Exodus 36:33
And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 11
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַקְּרָשִׁ֔ים
the boards
H7175
הַקְּרָשִׁ֔ים
the boards
Strong's:
H7175
Word #:
7 of 11
a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
Historical Context
The middle bar, running the full length through rings in the center of each board, provided the primary structural integrity. The other bars (two above, two below) offered additional support, but the central bar bore the main unifying function.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the central bar running from end to end illustrate Christ's unifying work in His church across all times and places?
- What does the middle bar's comprehensive reach teach about Christ's mediatorial role connecting all believers?
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Analysis & Commentary
The middle bar 'in the midst of the boards' reaching 'from end to end' (הַבְּרִיחַ הַתִּיכֹן בְּתוֹךְ הַקְּרָשִׁים, haberiach ha-tikhon betokh ha-kerashim... מִן־הַקָּצֶה אֶל־הַקָּצֶה, min-hakatzeh el-hakatzeh) provided central, comprehensive support spanning the entire side. This central bar pictures Christ, the unifying center of His church, who binds all believers together from one end (beginning of time) to the other (consummation). He is the 'one mediator' (1 Timothy 2:5) connecting all parts of His body across all generations.