Exodus 36:27
And for the sides of the tabernacle westward he made six boards.
Original Language Analysis
וּֽלְיַרְכְּתֵ֥י
And for the sides
H3411
וּֽלְיַרְכְּתֵ֥י
And for the sides
Strong's:
H3411
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
2 of 6
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
יָ֑מָּה
westward
H3220
יָ֑מָּה
westward
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
3 of 6
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
עָשָׂ֖ה
he made
H6213
עָשָׂ֖ה
he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The western wall, solid and permanent, contrasted with the eastern entrance where curtains allowed access. This orientation positioned the tabernacle so priests facing the ark faced west, with their backs to the sun—explicitly avoiding solar worship common in Egypt and Canaan.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the theological significance of the tabernacle's westward orientation, requiring worshipers to turn from the rising sun?
- How does the contrast between the solid western wall and the accessible eastern entrance illustrate God's holiness and accessibility?
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Analysis & Commentary
Six boards form the west side (יַרְכְּתֵי הַמִּשְׁכָּן, yarketei ha-mishkan, 'the rear/back of the tabernacle'), creating the back wall opposite the entrance. The tabernacle's orientation (entrance east, back west) meant worshipers faced west, moving away from the rising sun—a deliberate contrast with pagan sun-worship. Israel's God dwelt in the west, and His people approached Him moving away from sun-worship, demonstrating that true worship rejects created things for the Creator (Romans 1:25).