Exodus 36:22

KJV

One board had two tenons, equally distant one from another: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H259} board {H7175} had two {H8147} tenons {H3027}, equally distant {H7947} one {H259} from {H413} another {H259}: thus did he make {H6213} for all the boards {H7175} of the tabernacle {H4908}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There were two projections on each plank, and the planks were joined one to another. This is how he made all the planks for the tabernacle.

Berean Standard Bible

Two tenons were connected to each other for each frame. He made all the frames of the tabernacle in this way.

American Standard Version

Each board had two tenons, joined one to another: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:22 meticulously details a crucial element in the construction of the Tabernacle: the design of the wooden boards that formed its walls. Each board was crafted with two precisely spaced tenons, ensuring a secure and stable interlocking system. This verse underscores the divine demand for exactness and order in God's dwelling place, highlighting the faithful execution of the divinely revealed blueprint by the skilled craftsmen, Bezalel and Aholiab.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36 continues the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, following the detailed instructions given by God in earlier chapters (primarily [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions")). Specifically, [Exodus 36:8-38](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle") describes the making of the Tabernacle's framework, including the curtains, coverings, and the wooden boards. Verses 20-34 focus on the boards themselves, detailing their material (acacia wood), dimensions, and the silver sockets into which the tenons would fit. This particular verse, [Exodus 36:22](/exodus/36-22 "Exodus 36:22 - Boards with Tenons"), is part of a larger section describing the structural integrity and interlocking mechanism of these foundational elements, emphasizing the meticulous adherence to God's blueprint for a portable, yet robust, sanctuary.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was God's provisional dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a tangible sign of His presence (as described in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")). Its construction was a monumental undertaking, requiring vast resources and skilled labor, all provided by the freewill offerings of the people (see [Exodus 35:4-29](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings for the Tabernacle")). The precise specifications for the boards, including the tenons and their spacing, were essential for the Tabernacle's portability and stability. In a nomadic context, a structure that could be easily dismantled, transported, and reassembled without compromising its integrity was paramount. The detailed instructions, down to the "equally distant" tenons, reflect not only divine architectural genius but also God's desire for order, beauty, and functional perfection in His sacred space, setting it apart from any human-devised structure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tenons (Hebrew, יָדוֹת _yadot_):** Literally meaning "hands," this term refers to the projecting pegs or tongues carved into the ends of the boards. The imagery of "hands" suggests their function as grasping or interlocking elements, providing a secure and stable connection. In the context of ancient carpentry, tenons were critical for joining pieces of wood without nails, creating a strong, mortise-and-tenon joint. Their presence on each board ensured that the Tabernacle's walls would stand firm and unified.
* **Boards (Hebrew, קְרָשִׁים _qerashim_):** These were the upright planks of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, that formed the main walls of the Tabernacle. They were the primary structural components, providing the enclosure for the holy space. The emphasis on their precise construction, including the tenons, highlights their foundational role in supporting the entire sanctuary and maintaining its divinely ordained dimensions and integrity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One board had two tenons":** This clause establishes the fundamental design feature of each individual Tabernacle board. Instead of a single tenon, which might allow for twisting or instability, the presence of two tenons provided a balanced and robust connection, preventing rotational movement and ensuring a firm fit into the corresponding silver sockets.
* **"equally distant one from another":** This phrase emphasizes the meticulous precision required in the craftsmanship. The exact, symmetrical spacing of the tenons was crucial for ensuring that each board would align perfectly with its neighbors and sit flush within the sockets. This detail speaks to the divine standard of order and perfection, where even seemingly minor measurements were vital for the overall structural integrity and aesthetic harmony of the sacred dwelling.
* **"thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.":** This concluding statement confirms the universal application of this design principle. Every single board, without exception, was fashioned with these two equally spaced tenons. It highlights the consistency and uniformity in the construction, ensuring that the entire Tabernacle structure was built to the same exacting divine specifications, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to order and His expectation of faithful obedience from His builders.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Precision** and **Repetition** to underscore the meticulous nature of the Tabernacle's construction. The phrase "equally distant one from another" exemplifies the divine demand for exactness, reflecting God's character as a God of order and detail. This precision is not merely functional but also symbolic, pointing to the perfect and unblemished nature of the divine presence the Tabernacle was meant to house. **Symbolism** is also evident in the tenons themselves, which, as "hands" (_yadot_), symbolize the secure, interlocking unity and stability required for God's dwelling place. The consistent application, "thus did he make for all the boards," uses **Repetition** to emphasize the uniformity and universal adherence to the divine blueprint, reinforcing the theme of faithful obedience and the comprehensive nature of God's design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:22, in its detailed description of the Tabernacle boards, speaks profoundly to God's character as a God of order, precision, and intentionality. Every detail, no matter how small, was divinely specified and critical to the sanctuary's integrity and function. This reflects a theological truth: God cares about the specifics, not just the generalities, in His plans and in our lives. The interlocking tenons symbolize unity and stability, essential for a sacred space that would represent God's presence among a unified people. This foreshadows the New Testament concept of the church as a spiritual building, perfectly joined together.

* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")
* [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as Cornerstone, Church as Building")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Tabernacle as a Copy of Heavenly Things")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail in Exodus 36:22, focusing on the tenons of the Tabernacle boards, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of infinite detail, whose plans are executed with perfect precision. This should inspire us to approach our own lives and service with diligence, recognizing that even the seemingly small components of our obedience and faithfulness contribute to the larger, divinely ordained structure of His kingdom. Just as each board, with its perfectly crafted tenons, was essential for the stability and unity of the Tabernacle, so too are individual believers, with their unique gifts and callings, vital for the health and strength of the Church, the living temple of God. Our interconnectedness, when rooted in God's design, creates a robust and unified witness to His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to overlook "small" details, and how might a greater attention to precision honor God?**
* **How does the concept of "equally distant" tenons relate to the importance of unity and proper alignment within the body of Christ today?**
* **What specific "boards" or foundational elements in my faith or service need to be more securely joined or aligned with God's blueprint?**

### FAQ
**Why did the Tabernacle boards need "two tenons, equally distant"?**

Answer: The requirement for two tenons, precisely spaced, was crucial for the structural integrity and stability of the Tabernacle walls. A single tenon might allow the board to twist or pivot, compromising the rigidity of the structure. Two tenons, especially when "equally distant," ensured that each board was firmly anchored and perfectly aligned within its silver sockets (mentioned in [Exodus 36:24](/exodus/36-24 "Exodus 36:24 - Boards and Sockets")). This design prevented lateral movement and maintained the exact dimensions and squareness of the sanctuary, which was essential for a portable dwelling that needed to be frequently dismantled and reassembled in the wilderness. It reflects God's demand for order and perfection in His sacred space, ensuring that everything was "according to the pattern" He showed Moses (as stated in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The precise construction of the Tabernacle, particularly the interlocking boards with their perfectly spaced tenons, serves as a powerful type foreshadowing the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity: Jesus Christ. While the Tabernacle was a temporary, physical structure housing God's presence, [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," using the Greek word _eskēnōsen_, which literally means "tabernacled" or "pitched His tent." Jesus is the true and perfect Tabernacle, the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, embodying divine precision and perfect unity. Just as the Tabernacle boards were perfectly joined, Christ perfectly unites divinity and humanity in His person. Furthermore, this imagery extends to the Church, which is described as a spiritual temple built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone (as seen in [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as Cornerstone, Church as Building")). Believers are "living stones" (from [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones")) perfectly fitted together by the Spirit, reflecting the divine order and unity first seen in the Tabernacle's meticulous design, all centered on Christ, our perfect High Priest and the substance of all these shadows (as explained in [Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the Greater Tabernacle")).

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.