Exodus 36:20

KJV

And he made boards for the tabernacle [of] shittim wood, standing up.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} boards {H7175} for the tabernacle {H4908} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}, standing up {H5975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the upright planks of acacia-wood for the tabernacle.

Berean Standard Bible

Next, he constructed upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle.

American Standard Version

And he made the boards for the tabernacle, of acacia wood, standing up.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:20 details a crucial step in the construction of the Tabernacle, specifically the fabrication of the structural boards from shittim wood. This verse, though concise, highlights the meticulous adherence to God's divine blueprint, emphasizing the foundational elements that would form the sacred dwelling place for His presence among the Israelites. It underscores the precision and quality required for building something dedicated to the Lord, ensuring the stability and integrity of this portable sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:20 is situated within the narrative of the Tabernacle's actual construction, following the detailed divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, which began in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Chapters [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - The Call for Contributions and Craftsmen") and [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle") record the enthusiastic contributions of the Israelite community and the skilled craftsmanship of individuals like [Bezalel and Oholiab](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30 - Bezalel and Oholiab Chosen"), who were divinely empowered for this monumental task. This particular verse focuses on the initial, fundamental structural components, the solid walls that would define the sacred space, preceding the descriptions of the coverings, curtains, and furnishings. It demonstrates the systematic and orderly progression of the work, moving from the basic framework to the intricate details, all in faithful execution of God's precise commands.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's nomadic journey through the Sinai desert. In this arid environment, resources were scarce, yet God commanded the use of specific, high-quality materials. "Shittim wood," or acacia wood, was readily available in the desert regions and possessed unique properties that made it ideal for the Tabernacle's construction. It is exceptionally hard, durable, resistant to decay, and impervious to insects—qualities essential for a portable sanctuary exposed to harsh desert conditions and intended to last for generations. The concept of a mobile sanctuary was crucial for a people on the move, symbolizing God's presence accompanying them wherever they went. The boards, standing upright, formed the sturdy, interlocking walls that could be disassembled and reassembled, reflecting both the practical needs of a nomadic people and the enduring, yet adaptable, nature of God's covenant with them. This central place of worship served as a constant reminder of God's immanence and His covenant faithfulness in the midst of their wilderness wanderings, fulfilling the command given in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boards (Hebrew, _qerashim'_):** This term refers to the sturdy, upright planks or frames that formed the main walls of the Tabernacle. These were not mere thin planks but substantial wooden structures, likely interlocked with tenons and mortises and reinforced with gold overlays, designed to bear the weight of the coverings and create a secure, enclosed space. Their primary function was structural, providing the foundational stability for the entire sacred edifice.
* **Shittim wood (Hebrew, _'atzei shittim'_):** This specifies acacia wood, a material indigenous to the Sinai peninsula. Its selection was not arbitrary but divinely ordained, highlighting its practical suitability due to its exceptional durability, resistance to rot and insects, and its relatively straight grain, making it ideal for construction in a harsh desert environment. The use of this specific, resilient wood underscores God's provision and His desire for a lasting and well-built dwelling.
* **Standing up (Hebrew, _'omdim'_):** This participle emphasizes the vertical orientation and stable, upright position of the boards. It indicates that these boards formed the vertical walls of the Tabernacle, not a horizontal floor or roof. This detail is crucial for understanding the three-dimensional structure of the sanctuary, signifying the integrity and steadfastness of the divine dwelling place. It also implies a method of construction where the boards were set firmly in place, likely anchored by silver sockets, ensuring a rigid and secure framework.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made boards":** This phrase refers to Bezalel and the skilled craftsmen working under his direction, who meticulously crafted these essential structural components. The "he" is a collective reference to the divinely gifted artisans who executed God's blueprint with precision and dedication, demonstrating obedience and skillful labor.
* **"for the tabernacle":** This specifies the purpose and destination of these boards. They were not for any ordinary structure but for the "Mishkan" (Tabernacle), the portable sanctuary where God's presence would dwell among His people. This highlights the sacred nature of the work and the ultimate goal of creating a consecrated space for divine-human encounter.
* **"[of] shittim wood":** This identifies the material used—acacia wood. The choice of shittim wood was significant due to its inherent qualities of strength, durability, and resistance to decay, making it perfectly suited for the Tabernacle's demanding environment and its intended longevity as a mobile sanctuary.
* **"standing up":** This describes the orientation of the boards, emphasizing their vertical position as the walls of the Tabernacle. This detail is crucial for visualizing the structure, indicating that the boards were erected upright, forming a stable and enclosed space, rather than being laid flat or used in a different configuration. It speaks to the solidity and uprightness of God's dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Precision** in its description, reflecting the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction. Every detail, from the material ("shittim wood") to the orientation ("standing up"), is specified, underscoring the divine blueprint's exactitude and the importance of faithful execution. This precision implicitly highlights the **Symbolism** of the Tabernacle as a perfect, divinely ordained dwelling. The "boards standing up" from durable "shittim wood" symbolize the stability, strength, and enduring nature of God's presence and covenant with His people. They represent the firm foundation upon which God's relationship with Israel was built, a structure designed to withstand the rigors of the wilderness and endure through generations. The very solidity of these foundational elements points to the steadfastness of the God who dwells within.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:20, in its simple description of the Tabernacle's boards, carries profound theological weight. It speaks to the divine insistence on a solid and stable foundation for His dwelling place, reflecting His own unchanging and steadfast character. The Tabernacle, as God's physical presence among His people, required a structure of integrity and endurance, built according to His precise specifications. This emphasis on a meticulously crafted, durable foundation underscores the importance of order, obedience, and quality in all that is dedicated to God. It foreshadows the enduring nature of God's covenant and His desire to dwell securely with His people, a theme that reverberates throughout redemptive history.

* [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10 "1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - Christ the Foundation")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Apostles and Prophets")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - The Earthly Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sturdy boards of the Tabernacle, made from resilient shittim wood and standing firmly upright, serve as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual lives and the church as God's dwelling place today. Just as the Tabernacle required a solid, divinely specified foundation, our faith must be built upon the unshakeable truth of God's Word and the person of Jesus Christ. This verse calls us to examine the "boards" of our own spiritual framework: are they made of durable, God-given materials (truth, righteousness, faith) or flimsy substitutes? Are we "standing up" firmly in our convictions, or are we easily swayed? Furthermore, it reminds us that every contribution, no matter how seemingly mundane (like cutting wood), is vital when done in obedience to God's blueprint and for His glory. Our individual acts of faithfulness, built upon Christ, contribute to the stable and enduring spiritual temple that is the body of believers. We are called to build with integrity, precision, and a deep reverence for the One who desires to dwell among us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "shittim wood" (durable, God-given resources) am I using to build my spiritual life?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to ensure a more "standing up" (stable, upright) posture in my faith and obedience?**
* **How does my personal commitment to God's "blueprint" (His Word) contribute to the overall stability and health of the church, His dwelling place today?**

### FAQ
**Why was shittim wood (acacia wood) specifically chosen for the Tabernacle's boards?**

Answer: Shittim wood was chosen for several practical and symbolic reasons. Practically, it was abundant in the Sinai desert where the Israelites were sojourning, making it a readily available resource. More importantly, acacia wood is exceptionally dense, hard, and durable, known for its resistance to decay, insects, and the harsh desert climate. These qualities ensured the longevity and structural integrity of the portable Tabernacle, which needed to withstand frequent dismantling and reassembly, as well as exposure to the elements. Symbolically, its resilience could also represent the enduring nature of God's covenant and His steadfast presence, even in challenging environments.

**What was the primary function of these boards in the Tabernacle's structure?**

Answer: The boards served as the primary structural framework for the Tabernacle's walls. They were substantial, upright planks that interlocked together, forming a rigid and stable enclosure for the sacred space. These boards, likely overlaid with gold, provided the necessary support for the various coverings and curtains that draped over them, defining the holy and most holy places within the sanctuary. They were the foundational elements that gave the Tabernacle its shape and solidity, ensuring it could function as a secure dwelling place for God's presence among His people, as described in [Exodus 26:15-25](/exodus/26-15 "Exodus 26:15-25 - The Boards of the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Tabernacle, with its sturdy shittim wood boards "standing up," served as a profound type of God's desire to dwell among His people, a desire ultimately and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While the Tabernacle was a temporary, physical structure, its stability and meticulous construction pointed to the steadfastness of the God who would one day tabernacle among humanity in the person of His Son. John's Gospel declares that "the Word became flesh and [dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")," using a Greek word (ἐσκήνωσεν, _eskēnōsen_) that literally means "tabernacled." Just as the Tabernacle's boards provided its immovable foundation, Christ Himself is the ultimate and eternal foundation upon which God's true spiritual temple, the Church, is built ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). The durable shittim wood, resistant to decay, foreshadows Christ's incorruptible body and His eternal priesthood ([Hebrews 7:24](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24 - Christ's Unchanging Priesthood")). He is the true and perfect dwelling place of God, the one through whom we now have access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")), permanently establishing God's presence among His people in a way the physical Tabernacle could only anticipate.

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.