Exodus 36:31

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} bars {H1280} of shittim {H7848} wood {H6086}; five {H2568} for the boards {H7175} of the one {H259} side {H6763} of the tabernacle {H4908},

Complete Jewish Bible

He made crossbars of acacia-wood, five for the planks of the one side of the tabernacle,

Berean Standard Bible

He also made five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:31 meticulously chronicles a specific detail in the construction of the Tabernacle: the crafting of the connecting bars from shittim (acacia) wood. These five bars were indispensable for the structural integrity and cohesive unity of the Tabernacle's walls, designed to interlock and firmly bind the individual upright boards. This verse not only highlights the precise execution of God's elaborate blueprint for His dwelling place but also underscores the Israelites' faithful obedience in bringing the portable sanctuary to fruition in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:31 is embedded within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, following God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Chapters 35-40 then describe the actual fulfillment of these divine commands by the Israelite community, under the leadership of divinely gifted artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab. Specifically, Chapter 36 focuses on the construction of the Tabernacle's core framework, including the various curtains, coverings, and the essential wooden boards and their connecting bars. This verse, therefore, represents a granular yet vital detail within the larger account of the Israelites' diligent and faithful obedience to God's architectural specifications, ensuring the stability and unity of the sanctuary's walls before the inner and outer coverings were applied.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle unfolded during Israel's formative forty-year sojourn in the Sinai wilderness, a period profoundly shaped by God's direct presence and guidance. The Tabernacle was designed as the central hub of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter for this nomadic nation. The selection of "shittim wood" (acacia) was highly practical, as this durable and resilient timber was indigenous and readily available in the Sinai peninsula. The very concept of a portable sanctuary was paramount for a people constantly on the move, and every component, including these connecting bars, was engineered for both robust durability and ease of assembly and disassembly. The meticulous attention to detail in God's instructions (as seen in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Instructions for the Tabernacle")) and the Israelites' faithful execution reflects a profound reverence for God's holiness and the imperative of creating a dwelling place fitting for His glorious presence among His covenant people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus. Firstly, it exemplifies the theme of **Divine Precision and Order**. God's instructions for the Tabernacle are not vague but incredibly specific, down to the number and material of the connecting bars, underscoring His nature as a God of perfect order. Secondly, it highlights **Human Obedience and Faithfulness**. The Israelites, through Bezalel and Oholiab, meticulously followed every command, demonstrating their commitment to God's will, a theme prevalent throughout [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Contributions for the Tabernacle"). Thirdly, the bars, by unifying individual boards, contribute to the theme of **Unity and Cohesion**. The Tabernacle's structural integrity, achieved through these binding elements, foreshadows the unity desired within God's people, the spiritual dwelling place He would later inhabit, as hinted at in passages like [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Growing into a Holy Temple in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bars (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyach'_):** (H1280) Derived from a root meaning "to flee" or "to bolt," this term refers to a bolt or a bar. In the context of the Tabernacle, these were long, sturdy wooden poles designed to be inserted through rings attached to the upright boards, thereby binding them together. The term emphasizes their function as a securing and unifying element, ensuring the walls were not merely a collection of individual planks but a single, rigid, and stable structure. This system was crucial for the Tabernacle's ability to withstand the rigors of desert travel and frequent assembly/disassembly.
* **Shittim wood (Hebrew, _shiṭṭâh'_):** (H7848, related to H6086 for "wood") This specifically denotes acacia wood, a tree common in the Sinai desert (from its "scourging thorns"). It is renowned for its exceptional hardness, durability, and natural resistance to decay and insects. God's choice of shittim wood for the Tabernacle's structural components—including the boards, altars, and the Ark of the Covenant—underscores the practical wisdom embedded in the divine design, ensuring the longevity and integrity of His sacred dwelling in a harsh environment. Its inherent strength also subtly points to the enduring nature of God's covenant and His steadfast presence.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** (H4908) From a root meaning "to dwell," this word signifies a residence or dwelling place. While it can refer to a shepherd's hut or even the lair of animals, its specific application here is to the Tabernacle, particularly its wooden walls. This term encapsulates the very essence of the structure: it was God's portable dwelling place among His people, the physical manifestation of His presence, where He would meet with them and receive their worship. The meticulous construction of every part, including the bars, was essential for the integrity of this sacred dwelling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made bars of shittim wood;":** This initial clause identifies the material and the action of creation. "He" refers to Bezalel, the chief craftsman, and his skilled team, who meticulously fashioned these bars in direct obedience to God's detailed instructions. The use of "shittim wood" (acacia) highlights the selection of a material known for its strength, durability, and resistance to the harsh desert environment, ensuring the longevity and integrity of the Tabernacle's structure.
* **"five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,":** This specifies the precise number of bars required for each of the Tabernacle's long sides (north and south). The "five" bars were crucial for interlocking the upright boards, transforming them from individual planks into a cohesive and sturdy wall. As detailed in [Exodus 26:26-28](/exodus/26-26-28 "Exodus 26:26-28 - Bars for the Tabernacle"), these bars provided essential reinforcement, with a central bar running the full length of the wall, signifying the complete unity and stability of the entire structure.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 36:31 employs several potent literary devices. **Precision** is strikingly evident in the exact specification of "five" bars for "the one side," reflecting the highly detailed and unyielding nature of God's architectural instructions for the Tabernacle. This meticulousness underscores the divine order and the imperative of exact obedience in matters pertaining to God's holy presence. The broader context of Exodus 36, which repeatedly affirms that the artisans made everything "as the LORD commanded Moses," exemplifies **Repetition** of the theme of faithful obedience. This constant reiteration emphasizes the unwavering commitment of the Israelites to executing God's will, highlighting that no detail, however seemingly insignificant, was overlooked in the creation of God's holy dwelling. Furthermore, the bars themselves function as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing the essential unity and structural integrity required for God's dwelling place and, by extension, for His covenant people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:31, though a granular detail in the Tabernacle's construction, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and purposeful design. Every single component of the Tabernacle, from the magnificent Ark of the Covenant to these humble connecting bars, was indispensable for the whole, reflecting a divine design where nothing is superfluous or accidental. This meticulousness speaks volumes about the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him, emphasizing that His dwelling among His people was to be perfect in every conceivable respect. The bars, by binding individual boards into a unified wall, also powerfully prefigure the theological theme of unity within God's people, where diverse individuals are brought together, bound by common purpose and divine design, to form a cohesive spiritual dwelling for God's presence.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8-9 "God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "The Body of Christ, Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Growing into a Holy Temple in the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly mundane detail of connecting bars in Exodus 36:31 offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as these bars provided essential stability and unity to the physical Tabernacle, our spiritual lives and the corporate body of believers require foundational truths and unifying principles to stand firm amidst the shifting sands of life. God's meticulous attention to every part of the Tabernacle reminds us that He is a God of divine order, and He desires that our personal lives, our families, and our churches reflect His integrity and purpose. We are called to be intentional in building our lives upon the unchanging truth of His Word, allowing His Holy Spirit to bind us together in love, shared mission, and spiritual purpose. We must ask ourselves: What are the "bars" that provide stability and unity in my personal walk with God and in my community of faith? Am I actively contributing to the structural integrity and spiritual cohesion of the house God is building?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction challenge my own approach to spiritual disciplines or service within the church?**
* **How do the "bars" of shittim wood, symbolizing unity and strength, apply to the bonds within my local church or broader Christian community, and how can I foster greater cohesion?**
* **Considering that the Tabernacle was God's dwelling place, how does the integrity and stability of its structure inform my understanding of being a "temple of the Holy Spirit" today?**

### FAQ
**Why were five bars used for each side, and what was their function?**

Answer: The five bars were absolutely essential for the structural integrity and stability of the Tabernacle's walls. As detailed in [Exodus 26:26-28](/exodus/26-26-28 "Bars for the Tabernacle"), two bars were positioned high, two low, and one central bar ran through the very middle of the boards, extending from one end of the wall to the other. These bars passed through rings attached to the upright boards, effectively interlocking them. This system transformed individual planks into a unified, rigid, and stable wall, ensuring the Tabernacle could withstand the elements during travel and maintain its form when erected at each new encampment.

**What was the significance of using "shittim wood" for these bars and other Tabernacle components?**

Answer: "Shittim wood" refers to acacia wood, a material that was abundant in the Sinai wilderness where the Israelites sojourned. Its significance lies in its exceptional properties: it is remarkably hard, durable, and naturally resistant to decay, insects, and the harsh desert environment. This made it an ideal and divinely chosen material for the structural elements of the Tabernacle, including the boards, altars, and the Ark of the Covenant. Its use ensured the longevity and integrity of God's sacred dwelling place. The selection of a readily available yet highly suitable material also demonstrates God's practical wisdom and provision in His design for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Tabernacle, with its intricate design and every meticulously crafted component—including these unifying bars—served as a profound shadow, pointing forward to the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity, perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Just as the shittim wood bars provided indispensable stability and unity to the physical structure of the Tabernacle, Christ is the foundational "cornerstone" who perfectly holds together the spiritual temple, His Church ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). The Tabernacle's primary purpose was to facilitate God's tangible presence with His people, a purpose perfectly and eternally fulfilled in Christ, who is "God with us" (Immanuel, as prophesied in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "The Virgin Shall Conceive") and confirmed in [Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Immanuel, God With Us")). He is the true and perfect meeting place between a holy God and sinful humanity, the one through whom we have direct access to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Moreover, the structural unity provided by these connecting bars powerfully foreshadows the spiritual unity that Christ brings to His body, the Church, where believers, though diverse in gifts and backgrounds, are bound together by the Holy Spirit into one cohesive spiritual house for God's glory ([1 Corinthians 12:12-13](/1_corinthians/12-12-13 "One Body, Many Members")). Thus, the humble bars of shittim wood whisper of Christ, the one who perfectly unifies and eternally sustains God's dwelling place among His redeemed people.

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 26:26

And thou shalt make bars [of] shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,

Exodus 26:29

And thou shalt overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings [of] gold [for] places for the bars: and thou shalt overlay the bars with gold.

Exodus 25:28

And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them.

Exodus 30:5

And thou shalt make the staves [of] shittim wood, and overlay them with gold.