Exodus 35:11

Translation
King James Version
The tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and his sockets,
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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,
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Complete Jewish Bible
the tabernacle with its tent, covering, fasteners, planks, crossbars, posts and sockets;
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Berean Standard Bible
the tabernacle with its tent and covering, its clasps and frames, its crossbars, posts, and bases;
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American Standard Version
the tabernacle, its tent, and its covering, its clasps, and its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets;
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World English Bible Messianic
the tabernacle, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets;
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Geneva Bible (1599)
That is, the Tabernacle, that pauilion thereof, and his couering, and his taches and his boards, his barres, his pillars and his sockets,
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Young's Literal Translation
`The tabernacle, its tent, and its covering, its hooks, and its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets,
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See also
Exodus 26:1Exodus 26:37Exodus 36:8Exodus 36:34Exodus 31:7Exodus 31:9
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The Kingdom of Egypt in the Time of Moses
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In the KJVVerse 2,543 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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. It serves as a reiteration of the detailed specifications previously given to Moses on Mount Sinai, particularly those found in Exodus 26, 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 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). 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).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Tabernacle (Hebrew, mishkân', H4908): 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', H7165): 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', H134): 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), 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 - 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 - 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 - 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.

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.

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"), 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). He is the ultimate "tent" that God pitched among us (John 1:14), 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). 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).

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Commentary on Exodus 35 verses 1–19

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

It was said in general (Exo 34:32), Moses gave them in commandment all that the Lord has spoken with him. But, the erecting and furnishing of the tabernacle being the work to which they were now immediately to apply themselves, there is particular mention of the orders given concerning it.

I. All the congregation is summoned to attend (Exo 35:1); that is, the heads and rulers of the congregation, the representatives of the several tribes, who must receive instructions from Moses as he had received them from the Lord, and must communicate them to the people. Thus John, being commanded to write to the seven churches what had been revealed to him, writes it to the angels, or ministers, of the churches.

II. Moses gave them in charge all that (and that only) which God had commanded him; thus he approved himself faithful both to God and Israel, between whom he was a messenger or mediator. If he had added, altered, or diminished, he would have been false to both. But, both sides having reposed a trust in him, he was true to the trust; yet he was faithful as a servant only, but Christ as a Son, Heb 3:5, Heb 3:6.

III. He begins with the law of the sabbath, because that was much insisted on in the instructions he had received (Exo 35:2, Exo 35:3): Six days shall work be done, work for the tabernacle, the work of the day that was now to be done in its day; and they had little else to do here in the wilderness, where they had neither husbandry nor merchandise, neither food to get nor clothes to make: but on the seventh day you must not strike a stroke, no, not at the tabernacle-work; the honour of the sabbath was above that of the sanctuary, more ancient and more lasting; that must be to you a holy day, devoted to God, and not be spent in common business. It is a sabbath of rest. It is a sabbath of sabbaths (so some read it), more honourable and excellent than any of the other feasts, and should survive them all. A sabbath of sabbatism, so others read it, being typical of that sabbatism or rest, both spiritual and eternal, which remains for the people of God, Heb 4:9. It is a sabbath of rest, that is, in which a rest from all worldly labour must be very carefully and strictly observed. It is a sabbath and a little sabbath, so some of the Jews would have it read; not only observing the whole day as a sabbath, but an hour before the beginning of it, and an hour after the ending of it, which they throw in over and above out of their own time, and call a little sabbath, to show how glad they are of the approach of the sabbath and how loth to part with it. It is a sabbath of rest, but it is rest to the Lord, to whose honour it must be devoted. A penalty is here annexed to the breach of it: Whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death. Also a particular prohibition of kindling fires on the sabbath day for any servile work, as smith's work, or plumbers, etc.

IV. He orders preparation to be made for the setting up of the tabernacle. Two things were to be done: -

1.All that were able must contribute: Take you from among you an offering, Exo 35:5. The tabernacle was to be dedicated to the honour of God, and used in his service; and therefore what was brought for the setting up and furnishing of that was an offering to the Lord. Our goodness extends not to God, but what is laid out for the support of his kingdom and interest among men he is pleased to accept as an offering to himself; and he requires such acknowledgements of our receiving our all from him and such instances of our dedicating our all to him. The rule is, Whosoever is of a willing heart let him bring. It was not to be a tax imposed upon them, but a benevolence or voluntary contribution, to intimate to us, (1.) That God has not made our yoke heavy. He is a prince that does not burden his subjects with taxes, nor make them to serve with an offering, but draws with the cords of a man, and leaves it to ourselves to judge what is right; his is a government that there is no cause to complain of, for he does not rule with rigour. (2.) That God loves a cheerful giver, and is best pleased with the free-will offering. Those services are acceptable to him that come from the willing heart of a willing people, Psa 110:3.

2.All that were skilful must work: Every wise-hearted among you shall come, and make, Exo 35:10. See how God dispenses his gifts variously; and, as every man hath received the gift, so he must minister, Pe1 4:10. Those that were rich must bring in materials to work on; those that were ingenious must serve the tabernacle with their ingenuity; as they needed one another, so the tabernacle needed them both, Co1 12:7-21. The work was likely to go on when some helped with their purses, others with their hands, and both with a willing heart. Moses, as he had told them what must be given (Exo 35:5-9), so he gives them the general heads of what must be made (Exo 35:11-19), that, seeing how much work was before them, they might apply themselves to it the more vigorously, and every hand might be busy; and it gave them such an idea of the fabric designed that they could not but long to see it finished.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–19. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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