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 crafted for this section. This seemingly minor architectural instruction underscores the divine blueprint's meticulousness and the artisans' faithful obedience in bringing God's portable sanctuary to life. It highlights the foundational structural integrity necessary for the dwelling place of God's presence among His people during their wilderness journey, reflecting a profound commitment to divine order and precision in worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:27 is situated within a larger narrative block (Exodus 35-40) that describes the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, meticulously following the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31). Chapter 36 specifically details the making of the Tabernacle's structural components, including its curtains, coverings, and the wooden framework. This verse, therefore, represents the diligent execution of God's precise architectural plans for the sacred dwelling, transitioning from the blueprint phase to the tangible reality, demonstrating 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 Aholiab](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Spirit-Filled Artisans"), are depicted as divinely gifted and empowered to fulfill every intricate detail of the sacred structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among the nomadic Israelites during their forty-year wilderness journey. Unlike the later fixed Temple in Jerusalem, the Tabernacle was designed to be portable, allowing God to accompany His people wherever they traveled. The "boards" mentioned in this verse were robust planks, likely fashioned from acacia wood, a durable timber available in the desert, and then overlaid with gold, signifying both strength and sacred value. The precise measurements and number of these boards for each side of the structure were crucial for its stability and integrity, reflecting the ancient Near Eastern understanding of sacred spaces as divinely ordered and distinct from the mundane. This meticulous construction process was a communal effort, requiring the willing contributions of materials and skilled labor, thereby fostering a sense of shared ownership and reverence for the dwelling place of their God, as detailed in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Offerings for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boards (Hebrew, _qerashim'_):** This term refers to the sturdy wooden planks that formed the vertical walls of the Tabernacle. These were not mere thin panels but substantial structural elements, likely made of acacia wood (Exodus 26:15) and overlaid with gold (Exodus 26:29). Their construction and precise fitting were critical for the stability and integrity of the entire sacred structure. The use of solid boards, rather than just curtains, emphasized the Tabernacle's permanence as God's dwelling, even in a temporary, portable form, and its distinction as a consecrated space.
* **Westward (Hebrew, _yamah'_):** This adverb specifies the orientation of the six boards, indicating they were for the rear side of the Tabernacle. In the Tabernacle's design, the entrance was always on the east, facing the rising sun, which was a common orientation for ancient Near Eastern temples. The western side, therefore, represented the back or the furthest point from the entrance, often a more private or less accessible area. The specific 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.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the sides of the tabernacle westward":** This phrase 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 "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 to Bezalel and the skilled 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 and sacred geometry of the Tabernacle.

#### 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 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.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:27, though 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. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, down to the number and placement of boards for a specific side, reveal that no detail is too small in God's economy, especially concerning His presence and 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 and security of God's covenant relationship with Israel, where His presence was the foundation of their identity and security.

* [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 and faithfulness in every aspect of our lives and service. Just as each board, no matter its location, was essential for the Tabernacle's structural integrity and its function as God's dwelling, so too are our individual contributions—even those that seem small or hidden—vital to the overall health and effectiveness of God's kingdom today. This passage challenges us to consider whether we approach our spiritual disciplines, our service in the church, or our daily tasks with the same meticulous care and obedience that the ancient craftsmen demonstrated. It encourages us to trust that God's plans are often intricate, and our faithfulness involves diligently following His revealed will, knowing that He has a purpose for every instruction and that even the "back walls" of our lives are seen and valued by Him. Our attention to detail in obedience reflects our reverence for God and our understanding that He is worthy of our best, most precise 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?**
* **In what ways do we, as individual "boards" or "living stones," contribute to the structural integrity and spiritual flourishing of the church community today?**
* **What "western sides"—those often-overlooked or less visible areas—of our lives or ministries might God be calling us to build with greater precision and faithfulness?**

### 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, opposite the entrance which faced east. The specific mention of six boards for this side, compared to twenty boards for the longer north and south sides (as seen in [Exodus 26:18-20](/exodus/26-18 "Exodus 26:18-20 - Boards for the Tabernacle Sides")), highlights the precise and distinct architectural requirements for each section of the sacred dwelling. This level of detail underscores the divine blueprint's meticulousness and ensures the structural stability and sacred geometry of the entire Tabernacle, demonstrating that every part, even the less visible rear, was designed with purpose and 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, and then overlaid with 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 stability and defining the sacred space. Theologically, the precious gold overlay symbolized the holiness and divine glory of God's dwelling, while the durable acacia wood represented the steadfastness and enduring nature of God's presence among His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, down to the six boards for its western side, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle was God's temporary dwelling place among His people, a physical structure where His presence resided and atonement was made. However, [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us") 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 and detail in the Tabernacle's design, including its foundational boards, pointed 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 have access to God ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "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 the foundational cornerstone upon which the spiritual temple, the Church, is built, with believers as "living stones" being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "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.