Exodus 26:28
And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.
Original Language Analysis
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
H8432
בְּת֣וֹךְ
in the midst
Strong's:
H8432
Word #:
3 of 9
a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center
הַקְּרָשִׁ֑ים
of the boards
H7175
הַקְּרָשִׁ֑ים
of the boards
Strong's:
H7175
Word #:
4 of 9
a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship
Historical Context
This middle bar possibly ran through holes bored completely through the boards' thickness (not just through rings on the surface like the other bars), creating stronger connection. Its continuous length from corner to corner provided primary lateral stability.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ serve as the 'middle bar' unifying every member of His body?
- What's the difference between Christ as central unity versus merely one connection among others?
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Analysis & Commentary
The middle bar runs through the boards' midst from end to end—one continuous bar the entire length. While the other bars connect sections, this middle bar spans all, unifying the entire side. It prefigures Christ, the central unity of His church, who connects every member to every other (Ephesians 4:15-16). He's not merely one connection among many but the central, unifying presence from beginning to end.