the Tabernacle's structural elements and sacred furnishings (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant). Its inherent properties ensured the longevity and integrity of the portable sanctuary, even under the harsh desert conditions, underscoring God's practical and abundant provision for His people.
This word (H4908) derives from a root meaning "to dwell" or "to reside," and it refers to a residence or dwelling place. Specifically, in this context, it denotes the portable sanctuary constructed by the Israelites in the wilderness, serving as God's earthly dwelling place among His people. The term emphasizes the temporary, mobile nature of this sacred structure, which was designed to accompany Israel on their journey. The bars were integral to the structural integrity of this "dwelling place," ensuring its stability and ease of assembly and disassembly, thus facilitating God's continuous presence with His people.
Verse Breakdown
"And thou shalt make bars [of] shittim wood"
This opening clause presents a direct divine imperative to Moses, emphasizing that the construction of the Tabernacle was not a matter of human discretion but of precise, divinely revealed instruction. The verb "make" (H6213, ʻâsâh') implies a comprehensive act of creation and preparation. The specification of "shittim wood" (acacia wood) is crucial, highlighting God's foresight in selecting a material known for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay, qualities essential for a portable sanctuary in a harsh wilderness environment. This choice underscores God's practical provision and His meticulous attention to the longevity and integrity of His dwelling place.
"five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle"
This clause provides the specific quantity and placement of these vital connecting elements. The number "five" (H2568, châmêsh') is not arbitrary but precisely calculated for the structural stability of each of the Tabernacle's three walled sides (north, south, and west). These five bars were designed to bind the individual upright boards (H7175, qeresh') together. As detailed in later passages (e.g., Exodus 36:31-33), one bar ran through the very middle of the boards, acting as a central spine, while two bars were placed above it and two below, providing comprehensive reinforcement. This meticulous detail underscores the divine emphasis on structural integrity, unity, and the methodical assembly of God's sacred dwelling place.
Literary Devices
Exodus 26:26, like much of the Tabernacle narrative, employs several significant literary devices. Foremost is Divine Blueprint, where the entire passage functions as a detailed architectural and functional plan directly revealed by God to Moses. This device emphasizes God's meticulousness, His absolute sovereignty over creation, and His desire for order and precision in worship and sacred space. The "bars" themselves are rich in Symbolism; they represent unity, cohesion, and stability. Just as these physical bars held the individual boards together to form a single, strong wall, they foreshadow the spiritual unity and interconnectedness required within the community of faith. The "shittim wood" also carries Symbolism, representing durability, divine provision, and the enduring nature of God's presence and covenant, even in challenging and transient environments. Furthermore, the precise enumeration ("five") highlights the Precision and intentionality of God's design, where every detail, no matter how small, served a specific and vital purpose in the overall divine economy.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 26:26, with its focus on the Tabernacle's connecting bars, speaks profoundly to the theological themes of divine order, the indispensable nature of unity, and God's desire for an ordered and stable dwelling place among His people. God's meticulous attention to every detail, from the material to the number and placement of these bars, reveals His character as a God of precision, who values both the individual components and their harmonious integration into a unified whole. This physical structure serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the spiritual reality of God's dwelling among His people, first in Israel, and later in the church. In the church, each member, like a distinct board, is unique yet vital, held together by divine bonds of love and purpose. The inherent durability of the shittim wood also subtly points to the enduring nature of God's covenant and His faithful, unwavering presence, even in the wilderness experiences of life.
Reflection and Application
The meticulous details found in Exodus 26:26, though seemingly focused on ancient architectural specifics, offer profound and timeless insights for contemporary believers. God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle's bars remind us that every detail in His divine plan matters, and that faithfulness in seemingly small matters is an act of deep reverence and obedience. Just as these bars were absolutely essential for the Tabernacle's structural integrity and unity, believers are called to contribute to the strength and cohesion of the spiritual temple—the church. Each of us, with our unique gifts, callings, and personalities, is like a "board" in God's spiritual building, and we are simultaneously called to be "bars" that connect, support, and unify the body of Christ. Our commitment to fostering unity, our willingness to bear one another's burdens, and our faithful participation in the shared life and mission of the church are vital for its stability, health, and effectiveness in a fragmented world. This verse encourages us to consider how our individual lives and actions, both visible and hidden, contribute to the collective strength and powerful witness of God's people, recognizing that even the "behind-the-scenes" work of connection and support is divinely valued and indispensable.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of the bars in the Tabernacle's construction?
The primary purpose of the bars, as described in Exodus 26:26, was to provide essential structural integrity and unity to the Tabernacle's framework. They functioned as connecting rods, designed to hold the upright boards firmly together, forming the solid and stable walls of the sanctuary. This ingenious design was crucial for the Tabernacle's portability, enabling it to be easily assembled, disassembled, and transported during the Israelites' extensive wilderness journeys. The central bar, running through the middle of the boards, was particularly important for creating a continuous and exceptionally strong wall, ensuring the entire structure remained cohesive.
Why was shittim wood specifically chosen for the Tabernacle's components, including these bars?
Shittim wood, commonly known as acacia wood, was specifically chosen for the Tabernacle's components due to a combination of its exceptional practical qualities and its symbolic significance. Practically, it is a hard, dense, and remarkably durable timber, highly resistant to decay, warping, and insect infestation, making it perfectly suited for a sacred structure that needed to withstand the harsh conditions of the desert environment. Furthermore, acacia trees were readily available in the Sinai wilderness, demonstrating God's abundant provision for the materials needed for His dwelling place. Symbolically, the enduring nature and resilience of shittim wood could represent the steadfastness of God's covenant and His faithful presence with His people, even amidst challenging and transient circumstances. Its use in various sacred items, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the altar of burnt offering, further underscored its sacred significance and divine approval.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Tabernacle, with its intricate design and purposeful components like the shittim wood bars, serves as a profound shadow pointing to the ultimate reality found in Jesus Christ. The bars, which held the entire earthly structure together, powerfully foreshadow Christ as the one who holds all things together by His powerful word and sovereign will (Colossians 1:17). Just as the Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people, Jesus is the ultimate Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), the true and perfect Tabernacle where God's glory dwells in human form, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). The durable shittim wood, chosen for its lasting quality and resistance to decay, points directly to Christ's eternal nature and the permanence of the new covenant established through His perfect sacrifice, a covenant that will never decay or be broken because Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Moreover, through Christ's unifying work, believers are now incorporated into a spiritual temple, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In Him, we too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit (Ephesians 2:20-22). Thus, the unity and stability provided by the Tabernacle bars find their ultimate and eternal fulfillment in the unifying work of Christ, who brings together all believers into one body, making us a holy habitation for God.