Exodus 36:20
And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַקְּרָשִׁ֖ים
boards
H7175
הַקְּרָשִׁ֖ים
boards
Strong's:
H7175
Word #:
3 of 7
a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
for the tabernacle
H4908
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
for the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
4 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
Historical Context
Each board was approximately 15 feet tall by 2.25 feet wide (10 cubits × 1.5 cubits), made from acacia wood completely overlaid with gold. These boards, fitted into silver sockets, formed three sides of the rectangular tabernacle structure (back and two sides), with curtains forming the entrance.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the boards (wood overlaid with gold) standing upright illustrate believers' identity in Christ?
- What does the transformation of desert-grown acacia into gold-covered boards teach about redemption and sanctification?
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Analysis & Commentary
The boards (קְרָשִׁים, kerashim) of shittim wood (acacia) overlaid with gold form the tabernacle's structural frame—humanity (wood) clothed in divinity (gold). Standing upright (עֹמְדִים, omedim), these boards represent believers standing firm in God's house, rooted in divine strength. The dual nature (wood and gold) prefigures Christ's two natures (human and divine) and believers' identity (earthly origin, heavenly standing)—'you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God' (Colossians 3:3).