Exodus 35:11

KJV

The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,

KJV (with Strong's)

The tabernacle {H4908}, his tent {H168}, and his covering {H4372}, his taches {H7165}, and his boards {H7175}, his bars {H1280}, his pillars {H5982}, and his sockets {H134},

Complete Jewish Bible

the tabernacle with its tent, covering, fasteners, planks, crossbars, posts and sockets;

Berean Standard Bible

the tabernacle with its tent and covering, its clasps and frames, its crossbars, posts, and bases;

American Standard Version

the tabernacle, its tent, and its covering, its clasps, and its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:11 meticulously enumerates key structural components of the Tabernacle, God's portable dwelling place in the wilderness. This verse, embedded within Moses' detailed instructions to the Israelites, highlights the divine blueprint for the sacred sanctuary, emphasizing the precise nature of its construction, from the overarching tent and its coverings to the intricate clasps, supportive boards, reinforcing bars, foundational pillars, and stabilizing sockets. It underscores God's desire for an ordered and accessible presence among His people, built through communal effort and adherence to His specific design, setting the stage for the practical execution of the divine command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:11 is situated within Moses' comprehensive instructions to the Israelite community regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, following the profound spiritual crisis of the golden calf incident and God's gracious renewal of His covenant with Israel. The narrative shifts from divine commands given on Mount Sinai to the practical implementation by the people. Chapters 35-40 describe the Israelites' willing contributions and the skilled artisans' work in bringing the divine blueprint to fruition. Specifically, this verse follows the call for freewill offerings and the appointment of Bezalel and Oholiab as master craftsmen in [Exodus 35:4-10](/exodus/35-4-10 "Exodus 35:4-10 - Call for Offerings and Skilled Workers"). It serves as a reiteration of the detailed specifications previously given to Moses on Mount Sinai, particularly those found in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle"), ensuring the people understood the exact nature of the sacred structure they were to build. The listing of components in verse 11 is not merely an inventory but a direct command for what is to be made, setting the stage for the execution of God's dwelling place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was designed for a nomadic people, serving as the central hub of their worship and national identity during their wilderness journey. In the ancient Near East, temples were typically permanent structures, often associated with specific cities or deities. The concept of a portable sanctuary, where the deity "traveled" with the people, was unique and powerfully communicated God's intimate presence and guidance amidst their wanderings. The meticulous detail in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Tabernacle Materials and Workers") and other Tabernacle chapters reflects the divine standard for sacred space, contrasting with the often crude or idolatrous worship practices of surrounding nations. The construction of the Tabernacle was a massive undertaking, requiring immense resources and skilled labor from the entire community, symbolizing their unity and commitment to the covenant. The various components listed in verse 11—boards, bars, pillars, sockets—were common elements in tent and portable structure construction, but their specific materials (e.g., acacia wood overlaid with gold, silver sockets) elevated them to sacred status, distinguishing God's dwelling from any ordinary tent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Presence (Immanence)**, as the Tabernacle was the tangible manifestation of God dwelling among His people ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")). The meticulous detail highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, emphasizing that God's work is not haphazard but perfectly designed, demanding careful obedience from His people. This precision also underscores the **Holiness of God**, indicating that His sacred space must be set apart and constructed according to His exact standards. Furthermore, the communal effort required for the Tabernacle's construction, implied by the listing of its many parts, points to the theme of **Corporate Worship and Community Responsibility**, where every Israelite had a part to play in establishing God's dwelling place ([Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20-29 "Exodus 35:20-29 - The People's Freewill Offerings")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** Derived from the verb "to dwell" or "to reside," this term fundamentally means "residence" or "dwelling place." It emphasizes God's immanent presence among His people, signifying that the Creator of the universe chose to reside in a tangible structure in the midst of a nomadic camp. Specifically, it refers to the wooden walls of the sacred structure, highlighting its role as the physical manifestation of God's covenant promise to be "God with us."
* **taches (Hebrew, _qereç'_):** This term refers to a "knob or belaying-pin," indicating a clasp, hook, or fastener. In the context of the Tabernacle, these were golden clasps used to join the two large sets of linen curtains that formed the inner wall, creating a unified and continuous structure. The _qereç_ highlights the divine design for unity and integrity within the sacred space, ensuring that the dwelling place was seamlessly assembled according to God's precise instructions.
* **sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden'_):** This word denotes a "basis" or "foundation." These were heavy bases, primarily made of silver for the upright boards and bronze for the pillars at the entrance. The _ʼeden_ provided stability and a firm foundation for the Tabernacle's walls and supporting structures. Their substantial weight and precious material underscore the importance of a secure and divinely ordained foundation for God's dwelling, symbolizing the stability and permanence of His presence despite the Tabernacle's portability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering":** This phrase refers to the layered structure of God's dwelling. "The tabernacle" (the _mishkân_) is the innermost sacred enclosure, comprising the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. "His tent" (the _ʼôhel_) refers to the outer tent structure of goat hair curtains that covered the _mishkân_, providing an additional layer of enclosure and protection. "His covering" (the _mikçeh_) denotes the outermost layers of ram skins dyed red and badger skins, which served as a durable, weather-resistant roof and protective shield against the elements, ensuring the sanctuary's integrity in the wilderness.
* **"his taches, and his boards":** "His taches" (the _qereç_) were the golden clasps that joined the inner linen curtains, creating a unified ceiling and wall for the sacred space. These small but crucial components ensured the structural integrity and aesthetic continuity of the Tabernacle's interior. "His boards" (the _qeresh_) were the upright planks of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, that formed the solid, freestanding walls of the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, providing the primary structural support for the entire sanctuary.
* **"his bars, his pillars, and his sockets":** "His bars" (the _bᵉrîyach_) were long wooden bars, also overlaid with gold, that passed through rings on the boards, holding them together and providing rigidity to the walls. "His pillars" (the _ʻammûwd_) were freestanding columns, typically of acacia wood overlaid with gold, used to support the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, and also at the entrance to the Holy Place. "His sockets" (the _ʼeden_) were the heavy silver or bronze bases into which the boards and pillars were set, providing the essential stability and foundation for the entire structure, ensuring it remained upright and secure.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:11 employs several literary devices to convey the significance and meticulousness of the Tabernacle's construction. The primary device is **Merism**, where a comprehensive list of distinct parts ("tabernacle, his tent, his covering, his taches, his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets") represents the totality of the structure. This detailed enumeration emphasizes the completeness and precision of God's design, indicating that no component, no matter how small, was overlooked or insignificant in the divine blueprint. This exhaustive listing also highlights **Repetition**, as these components were previously detailed in God's initial instructions to Moses (e.g., [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Tabernacle Construction Details")), reinforcing the divine origin and unchangeable nature of the blueprint. Furthermore, each item in the list carries **Symbolism**, pointing beyond its physical function to deeper spiritual truths. For instance, the "sockets" symbolize the firm foundation of God's presence, while the "taches" represent the unity and integrity required in approaching God. The verse's precise and systematic cataloging reflects God's divine orderliness and His demand for exact obedience in matters of worship and sacred space.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:11, by detailing the components of the Tabernacle, underscores several profound theological and thematic connections. Foremost is the theme of God's immanence and His desire to dwell among His people. The Tabernacle was not merely a building but a tangible symbol of God's covenant presence, a place where His glory would reside and where atonement could be made. The meticulousness of the divine blueprint, evident in the specific listing of every board, bar, and socket, teaches the importance of divine order, precision, and obedience in worship and service. It reveals that God is a God of detail, and that every aspect of His will is significant. This also highlights the communal effort required, as the entire nation participated in bringing these materials and skills to construct God's dwelling, emphasizing unity and shared purpose in serving the Lord.

* [Exodus 26:1-37](/exodus/26-1-37 "Exodus 26:1-37 - Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle") - Provides the initial, highly detailed divine instructions for the very components listed in Exodus 35:11, demonstrating the unchanging nature of God's blueprint.
* [Exodus 40:1-38](/exodus/40-1-38 "Exodus 40:1-38 - Erection and Consecration of the Tabernacle") - Describes the successful completion and erection of the Tabernacle according to all the specific instructions, culminating in the glory of the Lord filling the dwelling, affirming the importance of obedience to divine design.
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1-10 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Sanctuary and Heavenly Reality") - Interprets the Tabernacle and its elements as "copies and shadows of the heavenly things," revealing their temporary nature and pointing to the superior reality of Christ's redemptive work and His ultimate fulfillment of all that the Tabernacle symbolized.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:11, with its precise inventory of Tabernacle components, offers rich ground for reflection and application in our modern lives. While we no longer construct a physical Tabernacle, the principles embedded in its design remain eternally relevant. This verse reminds us that God is a God of order, intentionality, and detail, and He desires that we approach Him with similar reverence and care. Just as every board, bar, and socket had a specific purpose and contributed to the integrity of God's dwelling, so too does every aspect of our lives, our gifts, and our acts of obedience contribute to building up God's spiritual house—the Church—and to manifesting His presence in the world. It calls us to consider our own "foundations" and "coverings" in faith, ensuring they are built according to God's design, not our own whims or preferences. The communal effort involved in the Tabernacle's construction also serves as a powerful reminder of the church as a body, where each member, with their unique contributions, is vital for the whole to function effectively and beautifully for God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of God's instructions for the Tabernacle challenge my own approach to worship and service?**
* **In what ways can I, as an individual believer, embody the "dwelling place" of God, and how does this relate to the "boards, bars, and sockets" of my spiritual life?**
* **How does the communal effort in building the Tabernacle inform my understanding of the Church's collective responsibility and the value of every member's contribution?**

### FAQ
**Why did God require such specific and detailed instructions for the Tabernacle?**

Answer: God required such specific and detailed instructions for the Tabernacle for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it underscored His absolute holiness and transcendence, demonstrating that His dwelling place could not be approached casually or according to human design but only on His terms. Secondly, the precision ensured the Tabernacle's structural integrity and symbolic purity, making it a fitting representation of His perfect order and character. Thirdly, the detailed blueprint served as a teaching tool, educating the Israelites about the nature of God, the seriousness of sin, and the necessity of atonement. Finally, it foreshadowed the ultimate fulfillment of these symbols in Christ, who perfectly embodied God's dwelling among humanity and provided the perfect sacrifice, as explained in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ the Mediator of a New Covenant").

**What is the difference between "tabernacle," "tent," and "covering" as mentioned in Exodus 35:11?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably in general discourse, within the context of the Tabernacle, these terms refer to distinct layers of the sacred structure. The "tabernacle" (Hebrew: _mishkân_) refers to the innermost, most sacred dwelling place itself, comprising the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place where God's presence resided. "His tent" (Hebrew: _ʼôhel_) refers to the large tent-like structure made of goat hair curtains that covered the _mishkân_, providing an additional layer of enclosure and protection, giving the entire structure the appearance of a large tent. "His covering" (Hebrew: _mikçeh_) refers to the outermost layers of animal skins (ram skins dyed red and badger skins) that provided durable, weather-resistant protection for the entire structure from the elements of the wilderness, as detailed in [Exodus 26:7-14](/exodus/26-7-14 "Exodus 26:7-14 - The Tent and Coverings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:11, with its meticulous listing of the Tabernacle's components, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, was a temporary and shadow-like representation of the ultimate reality of God's presence. Jesus, as [Immanuel ("God with us")](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us"), is the true and eternal Tabernacle, the very embodiment of God dwelling among humanity. Just as the Tabernacle was constructed with specific boards, bars, and sockets to form a unified structure, so too was Christ's humanity the perfect vessel through which the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - The Fullness of God in Christ")). He is the ultimate "tent" that God pitched among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), allowing us to behold His glory. The Tabernacle's purpose was to provide a means for sinful humanity to approach a holy God through sacrifice and priestly mediation; Christ, through His once-for-all sacrifice and His eternal priesthood, became the perfect and final access point to God ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). The physical components of the Tabernacle, painstakingly detailed in Exodus, ultimately point to the living, breathing reality of Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, through whom we now have confident access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")).

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

Exodus 26:1

¶ Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle [with] ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

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 36:8

¶ And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains [of] fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: [with] cherubims of cunning work made he them.

Exodus 36:34

And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings [of] gold [to be] places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Exodus 31:7

The tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that [is] thereupon, and all the furniture of the tabernacle,

Exodus 31:9

And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,