Exodus 26:20
And for the second side of the tabernacle on the north side there shall be twenty boards:
Original Language Analysis
וּלְצֶ֧לַע
side
H6763
וּלְצֶ֧לַע
side
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
1 of 7
a rib (as curved), literally (of the body) or figuratively (of a door, i.e., leaf); hence, a side, literally (of a person) or figuratively (of an obje
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
2 of 7
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
And for the second
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
And for the second
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
לִפְאַ֣ת
side
H6285
לִפְאַ֣ת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
צָפ֑וֹן
on the north
H6828
צָפ֑וֹן
on the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
Historical Context
The north side, the left side when facing east, formed the opposite wall from the south. The identical construction method ensured perfect symmetry, creating a rectangular structure rather than the irregular shapes of pagan shrines.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ unite 'opposite directions' or opposing people groups into one dwelling?
- What does the identical foundation on all sides teach about the universality of redemption?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The north side receives identical treatment—twenty boards, perfectly matching the south side. This symmetry shows that God's dwelling is balanced, orderly, complete. North and south, opposing directions, are united in identical structure, prefiguring how Christ unites things in heaven and earth (Ephesians 1:10). The tabernacle's design accommodates approach from any direction, yet all stand on the same redemption foundation.