Exodus 26:27
And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
Original Language Analysis
לְקַרְשֵׁי֙
for the boards
H7175
לְקַרְשֵׁי֙
for the boards
Strong's:
H7175
Word #:
3 of 13
a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship
צֶ֣לַע
of the side
H6763
צֶ֣לַע
of the side
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
4 of 13
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
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
5 of 13
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית
of the other
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֑ית
of the other
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
לְקַרְשֵׁי֙
for the boards
H7175
לְקַרְשֵׁי֙
for the boards
Strong's:
H7175
Word #:
9 of 13
a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship
צֶ֣לַע
of the side
H6763
צֶ֣לַע
of the side
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
10 of 13
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
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֔ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
11 of 13
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
Historical Context
The five bars were likely placed at intervals from ground to top, creating multiple connection points. This ensured that even if one bar failed, others would maintain the wall's integrity, demonstrating redundant strength in God's design.
Questions for Reflection
- How does grace 'connect' you to other believers where law would separate?
- What does having multiple 'bars' (connection points) teach about strengthening Christian community?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Five bars for one side, five for the other—the number five suggesting grace. Grace connects God's people horizontally as redemption (silver sockets) supports them vertically. We stand on redemption and are held together by grace. The specific number (five, not three or seven) emphasizes that connection comes through grace, not law (three) or completion (seven). Only grace can unite sinners into holy dwelling.