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 details the construction of the Tabernacle, specifically focusing on the creation of the connecting bars from shittim (acacia) wood. These bars were crucial for the structural integrity and stability of the portable sanctuary, designed to interlock and unify the individual upright boards that formed the Tabernacle's walls. This verse underscores the divine precision and the Israelites' faithful adherence to God's elaborate blueprint for His dwelling place among His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:31 is situated within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically in the latter half of the book of Exodus. Chapters 25-31 detail God's precise instructions to Moses on Mount Sinai regarding the design, materials, and components of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Following this, Chapters 35-40 describe the actual execution of these divine commands by the Israelite community, led by the divinely gifted craftsmen Bezalel and Oholiab. Chapter 36 specifically focuses on the construction of the Tabernacle's framework, including the curtains, coverings, and the wooden boards and their connecting bars. This verse, therefore, is a granular detail within the larger account of faithful obedience to God's architectural specifications, ensuring the stability of the sanctuary's walls before the inner and outer coverings are applied.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering after their exodus from Egypt. This period was marked by God's direct presence and guidance, and the Tabernacle served as the central point of worship, sacrifice, and divine encounter for the nomadic nation. The materials used, such as "shittim wood," were indigenous to the Sinai peninsula, making them readily available and practical for the Israelites. The design of a portable sanctuary was essential for a people constantly on the move, and every component, including these connecting bars, was engineered for both durability and ease of assembly/disassembly. The meticulous attention to detail in the instructions (found in [Exodus 26](/exodus/26 "Exodus 26 - Instructions for the Tabernacle") and [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle")) and their execution reflects the profound reverence for God's holiness and the importance of creating a fitting dwelling place for His presence among His covenant people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Bars (Hebrew, _bĕrîaḥ'_):** These were long, wooden poles or rods designed to pass through rings on the upright boards of the Tabernacle, effectively binding them together. The term implies a strong, securing element. There were five bars for each side: two upper, two lower, and a central bar that ran the full length of the wall, from end to end, passing through the middle of the boards. This system ensured the Tabernacle's walls were not merely a collection of individual planks but a unified, stable, and rigid structure capable of withstanding the rigors of desert travel and frequent dismantling and reassembly.
* **Shittim wood (Hebrew, _shiṭṭîm'_):** This refers specifically to acacia wood, a hard, durable, and decay-resistant timber common in the Sinai desert. Its robust nature made it an ideal material for the structural components of the Tabernacle, including the boards, altars, and the Ark of the Covenant itself. The choice of shittim wood speaks to the practical wisdom embedded in God's design, ensuring the longevity and integrity of His sacred dwelling in a harsh environment. Its inherent strength and resistance to insects and rot underscored the enduring nature of God's covenant and presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made bars of shittim wood;":** This clause highlights the material chosen for the connecting bars—shittim (acacia) wood—emphasizing its suitability for strength and durability. The "he" refers to Bezalel, the chief craftsman, and his team, acting in obedience to God's specific instructions. The act of making these bars underscores the meticulous craftsmanship and the physical labor involved in bringing the divine blueprint to fruition.
* **"five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,":** This specifies the number of bars for each long side (north and south) of the Tabernacle. The "five" bars were crucial for interlocking the upright boards, creating a cohesive and sturdy wall. As described in [Exodus 26:26-28](/exodus/26-26 "Exodus 26:26-28 - Bars for the Tabernacle"), these bars provided the necessary reinforcement, with one central bar running through the middle of the boards, signifying the complete unity and stability of the structure.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Precision** and **Repetition** as key literary devices. The **Precision** is evident in the exact specification of "five" bars for "one side," reflecting the highly detailed nature of God's instructions for the Tabernacle's construction. This meticulousness underscores the divine order and the importance of exact obedience in sacred matters. The broader context of Exodus 36, which repeatedly states that the artisans made everything "as the LORD commanded Moses," exemplifies **Repetition** of the theme of obedience. This constant reiteration emphasizes the faithfulness of the Israelites in executing God's will, highlighting that no detail, however small, was overlooked in the creation of God's holy dwelling. The bars themselves serve as a form of **Symbolism**, representing the unity and structural integrity essential for God's dwelling place and, by extension, for His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:31, though a seemingly minor detail, powerfully illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and purpose. Every component of the Tabernacle, from the grand Ark to the humble connecting bars, was essential for the whole, reflecting a divine design where nothing is superfluous. This meticulousness speaks to the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him, emphasizing that His dwelling among His people was to be perfect in every respect. The bars, binding the individual boards into a unified wall, also prefigure the theme of unity within God's people, where diverse individuals are brought together to form a cohesive spiritual dwelling for God.

* [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8-9 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - The Body of Christ, Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "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 holds profound spiritual lessons for us today. Just as these bars provided essential stability and unity to the Tabernacle, our spiritual lives and the corporate body of believers require foundational truths and unifying principles to stand firm. God's meticulous attention to every part of the Tabernacle reminds us that He is a God of order, and He desires that our lives, our families, and our churches reflect His divine order and integrity. We are called to be intentional in building our lives on the unchanging truth of His Word, allowing His Spirit to bind us together in love and purpose. What are the "bars" that provide stability and unity in your personal walk with God and in your community of faith? Are you contributing to the structural integrity of the spiritual 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?**
* **How do the "bars" of shittim wood, symbolizing unity and strength, apply to the bonds within my local church or Christian community?**
* **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 essential for the structural integrity of the Tabernacle's walls. According to [Exodus 26:26-28](/exodus/26-26 "Exodus 26:26-28 - Bars for the Tabernacle"), two bars were placed high, two low, and one central bar ran through the very middle of the boards from one end to the other. These bars passed through rings attached to the upright boards, effectively interlocking them and transforming individual planks into a unified, rigid, and stable wall. This system ensured the Tabernacle could withstand the elements during travel and maintain its form when erected.

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

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

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Tabernacle, with its intricate design and every component, including the unifying bars, pointed forward to the ultimate dwelling of God among humanity, which is found in Jesus Christ. Just as the shittim wood bars provided stability and unity to the physical structure, Christ is the foundational "cornerstone" who holds together the spiritual temple, His Church ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). The Tabernacle's purpose was to facilitate God's presence with His people, a purpose perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who is "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel, God With Us")). He is the true and perfect meeting place between God and humanity, the one through whom we have access to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Moreover, the unity provided by the bars foreshadows the spiritual unity that Christ brings to His body, the Church, where believers, though diverse, 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 "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 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.