Exodus 36:28

KJV

And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

KJV (with Strong's)

And two {H8147} boards {H7175} made {H6213} he for the corners {H4742} of the tabernacle {H4908} in the two sides {H3411}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the corners of the tabernacle in the rear he made two planks,

Berean Standard Bible

and two frames for the two back corners of the tabernacle,

American Standard Version

And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the hinder part.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:28 meticulously details the construction of the Tabernacle, focusing on the fabrication of two specific boards designed for its corners. This verse highlights the precise craftsmanship and structural integrity required for God's portable dwelling place in the wilderness, underscoring the faithful execution of divine blueprints by the skilled artisans involved in the sanctuary's assembly.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Exodus chapters 35-39, which meticulously chronicles the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Following the detailed divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (chapters 25-31), these chapters document the faithful and skillful execution of those commands by the Israelite craftsmen. Exodus 36 specifically describes the work on the Tabernacle's framework, including the curtains, coverings, and the wooden boards that formed its walls. Verse 28, therefore, is a specific component within this larger account of bringing God's architectural blueprint to physical reality, emphasizing the exactness with which every part was fashioned and fitted.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was designed to be God's portable dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, symbolizing His constant presence and providing a central hub for worship, sacrifice, and atonement. The "boards" mentioned were vertical frames made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, forming the sturdy walls of this sacred structure. The specific mention of "corner boards" in this verse underscores the critical importance of structural integrity and precise alignment, particularly at the junctions of the Tabernacle's walls. The construction was undertaken by divinely gifted artisans, such as [Bezalel and Oholiab](/exodus/31-2 "Exodus 31:2 - Bezalel and Oholiab's Divine Appointment"), who were empowered by the Spirit to execute the intricate designs. This entire endeavor reflected a communal act of obedience and devotion, where the people contributed materials and skills to build the dwelling place for the God who had delivered them from Egypt and established His covenant with them at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant at Mount Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Boards (Hebrew, _qerashim'_):** This term refers to the upright planks or frames, specifically made of acacia (shittim) wood and overlaid with gold, that formed the foundational walls of the Tabernacle. These were not mere planks but substantial, precisely cut timbers designed to interlock and provide a stable, rigid structure for the sacred tent. Their meticulous construction, as detailed in [Exodus 26:15-25](/exodus/26-15 "Exodus 26:15-25 - Detailed Instructions for Tabernacle Boards"), highlights the divine demand for strength and beauty in God's dwelling.
* **Corners (Hebrew, _miqṣō'ôt'_):** This word denotes the angles or points where two sides meet, specifically referring to the critical junctures of the Tabernacle's walls. In the Tabernacle's design, these corner boards (specifically mentioned in [Exodus 26:23-24](/exodus/26-23 "Exodus 26:23-24 - Instructions for Corner Boards")) were crucial for ensuring the stability, squareness, and proper alignment of the entire structure. Their specific mention here emphasizes the precision engineering required to create a stable and perfectly rectangular sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And two boards made he":** This clause refers to the active construction by the skilled craftsmen, led by Bezalel and Oholiab, who were faithfully executing the divine blueprint. The "he" is a collective reference to the artisans, emphasizing their diligent labor in bringing the Tabernacle to fruition according to God's exact specifications.
* **"for the corners of the tabernacle":** This specifies the particular function and placement of these two boards. They were not just any boards for the walls, but specifically designed and crafted to provide structural reinforcement and proper angularity at the Tabernacle's critical corner points, ensuring its stability and precise dimensions.
* **"in the two sides":** This phrase further clarifies the location, likely referring to the two western corners of the Tabernacle, where specific corner boards were required to complete the structural enclosure, as detailed in the architectural instructions. This detail underscores the comprehensive and meticulous nature of the Tabernacle's construction.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance. **Precision** is a dominant theme, evident in the meticulous detailing of each component, even down to specific corner boards. This highlights God's demand for exactness in the construction of His dwelling. **Metonymy** is present, where the mention of "boards" and "corners" stands in for the larger concept of the Tabernacle's structural integrity and the divine order it represents. The verse also contributes to the overall **Symbolism** of the Tabernacle itself, where every part, no matter how small, contributes to the sacred whole, pointing to God's presence and His desire for a perfectly ordered relationship with His people. The **Repetition** of construction details across Exodus chapters 35-39 serves to emphasize the unwavering obedience of the craftsmen and the divine authority behind every specification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, though seemingly a minor detail, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and meticulous design. The emphasis on carefully crafted corner boards underscores the importance of every part in His divine plan, ensuring stability and integrity for the whole. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place, was to be perfect in every detail, reflecting His holiness and His desire for a perfectly ordered relationship with His people. This attention to physical structure foreshadows a deeper spiritual truth: just as a physical building requires strong foundations and precise joinery, so too does God's spiritual temple—His people—require foundational truths and proper alignment to stand firm.

* [Exodus 26:15-25](/exodus/26-15 "Detailed Instructions for Tabernacle Boards")
* [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ as the Cornerstone")
* [1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones in a Spiritual House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 36:28 invites us to consider the profound implications of God's meticulous attention to detail in the construction of His dwelling place. It reminds us that God is not a God of chaos or approximation, but of perfect order and intentionality. Just as the corner boards were essential for the stability and integrity of the Tabernacle, so too are foundational truths and "cornerstone" principles vital for the stability of our personal faith and the health of the church. Every believer, like every board in the Tabernacle, has a specific, divinely ordained place and purpose, contributing to the strength and beauty of the spiritual edifice. Our diligence in adhering to God's revealed will, even in seemingly small matters, reflects our obedience and contributes to the overall integrity of our walk with Him. This verse challenges us to consider the "corners" of our own lives—the often-overlooked areas that, if not properly aligned and strengthened, can compromise our spiritual stability.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform your understanding of God's character and His expectations for our lives?**
* **In what ways can you apply the principle of "structural integrity" from the Tabernacle's design to your personal faith, family, or community involvement?**
* **What "corner boards" or foundational truths are essential for the stability and alignment of your spiritual life, and how are you strengthening them?**

### FAQ
**What were these "boards" made of, and why was this material significant?**

Answer: The boards were made of acacia wood (often called shittim wood), which was readily available in the Sinai wilderness. This wood was known for its durability and resistance to decay, making it ideal for a portable structure that needed to withstand harsh desert conditions. Furthermore, these acacia boards were overlaid with gold, signifying their preciousness and the divine glory associated with God's dwelling. The detailed instructions for their material and construction are found in [Exodus 26:15](/exodus/26-15 "Materials for Tabernacle Boards").

**Why were "corner boards" specifically mentioned, and how did they differ from other boards?**

Answer: Corner boards were specifically mentioned because they played a unique and critical role in the Tabernacle's structural stability. While most boards were designed to stand upright in sockets, the corner boards, particularly those at the western end of the Tabernacle, were designed to be double boards, forming a strong, interlocking angle. This ensured the precise squareness and rigidity of the entire structure, preventing it from leaning or collapsing. Their specific design is detailed in [Exodus 26:23-24](/exodus/26-23 "Corner Boards Instructions").

**Who was responsible for making these boards and other Tabernacle components?**

Answer: The construction of the Tabernacle, including these boards, was overseen by divinely appointed and Spirit-filled craftsmen. The primary leaders were [Bezalel, of the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, of the tribe of Dan](/exodus/31-2 "Bezalel and Oholiab's Divine Appointment"). They were endowed with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, enabling them to execute God's intricate designs with precision and artistry, and they directed many other skilled workers who contributed to the project.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, particularly the emphasis on the strength and precision of its corner boards, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle was a temporary, physical dwelling place for God among His people, a shadow of the perfect reality to come. Christ is the true and ultimate dwelling place of God, the very Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Just as the Tabernacle's structure was built with perfect integrity, so Christ's humanity and divinity are perfectly united, forming the unblemished temple of God that cannot be shaken. He is the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Christ as the Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of the Church is built, providing stability, alignment, and the very foundation for all believers. The Tabernacle, with its precise measurements and materials, pointed to God's perfect plan of redemption, fully realized in Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection. Through Him, we, as living stones, are now built together into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "Living Stones in a Spiritual House")), becoming the very dwelling place of God by His Spirit ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "Believers as God's Temple")).

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.