### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7175}}` is much more than a word for a plank or slab. Its primary biblical role is to define the foundational structure of the Tabernacle. Through the detailed descriptions of the **boards**, scripture reveals themes of divine precision, the sanctification of materials for a holy purpose, and the importance of ordered service in the community of faith. The **qeresh** is a building block, both literally for the Tabernacle and thematically for understanding God's detailed care for His dwelling place.
TRV