Exodus 36:23

KJV

And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} boards {H7175} for the tabernacle {H4908}; twenty {H6242} boards {H7175} for the south {H5045} side {H6285} southward {H8486}:

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the planks for the tabernacle as follows: twenty planks for the south side, facing southward.

Berean Standard Bible

He constructed twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle,

American Standard Version

And he made the boards for the tabernacle: twenty boards for the south side southward;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:23 details the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle's foundational structure, specifically noting the creation of twenty acacia wood boards for the south side. This verse, seemingly a simple architectural detail, underscores the precise adherence of the craftsmen, Bezalel and Aholiab, to the divine blueprint given by God to Moses. It highlights God's demand for order, perfection, and holiness in the dwelling place He ordained for His presence among the Israelites in the wilderness, establishing the physical framework for His portable sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36 is situated within the larger narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, following the detailed instructions given by God on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Tabernacle Instructions") (Exodus 25-31) and preceding its final erection and dedication (Exodus 39-40). Chapter 36 specifically shifts from the divine command to the human execution, showcasing the skilled artisans, Bezalel and Aholiab, and the willing contributions of the Israelite community (Exodus 35:20-29). Verse 23, therefore, is a specific implementation of the architectural plans previously outlined in [Exodus 26:18](/exodus/26-18 "Exodus 26:18 - Tabernacle Boards for the South Side"), which explicitly states, "And for the south side southward there shall be twenty boards." This chapter emphasizes the faithfulness and diligence of the people in fulfilling God's exact specifications for His dwelling place.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as God's portable sanctuary, designed to accompany the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. In the ancient Near East, temples were common, but a portable, divinely designed dwelling was unique, symbolizing God's active presence and guidance among His chosen people. The materials, such as acacia wood (often referred to as "shittim wood"), were readily available in the desert environment and known for their durability, signifying the enduring nature of God's covenant. The meticulous detail, down to the number and orientation of each board, contrasted sharply with the often chaotic and anthropomorphic deities of surrounding cultures. This precision ensured the Tabernacle's structural integrity for transport and assembly, but more profoundly, it conveyed the absolute holiness and transcendent order of the God who condescended to dwell among His people, setting Him apart from pagan deities whose temples were often built according to human whims or local traditions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boards (Hebrew, _qerashim_):** This term refers to the sturdy, upright frames or planks that formed the main walls of the Tabernacle. These were not simple flat boards but meticulously crafted pieces of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, designed to interlock with tenons and sockets (Exodus 26:17-19) to create a robust, yet demountable, structure. The use of "boards" rather than "walls" emphasizes their modular nature, facilitating the Tabernacle's portability. The quality and precision of these components were paramount, as they bore the weight of the elaborate coverings and defined the sacred space.
* **Southward (Hebrew, _neg̣bah_):** This adverb reinforces the directional specification, emphasizing the exact orientation of these twenty boards. The repetition "south side southward" is not redundant but highlights the divine insistence on precise placement and spatial order within the Tabernacle's design. It underscores the systematic and symmetrical nature of God's blueprint, where every element had its designated place and purpose, contributing to the overall harmony and sacred geometry of the sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made boards for the tabernacle;":** This initial clause highlights the active role of Bezalel, Aholiab, and the skilled craftsmen (implied by "he made," referring to the collective effort under Bezalel's leadership, as seen in Exodus 36:1-2). The verb "made" (עָשָׂה, _'asah_) implies not just assembly but careful fabrication, involving cutting, shaping, and preparing the acacia wood according to precise dimensions. These "boards" were the foundational vertical elements that would support the entire structure, forming the sacred enclosure where God's presence would manifest.
* **"twenty boards for the south side southward:":** This specifies the exact quantity and precise orientation of the boards. The number "twenty" is not arbitrary but divinely ordained, ensuring structural integrity and symmetrical design across the Tabernacle's sides (Exodus 26:18, 20). The repetition "south side southward" emphasizes the meticulous adherence to the divine blueprint, leaving no room for human improvisation. This level of detail underscores God's sovereignty over every aspect of worship and His desire for order and perfection in the sanctuary dedicated to Him.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices, primarily **Repetition** and **Symbolism**. The phrase "south side southward" is a clear instance of repetition, serving to emphasize the exactitude and specificity of God's instructions and the craftsmen's obedience. This repetition reinforces the theme of divine order and the non-negotiable nature of the Tabernacle's design. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the "boards" themselves and the Tabernacle's construction. The acacia wood, durable and resistant to decay, symbolizes the enduring nature of God's covenant and His presence. The gold overlay, though not mentioned in this specific verse, is integral to the boards' final form (Exodus 26:29) and symbolizes divine glory, holiness, and preciousness. The very act of making these boards, according to a precise divine plan, symbolizes the structured and holy nature of God's relationship with His people, where every detail matters in the establishment of sacred space and proper worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:23, though focused on a seemingly mundane detail, profoundly illustrates God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God who is meticulous, orderly, and demands precision in worship and service. The construction of the Tabernacle, down to the number and placement of each board, underscores the principle that God's dwelling place, and by extension, our approach to Him, must conform to His divine will, not human preference. This commitment to exactitude signifies the holiness of God and the seriousness of encountering His presence. The collective effort involved in bringing these boards to fruition also highlights the importance of communal participation and the contribution of individual gifts to the corporate worship and mission of God's people.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Build according to the pattern") - "According to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it."
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Let all things be done decently and in order") - "Let all things be done decently and in order."
* [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as a Holy Temple") - "In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction, even in the specific mention of twenty boards for the south side, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and excellence, and He calls His people to reflect these attributes in their lives and service. Just as the craftsmen diligently followed every divine instruction, we are called to a life of obedient discipleship, recognizing that even the "small" details of our faith and conduct are significant in God's eyes. Our spiritual lives, our corporate worship, and our contributions to the body of Christ should be marked by intentionality and faithfulness to God's revealed will, rather than casual indifference or human expediency. This verse encourages us to consider how we are building our lives and our communities of faith, ensuring that every "board" and "component" aligns with God's divine blueprint for holiness and purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to disregard "small" details, and how might this reflect a lack of obedience or reverence for God's precise will?**
* **How does the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle challenge my understanding of God's character and His desire for order in my personal and corporate worship?**
* **Considering the collective effort in building the Tabernacle, what is my unique "board" or contribution to the spiritual temple of God today, and how faithfully am I fulfilling it?**

### FAQ
**Why was such precise detail, like the number of boards, necessary for the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The precise detail, including the exact number of twenty boards for the south side, was necessary for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated God's absolute sovereignty and meticulous nature. He is a God of order, not chaos, and His dwelling place reflected His perfect character. Secondly, it ensured the structural integrity and symmetry of the Tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary designed to be assembled and disassembled multiple times during the Israelites' journeys. Every piece had to fit perfectly. Thirdly, it underscored the holiness and uniqueness of God's presence. Unlike human-designed structures, the Tabernacle was built entirely according to a divine blueprint, emphasizing that worship and access to God must be on His terms, not ours, as seen in [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - The Pattern for the Tabernacle").

**What was the significance of the materials used for the boards, particularly acacia wood?**

Answer: The boards were made of acacia wood, also known as "shittim wood" (Exodus 26:15). This wood was significant because it was readily available in the wilderness where the Israelites were encamped. More importantly, acacia wood is exceptionally dense, durable, and resistant to decay and insects, making it an ideal material for a structure that needed to withstand the rigors of desert travel and last for decades. Its strength provided the necessary stability for the Tabernacle's walls. While not explicitly mentioned in Exodus 36:23, these acacia boards were then overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:29), symbolizing the preciousness, holiness, and divine glory of God's presence. The combination of durable earthly material and precious divine overlay perfectly represented the nature of God's dwelling among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, with its precisely measured boards forming the very walls of God's dwelling, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle was a temporary, physical structure where God condescended to dwell among His people, a shadow of the perfect reality to come. Just as the twenty boards formed the stable framework of the south side, Christ is the foundational "board" and cornerstone of God's eternal dwelling place, the Church (Ephesians 2:20). The divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, with its emphasis on exactitude and holiness, foreshadows God's perfect and unblemished plan of redemption realized in Christ. In Jesus, God's presence is no longer confined to a tent or temple, but He "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14), becoming the ultimate embodiment of God's dwelling with humanity. The portability of the Tabernacle, symbolized by its modular boards, hints at the universal reach of the Gospel, which is not confined to a single physical location but extends to all nations through Christ, building a spiritual temple comprised of believers from every tribe and tongue (1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 7:9). Thus, Exodus 36:23, in its detail about the Tabernacle's structure, points forward to the perfect, living temple that is Christ and His body, the Church.

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.