Exodus 36:21

KJV

The length of a board [was] ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half.

KJV (with Strong's)

The length {H753} of a board {H7175} was ten {H6235} cubits {H520}, and the breadth {H7341} of a board {H7175} one {H259} cubit {H520} and a half {H2677}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each plank was fifteen feet long and two-and-a-quarter feet wide.

Berean Standard Bible

Each frame was ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide.

American Standard Version

Ten cubits was the length of a board, and a cubit and a half the breadth of each board.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:21 meticulously details the dimensions of the wooden boards forming the structural framework of the Tabernacle, specifying each board's length as ten cubits and its breadth as one and a half cubits. This verse highlights the precise execution of God's divine blueprint, underscoring the craftsmanship and faithful adherence to the heavenly pattern for the portable sanctuary where the Lord would dwell among His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:21 is situated within the larger narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically detailing the implementation of the divine instructions received by Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31). Following the people's generous freewill offerings (Exodus 35:20-29) and the appointment of skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab (Exodus 35:30-35), chapter 36 transitions from the *command* to the *commencement* of the work. Verses 8-38 of Exodus 36 describe the construction of the Tabernacle's core components: the curtains, coverings, and the very boards mentioned in this verse. These dimensions directly correspond to the initial divine specifications given in [Exodus 26:16](/exodus/26-16 "Exodus 26:16 - Tabernacle Board Specifications"), emphasizing the unwavering fidelity of the builders to God's precise design. This section serves as a testament to the meticulousness required for sacred worship and the physical manifestation of God's presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship for the Israelites during their nomadic journey through the wilderness, a tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among His people. In the ancient Near East, temples were often seen as cosmic models, reflecting divine order. However, the Tabernacle's unique feature was its portability, designed for a people on the move, and its function as a dwelling for Yahweh who chose to reside *with* His people, not merely above them. The "cubit" (Hebrew: *ammah*) was a standard unit of measurement in the ancient world, typically based on the length of a forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, varying slightly but generally around 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). The consistency and precision of these measurements were crucial for the structural integrity and uniformity of the Tabernacle, ensuring that every piece fit together perfectly according to the "pattern shown... on the mountain" (as commanded in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern of the Tabernacle")). This attention to detail reflects a cultural understanding that sacred spaces must be constructed with utmost care and reverence, mirroring divine perfection.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Board (Hebrew, קרש, _qeresh_):** This term refers to the upright wooden frames or planks that formed the walls of the Tabernacle. These were not solid walls but a framework designed to be portable and interlocking. The use of acacia wood (*shittim wood*) for these boards, known for its durability and resistance to decay in arid climates, further underscores the practical and enduring nature of God's dwelling. The precision of their dimensions was vital for the stability and integrity of the entire structure.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, אמה, _'ammah_):** The standard unit of linear measurement. The specification of "ten cubits" for length (approximately 15-17.5 feet) and "one cubit and a half" for breadth (approximately 27-31.5 inches) was exact. This precise measurement highlights the divine origin of the design, leaving no room for human estimation or approximation. It signifies God's absolute sovereignty over the details of His worship and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The length of a board [was] ten cubits":** This clause specifies the height of the Tabernacle's walls. Each board, standing upright, would measure approximately 15 to 17.5 feet tall. This uniform height was critical for the structure's overall appearance and for supporting the various layers of curtains and coverings that formed the Tabernacle's roof and inner sanctum. The grandeur of this height would have been impressive in the wilderness setting.
* **"and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half":** This clause provides the width of each board. This dimension was crucial because the boards were designed to interlock with tenons and sockets, forming a continuous, stable wall. The consistent width ensured a tight fit and structural rigidity, preventing the walls from collapsing. This detail emphasizes the functional design, where every dimension served a specific purpose in the overall construction.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 36:21, and indeed throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative, is **Precision**. The exact numerical specifications for the boards' length and breadth are a testament to the meticulous detail of God's instructions. This precision is not merely functional; it is deeply symbolic. It conveys the divine demand for **Order** and **Perfection** in all things pertaining to God's dwelling and worship. The **Repetition** of these exact measurements from the initial commands in Exodus 26 to their execution in Exodus 36 reinforces the theme of faithful obedience to God's blueprint. This detailed enumeration also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the sacredness and significance of every component of the Tabernacle, underscoring that nothing in God's plan is arbitrary or left to chance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:21, with its precise dimensions, powerfully conveys God's character as a God of order, holiness, and intentionality. The meticulous detail required for the Tabernacle's construction reflects that God cares deeply about how His presence is honored and how His worship is conducted. This precision is not arbitrary but points to the divine perfection and the sacredness of the space where God chose to dwell among His people. It teaches that obedience to God's specific commands, even in seemingly small details, is paramount in serving Him. The Tabernacle, built to exact specifications, prefigures a greater reality: God's desire to dwell perfectly among humanity.

* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Copy and Shadow of Heavenly Things")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God of Order")
* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern of the Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The exacting measurements of the Tabernacle boards in Exodus 36:21 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers. God's meticulous attention to every detail in His dwelling place reminds us that He is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. This should inspire us to approach our own lives, our worship, and our service to Him with similar care and faithfulness. Just as the craftsmen adhered strictly to the divine blueprint, we are called to live in obedience to God's Word, recognizing that our lives, individually and corporately as the Church, are now a spiritual dwelling for His Spirit. This verse challenges us to consider if we are building our "spiritual house" (our character, our ministries, our communities) according to God's perfect design, or if we are cutting corners and relying on our own estimations. It encourages us to pursue excellence, integrity, and careful adherence to biblical principles in all that we do, knowing that God values faithfulness in the "small" details as much as in the grand plans.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge or affirm your understanding of His character?**
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to greater precision or faithfulness in following His "blueprint" or commands?**
* **How does the concept of God desiring to dwell among His people, as seen in the Tabernacle's construction, resonate with your understanding of the Church today as God's spiritual dwelling?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific dimensions so important?**

Answer: The specific dimensions of the Tabernacle boards are crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they demonstrate the divine origin of the design; God, as the ultimate architect, provided precise measurements, leaving no room for human improvisation (as seen in [Exodus 26:16](/exodus/26-16 "Exodus 26:16 - Tabernacle Board Specifications")). This underscores His sovereignty and the sacredness of His dwelling. Secondly, these exact measurements were essential for the structural integrity and stability of the portable sanctuary. Every board had to fit perfectly to support the heavy coverings and maintain the Tabernacle's form during assembly and disassembly. Finally, the precision itself carries symbolic weight, representing God's perfect order, holiness, and His expectation of faithful obedience from those who serve Him.

**What is a "cubit" and why is it used here?**

Answer: A "cubit" (Hebrew: *ammah*) was a common ancient unit of linear measurement, typically defined as the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length could vary slightly depending on the region and period (ranging from approximately 18 to 21 inches or 45 to 53 centimeters), it was a widely understood and practical unit for construction in the ancient Near East. It is used here because it was the standard unit of measurement for the Israelites and the surrounding cultures, making the divine instructions clear and actionable for the craftsmen responsible for building the Tabernacle. Its use highlights the practical nature of God's instructions, communicated in terms familiar to His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise dimensions of the Tabernacle boards, forming the very structure of God's dwelling among His people, find their ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, with its meticulous design, was a temporary and shadow-like dwelling, pointing forward to the perfect and permanent reality of God's presence. Jesus is the true "Tabernacle" (or "tent") among us, for in Him, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the Tabernacle boards were perfectly crafted according to a divine blueprint, Christ's humanity was perfectly formed and lived in absolute obedience to the Father's will, embodying divine perfection in every aspect of His life and ministry ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). He is the ultimate foundation and cornerstone, the one upon whom the spiritual temple, the Church, is built ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). The Tabernacle's purpose was to facilitate God's presence and atonement; Christ, through His perfect sacrifice, not only made atonement but also made it possible for God to dwell *within* believers through the Holy Spirit, transforming us into living temples ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the physical precision of Exodus 36:21 foreshadows the spiritual perfection and eternal dwelling found in Christ, Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")).

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.