Exodus 36:31
And he made bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
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
לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י
for the boards
H7175
לְקַרְשֵׁ֥י
for the boards
Strong's:
H7175
Word #:
6 of 9
a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship
צֶֽלַע
side
H6763
צֶֽלַע
side
Strong's:
H6763
Word #:
7 of 9
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
Historical Context
Five bars ran horizontally across each side (north, south, west), fitting through rings attached to the boards. This system allowed the entire framework to function as a unified structure while still being disassemblable for transport.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the bars binding boards together illustrate the necessity of Christian community and mutual support?
- What does the combination of individual standing (each board on its foundation) and corporate binding (bars joining boards) teach about personal and communal aspects of faith?
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Analysis & Commentary
Bars of shittim wood (acacia, בְּרִיחֵי עֲצֵי שִׁטִּים, berichei atzei shittim) overlaid with gold bound the standing boards together horizontally, creating lateral strength. While boards stood individually on redemption-foundations, bars joined them corporately—illustrating that believers, though each individually redeemed, require mutual connection for stability. The bars represent fellowship, accountability, and shared purpose that bind God's people together. Without lateral support, individual boards could topple; without genuine community, individual believers become vulnerable.