Exodus 36:22
One board had two tenons, equally distant one from another: thus did he make for all the boards of the tabernacle.
Original Language Analysis
יָדֹ֗ת
tenons
H3027
יָדֹ֗ת
tenons
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
2 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
מְשֻׁלָּבֹ֔ת
equally distant
H7947
מְשֻׁלָּבֹ֔ת
equally distant
Strong's:
H7947
Word #:
5 of 13
to space off; intensive (evenly) to make equidistant
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
עָשָׂ֔ה
thus did he make
H6213
עָשָׂ֔ה
thus did he make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
10 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
לְכֹ֖ל
H3605
לְכֹ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
The tenons were projections at the bottom of each board that fit into corresponding mortise holes in silver sockets, creating a stable foundation. The double-tenon design prevented boards from twisting or leaning, ensuring structural integrity of the entire framework.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the two tenons ('hands') per board illustrate the necessity of being firmly grounded in God's foundation?
- What does the requirement for balanced, equal-distanced connection points teach about spiritual stability?
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Analysis & Commentary
Two tenons (יָדוֹת, yadot, literally 'hands') per board, 'equally distant one from another' (מְשֻׁלָּבֹת, meshullavaot, 'joined' or 'set in order'), enabled secure fitting into silver sockets. These 'hands' grasping the foundation picture believers' connection to Christ, the foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). The equal distancing demonstrates balanced grounding—not leaning one direction or another, but firmly established in God's truth. Each board's two connection points illustrate that genuine stability requires multiple secure attachments, not single-point reliance.