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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 26:27 provides meticulous divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, detailing the precise arrangement of five horizontal bars for the boards of the second long side (likely south) and five bars for the boards of the west end. This verse, crucial to the Tabernacle's structural integrity, ensures the unified assembly and stability of God's portable sanctuary, underscoring the divine blueprint for a dwelling place that was both sacred and functional for the wandering Israelites.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus chapter 26 serves as a detailed architectural blueprint for the Tabernacle, meticulously outlining its dimensions, materials, and construction. Following the general command for its erection as God's dwelling place among His people in Exodus 25:8-9, this chapter focuses on the inner sanctuary's components. Verses 15-25 describe the precise specifications for the upright acacia wood boards that formed the Tabernacle's walls, including their dimensions and silver sockets. Exodus 26:26 introduces the concept of five bars for the first long side (likely the north side). Exodus 26:27 continues this theme by specifying the five bars for the "other side" (the second long side, likely the south side) and, crucially, five bars for the "two sides westward," which refers to the west end of the Tabernacle. This verse is immediately followed by Exodus 26:28, which describes the central bar running "through the midst of the boards from the one end to the other," underscoring the complete and unified structural system. The entire section emphasizes God's precise and comprehensive design for His dwelling place.
Historical & Cultural Context
The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Moses at Mount Sinai, shortly after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law. This period was characterized by their nomadic existence in the wilderness, making a permanent temple impossible. The Tabernacle, therefore, served as a portable sanctuary, symbolizing God's continuous presence and guidance among His people during their journey to the Promised Land. Its design, including the interlocking system of boards and bars, facilitated its repeated dismantling and reassembly, essential for their travels. The meticulous detail in these instructions reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of sacred spaces, where divine presence often necessitated precise architectural adherence to heavenly prototypes. Furthermore, the Tabernacle's construction was a communal effort, requiring the participation and skilled craftsmanship of the entire congregation, reinforcing their collective identity and covenant relationship with God as they journeyed through the wilderness, as detailed in Exodus 35.
Key Themes
This verse, within the broader context of the Tabernacle's construction, contributes to several significant themes. Foremost is the theme of Divine Presence and Immanence, as the Tabernacle was God's chosen means of dwelling among His people in the wilderness, a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness. The detailed instructions highlight God's Order and Precision, revealing a divine architect who meticulously plans every aspect of His interaction with humanity, ensuring stability and sanctity. The linking function of the bars also underscores the theme of Unity and Cohesion, both for the physical structure and, by extension, for the community of Israel. Just as the boards needed to be bound together, so too was the nation called to be unified under God's law and presence. Finally, the Tabernacle's design, including its portability, speaks to the theme of God's Accommodating Nature, adapting His dwelling to the nomadic lifestyle of His people while maintaining His holiness and accessibility, foreshadowing a time when God's presence would not be confined to a single structure but would indwell His people, as seen in passages like John 1:14 and 1 Corinthians 3:16.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from a root meaning "to flee" or "to pass through," this word (H1280) refers to a bolt or bar. In the context of the Tabernacle, these were critical wooden elements designed to slide through rings attached to the boards, effectively interlocking and unifying the entire framework. Their purpose was to provide essential stability and rigidity, ensuring the Tabernacle's walls could withstand the rigors of transport and repeated assembly in the wilderness.
This term (H7175) refers to a slab or plank, specifically the upright planks of acacia wood that formed the walls of the Tabernacle. These boards were the primary vertical elements of the sanctuary's structure, each standing in silver sockets. The bars were indispensable for binding these individual boards together into a cohesive and robust wall system, preventing structural collapse and maintaining the precise dimensions of the sacred space.
Meaning "a residence" or "dwelling place" (H4908), this term underscores the central purpose of the entire structure: to be the earthly abode where God would dwell among His people. The detailed instructions for its construction, including the bars, highlight the sanctity and paramount importance of this divine dwelling. Every component, no matter how seemingly minor, contributed to the perfection and functionality of the place where God's glory would reside.
Verse Breakdown
"And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle"
This clause specifies the number and placement of bars for the second of the two long sides of the Tabernacle, most likely referring to the south side, as Exodus 26:26 had already addressed the first long side (north). The precise number "five" emphasizes the divine blueprint's meticulousness and the structural necessity for uniform stability across the entire edifice.
"and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle"
This phrase, when read in conjunction with the preceding and following clauses, refers to the third side of the Tabernacle's main structure. While the KJV phrasing "side of the tabernacle" can be ambiguous, the context of the overall design (two long sides and one short west end) strongly indicates this refers to the west end (or rear) of the Tabernacle. This ensures that all three walled sides (north, south, and west) received the same number of reinforcing bars.
"for the two sides westward"
This phrase clarifies the location for the "side of the tabernacle" mentioned immediately before it. It specifically designates the west end of the Tabernacle, which was the shorter, rear wall. The Hebrew phrase implies "for the side walls of the Tabernacle, for the west," confirming that the five bars mentioned in the preceding clause were specifically for the west-facing wall. This detail completes the description of the horizontal bracing for the three enclosed sides of the sanctuary, ensuring comprehensive structural integrity.
Literary Devices
Exodus 26:27, within the broader context of the Tabernacle's construction, employs several literary devices to convey its message. Repetition is prominent, with the phrase "five bars" appearing multiple times across verses 26-27, emphasizing the precise and uniform nature of the divine instructions and the critical importance of these components. This repetition reinforces the meticulousness of God's design. Symbolism is also deeply embedded; the bars, by binding individual boards into a unified structure, symbolize the unity and cohesion desired for the community of Israel, which was to be bound together by their covenant with God. Furthermore, the detailed, almost architectural language itself serves as a form of hyper-precision or meticulous detail, highlighting God's absolute authority and His attention to every minute detail concerning His dwelling place, underscoring the sanctity and divine origin of the Tabernacle's design. The very act of describing such intricate details also functions as a form of divine instruction, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's specific commands.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's bars reveal God's character as a God of order, precision, and intentionality. Every detail, no matter how small, contributed to the stability and sanctity of His dwelling place among His people. This divine design underscores the theological truth that God desires a structured and unified relationship with humanity, built on firm foundations. Just as the physical bars provided essential cohesion for the Tabernacle, God provides the spiritual "bars"—His Word, His Spirit, and the bond of love—to unify His people into a cohesive spiritual house. The Tabernacle, in its ordered construction, served as a tangible representation of God's presence and the structured covenant relationship He established with Israel, a relationship characterized by divine faithfulness and human responsibility in maintaining the sacred space.
Reflection and Application
The detailed blueprint for the Tabernacle, down to the number and placement of its bars, serves as a profound reminder of God's incredible attention to detail in all His works. This level of precision in the physical structure of His dwelling place invites us to consider the meticulousness with which He designs our lives, our communities, and the spiritual house that is His church. Just as the bars provided essential stability and unity to the Tabernacle, so too are there foundational elements—shared faith, mutual love, adherence to biblical truth, and the indwelling Holy Spirit—that are crucial for the strength and cohesion of the body of Christ today. We are called to be contributors to this unity, recognizing that each individual believer, like each board, plays a vital role, and that our collective strength comes from being rightly joined together by divine principles. This passage challenges us to examine the "bars" in our own spiritual lives and in our communities: Are they strong? Are they aligned with God's design? Are we actively participating in the work of binding together, rather than pulling apart, fostering an environment where God's presence can truly dwell and be manifested?
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why were five bars specified for each side, and not more or fewer?
The precise number of five bars for each side (two long sides and the west end) was a divine specification, emphasizing God's meticulous design for the Tabernacle. From a practical standpoint, five bars provided optimal structural integrity and stability for the tall, relatively thin acacia wood boards, ensuring the Tabernacle could withstand the elements and the stresses of being dismantled and reassembled during the Israelites' wilderness journeys. While the number five in biblical numerology can sometimes represent grace or responsibility, here its primary significance is functional and symbolic of divine completeness and sufficiency in design. The arrangement typically involved two bars at the top, two at the bottom, and one central bar running "through the midst of the boards from the one end to the other," as clarified in Exodus 26:28, providing balanced and continuous support.
How were these bars actually used with the boards?
The boards themselves had rings of gold attached to them, as described in Exodus 26:29. The five bars for each side were slid horizontally through these rings. This ingenious interlocking system effectively bound the individual upright boards together, transforming them from separate planks into a unified, rigid wall. The central bar was particularly important, as it ran the entire length of the wall, providing a continuous line of strength and cohesion, akin to a spiritual backbone. This design allowed for both immense stability when assembled and relative ease of disassembly for transport, embodying both permanence in divine purpose and adaptability in practical application.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The Tabernacle, in its intricate design and portable nature, serves as a profound foreshadowing of Christ and the new covenant reality. The bars, specifically, which provided unity, stability, and integrity to God's dwelling place among Israel, find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true "bar" that holds all things together, for in Him "all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17). Just as the Tabernacle's structure relied on these connecting elements, the spiritual house of God, the church, is built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20). He is the unifying force, breaking down dividing walls and bringing diverse peoples together into one body (Ephesians 2:14). The portability of the Tabernacle, enabled by its design, prefigures the non-localized presence of God in the New Testament era, where God no longer dwells in temples made with hands but in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:48-50). Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, is the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell among His people, providing the perfect and eternal means of access, unity, and stability for all who believe, embodying the very presence of God among humanity as "Immanuel" (Matthew 1:23).