Exodus 36:25
And for the other side of the tabernacle, which is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards,
Original Language Analysis
וּלְצֶ֧לַע
side
H6763
וּלְצֶ֧לַע
side
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
1 of 8
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
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
2 of 8
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
And for the other
H8145
הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית
And for the other
Strong's:
H8145
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
לִפְאַ֣ת
corner
H6285
לִפְאַ֣ת
corner
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
צָפ֑וֹן
which is toward the north
H6828
צָפ֑וֹן
which is toward the north
Strong's:
H6828
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, hidden, i.e., dark; used only of the north as a quarter (gloomy and unknown)
עָשָׂ֖ה
he made
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
6 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The north side faced the Mediterranean Sea (though distant) and received less direct sun than the south. Despite environmental differences, the construction remained identical—demonstrating that God's design transcends environmental variations.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the identical construction of north and south sides teach about the consistency of God's standards?
- How does architectural symmetry illustrate theological stability and unchanging truth?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Twenty boards for the north side (צֶלַע הַמִּשְׁכָּן הַשֵּׁנִית, tzela ha-mishkan ha-shenit, 'the second side of the tabernacle') mirror the south side's construction, demonstrating symmetry and balance in God's house. The identical number and arrangement teach that God's principles apply consistently regardless of direction or orientation—His standards don't shift with circumstances. Theological truth maintains integrity in all contexts, under all conditions.