Exodus 36:27

KJV

And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the sides {H3411} of the tabernacle {H4908} westward {H3220} he made {H6213} six {H8337} boards {H7175}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the rear part of the tabernacle, toward the west, he made six planks.

Berean Standard Bible

He made six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side,

American Standard Version

And for the hinder part of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:27 precisely details the construction of the Tabernacle's western, or rear, wall, specifying that six boards were meticulously crafted for this section. This seemingly minor architectural instruction underscores the divine blueprint's unparalleled meticulousness and the artisans' faithful, obedient execution in bringing God's portable sanctuary to life. It highlights the foundational structural integrity necessary for the dwelling place of God's manifest presence among His people during their wilderness journey, reflecting a profound commitment to divine order, sacred space, and precision in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:27 is situated within a comprehensive narrative block (Exodus 35-40) that meticulously chronicles the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its intricate furnishings. This section serves as the fulfillment of the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai in earlier chapters (Exodus 25-31). Chapter 36 specifically details the fabrication of the Tabernacle's core structural components, including its various curtains, protective coverings, and the robust wooden framework that formed its walls. Consequently, this verse represents the diligent and precise execution of God's architectural plans for the sacred dwelling, marking the transition from a divine blueprint to a tangible, sacred reality. It powerfully demonstrates the Israelites' obedient response to the divine mandate to "make for me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst," as commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Sanctuary"). The skilled craftsmen, notably [Bezalel and Oholiab](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Spirit-Filled Artisans"), are portrayed as individuals divinely gifted and empowered by the Spirit of God to fulfill every intricate detail of this sacred structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was designed to be the central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's covenant presence among the nomadic Israelites throughout their forty-year wilderness journey. Unlike the later, fixed Temple in Jerusalem, the Tabernacle's portability was paramount, allowing God to accompany His people wherever they traveled. The "boards" mentioned in this verse were not flimsy panels but robust planks, likely fashioned from acacia wood (a durable timber available in the desert environment) and then overlaid with pure gold. This combination signified both immense strength and profound sacred value. The precise measurements and specific number of these boards for each side of the structure were absolutely crucial for its stability, integrity, and sacred geometry, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern understanding of sacred spaces as divinely ordered, distinct, and set apart from the mundane. This meticulous construction process was a monumental communal effort, requiring the willing contributions of precious materials and the skilled labor of many, thereby fostering a deep sense of shared ownership, reverence, and participation in the establishment of the dwelling place of their God, as extensively detailed in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings for the Tabernacle").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 36:27 contributes to several overarching themes present in the Tabernacle narrative and the book of Exodus. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence**, as the Tabernacle was the physical manifestation of God's desire to dwell among His people, a concept central to the covenant relationship. The meticulous detail, including the specific number of boards for the western side, underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Holiness**, emphasizing that God's presence demands a sacred space built with absolute precision and according to His exact specifications. This, in turn, highlights the theme of **Human Obedience and Faithfulness**, as the Israelites, through their skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, faithfully execute every command without deviation, demonstrating their reverence for God's revealed will. The communal effort involved, as described in [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20-29 "Exodus 35:20-29 - Willing Offerings for the Tabernacle"), also points to the theme of **Corporate Worship and Community**, where every individual contribution, no matter how seemingly small, is vital to the whole. Finally, the Tabernacle itself serves as a **Type or Shadow**, foreshadowing a greater reality, as later explored in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - The Earthly and Heavenly Sanctuary").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sides (Hebrew, _yᵉrêkâh'_):** From the root meaning "flank," this term refers figuratively to the rear or recess, indicating the border or quarter. In this context, it specifically denotes the structural walls or framework that define the perimeter of the Tabernacle. The use of "sides" in the plural, even for a single wall, suggests the comprehensive nature of the construction, encompassing the full breadth and structural integrity of that particular section.
* **westward (Hebrew, _yâm'_):** Literally meaning "sea" (referring to the Mediterranean, which was west of Israel), this term is used locally to denote the west. Its inclusion here specifies the precise orientation and location of these six boards: they formed the rear wall of the Tabernacle, opposite the eastern entrance. This directional precision underscores the meticulousness of the divine architectural plan, ensuring every part of the sanctuary was accounted for and properly aligned within its sacred geometry.
* **made (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to do or make" in its broadest sense and widest application. Here, it signifies the act of crafting, constructing, and bringing into existence the physical components of the Tabernacle. This verb highlights the active participation of the skilled artisans, particularly Bezalel and Oholiab, in faithfully executing God's detailed instructions, transforming raw materials into sacred structure. The verb emphasizes purposeful, diligent work.
* **boards (Hebrew, _qeresh'_):** From an unused root meaning "to split off," this word refers to a slab or plank. These were not mere thin panels but substantial, sturdy wooden planks that formed the vertical walls of the Tabernacle. Likely made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, their robust nature was critical for the stability and integrity of the entire sacred structure. Their solid construction, rather than just curtains, emphasized the Tabernacle's permanence as God's dwelling, even in its portable form, and its distinction as a consecrated space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the sides of the tabernacle westward":** This phrase precisely establishes the specific location and orientation of the construction. It points to the rear wall of the sacred tent, emphasizing that every dimension and direction of God's dwelling was divinely ordained and meticulously followed. The explicit mention of "westward" highlights the comprehensive and directional precision of the divine architectural plan, ensuring every part of the sanctuary was accounted for and properly aligned. The "sides" (plural) suggest the full breadth of this particular wall, indicating a complete and comprehensive construction.
* **"he made six boards":** This clause details the specific action taken ("he made," referring collectively to Bezalel and the divinely gifted craftsmen) and the exact quantity of the structural components. The number six, distinct from the twenty boards used for the longer north and south sides (Exodus 26:18, 20), underscores the precise engineering and adherence to the divine blueprint. Each board was a critical, foundational element, contributing to the overall stability, sacred geometry, and structural integrity of the Tabernacle, ensuring it could withstand the rigors of the wilderness journey.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 36:27, like much of the Tabernacle narrative, employs **Precision** and **Detailing** as primary literary devices, emphasizing the meticulous nature of God's instructions and the exactitude required in their execution. The specific mention of "six boards" for the "westward" side is a prime example of this. The verse is a microcosm of the larger narrative's focus on **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, as the divine commands (Exodus 25-31) are systematically reiterated through their fulfillment (Exodus 35-40). This serves to underscore the unswerving obedience of the craftsmen and the non-negotiable nature of God's revealed will. Furthermore, the "boards" themselves function as **Symbolism**, representing the foundational elements not just of a physical structure but of the divine order, stability, and holiness that God desired to establish among His people. The careful construction of each part, including the "six boards for the western side," contributes to the overarching **Typology** of the Tabernacle as a foreshadowing of God's ultimate dwelling with humanity and the perfect, unblemished nature of the Messiah.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:27, though seemingly a technical detail, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and holiness, who desires to dwell among His people in a manner that reflects His glory and absolute perfection. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, down to the exact number and precise placement of boards for a specific side, reveal that no detail is too small or insignificant in God's economy, especially concerning His presence and the sacred act of worship. This divine precision demands and elicits human obedience, highlighting that faithful service involves diligently following God's revealed will, not just in grand gestures but in every minute specification. The structural integrity provided by these boards also speaks to the stability, security, and enduring nature of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where His presence was the very foundation of their identity, protection, and purpose.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Building According to the Pattern")
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Earthly Sanctuary a Copy of Heavenly")
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction, including the specific mention of six boards for its western side, serves as a powerful reminder that God values precision, faithfulness, and diligent execution in every aspect of our lives and service to Him. Just as each board, no matter its location or visibility, was absolutely essential for the Tabernacle's structural integrity and its ultimate function as God's dwelling place, so too are our individual contributions—even those that seem small, hidden, or mundane—vitally important to the overall health, stability, and effectiveness of God's kingdom today. This passage challenges us to consider whether we approach our spiritual disciplines, our service within the church community, or our daily tasks with the same meticulous care, intentionality, and obedience that the ancient craftsmen demonstrated. It encourages us to trust that God's plans are often intricate and far-reaching, and our faithfulness involves diligently following His revealed will, knowing that He has a divine purpose for every instruction and that even the "back walls" or less visible areas of our lives are seen, valued, and essential in His sight. Our attention to detail in obedience reflects our profound reverence for God and our understanding that He is worthy of our very best, most precise, and most dedicated efforts.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge our approach to obedience in our own lives, particularly in areas that might seem insignificant or hidden from public view?**
* **In what ways do we, as individual "boards" or "living stones" (1 Peter 2:5), contribute to the structural integrity, spiritual flourishing, and missional effectiveness of the church community today?**
* **What "western sides"—those often-overlooked, less glamorous, or less visible areas—of our lives or ministries might God be calling us to build with greater precision, faithfulness, and intentionality?**

### FAQ
**Why was the western side of the Tabernacle specifically mentioned with six boards?**

Answer: The western side was the rear wall of the Tabernacle, positioned opposite the entrance which consistently faced east. The specific mention of six boards for this side, in contrast to the twenty boards used for the longer north and south sides (as detailed in [Exodus 26:18-20](/exodus/26-18-20 "Exodus 26:18-20 - Boards for the Tabernacle Sides")), highlights the precise and distinct architectural requirements for each section of the sacred dwelling. This extraordinary level of detail underscores the divine blueprint's meticulousness and ensures the structural stability, sacred geometry, and perfect balance of the entire Tabernacle. It demonstrates that every part, even the less visible rear, was designed with specific purpose and divine precision.

**What were these "boards" made of, and what was their significance?**

Answer: The "boards" (Hebrew: *qerashim*) were made of acacia wood, a durable and readily available timber in the wilderness environment, and were then overlaid with pure gold (as described in [Exodus 26:29](/exodus/26-29 "Exodus 26:29 - Gold Overlay for the Boards")). Their significance was multifaceted: structurally, they formed the solid, foundational walls of the Tabernacle, providing essential stability and clearly defining the sacred space. Theologically, the precious gold overlay profoundly symbolized the holiness, divine glory, and immense value of God's dwelling place, while the durable acacia wood represented the steadfastness, enduring nature, and unshakeable presence of God among His people throughout their journey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, down to the precise number of six boards for its western side, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle served as God's temporary dwelling place among His people, a physical structure where His manifest presence resided and where atonement for sin was symbolically made. However, [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us") profoundly proclaims that "the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us," signifying that Jesus Himself is the ultimate and perfect dwelling place of God with humanity. All the precision, detail, and sacredness inherent in the Tabernacle's design, including its foundational boards, pointed forward to the perfect, unblemished nature of Christ, in whom "the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily" ([Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ")). He is the true and greater Tabernacle, not made with human hands, through whom we now have direct access to God and His holy presence ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle")). Furthermore, just as the boards provided structural integrity to the earthly sanctuary, Christ is revealed as the foundational cornerstone upon whom the spiritual temple, the Church, is built, with believers themselves being "living stones" built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of 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.

Cross-References

Exodus 26:27

And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.

Exodus 26:22

And for the sides of the tabernacle westward thou shalt make six boards.