Exodus 36:20

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Exodus 36:20 provides a concise but significant detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for God's presence among the Israelites. This verse focuses on the fundamental structural elements that would form the sacred dwelling place.

Context

This verse is found in the section of Exodus that describes the actual building of the Tabernacle, following the detailed instructions God gave Moses on Mount Sinai (starting in Exodus 25). Chapters 35 and 36 record the skilled artisans, particularly Bezalel and Aholiab, empowered by God's Spirit, carrying out the work with the materials generously contributed by the people. The "boards" mentioned here formed the sturdy, upright walls of the Tabernacle, serving as its primary support structure.

Key Themes

  • Divine Blueprint and Obedience: The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, including these specific boards, underscores the importance of following God's exact instructions. Every detail was divinely ordained.
  • Foundation and Stability: The boards from shittim wood were the very framework of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the firm and enduring nature of God's presence and covenant with His people.
  • God's Dwelling Place: The entire Tabernacle was designed to be a sacred space where God would dwell among the Israelites (Exodus 25:8), and these boards were essential for establishing that holy enclosure.

Linguistic Insights

The term "shittim wood" (Hebrew: עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים, 'atzei shittim') refers to acacia wood, which was readily available in the Sinai desert. This wood is renowned for its exceptional hardness, durability, and resistance to decay and insects, making it an ideal material for the structural components of a portable sanctuary exposed to harsh desert conditions. Its resilience ensured the Tabernacle's longevity. The phrase "standing up" (Hebrew: עַמְדִים, 'omdim') emphasizes their vertical and upright position, forming stable walls, rather than being laid flat.

Practical Application

Exodus 36:20 serves as a reminder that anything built for God's purposes requires a solid and enduring foundation. Just as the Tabernacle relied on strong, durable boards, our spiritual lives and endeavors must be built upon the firm ground of God's Word and His will. This verse also highlights the value of using our God-given skills and resources with precision and obedience to His instructions, contributing to a lasting work for His glory. It teaches us that God desires stability and order in that which represents Him, reflecting His own steadfast character.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 25:5

    And rams' skins dyed red, and badgers' skins, and shittim wood,

  • Exodus 25:10

    ¶ And they shall make an ark [of] shittim wood: two cubits and a half [shall be] the length thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height thereof.

  • Exodus 26:15

    ¶ And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle [of] shittim wood standing up.

  • Exodus 26:29

    And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings [of] gold [for] places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.

  • Exodus 40:18

    And Moses reared up the tabernacle, and fastened his sockets, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his pillars.

  • Exodus 40:19

    And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.

  • Deuteronomy 10:3

    And I made an ark [of] shittim wood, and hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tables in mine hand.
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