Exodus 36:33

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H6213} the middle {H8484} bar {H1280} to shoot {H1272} through {H8432} the boards {H7175} from the one end {H7097} to the other {H7097}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He made the middle crossbar so that it extended from one end of the planks to the other, halfway up.

Berean Standard Bible

He made the central crossbar to run through the center of the frames, from one end to the other.

American Standard Version

And he made the middle bar to pass through in the midst of the boards from the one end to the other.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:33 provides a specific architectural detail in the construction of the Tabernacle, describing the creation of the crucial "middle bar" designed to unify and stabilize the entire structure of the sacred dwelling. This verse highlights the meticulous precision of God's instructions and the diligent execution by the divinely gifted artisans, underscoring the foundational importance of even unseen elements in establishing a unified and stable dwelling place for the divine presence among His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:33 is situated within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically in Exodus 35-40, which details the practical fulfillment of the divine blueprint given in Exodus 25-31. Following the call for contributions and the appointment of skilled craftsmen like [Bezalel and Oholiab](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30 - Bezalel and Oholiab Appointed"), this chapter focuses on the actual fabrication of the Tabernacle's components. Verses 20-34 of Exodus 36 describe the construction of the Tabernacle's framework: the upright boards of acacia wood overlaid with gold, standing in silver sockets. The system of bars (verses 31-33) was essential for the structural integrity of these walls, with the "middle bar" of verse 33 being uniquely distinguished by its continuous passage through the entire length of the boards, ensuring unparalleled unity and stability for the sacred space.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as God's portable sanctuary, symbolizing His presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This nomadic dwelling was central to their worship and national identity, a tangible sign of the covenant relationship established at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"). The meticulous instructions for its construction, down to the smallest detail like the middle bar, reflect ancient Near Eastern architectural practices where temples and sacred spaces were built with extreme precision, often mirroring cosmic order. For the Israelites, the Tabernacle was not merely a building but a microcosm of God's ordered creation, a place where the holy God would meet with His people, as commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build a Sanctuary"). The middle bar's function of binding disparate elements into a singular, strong unit would have resonated deeply with a people being forged into a unified nation under God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Middle (Hebrew, _tikhon'_):** The Hebrew word תִּיכֹון (_tikhon_) means "middle," "innermost," or "central." Its use here emphasizes the unique placement and function of this particular bar. Unlike the other bars mentioned in [Exodus 26:27-28](/exodus/26-27 "Exodus 26:27-28 - Tabernacle Bars"), which were external or held by rings, the _tikhon_ bar was distinct because it ran _through_ the very heart or middle of the boards, making its contribution to the structure both central and foundational, even if largely unseen.
* **Bar (Hebrew, _beriach'_):** The Hebrew term בְּרִיחַ (_beriach_) refers to a bar, bolt, or crossbar, typically used for securing doors, gates, or, as here, for strengthening a structure. In the context of the Tabernacle, these bars were essential for binding the individual planks into a cohesive wall. The specific nature of the _beriach_ in this verse—the "middle bar"—implies a continuous, single piece of wood that provided longitudinal strength across the entire length of the Tabernacle walls, a critical element for its stability during transport and assembly.
* **Shoot through (Hebrew, _lehavriach'_):** The verb לְהַבְרִיחַ (_lehavriach_), derived from the root meaning "to flee" or "to pass through quickly," is used here in the Hiphil conjugation, meaning "to cause to pass through" or "to make to shoot through." This verb vividly describes the action of inserting the bar not merely against the boards, but _through_ them, likely via rings or sockets integrated into the boards themselves. This method of insertion signifies a deep, integral connection, ensuring superior structural integrity and a unified framework, rather than a superficial attachment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made the middle bar":** This phrase refers to Bezalel and the skilled craftsmen (implied by "he" as the collective agent of construction, following the general context of [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle")). It specifies the creation of a unique bar, distinct from the others, by its central placement and function. This bar was a singular, continuous piece, unlike the multiple, shorter bars that supported the structure externally.
* **"to shoot through the boards":** This clause describes the method of insertion. The middle bar was not merely laid against the boards or held by external rings, but was threaded or passed _through_ the very substance of the acacia wood boards. This implies a precise engineering design where the boards themselves had channels or rings integrated into their structure, allowing the bar to run internally, providing continuous, internal reinforcement.
* **"from the one end to the other":** This final phrase emphasizes the continuous nature of the middle bar. It extended the full length of each wall section (north, south, and west), binding every individual board into a single, unified, and immensely strong structure. This continuity was paramount for the Tabernacle's stability, especially given its portable nature and the need for repeated assembly and disassembly.

#### Literary Devices
The description of the middle bar in Exodus 36:33 employs **Symbolism** to convey profound theological truths. The bar, though largely unseen, served as the primary unifying and strengthening element of the entire Tabernacle structure. This symbolizes the essential, often hidden, foundational elements that provide stability and cohesion in spiritual life and community. It speaks to the importance of an inner, continuous strength that binds disparate parts into a unified whole. Furthermore, the meticulous detail given to this unseen component highlights God's **Divine Precision** and His concern for perfection in all aspects of His dwelling and worship. Nothing was left to chance; every element, visible or not, had a specific purpose in reflecting the divine order and holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:33, with its focus on the unifying middle bar, powerfully illustrates God's design for unity and stability within His dwelling place and, by extension, among His people. The bar's unseen yet indispensable role speaks to the critical importance of foundational elements—whether spiritual truths, character qualities, or unifying principles—that hold a community or individual life together. It underscores that true strength often comes from deep, continuous connections, not just superficial attachments. This divine blueprint for a unified sanctuary reflects God's desire for His people to be one, bound together by a common purpose and a shared spiritual foundation, allowing His presence to dwell securely among them.

* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - One Body, Many Members")
* [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - Unity of Brothers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The middle bar of the Tabernacle, largely unseen but absolutely vital, offers a profound lesson for our lives and communities. It reminds us that true strength and stability often reside in the hidden, foundational aspects we might overlook. In our personal walk with God, consistent prayer, diligent study of His Word, and quiet acts of obedience are often the "middle bars" that provide unseen spiritual reinforcement, holding us firm against the pressures of life. In the church, unity is not merely a superficial agreement but a deep, continuous connection forged by shared faith, mutual love, and a common commitment to Christ. Just as the bar brought disparate planks into a single, strong wall, so too are believers called to be knit together, forming a spiritual house where God's presence can truly dwell. This verse encourages us to value the unseen, to invest in the foundational, and to strive for the kind of deep unity that makes us strong and resilient.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "middle bars" in your spiritual life—the unseen disciplines or commitments that provide foundational strength?**
* **How does the concept of a unifying, continuous bar apply to the unity of the church, and what role do you play in fostering that unity?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be neglecting the "unseen" foundational elements in favor of more visible, superficial ones?**
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction encourage you about His care for the details of your own life?**

### FAQ
**What was the purpose of the middle bar, and how was it different from other bars?**

Answer: The middle bar's primary purpose was to provide continuous, internal structural unity and stability to the Tabernacle's walls. Unlike the other bars (mentioned in [Exodus 26:27-28](/exodus/26-27 "Exodus 26:27-28 - Tabernacle Bars") and [Exodus 36:31-32](/exodus/36-31 "Exodus 36:31-32 - Other Tabernacle Bars")) which were external, placed through rings on the outside of the boards, the middle bar was designed "to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other." This means it ran internally, likely through channels or sockets bored directly into the acacia wood planks, making it a continuous, integral part of the wall's structure and providing unparalleled strength and cohesion across the entire length.

**Was the middle bar visible once the Tabernacle was assembled?**

Answer: No, the middle bar was largely unseen. The text states it was "to shoot through the boards," implying it ran _within_ the body of the planks themselves, or at least through internal rings that were then covered by the gold overlay of the boards. Its function was internal and structural, not aesthetic. This hidden nature underscores its symbolic significance as a foundational, unseen element crucial for the integrity of the whole, much like a building's internal framework.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The middle bar of the Tabernacle, running continuously through the boards to create a unified and stable dwelling for God, serves as a profound type pointing to the unifying work of Jesus Christ. Just as the bar brought disparate planks into one cohesive structure, Christ is the ultimate "middle bar" who binds together all believers, making them one body, the Church. He is the hidden, foundational strength, the very "cornerstone" upon whom the entire spiritual edifice is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Through His atoning sacrifice and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christ unites people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed by the Lamb")) into a single, living temple where God now dwells, not in a tent of acacia wood, but in the hearts of His people ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). The Tabernacle's stability, ensured by this unseen bar, foreshadows the eternal security and unbreakable unity found in Christ, who holds all things together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together")) and whose presence guarantees the enduring nature of His 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.