Exodus 26:32

And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim [wood] overlaid with gold: their hooks [shall be of] gold, upon the four sockets of silver.

And thou shalt hang {H5414} it upon four {H702} pillars {H5982} of shittim {H7848} wood overlaid {H6823} with gold {H2091}: their hooks {H2053} shall be of gold {H2091}, upon the four {H702} sockets {H134} of silver {H3701}.

Hang it with gold hooks on four acacia-wood posts overlaid with gold and standing in four silver sockets.

Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases.

and thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, upon four sockets of silver.

Commentary

Exodus 26:32 provides precise architectural details for the Tabernacle, specifically concerning the support structure for the veil that divided the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, also known as the Holy of Holies.

Context

This verse is part of God's extensive instructions to Moses for constructing the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary designed to be the dwelling place of God's presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The Tabernacle served as the central hub for Israelite worship and symbolized God's holy presence among His people. The veil, for which these pillars were erected, was a crucial barrier, separating the ordinary worshipper from the sacred space where the Ark of the Covenant resided, representing God's throne (as described in Exodus 26:33).

Key Themes

  • Divine Holiness and Separation: The elaborate construction, including the four pillars, underscores the absolute holiness of God and the necessary separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The veil, hung upon these pillars (as specified in Exodus 26:31), was a constant visual reminder of this barrier.
  • Precious Materials and Glory: The use of gold to overlay the shittim wood pillars and for their hooks, along with the silver sockets, signifies the immense value, purity, and divine glory associated with God's dwelling place. Gold consistently represents divinity and glory in the Tabernacle's design.
  • God's Presence: Every detail in the Tabernacle's design, including these pillars, contributed to creating a sacred space where God promised to meet with His people (Exodus 25:8).

Linguistic and Material Insights

  • Shittim Wood: This refers to acacia wood, native to the Sinai desert. It was chosen for its exceptional hardness, durability, and resistance to decay and insects, symbolizing the enduring and uncorruptible nature of God's dwelling and His covenant.
  • Gold Overlay: The instruction to "overlaid with gold" meant the wood was entirely covered. This illustrates the principle that the natural (wood) is sanctified and glorified by the divine (gold), emphasizing the purity and sacredness required in God's presence.
  • Silver Sockets: Silver often symbolizes redemption or atonement in the Tabernacle's context (e.g., the atonement money). Here, the silver sockets provided a firm, foundational base for the gold-covered pillars, suggesting that access to God's glory is rooted in divine provision and atonement.

Practical Application

The meticulous design of the Tabernacle, including these pillars and the veil they supported, powerfully teaches us about God's holiness and the barrier sin created between humanity and God. However, the New Testament reveals that this symbolic separation was ultimately removed. When Jesus died on the cross, the veil in the Temple was torn from top to bottom, signifying that His sacrifice provided direct access to God's presence for all who believe. These ancient instructions, therefore, point forward to the ultimate and perfect access we now have through Christ, our great High Priest, who opened a new and living way into the Most Holy Place (Hebrews 10:20).

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Cross-References

  • Esther 1:6

    [Where were] white, green, and blue, [hangings], fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds [were of] gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

  • Exodus 26:37

    And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars [of] shittim [wood], and overlay them with gold, [and] their hooks [shall be of] gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.

  • Exodus 36:38

    And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets [were of] brass.
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