Exodus 36:25

KJV

And for the other side of the tabernacle, [which is] toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the other {H8145} side {H6763} of the tabernacle {H4908}, which is toward the north {H6828} corner {H6285}, he made {H6213} twenty {H6242} boards {H7175},

Complete Jewish Bible

For the second side of the tabernacle, to the north, he made twenty planks

Berean Standard Bible

For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, he made twenty frames

American Standard Version

And for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, he made twenty boards,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:25 details a specific aspect of the Tabernacle's construction, noting the creation of twenty boards for its north side. This verse is part of the meticulous record of the artisans' faithful execution of God's divine blueprint, emphasizing the precision and order inherent in the design of the portable sanctuary. It underscores the careful attention to every structural component required to establish a holy dwelling place for God amidst His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:25 is situated within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically from Exodus 35 through 40. Following the detailed divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31), this chapter describes the actual fabrication and assembly of the sanctuary. Chapter 35 outlines the call for offerings and the appointment of skilled craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab, who were "filled with the Spirit of God" to perform the work ([Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - God Empowers Bezalel and Oholiab")). Exodus 36 then transitions into the practical execution, starting with the receiving of materials and progressing through the making of the various components. Verse 25 specifically addresses the construction of the wooden framework, following the making of the curtains and coverings, and preceding the construction of the Veil and screen, as well as the furnishings. This particular verse, along with its counterparts for the south and west sides, highlights the systematic and sequential nature of the building process, ensuring every piece aligned with the divine specifications laid out in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle's Structure and Coverings").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during the Israelites' nomadic journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. As a mobile people, they required a portable sanctuary that could be dismantled, transported, and reassembled. This nomadic existence profoundly influenced the design of the Tabernacle, making its wooden framework, including the twenty boards, crucial for its structural integrity and portability. Unlike the fixed, monumental temples of surrounding pagan nations, the Tabernacle symbolized God's dynamic presence "dwelling" (from the Hebrew root _shakan_, related to _mishkan_ or "Tabernacle") among His people wherever they went. The meticulous detail in the instructions and their execution, down to the exact number of boards, communicated God's absolute holiness, His desire for ordered worship, and His covenant faithfulness. This divine precision also served to distinguish the worship of Yahweh from the often chaotic and arbitrary practices of idolatrous cults, emphasizing that God's presence was not subject to human whims but established on His perfect, revealed will. The craftsmen, endowed with divine skill and wisdom, were not merely artisans but instruments of God's redemptive plan, building the very place where atonement would be made and God's glory would manifest.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boards (Hebrew, _qeresh'_):** This term (קֶרֶשׁ) refers to a plank, board, or frame. In the context of the Tabernacle, these were not mere decorative elements but substantial, structural components made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Each board was precisely dimensioned (10 cubits high, 1.5 cubits wide, [Exodus 26:16](/exodus/26-16 "Exodus 26:16 - Dimensions of the Tabernacle Boards")) and equipped with two tenons at its base, designed to fit into silver sockets. The use of "boards" emphasizes the solid, foundational nature of the Tabernacle's walls, providing the necessary framework to support the heavy coverings and define the sacred space. Their construction from durable acacia wood, a material resistant to decay, further underscores the enduring nature of God's presence and covenant.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkan'_):** The word (מִשְׁכָּן) literally means "dwelling place" or "residence." It is derived from the verb _shakan_ (שָׁכַן), "to dwell." This term is central to understanding the purpose of the entire structure: it was God's earthly abode among His people. The "boards" formed the very walls of this dwelling, facilitating the physical manifestation of God's presence (the Shekinah glory) in the midst of Israel. The naming itself highlights the intimate desire of God to reside with humanity, a theme that reverberates throughout biblical theology.
* **North Corner (Hebrew, _tsaphon'_):** The specific mention of "north corner" (צָפֹון) highlights the extreme precision and order demanded by God for the Tabernacle's construction. This was not a general instruction but a detailed blueprint for each side. The Tabernacle was oriented with its entrance to the east, making the north and south sides the long walls, each requiring a specific number of boards. This meticulous directional detail ensures symmetry and structural integrity, reflecting God's character of order and His expectation for exact obedience in worship and service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the other side of the tabernacle":** This phrase indicates that the verse is describing one of the two long walls of the Tabernacle, distinguishing it from the shorter western (rear) wall or the eastern (entrance) side. The Tabernacle's overall dimensions were 30 cubits long by 10 cubits wide, meaning the long sides were the primary structural components.
* **"[which is] toward the north corner":** This specifies the exact orientation of the side being constructed. The Tabernacle was typically set up with its entrance facing east, so this refers to the long wall on the northern flank of the structure. This level of detail confirms that the builders were following a precise, divinely revealed architectural plan, leaving no room for human improvisation regarding the sanctuary's form or orientation.
* **"he made twenty boards":** This clause provides the exact number of structural boards required for the north wall. According to [Exodus 26:18](/exodus/26-18 "Exodus 26:18 - Specification for the North Side Boards"), the north side was indeed to have twenty boards. Each board was 1.5 cubits wide, so twenty boards would span 30 cubits, perfectly matching the specified length of the Tabernacle. This numerical precision underscores the divine origin of the design and the faithful obedience of the craftsmen in its execution, ensuring the Tabernacle's stability and adherence to God's sacred dimensions.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device evident in Exodus 36:25, and indeed throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative, is **Precision and Detail**. The verse's exact enumeration of "twenty boards" for the "north corner" exemplifies the meticulousness with which God provided the blueprints for His dwelling place. This level of specificity is not merely descriptive; it is prescriptive, emphasizing that every component, no matter how seemingly small, was vital to the whole and had a divine purpose. This **Formulaic Language** is repeated for each side of the Tabernacle, reinforcing the divine origin and the non-negotiable nature of the instructions. Furthermore, the boards themselves carry **Symbolism**. Made of incorruptible acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, they symbolize the enduring, pure, and glorious nature of God's presence. As the foundational structure, they represent the stability and steadfastness of God's covenant with His people, forming the very framework within which divine-human encounter would take place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:25, in its precise description of the Tabernacle's structure, highlights several profound theological themes. Foremost is God's unwavering desire to dwell among His people. The very act of constructing a portable sanctuary, with every board and curtain meticulously crafted, demonstrates God's initiative to bridge the gap between His holiness and humanity's sinfulness, providing a designated space for encounter and atonement. This divine blueprint also underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in worship; the Israelites' diligent adherence to the exact specifications reflects their commitment to God's revealed will. The order and precision in the Tabernacle's design speak to God's character—He is a God of order, beauty, and intentionality, demanding excellence and holiness in all aspects of worship.

* [Exodus 26:18](/exodus/26-18 "Exodus 26:18 - Divine Instruction for the North Side Boards")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Tabernacle and its Furnishings")
* [1 Kings 6:2](/1_kings/6-2 "1 Kings 6:2 - Dimensions of Solomon's Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail found in Exodus 36:25, describing the precise number of boards for the Tabernacle's north side, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, intentionality, and excellence. His attention to every structural component of His dwelling place challenges us to consider the intentionality and integrity of our own spiritual lives and communal worship. Just as these boards formed the stable framework for God's presence, our lives are called to be foundational elements in God's spiritual temple, the Church. Each believer, like a carefully crafted board, has a specific place and purpose, contributing to the strength, stability, and beauty of the collective body of Christ. This passage encourages us to pursue faithfulness in the "small" details of our obedience, recognizing that every act of devotion, every commitment to truth, and every step of discipleship contributes to building a dwelling place for God's Spirit in and through us. It also invites us to reflect on the nature of our "sacred space"—whether our personal devotional life or our corporate gatherings—asking if they reflect the divine order and holiness that God desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulousness in the Tabernacle's design challenge our approach to spiritual disciplines and the details of our faith?**
* **In what ways can we ensure our "spiritual dwelling" (our personal lives, our families, our church community) is built according to God's precise will and not our own preferences?**
* **How does the stability and enduring nature of the Tabernacle's construction, symbolized by these boards, reflect the steadfastness of God's presence in our lives today?**

### FAQ
**Why were exactly twenty boards needed for the north side?**

Answer: The number twenty boards for the north side (and the south side) was precisely specified by God in His architectural blueprint for the Tabernacle, as recorded in [Exodus 26:18](/exodus/26-18 "Exodus 26:18 - Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle's North Side Boards"). Each board was 1.5 cubits wide, and the Tabernacle's long sides were designed to be 30 cubits in length. Therefore, 20 boards multiplied by 1.5 cubits per board equals 30 cubits, ensuring the exact dimensions and structural integrity of the sacred tent. This precision underscores the divine origin of the design and the necessity of exact obedience in its construction, leaving no room for human estimation or deviation.

**What was the significance of the materials used for these boards (acacia wood, gold overlay, silver sockets)?**

Answer: The materials used for the Tabernacle boards carried significant symbolic meaning. The core of the boards was **acacia wood** (often called shittim wood), which was readily available in the wilderness and known for its durability and resistance to decay. This symbolized the enduring, incorruptible nature of God's covenant and His eternal presence. The **gold overlay** on the boards represented God's divine glory, purity, and preciousness. Gold was the most valuable metal, signifying the sanctity and majesty of God's dwelling place. The boards rested in **silver sockets**, which were made from the atonement money collected from every Israelite (half a shekel, as described in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money")). This meant that the very foundation of God's dwelling place among His people was rooted in redemption and atonement, symbolizing that access to God was made possible through a sacrificial offering for sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, down to the twenty boards for its north side, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among humanity, was a temporary and symbolic structure, a shadow of the reality to come ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Earthly Sanctuary as a Copy and Shadow")). Jesus is the true and eternal "Tabernacle" of God, for in Him, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (literally, "tabernacled among us," [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the Tabernacle boards provided the solid framework for God's presence, Christ is the unshakeable foundation upon which God's spiritual temple, the Church, is built ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ as the Only Foundation")). His perfect humanity, symbolized by the incorruptible acacia wood, and His divine glory, represented by the gold overlay, perfectly unite in His person. He is the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity, far surpassing the physical structure of the Tabernacle. Through His sacrificial death, which the Tabernacle's atonement rituals foreshadowed, He established a new and living way for us to draw near to God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the precision and purpose of every Tabernacle board point to the perfect, divinely ordained person and work of Jesus Christ, in whom God's desire to dwell with His people is finally and eternally realized.

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.