Exodus 26:26

KJV

And thou shalt make bars [of] shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} bars {H1280} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}; five {H2568} for the boards {H7175} of the one {H259} side {H6763} of the tabernacle {H4908},

Complete Jewish Bible

"Make crossbars of acacia-wood, five for the planks of the one side of the tabernacle,

Berean Standard Bible

You are also to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle,

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/26-26 "Exodus 26:26 - The Bars of the Tabernacle") 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](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel").

* **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](/exodus/29-45 "Exodus 29:45 - God's Promise to Dwell Among Israel") that He would be their God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bars (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyach'_):** 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.
* **Shittim Wood (Hebrew, _shiṭṭâh'_ and _ʻêts'_):** 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](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - Instructions for 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.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** 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](/exodus/36-31-33 "Exodus 36:31-33 - Construction of the Tabernacle Bars")), 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.

* [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone, Church as a Holy Temple")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ, Many Members, One Body")
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1-10 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle and Its Services")

### 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
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform our understanding of His character and His expectations for our lives?**
* **In what practical ways can we, like the bars of shittim wood, actively contribute to the structural integrity and spiritual unity of our local faith community?**
* **What "small" or "hidden" details in our spiritual lives or service might God be calling us to attend to with greater precision and faithfulness, recognizing their vital role in the larger divine plan?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the bars in the Tabernacle's construction?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the bars, as described in [Exodus 26:26](/exodus/26-26 "Exodus 26:26 - The Bars of the Tabernacle"), 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?**

Answer: 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](/exodus/25-10 "Exodus 25:10 - Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant") and the [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - 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](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")). Just as the Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people, Jesus is the ultimate Emmanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")), the true and perfect Tabernacle where God's glory dwells in human form, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). 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](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")). 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](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone, Church as a Holy Temple")). 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.

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.

Cross-References

Numbers 3:36

And [under] the custody and charge of the sons of Merari [shall be] the boards of the tabernacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels thereof, and all that serveth thereto,

Galatians 6:1

¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Romans 15:1

¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

1 Corinthians 9:19

¶ For though I be free from all [men], yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

1 Corinthians 9:20

And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

Ephesians 4:16

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.