TRV
Translation
King James Version
And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
He made the middle bar to pass through in the midst of the boards from the one end to the other.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And he made the middest barre to shoote through the boards, from the one end to ye other.
Young's Literal Translation
and he maketh the middle bar to enter into the midst of the boards from end to end;
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In the KJVVerse 2,600 of 31,102
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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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BedeAD 735
On the Tabernacle 2.10
Here, therefore, we must assume that a bar was stretched across the ten cubits of the width of the tabernacle, from the top of the boards in front to the top on the other side. [It was] firmly positioned with a head on the boards on each side in such a way that by means of it that side of the tabernacle which rested not on boards but on pillars might also remain immovable, no less firmly fixed than the other [side], even when the wind was blowing against it.If you should also wish to understand the sacrament of this bar, in a figurative manner it unambiguously signifies our Redeemer himself, who passed through from corner to corner, as it were. He reached out from the Jewish people, which he had previously chosen for himself, to make atonement also for the sake of the salvation of the multitude of the Gentiles. Hence, just as in the prophets he can for good reason be called the “cornerstone,” so also in the law can he be called the “corner bar.” He is “cornerstone,” evidently, in relation to the temple which is constructed for God out of living stones. He is “corner bar” in relation to the tabernacle which is built for him out of imperishable wood, that is, out of the souls of the elect, which are free from the stain of corruption.
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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SUMMARY
Exodus 36:33 meticulously details the fabrication of the Tabernacle's crucial "middle bar," a continuous, unseen element designed to shoot through the very core of the acacia wood boards, thereby unifying and stabilizing the entire sacred structure. This verse underscores the divine blueprint's profound precision and the artisans' faithful execution, highlighting the foundational importance of even hidden components in establishing a cohesive and stable dwelling place for God's presence among His people in the wilderness.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The description of the middle bar in Exodus 36:33 employs significant Symbolism to convey profound theological truths. The bar, though largely unseen once the Tabernacle was assembled, served as the primary unifying and strengthening element of the entire 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, much like the unseen work of God's Spirit or foundational truths in a believer's life. 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. The very act of "shooting through" the boards also suggests a deep, penetrating connection, illustrating the integral nature of God's design.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:33, with its focus on the unifying middle bar, powerfully illustrates God's design for intrinsic unity and unwavering 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 profound 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. This principle of unity is echoed throughout Scripture, emphasizing the strength and beauty found in cohesion.
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 or deem less important than the visible. In our personal walk with God, consistent prayer, diligent study of His Word, quiet acts of obedience, and a steadfast commitment to core biblical truths are often the "middle bars" that provide unseen spiritual reinforcement, holding us firm against the pressures and temptations of life. In the church, unity is not merely a superficial agreement or outward conformity but a deep, continuous connection forged by shared faith in Christ, mutual love, and a common commitment to His mission. 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 and be glorified. This verse encourages us to value the unseen, to invest in the foundational, and to strive for the kind of deep unity and integrity that makes us strong, resilient, and effective witnesses for God's kingdom.
Questions for Reflection
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 and Exodus 36:31-32), which were external, placed through rings on the outside of the boards, the middle bar was uniquely 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 of the Tabernacle's framework.
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 profound symbolic significance as a foundational, unseen element crucial for the integrity of the whole, much like a building's internal framework or the spiritual truths that uphold a community.
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 and sustaining 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). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, Christ unites people from "every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9) 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). The Tabernacle's stability, ensured by this unseen bar, foreshadows the eternal security and unbreakable unity found in Christ, who holds all things together by His powerful word (Colossians 1:17 and Hebrews 1:3). His continuous presence and unifying work guarantee the enduring nature of His Church, making it a steadfast dwelling place for God's glory in the world.