Exodus 36:34
And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.
Original Language Analysis
וְֽאֶת
H853
וְֽאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַקְּרָשִׁ֞ים
the boards
H7175
הַקְּרָשִׁ֞ים
the boards
Strong's:
H7175
Word #:
2 of 14
a slab or plank; by implication, a deck of a ship
זָהָֽב׃
of gold
H2091
זָהָֽב׃
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
טַבְּעֹתָם֙
their rings
H2885
טַבְּעֹתָם֙
their rings
Strong's:
H2885
Word #:
6 of 14
properly, a seal (as sunk into the wax), i.e., signet (for sealing); hence (generally) a ring of any kind
עָשָׂ֣ה
and made
H6213
עָשָׂ֣ה
and made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
זָהָֽב׃
of gold
H2091
זָהָֽב׃
of gold
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
8 of 14
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
בָּתִּ֖ים
to be places
H1004
בָּתִּ֖ים
to be places
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
9 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
Overlaying involved beating thin sheets of gold to cover the entire surface of each board, a labor-intensive process requiring skilled metalwork. The gold overlay made the interior of the tabernacle radiant, reflecting lamp light and creating a glorious environment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does overlaying desert wood with gold illustrate justification—being clothed in Christ's righteousness while retaining our humanity?
- What does the transformation of boards through gold overlay teach about the relationship between our earthly origin and heavenly identity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Overlaying the boards with gold (וְאֶת־הַקְּרָשִׁים צִפָּה זָהָב, ve'et-hakerashim tzippah zahav) transformed humble desert wood into reflections of divine glory. Gold represents divinity, purity, and royalty—covering wood demonstrates how God clothes His people in righteousness not their own. The boards' identity didn't change (still acacia), but their appearance and function transformed through covering with precious metal. Similarly, believers retain humanity while being clothed in Christ's righteousness (Galatians 3:27).