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 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
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:33 is embedded within the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically in Exodus 35-40, which chronicles the practical implementation of the divine instructions given earlier in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions"). Following the Israelites' generous contributions and the divine appointment of skilled craftsmen like [Bezalel and Oholiab](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30 - Bezalel and Oholiab Appointed"), this chapter shifts focus to the actual manufacturing of the Tabernacle's components. Verses 20-34 of Exodus 36 describe the construction of the Tabernacle's foundational framework: the upright boards of acacia wood, overlaid with gold and set into silver sockets. The system of bars (verses 31-33) was indispensable 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 immediate presence among the Israelites during their arduous wilderness journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. This nomadic dwelling was the epicenter of their worship, national identity, and 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, resonate with ancient Near Eastern architectural practices where temples and sacred spaces were built with extreme precision, often mirroring cosmic order and divine perfection. For the Israelites, the Tabernacle was far more than a mere building; it was a microcosm of God's ordered creation, a sacred locus 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, robust unit would have held profound resonance for a people being forged into a unified nation under God's sovereign hand.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it exemplifies **Divine Precision and Order**, showcasing God's meticulous attention to every detail of His dwelling, emphasizing that His holiness demands perfection in all aspects of worship and service. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Unity and Cohesion**, as the middle bar's function was to bind individual boards into a single, strong wall, mirroring God's desire for His people to be unified as a collective body, a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")). Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Unseen Foundation and Strength**, where the most critical structural element is hidden from view, pointing to the often-invisible spiritual realities and foundational truths that underpin true stability and resilience. The Tabernacle's construction, including this bar, was a tangible expression of God's covenant faithfulness and His desire to dwell securely among His people, as seen in the broader narrative of [Exodus](/exodus/1 "The Book of Exodus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Middle (Hebrew, _tîykôwn'_):** The Hebrew word תִּיכֹון (_tîykôwn_), derived from the root meaning "to sever" or "to bisect," signifies "central," "innermost," or "midst." Its application here is crucial, distinguishing this bar from others by its unique placement. Unlike the external bars, the _tîykôwn_ bar was designed to run through the very core or heart of the boards, making its contribution to the structure not only central but also deeply integral and foundational, even if largely unseen.
* **Bar (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyach'_):** The Hebrew term בְּרִיחַ (_bᵉrîyach_), from the root meaning "to bolt," refers to a bolt, bar, or crossbar, typically used for securing doors, gates, or, as in this context, for reinforcing a structure. In the Tabernacle's framework, these bars were essential for binding the individual planks into a cohesive wall. The specific nature of the _bᵉrîyach_ in this verse—the "middle bar"—implies a single, continuous 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 (Hebrew, _bârach'_):** The verb לְהַבְרִיחַ (_lehavriach_), used in the Hiphil conjugation, is derived from the primitive root בָּרַח (_bârach_), meaning "to bolt," "to flee suddenly," or "to pass through quickly." In the Hiphil, it means "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 precisely bored channels or integrated rings within the boards themselves. This method of insertion signifies a deep, integral connection, ensuring superior structural integrity and a unified framework, rather than a superficial or external attachment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made the middle bar":** This phrase identifies the specific construction task undertaken by Bezalel and the skilled craftsmen, who are the implied agents of "he" in the collective sense, consistent with the broader narrative of [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle"). It highlights the creation of a singular, unique bar, distinct from the other bars by its central placement and continuous function, emphasizing its critical role in the Tabernacle's design.
* **"to shoot through the boards":** This clause describes the precise and ingenious method of installation. The middle bar was not merely positioned on the surface or held by external rings, but was threaded, or "shot," _through_ the very substance of the acacia wood boards. This implies a sophisticated engineering design where the boards themselves had integrated channels or sockets, allowing the bar to run internally, providing continuous, internal reinforcement and binding.
* **"from the one end to the other":** This final phrase underscores the continuous and unbroken 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 overall stability, especially given its portable nature and the necessity for repeated assembly and disassembly during Israel's wilderness wanderings.

#### 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.

* [Ephesians 4:3](/ephesians/4-3 "Ephesians 4:3 - Unity of the Spirit")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "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 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
* **What are the "middle bars" in your spiritual life—the unseen disciplines or commitments that provide foundational strength and stability?**
* **How does the concept of a unifying, continuous bar apply to the unity of the church, and what specific role do you play in fostering that spiritual cohesion?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be neglecting the "unseen" foundational elements in favor of more visible, superficial ones, and what might be the consequences?**
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction encourage you about His care for the intricate details of your own life and His divine plan for you?**

### 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/36-31-32 "Exodus 36:31-32 - Other Tabernacle Bars")), 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](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). 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](/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 by His powerful word ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together") and [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")). 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.

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.