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 meticulously records a specific detail in the construction of the Tabernacle: the fabrication of twenty boards for its north side. This verse is part of the larger narrative demonstrating the faithful and precise execution of God's divine blueprint for His portable sanctuary. It underscores the profound significance of every structural component in establishing a holy dwelling place, reflecting God's character of order and His desire for intimate communion with His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:25 is situated within the comprehensive account of the Tabernacle's construction, spanning from [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Offerings and Appointment of Craftsmen") through [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Erection and Consecration of the Tabernacle"). This section immediately follows the detailed divine instructions Moses received on Mount Sinai concerning the sanctuary's design ([Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle")). Chapter 35 initiates the practical phase by calling for freewill offerings and identifying the divinely gifted artisans, Bezalel and Oholiab, who were "filled with the Spirit of God" for this sacred task ([Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30-35 "Exodus 35:30-35 - God Empowers Bezalel and Oholiab")). Exodus 36 then transitions into the actual manufacturing process, beginning with the collection of materials and proceeding through the creation of the various components. Verse 25 specifically addresses the construction of the Tabernacle's wooden framework, following the completion of the curtains and coverings, and preceding the making of the Veil, screen, and furnishings. This particular verse, along with its parallel descriptions for the south and west sides, emphasizes the systematic and sequential nature of the building project, ensuring that every piece conformed precisely to the divine specifications outlined 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' transformative period as a nomadic people in the wilderness, following their miraculous exodus from Egypt. Their transient lifestyle necessitated a portable sanctuary that could be efficiently dismantled, transported, and reassembled, a design imperative that profoundly influenced the Tabernacle's structure, including its crucial wooden framework. In stark contrast to the monumental, fixed temples of surrounding pagan nations, which often housed idols, the Tabernacle symbolized Yahweh's dynamic, living presence "dwelling" (from the Hebrew root _shakan_, which gives us _mishkan_ or "Tabernacle") intimately among His people wherever they journeyed. The extraordinary level of detail in God's instructions and the Israelites' meticulous execution, down to the exact number of boards, communicated profound theological truths: God's absolute holiness, His demand for ordered and reverent worship, and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. This divine precision also served to distinguish the worship of Yahweh from the often chaotic, arbitrary, and syncretistic practices of idolatrous cults, asserting that God's presence and worship were established solely on His perfect, revealed will, not human invention. The craftsmen, endowed with divine skill and wisdom, were not merely builders but instruments in God's redemptive plan, constructing the very place where atonement would be made and God's glory would manifest.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 36:25 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. First, it highlights the theme of **Divine Revelation and Obedience**. God's detailed blueprint for the Tabernacle, as seen in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Divine Instructions for the Tabernacle"), demanded precise obedience from the Israelites, which this verse exemplifies in its faithful execution. Second, the verse underscores the theme of **God's Dwelling Among His People**. The Tabernacle's very purpose was to provide a physical space for God's presence in the midst of Israel, a concept central to the covenant relationship. The twenty boards formed the very walls of this sacred "dwelling place" ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")). Third, the meticulous construction speaks to the theme of **Holiness and Order in Worship**. The precision required for each component, including the specific number of boards for the north side, reflects God's holy character and His demand for intentionality, beauty, and order in approaching Him. Finally, it subtly points to **God's Faithfulness**, as He provides the means and the blueprint for His people to draw near to Him, fulfilling His promise to be their God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** (H4908) This term, derived from the root _shakan_ ("to dwell"), refers to a "residence" or "dwelling place." In this context, it specifically denotes the portable sanctuary built by the Israelites, particularly its wooden walls. The use of "Tabernacle" emphasizes its primary purpose: to be God's earthly abode, signifying His desire to dwell intimately among His chosen people. The boards described in the verse form the very structure of this divine residence.
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** (H6213) This primitive root is a broad verb meaning "to do or make" in its widest application. In Exodus 36:25, it signifies the active, purposeful construction by the skilled craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, and their assistants. It highlights the transition from divine instruction to human execution, emphasizing the diligent labor and craftsmanship involved in bringing God's precise plans into physical reality.
* **boards (Hebrew, _qeresh'_):** (H7175) This word refers to a "slab or plank." In the context of the Tabernacle, these were substantial, precisely cut planks of acacia wood, overlaid with gold. These boards were not merely decorative but were the fundamental structural components of the Tabernacle's walls, providing stability and defining the sacred space. Their construction from durable, incorruptible acacia wood underscores the enduring nature of God's presence and covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the other side of the tabernacle":** This phrase establishes the focus on one of the Tabernacle's two long walls, 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, making these long sides critical structural elements. The use of "other" implies a preceding description of a similar side, likely the south side, maintaining a systematic account of the construction.
* **"[which is] toward the north corner":** This clause provides the precise orientation of the side being constructed. Given the Tabernacle's standard eastward orientation for its entrance, this refers to the long wall situated on the northern flank of the structure. This level of meticulous directional detail confirms that the builders were adhering to an exact, divinely revealed architectural plan, leaving no room for human estimation or deviation in the sanctuary's form or alignment.
* **"he made twenty boards":** This final clause specifies the exact quantity of structural boards required for the north wall. As stipulated in [Exodus 26:18](/exodus/26-18 "Exodus 26:18 - Specification for the North Side Boards"), the north side was indeed to have twenty boards. Since each board was 1.5 cubits wide, twenty boards would perfectly span 30 cubits, matching the specified length of the Tabernacle. This numerical precision highlights both the divine origin of the design and the faithful obedience of the craftsmen in its execution, ensuring the Tabernacle's structural integrity and adherence to God's sacred dimensions.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, exemplified by Exodus 36:25, is rich in **Precision and Detail**. The verse's explicit mention of "twenty boards" for the "north corner" is a prime example of the meticulousness with which God provided the blueprints for His dwelling place. This level of specificity is not merely descriptive; it is profoundly prescriptive, emphasizing that every component, regardless of its apparent size or significance, was integral to the whole and possessed a divine purpose. This is further reinforced by the pervasive **Formulaic Language** used throughout the construction accounts, where similar phrases are repeated for each side and each component, reinforcing the divine origin and the non-negotiable nature of the instructions. Furthermore, the "boards" themselves carry significant **Symbolism**. Crafted from incorruptible acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, they symbolize the enduring, pure, and glorious nature of God's presence. As the foundational framework of the Tabernacle's walls, they represent the stability, steadfastness, and security of God's covenant with His people, forming the very structure within which divine-human encounter and atonement would take place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:25, in its precise description of the Tabernacle's structure, illuminates several profound theological truths. 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 according to a divine blueprint, demonstrates God's initiative to bridge the gap between His transcendent holiness and humanity's sinfulness, providing a designated, holy space for encounter and atonement. This divine blueprint also underscores the paramount importance of obedience and faithfulness in worship; the Israelites' diligent adherence to the exact specifications reflects their commitment to God's revealed will and their understanding that true worship is an act of submission. The order and precision inherent in the Tabernacle's design speak volumes about God's character—He is a God of order, beauty, and intentionality, who demands excellence, reverence, and holiness in all aspects of worship and service.

* [Exodus 26:18](/exodus/26-18 "Exodus 26:18 - Divine Instruction for the North Side Boards")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "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 and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of order, intentionality, and excellence, paying attention to even the seemingly minute components of His dwelling place. This challenges us to consider the intentionality, integrity, and precision with which we approach our own spiritual lives and communal worship. Just as these boards formed the stable and essential framework for God's manifest presence, our individual lives are called to be foundational elements in God's spiritual temple, the Church. Each believer, much like a carefully crafted and positioned board, has a specific place and purpose within the body of Christ, contributing uniquely to the strength, stability, and beauty of the collective. 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, our families, or our corporate gatherings—and to ask if they truly reflect the divine order, holiness, and intentionality 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, encouraging greater intentionality?**
* **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 solely our own preferences or convenience?**
* **How does the stability and enduring nature of the Tabernacle's construction, symbolized by these precisely crafted boards, reflect the steadfastness of God's presence and covenant faithfulness in our lives today?**

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

Answer: The precise number of twenty boards for the north side (and similarly for the south side) was not arbitrary but was explicitly specified by God in His architectural blueprint for the Tabernacle, as meticulously recorded in [Exodus 26:18](/exodus/26-18 "Exodus 26:18 - Detailed Instructions for the Tabernacle's North Side Boards"). Each board was designed to be 1.5 cubits wide, and the Tabernacle's long sides were to be 30 cubits in length. Therefore, 20 boards multiplied by 1.5 cubits per board perfectly equals 30 cubits, ensuring the exact dimensions and structural integrity of the sacred tent. This divine precision underscores the Tabernacle's heavenly origin and the necessity of exact obedience in its construction, leaving no room for human estimation, improvisation, or deviation from God's perfect plan.

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

Answer: The materials chosen for the Tabernacle boards carried profound symbolic meaning, each pointing to a spiritual truth. The core of the boards was **acacia wood** (often called shittim wood), a material readily available in the wilderness and renowned for its durability and resistance to decay. This symbolized the enduring, incorruptible nature of God's covenant and His eternal, unchanging presence. The **gold overlay** on the boards represented God's divine glory, purity, and preciousness. Gold, as the most valuable and untarnished metal, signified the sanctity and majesty of God's dwelling place, emphasizing His transcendence and perfect holiness. The boards rested in **silver sockets**, which were uniquely made from the atonement money collected from every Israelite—a half-shekel from each man, as commanded in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money for the Tabernacle"). This meant that the very foundation of God's dwelling place among His people was literally rooted in redemption and atonement, symbolizing that access to God was made possible only through a sacrificial offering for sin, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, down to the precise number and placement of the twenty boards for its north side, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among humanity, was a temporary and symbolic structure, a mere "copy and shadow of the heavenly things" ([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, unshakeable framework for God's manifest presence, Christ is the unshakeable foundation upon whom 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 pure gold overlay, are perfectly united in His singular person. He is the ultimate meeting place between a holy God and sinful humanity, far surpassing the physical structure of the Old Testament Tabernacle. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, which the Tabernacle's atonement rituals and the silver sockets foreshadowed, He established a new and living way for us to draw near to God with confidence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the precision, purpose, and symbolism of every Tabernacle board ultimately point to the perfect, divinely ordained person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, in whom God's profound 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.