What number verse is Exodus 36:28 in the Bible?

Exodus 36:28 is the 2,595th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Exodus 36:28 sits at position 2,595.

Translation

King James Version

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

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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.

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Complete Jewish Bible

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

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Berean Standard Bible

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

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American Standard Version

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

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World English Bible Messianic

He made two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the far part.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

And two boardes made he in the corners of the Tabernacle, for either side,

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Young's Literal Translation

and two boards hath he made for the corners of the tabernacle, in the two sides;

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In the KJVVerse 2,595 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Exodus 36:28 meticulously details a specific aspect of the Tabernacle's construction: the fabrication of two specialized boards designed for its critical corner junctions. This verse underscores the precise craftsmanship and structural integrity essential for God's portable dwelling place in the wilderness, highlighting the faithful and exact execution of divine blueprints by the skilled artisans involved in the sanctuary's assembly.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is deeply embedded within the broader narrative of Exodus chapters 35-39, which meticulously chronicles the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its intricate furnishings. These chapters serve as the fulfillment of the detailed divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai in chapters 25-31. Exodus 36 specifically describes the work on the Tabernacle's core framework, including the curtains, coverings, and, crucially, the wooden boards that formed its robust walls. Verse 28, therefore, is a precise component within this larger account of translating God's architectural blueprint into physical reality, emphasizing the exactness with which every single part was fashioned and fitted, ensuring the sanctuary's structural integrity.
Historical & Cultural Context: The Tabernacle was conceived as God's portable dwelling place among the Israelites during their arduous wilderness wanderings. It served as the central locus for worship, sacrifice, and atonement, symbolizing God's constant, tangible presence in the midst of His covenant people. The "boards" mentioned were substantial, vertical frames crafted from durable acacia wood, meticulously overlaid with gold, forming the sturdy walls of this sacred structure. The specific mention of "corner boards" in this verse highlights their critical importance for structural stability and precise alignment, particularly at the junctions where the Tabernacle's walls met. The entire construction was a monumental undertaking, led by divinely gifted artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, who were supernaturally empowered by the Spirit to execute the intricate designs. This collective endeavor reflected a profound communal act of obedience and devotion, where the people contributed materials and skills to build a dwelling place for the God who had miraculously delivered them from Egypt and established His covenant with them at Mount Sinai.
Key Themes: Exodus 36:28 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Presence and Dwelling, as the Tabernacle's construction signifies God's desire to reside among His people. The meticulous detail in this verse reinforces the theme of Divine Order and Holiness, emphasizing that God's dwelling must be constructed with absolute precision, reflecting His own perfect character and the sacredness of His presence. It also highlights Human Obedience and Skill Divinely Empowered, showcasing the Israelites' faithful execution of God's commands and the supernatural gifting of their artisans. The structural integrity provided by these corner boards subtly points to the theme of Covenant Faithfulness, suggesting that just as the physical structure must be firm, so too must the covenant relationship between God and Israel be steadfast and unwavering, built on precise adherence to divine instruction, as seen in the detailed plans for the Tabernacle's construction in Exodus 26.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Boards (Hebrew, qeresh', H7175): 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, highlights the divine demand for strength and beauty in God's dwelling.
Corners (Hebrew, mᵉqutsʻâh', H4742): From קָצַע in the denominative sense of bending, this word denotes an angle or point 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) 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.
Tabernacle (Hebrew, mishkân', H4908): From שָׁכַן, meaning "to dwell," this term refers to a residence or dwelling place. Specifically, it denotes the portable sanctuary constructed by the Israelites in the wilderness. The mention of the "Tabernacle" here grounds the specific detail of the corner boards within the larger context of God's sacred dwelling, emphasizing that every component, no matter how small, contributed to the overall purpose of providing a suitable and holy place for God's presence among His people.

Verse Breakdown

"And two boards made he": This clause refers to the active and diligent construction work undertaken by the skilled artisans, collectively represented by "he," under the leadership of Bezalel and Oholiab. It emphasizes their faithful execution of the divine blueprint, highlighting their craftsmanship in fabricating these specific structural components according to God's exact specifications.
"for the corners of the tabernacle": This specifies the precise function and strategic placement of these two boards. They were not generic wall components but were uniquely designed and crafted to provide essential structural reinforcement and ensure the correct angularity at the Tabernacle's critical corner points, thereby guaranteeing its stability and precise dimensions.
"in the two sides": This phrase further clarifies the exact location of these specialized corner boards. It likely refers to the two western corners of the Tabernacle, where specific corner boards were required to complete the structural enclosure and ensure the proper joining of the north, south, and west walls, as detailed in the architectural instructions provided by God. This detail underscores the comprehensive and meticulous nature of the Tabernacle's construction, leaving no aspect to chance.

Literary Devices

Exodus 36:28, though brief, employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and significance within the larger narrative of the Tabernacle's construction. Precision is a dominant underlying theme, evident in the meticulous detailing of even specific components like corner boards. This highlights God's demand for exactness and perfection in the construction of His dwelling, reflecting His own character. The verse also functions as a form of Synecdoche, where the mention of "two boards" and "corners" represents the larger concept of the Tabernacle's overall structural integrity and the divine order it embodies. Furthermore, the entire account of the Tabernacle's construction, including this verse, contributes to the profound Symbolism of the sanctuary itself, where every part, no matter how small or seemingly mundane, contributes to the sacred whole, pointing to God's holy presence and His desire for a perfectly ordered relationship with His people. The Repetition of construction details across Exodus chapters 35-39, of which this verse is a part, serves to emphasize the unwavering obedience of the craftsmen and the divine authority behind every single specification.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

This verse, though seemingly a minor detail in the grand scheme of the Tabernacle's construction, 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 single part in His divine plan, ensuring stability and integrity for the whole. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, 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 to stand firm, so too does God's spiritual temple—His people—require foundational truths and proper alignment to endure and thrive. This divine meticulousness calls believers to a similar commitment to order and precision in their spiritual lives and communal worship.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

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

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction, particularly concerning the corner boards, deepen your understanding of God's character and His expectations for our lives?
In what practical ways can you apply the principle of "structural integrity" from the Tabernacle's design to your personal faith, your family dynamics, or your involvement in your local church community?
What "corner boards," or foundational truths and practices, are most essential for the stability and alignment of your spiritual life, and how are you actively strengthening them?

FAQ

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

Answer: The boards were made of acacia wood, often referred to as shittim wood in the Bible, which was readily available in the Sinai wilderness. This wood was highly valued for its exceptional durability and natural resistance to decay and insects, making it an ideal choice for a portable structure that needed to withstand the harsh and unforgiving desert conditions. Furthermore, these acacia boards were meticulously overlaid with pure gold, signifying their preciousness, sacredness, and the divine glory associated with God's dwelling place. The detailed instructions for their material and construction are found in Exodus 26:15.

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 absolutely critical role in the Tabernacle's structural stability and precise dimensions. While most boards were designed to stand upright in silver sockets, the corner boards, particularly those at the western end of the Tabernacle, were distinct. They were designed as double boards, or uniquely shaped, to interlock and form a strong, rigid angle. This specialized design was essential for ensuring the precise squareness and overall rigidity of the entire structure, preventing any leaning or potential collapse. Their specific design and placement are detailed in Exodus 26:23-24.

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

Answer: The construction of the entire Tabernacle, including these crucial boards, was overseen by divinely appointed and Spirit-filled craftsmen. The primary leaders entrusted with this monumental task were Bezalel, of the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, of the tribe of Dan. They were uniquely endowed by God with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship, enabling them to execute God's intricate designs with unparalleled precision and artistry. They, in turn, directed and trained many other skilled workers who contributed their talents and labor to the project, making it a truly communal effort.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

The meticulous detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, particularly the emphasis on the strength, precision, and foundational role of its corner boards, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle was a temporary, physical dwelling place for God among His people, serving as a tangible shadow and type of the perfect, eternal 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). Just as the Tabernacle's structure was built with perfect integrity, with every board precisely fitted, so Christ's humanity and divinity are perfectly united, forming the unblemished and unshakable temple of God. He is revealed as the chief cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of the Church is built, providing the indispensable stability, perfect alignment, and very foundation for all believers. The Tabernacle, with its precise measurements, materials, and components, pointed forward to God's perfect plan of redemption, fully realized in Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious 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), becoming collectively the very dwelling place of God by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16).

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Commentary on Exodus 36 verses 14–34

14 ¶ And he made curtains of goats' hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.

15 The length of one curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits was the breadth of one curtain: the eleven curtains were of one size.

16 And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

17 And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and fifty loops made he upon the edge of the curtain which coupleth the second.

18 And he made fifty taches of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one.

19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers' skins above that.

20 And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up.

21 The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one cubit and a half.

22 One board had two tenons, equally distant one from another: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.

23 And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:

24 And forty sockets of silver he made under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

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

26 And their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

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

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

29 And they were coupled beneath, and coupled together at the head thereof, to one ring: thus he did to both of them in both the corners.

30 And there were eight boards; and their sockets were sixteen sockets of silver, under every board two sockets.

31 And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

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

33 And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other.

34 And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Here, 1. The shelter and special protection that the church is under are signified by the curtains of hair-cloth, which were spread over the tabernacle, and the covering of rams' skins and badgers' skins over them, Exo 36:14-19. God has provided for his people a shadow from the heat, and a covert from storm and rain, Isa 4:6. They are armed against all weathers; the sun and the moon shall not smite them: and they are protected from the storms of divine wrath, that hail which will sweep away the refuge of lies, Isa 28:17. Those that dwell in God's house shall find, be the tempest ever so violent, or the dropping ever so continual, it does not rain in. 2. The strength and stability of the church, though it is but a tabernacle, are signified by the boards and bars with which the curtains were borne up, Exo 36:20-34. The boards were coupled together and joined by the bars which shot through them; for the union of the church, and the hearty agreement of those that are its stays and supporters, contribute abundantly to its strength and establishment.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 14–34. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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