Exodus 36:23
And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 9
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
for the tabernacle
H4908
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
for the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
4 of 9
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
לִפְאַ֖ת
side
H6285
לִפְאַ֖ת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
Historical Context
The south side faced the wilderness of Paran, receiving intense desert sun. Beginning construction with the south side may have been strategic (starting with the most challenging orientation) or simply following the systematic pattern for describing the structure.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the equal attention to all sides of the tabernacle (including the south facing harsh sun) teach about consistency in building God's house?
- How does the systematic description of construction demonstrate God's orderliness and attention to detail?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Twenty boards for the south side (פְּאַת־נֶגְבָּה תֵימָנָה, pe'at-negbah teimanah, 'corner of the south, southward') begin the framework, with specific attention to orientation and placement. The south side, facing the desert's heat, required the same careful construction as other sides—teaching that all parts of God's house deserve equal attention regardless of external conditions or visibility. No shortcuts are permitted in constructing God's dwelling; every side must be equally well-built.