The Hebrew word qeresh, represented by H7175, primarily means a slab or plank. It appears 51 times in 34 unique verses, and its meaning comes from an unused root suggesting something "split off." While it can refer to the deck of a ship or a bench, its most significant use is in describing the structural boards of the Tabernacle.
The core meaning of H7175 as a "slab" or "plank" gains depth from its suggested root, implying something "split off." This etymological nuance indicates not merely a piece of wood, but one that has been deliberately cut, shaped, and prepared for a specific structural purpose. Unlike raw timber, a qeresh is a processed component, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship and intentionality required for its fabrication, especially evident in the precise dimensions and uniform nature of the Tabernacle boards. This preparatory aspect underscores the idea of distinct, uniform units designed for assembly, rather than rough, unrefined material.
In scripture, H7175 is central to the detailed instructions for constructing the Tabernacle H4908. These boards were to be made of shittim H7848 wood H6086 (Exodus 26:15, Exodus 36:20) and were precisely measured at ten H6235 cubits H520 in length and a cubit and a half H2677 in breadth Exodus 26:16. The boards formed the standing framework, supported by sockets H134 of silver H3701 and held together by bars H1280 (Exodus 26:19, Exodus 26:26). The care and importance of these components are highlighted by the command to overlay H6823 the boards with gold H2091 Exodus 26:29. A different use appears in Ezekiel's prophecy against Tyre, where the word is translated as benches made of ivory H8127 on a ship Ezekiel 27:6.
Beyond the general specifications, the enumeration of H7175 reveals a highly systematic approach to the Tabernacle's construction. Moses was instructed to make "twenty boards on the south side southward" Exodus 26:18, another "twenty boards" for the "north side" Exodus 26:20, and "six boards" for the "westward" side, with two additional "boards" for the corners Exodus 26:22, Exodus 26:23, totaling eight boards for the west when considering the corners Exodus 26:25. This precise counting and spatial allocation of each qeresh underscore the architectural blueprint's exactitude, a pattern faithfully executed by the craftsmen as recorded in Exodus 36:20-30. The narrative culminates with Moses himself "setting up the boards thereof" as part of the Tabernacle's erection Exodus 40:18, signifying the culmination of this detailed, divinely ordained assembly process.
Several related words provide context for the function and significance of the boards:
- H4908 mishkân (tabernacle): The boards H7175 are the essential wooden walls that form the structure of the Tabernacle H4908, God's dwelling place among the Israelites Exodus 35:11.
- H1280 bᵉrîyach (bar): These bars H1280, also made of shittim H7848 wood H6086, were created to secure and unify the boards H7175 into a solid structure Exodus 26:26-27.
- H134 ʼeden (socket, foundation): Each board H7175 was set into sockets H134 of silver, providing a firm and valuable foundation for the holy structure Exodus 26:19.
- H7848 shiṭṭâh (shittim): This specific type of acacia wood H6086 was the prescribed material for making the boards H7175 of the Tabernacle, chosen for its durability Exodus 36:20.
- H7176 qereth (city, building): While qeresh refers to a specific structural plank or board, qereth denotes a larger constructed entity like a city or building, suggesting that qeresh represents a fundamental component in such substantial constructions, even as it forms the unique walls of the Tabernacle.
The use of H7175 carries significant thematic weight, especially in relation to the Tabernacle.
- Divine Order and Precision: The highly specific instructions for the dimensions, number, and placement of the boards underscore the theme of divine order. Each board H7175 had to be made exactly as commanded, reflecting the perfect and deliberate nature of God's plans Exodus 26:17-18.
- Sanctity and Value: Though made from earthly shittim H7848 wood H6086, the boards were overlaid H6823 with gold H2091 Exodus 26:29. This act of covering a common material with a precious one symbolizes the sanctification of the ordinary for a holy purpose.
- Corporate Responsibility: The charge H4931 and custody H6486 for the boards H7175 and other structural elements were assigned to the sons of Merari H4847, demonstrating a divinely organized system of service and accountability among God's people (Numbers 3:36, Numbers 4:31).
- Demarcation of Sacred Space: The qeresh boards served as the literal walls of the Tabernacle, effectively creating a sacred enclosure. By defining the physical boundaries, these "standing up" boards Exodus 26:15 visually and functionally separated the holy space where God's presence would dwell from the surrounding profane wilderness. This physical demarcation emphasized the unique sanctity of the Tabernacle and regulated access, ensuring that the divine presence was approached with reverence and according to prescribed order.
The term H7175 (qeresh) transcends a simple translation of "slab" or "plank," embodying a concept of carefully prepared and precisely integrated structural components. Derived from a root suggesting "something split off," it implies a deliberate act of shaping and refining wood into uniform units, a meticulous process exemplified by the Tabernacle's construction. These qeresh boards were not merely raw materials but processed elements, specifically designed for assembly, as detailed in the exacting instructions for their dimensions, tenons, and placement.
The biblical narrative extensively details the precise enumeration and spatial allocation of these boards for the Tabernacle's various sides and corners, a blueprint faithfully executed and ultimately erected by Moses himself. This systematic construction underscores profound theological themes: the divine order and precision inherent in God's commands, the sanctification of common materials through gold overlay for a holy purpose, and the corporate responsibility assigned to specific individuals for their care. Crucially, the qeresh boards also served as the physical demarcation of sacred space, creating a distinct, holy enclosure that separated the divine dwelling from the mundane.
Thus, H7175 is far more than a building material; it represents a foundational element in God's revealed plan for His dwelling among His people. From its meticulous preparation to its specific placement and theological implications, the qeresh stands as a testament to the detailed care, profound symbolism, and ordered service central to the Tabernacle's design and purpose.
TRV