Exodus 36:24

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.

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}.

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.

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

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

Exodus 36:24 continues the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction, focusing on a critical foundational element: the silver sockets for the wooden boards that formed the sanctuary's walls.

Context of Exodus 36:24

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Exodus (chapters 35-40) describing the actual building of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The specific instructions for these components were given by God to Moses earlier, particularly in Exodus 26:19-21. Craftsmen like Bezalel and Aholiab, gifted by God with wisdom and skill, meticulously followed these divine blueprints. The twenty boards mentioned here would have formed one side of the Tabernacle, requiring exactly forty silver sockets for stability.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Precision and Order: The meticulous detail in this verse underscores God's demand for order and perfection in His dwelling place. Every measurement and component, no matter how small, was vital to the overall structure and symbolic meaning.
  • Foundation and Stability: The silver sockets served as the heavy, solid bases for the acacia wood boards. They provided crucial stability, ensuring the walls of the holy sanctuary stood firm. This highlights the importance of a strong, divinely ordained foundation for anything built for God.
  • Sacrifice and Value: The silver for these sockets was likely derived from the half-shekel atonement money collected from every Israelite man (Exodus 30:11-16). This makes the foundation of the Tabernacle, God's dwelling, literally built upon the offering of His people, symbolizing both their redemption and their contribution to His presence.
  • Interconnectedness: Each board, with its two tenons, perfectly fit into two sockets, demonstrating how individual components, when properly joined, create a unified and strong whole.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "sockets" is adaním (אֲדָנִים), meaning "bases" or "foundations," clearly indicating their supportive role. The "boards" are kerashim (קְרָשִׁים), referring to the upright frames. The "tenons" are yadot (יָדוֹת), literally meaning "hands," suggesting the projections that gripped or held fast within the sockets, much like hands holding something securely.

Practical Application

Exodus 36:24 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as the Tabernacle required a solid and costly foundation, so too does our faith and Christian life. We are called to build upon the unshakeable foundation of Jesus Christ. This verse also reminds us that God cares about the details; our efforts in serving Him, no matter how small, contribute to His grand design and should be done with diligence and precision. Furthermore, the unity of the boards in their sockets can symbolize the church as a body, where each member, though distinct, is firmly rooted and interconnected, contributing to the overall stability and purpose of God's spiritual house.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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