Exodus 36:24

KJV

And forty sockets of silver he made under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

KJV (with Strong's)

And forty {H705} sockets {H134} of silver {H3701} he made {H6213} under the twenty {H6242} boards {H7175}; two {H8147} sockets {H134} under one {H259} board {H7175} for his two {H8147} tenons {H3027}, and two {H8147} sockets {H134} under another {H259} board {H7175} for his two {H8147} tenons {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made forty silver sockets under the twenty planks, two sockets under one plank for its two projections and two sockets under another plank for its two projections.

Berean Standard Bible

with forty silver bases to put under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon.

American Standard Version

and he made forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:24 meticulously details the construction of the Tabernacle's foundational elements, specifically the forty silver sockets crafted to support the twenty acacia wood boards that formed the sanctuary's walls. This verse underscores the precise execution of God's divine blueprint, emphasizing the critical role of these heavy silver bases in providing stability and structure for the portable dwelling place, with each board perfectly secured by its two tenons fitting into two corresponding sockets.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Exodus chapters 35-40, which meticulously recounts the actual construction and erection of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments. Following the detailed divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai in earlier chapters (particularly [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions")), chapters 35-39 describe the people's willing contributions and the skilled artisans' faithful execution of the work. Chapter 36, in particular, focuses on the construction of the Tabernacle's structural components, including the curtains, frames, and bases. Verse 24 specifically addresses the foundational elements for the north and south sides of the sanctuary, building upon the description of the boards themselves in [Exodus 36:20-23](/exodus/36-20 "Exodus 36:20-23 - Construction of the Tabernacle Boards"). The meticulous detail highlights the direct fulfillment of God's commands, ensuring every part of the sacred dwelling was precisely as ordained.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during the Israelites' wilderness journey, a pivotal period following their liberation from Egyptian bondage. As a nomadic people, a portable sanctuary was essential for maintaining God's presence among them. The materials, including the silver for these sockets, were largely derived from the freewill offerings of the people, and significantly, the silver for the sockets came from the half-shekel atonement money collected from every Israelite man aged twenty and above, as commanded in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money"). This made the very foundation of God's dwelling place literally built upon the redemption offerings of His people, symbolizing their collective participation and atonement. The skilled craftsmen, like Bezalel and Oholiab, were divinely endowed with wisdom and understanding for this sacred task, ensuring the highest standards of artistry and precision were met in accordance with the divine architectural plans revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, as detailed in [Exodus 26:19-21](/exodus/26-19 "Exodus 26:19-21 - Original Instructions for Tabernacle Sockets"). The use of heavy silver sockets for stability was crucial for a structure designed to be disassembled, transported, and reassembled repeatedly.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _'ădānîm'_):** This term refers to the heavy, cast silver bases or pedestals into which the wooden boards of the Tabernacle were inserted. The plural form emphasizes their collective function as a foundational support system. Their substantial weight (each socket weighing a talent, or approximately 75 pounds, as inferred from the total silver used for them in [Exodus 38:27](/exodus/38-27 "Exodus 38:27 - Silver for the Sockets")) was crucial for the stability of the sanctuary walls, anchoring the upright boards firmly against the desert winds and the movements of the camp. They were the literal "feet" upon which the Tabernacle stood.
* **Boards (Hebrew, _qerāšîm'_):** These were the upright frames or planks of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, that formed the walls of the Tabernacle. Each board was carefully crafted with two tenons at its base, designed to fit precisely into the silver sockets. Their construction and arrangement, as described in previous verses, created a rigid and self-supporting structure when combined with the connecting bars.
* **Tenons (Hebrew, _yādōt'_):** Literally meaning "hands," these were the projections or pegs at the bottom of each acacia wood board. The use of "hands" suggests their gripping or holding function, as they were designed to be inserted firmly into the corresponding mortises within the silver sockets. This interlocking mechanism ensured a secure and stable connection between the wooden walls and their heavy silver foundations, allowing the entire structure to stand firm.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And forty sockets of silver he made under the twenty boards;":** This clause specifies the quantity and material of the foundational elements. For the twenty boards forming one side of the Tabernacle (either north or south), a total of forty silver sockets were required. The "he" refers to Bezalel and the skilled craftsmen working under his direction, meticulously following the divine instructions. This highlights the precise numerical requirement for the Tabernacle's stability.
* **"two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.":** This elaborates on the specific arrangement, clarifying that each of the twenty boards was supported by two distinct silver sockets. Each board had two tenons (projections) at its base, and these tenons were designed to fit into the two individual sockets. This design ensured maximum stability and an even distribution of weight, creating a robust and immovable wall system for the sacred dwelling. The repetition of "two sockets...two tenons" emphasizes the perfect fit and interlocking nature of these components.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs **Precision** and **Repetition** to underscore the meticulous nature of the Tabernacle's construction. The exact numbers ("forty sockets," "twenty boards," "two sockets," "two tenons") are not merely descriptive but prescriptive, highlighting God's demand for absolute accuracy in the execution of His divine blueprint. This precision serves to emphasize the holiness and order inherent in God's dwelling place. Furthermore, the **Symbolism** of the silver sockets is profound. Silver, often associated with redemption and purification in the Old Testament, was derived from the atonement money. Thus, the very foundation of the Tabernacle, God's dwelling among His people, was built upon the collective offerings of atonement, symbolizing that God's presence is established on the basis of redemption and sacrifice. The heavy, unmovable nature of the sockets also symbolizes **Stability** and **Endurance**, representing the firm and unchanging foundation upon which God's covenant relationship with His people rests.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:24 powerfully illustrates several key theological themes. Firstly, it emphasizes God's absolute demand for **holiness and order** in His dwelling place. Every detail, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, was divinely specified and meticulously executed, reflecting God's perfect nature and His desire for a sanctuary that perfectly mirrored His glory and purity. Secondly, the silver sockets, derived from the atonement money, underscore the theme of **redemption as the basis for God's presence**. The very foundation of the Tabernacle was built upon the collective offering for atonement, signifying that access to God's presence is predicated on reconciliation and sacrifice. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice that would establish a new and living way into God's presence. Finally, the interconnectedness of the boards and sockets speaks to **unity and stability**. Each component, though distinct, was essential and perfectly fitted to create a strong, unified structure, symbolizing the corporate nature of God's people, where each member contributes to the strength and purpose of the whole.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary")
* [Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - The Atonement Money for the Tabernacle Service")
* [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ as the Only Foundation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail in Exodus 36:24 serves as a profound reminder that God cares deeply about the foundations upon which things are built, whether physical structures or spiritual lives. Just as the Tabernacle required heavy, costly, and precisely fitted silver sockets for its stability, so too does our faith and Christian walk require a firm and divinely ordained foundation. This verse calls us to examine the "sockets" of our lives – the core beliefs, values, and commitments that support our spiritual structure. Are they solid, weighty, and derived from a place of redemption and sacrifice? It encourages us to build with diligence and precision, recognizing that even the seemingly small details of obedience and faithfulness contribute to the overall strength and integrity of our walk with God. Furthermore, the unity of the boards and sockets can inspire us to value the interconnectedness within the body of Christ, where each member, firmly rooted in the truth, contributes to the stability and collective witness of God's spiritual house.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "foundations" are you building your life upon, and are they as solid and weighty as the silver sockets of the Tabernacle?**
* **How does the detail and precision in this verse speak to the importance of diligence and faithfulness in your own service to God?**
* **In what ways does your personal "atonement money" – your redeemed life – contribute to the stability and presence of God in your community or church?**

### FAQ
**Why were the sockets made of silver and not gold, given that gold was used for so much of the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The use of silver for the sockets, rather than gold, is highly significant. While gold symbolized divinity, purity, and glory, silver in the Old Testament was often associated with redemption, atonement, and payment. The silver for these sockets was specifically derived from the half-shekel atonement money collected from every Israelite man (as detailed in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money")). This means the very foundation of God's dwelling place among His people was literally built upon the collective offerings of atonement, emphasizing that God's presence is established on the basis of redemption and the reconciliation of His people. It powerfully symbolizes that access to God is granted through a payment for sin, foreshadowing the ultimate redemption found in Christ.

**What is the significance of "two sockets under one board for his two tenons"?**

Answer: This specific detail emphasizes the extreme stability and precision required for the Tabernacle's structure. Each board, forming part of the sanctuary wall, had two tenons (projections) at its base. These two tenons fit into two separate, heavy silver sockets. This dual support system provided unparalleled stability, ensuring that the walls of the holy dwelling were firmly anchored and could withstand the elements and the rigors of being transported. It highlights God's demand for a perfectly stable and secure dwelling place, symbolizing the unshakeable nature of His presence and His covenant. It also illustrates the principle of strong, redundant support for a sacred purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 36:24, with its focus on the foundational silver sockets, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The heavy, costly silver sockets, derived from the atonement money, powerfully prefigure Jesus Christ as the ultimate and unshakeable foundation of God's dwelling among humanity. Just as the Tabernacle's stability rested entirely upon these sockets, so too does the spiritual house of God, the Church, rest upon Christ, the "chief cornerstone" ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). The silver, representing atonement, points directly to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, the once-for-all payment for sin that truly redeems and reconciles humanity to God ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Atoning Blood")). He is the true "atonement money" by which we gain access to God's presence. Furthermore, the perfect fit of the boards into their sockets symbolizes the believer's secure placement in Christ; we are firmly rooted and established in Him, the solid ground upon which our faith stands ([Colossians 2:7](/colossians/2-7 "Colossians 2:7 - Rooted and Built Up in Christ")). The meticulous precision of the Tabernacle's construction foreshadows the perfect work of Christ, who flawlessly fulfilled every divine requirement, establishing a new and living way for God to dwell with His people, not in a temporary tent, but in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:23](/john/14-23 "John 14:23 - God Dwells with Believers"); [1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")).

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.