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 meticulously records a foundational step in the construction of the Tabernacle: the fabrication of its structural boards from shittim wood, erected upright. This concise verse underscores the precise execution of God's divine blueprint, highlighting the quality and stability required for the sacred dwelling place of His presence among the Israelites. It emphasizes the meticulous craftsmanship and the essential foundational elements that would ensure the integrity and portability of this unique sanctuary, reflecting both divine instruction and human obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:20 is situated within the detailed account of the Tabernacle's actual construction, immediately following the Israelites' generous contributions and the selection of divinely gifted craftsmen like [Bezalel and Oholiab](/exodus/35-30-34 "Exodus 35:30-34 - Bezalel and Oholiab Endowed with Skill"). The preceding chapters, beginning with [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Divine Instructions for the Tabernacle"), meticulously outline God's precise instructions for every component of the sanctuary. Chapters [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - The Call for Offerings and Workers") and [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction Begins") then narrate the enthusiastic response of the people and the skilled artisans in fulfilling these commands. This particular verse focuses on the initial, fundamental structural components—the solid walls—that would define the sacred space, preceding descriptions of the coverings, curtains, and furnishings. It illustrates 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 for His dwelling place.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle unfolded during Israel's forty-year nomadic journey through the arid Sinai desert. In this challenging environment, the choice of materials was critical. "Shittim wood," identified as acacia wood, was indigenous to the desert regions and possessed unique properties that made it exceptionally suitable for the Tabernacle's construction. It is renowned for its hardness, durability, resistance to decay, and imperviousness 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 paramount for a people constantly on the move, symbolizing God's dynamic presence accompanying them wherever they went. The boards, designed to stand upright and interlock, formed sturdy 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 divine command given in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Desire to Dwell Among Israel").

* **Key Themes:** This verse, though brief, contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Instruction and Human Obedience**, as the craftsmen meticulously follow God's detailed blueprint for the Tabernacle, demonstrating Israel's faithful response to divine command. It highlights the **Holiness of God and His Dwelling Place**, emphasizing that the materials and construction must be of the highest quality and integrity to house the divine presence. The durability of the shittim wood and the stability of the "standing up" boards speak to the **Steadfastness and Faithfulness of God**, whose presence among His people is enduring and secure, even in the transient wilderness. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Community Participation and Skillful Craftsmanship**, as the collective efforts of the Israelites, guided by divinely endowed artisans, bring God's vision to fruition, echoing the call for contributions in [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4-9 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Offerings for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213, this primitive root signifies "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In this context, it denotes the active, purposeful, and skilled creation of the boards by the craftsmen, underscoring their diligent and precise execution of God's instructions. It implies not just assembly but the entire process of preparation and fabrication.
* **boards (Hebrew, _qeresh'_):** From H7175, this term refers to a "slab or plank." These were not thin pieces but substantial, thick planks, likely rectangular and designed to interlock. They formed the primary vertical structural elements of the Tabernacle's walls, providing the essential solidity and framework for the entire edifice.
* **tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** From H4908, this word means "a residence" or "dwelling place," specifically referring to the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden walls). Its use here emphasizes that these boards were specifically for God's sacred dwelling, a consecrated space where His presence would reside among His people, distinguishing it from any ordinary tent or structure.
* **standing up (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** From H5975, this primitive root means "to stand, in various relations." As a participle here, it describes the vertical orientation and stable, upright position of the boards. This detail is crucial for visualizing the three-dimensional structure of the sanctuary, indicating that the boards formed the rigid, vertical walls, firmly set in place, likely anchored by silver sockets, ensuring the integrity and steadfastness of the divine dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made boards":** This clause identifies the agents and their action. "He" refers collectively to Bezalel, Oholiab, and the skilled artisans working under their direction, who were divinely empowered and dedicated to the task. Their "making" involved not just cutting, but shaping, refining, and preparing these substantial planks according to the precise divine specifications, demonstrating their obedience and craftsmanship.
* **"for the tabernacle":** This specifies the sacred purpose and destination of the crafted boards. They were not for any common construction but exclusively for the "Mishkan," the portable sanctuary designed as the dwelling place for God's presence among His people. This highlights the consecrated nature of the materials and the ultimate goal of creating a holy space for divine-human encounter.
* **"[of] shittim wood":** This identifies the specific material used—acacia wood (H7848, _shiṭṭâh_, combined with H6086, _ʻêts_, for "wood"). The choice of shittim wood was divinely ordained and highly significant due to its inherent qualities: exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to decay and insects. These properties made it perfectly suited for the Tabernacle's demanding desert environment and its intended longevity as a mobile sanctuary.
* **"standing up":** This describes the crucial orientation and stability of the boards. It emphasizes their vertical position, indicating that they formed the upright walls of the Tabernacle, rather than being laid horizontally or used in a different configuration. This detail is vital for understanding the structural integrity and visual appearance of the sanctuary, signifying the solidity and steadfastness of God's dwelling place.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 36:20 employs **Precision** in its concise description, reflecting the meticulous nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction. Every detail, from the specific material ("shittim wood") to the exact orientation ("standing up"), is specified, underscoring the divine blueprint's exactitude and the paramount importance of faithful execution. This precision implicitly highlights the profound **Symbolism** embedded within the Tabernacle's very structure. 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, unshakeable 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 unwavering and steadfast character of the God who chose to dwell within. Furthermore, the verse subtly uses **Synecdoche**, where "he made boards" represents the entire, complex process of construction overseen by Bezalel and Oholiab, with the boards being a crucial part that stands for the whole foundational work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:20, in its simple description of the Tabernacle's foundational boards, carries profound theological weight, speaking to the divine insistence on a solid and stable structure for His dwelling place. This reflects God's own unchanging and steadfast character, emphasizing that His presence among His people requires a foundation of integrity and endurance, built precisely according to His specifications. The meticulous crafting of these durable boards underscores the importance of order, obedience, and excellence 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, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ and the Church as His spiritual temple.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sturdy boards of the Tabernacle, crafted from resilient shittim wood and standing firmly upright, serve as a powerful metaphor for our individual spiritual lives and the collective body of Christ, 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 such as truth, righteousness, and genuine faith, or flimsy, temporary substitutes? Are we "standing up" firmly in our convictions, demonstrating steadfastness and integrity in the face of challenges, or are we easily swayed by worldly currents? 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 like His Word, prayer, community) am I actively using to build and strengthen my spiritual life?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I need to ensure a more "standing up" (stable, upright, unwavering) posture in my faith, ethics, and obedience to God?**
* **How does my personal commitment to God's "blueprint" (His revealed will and character) contribute to the overall stability, health, and spiritual integrity of the church, His dwelling place today?**

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

Answer: Shittim wood (acacia wood) was specifically chosen for several crucial reasons, both practical and symbolic. 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 remarkable 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 and transient environments, ensuring that His dwelling place was built to last.

**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, likely overlaid with gold, that interlocked together to form a rigid and stable enclosure for the sacred space. These foundational elements provided the necessary support for the various coverings and curtains that draped over them, effectively defining the holy place and the Most Holy Place within the sanctuary. Their design allowed for the Tabernacle to be a secure, yet portable, dwelling place for God's presence among His people, as meticulously detailed in [Exodus 26:15-25](/exodus/26-15-25 "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 the person of 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 powerfully declares that "the Word became flesh and [dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")," using a Greek word (ἐσκήνωσεν, _eskēnōsen_) that literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." 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, beautifully foreshadows Christ's incorruptible body and His eternal, unchanging 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 permanent and direct 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 and symbolize.

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 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.