Exodus 26:27 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:27 mean?

Exodus 26:27 describes how five bars were to be made for each of the boards on the sides of the tabernacle, specifically mentioning the two sides that faced westward. This verse is part of the detailed instructions God gave Moses for building the portable sanctuary, focusing here on the structural support for the tabernacle's sides.

In this passage, God is speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, giving precise directions for assembling the tabernacle’s framework. The verse highlights the need for stability and order in the construction, with the five bars (long wooden poles) running across the boards (upright planks) on each side, especially the western end. These details show the care and precision involved in creating a sacred space for worship.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:27

• The word for "bars" is דֶּ֫בֶר (dever), which refers to long poles used to hold the boards together. This shows the practical method of connecting and stabilizing the tabernacle walls.
• "Boards" is קֶרֶשׁ (qeresh), meaning upright wooden planks. These formed the main structure of the tabernacle’s sides.
• "Side" is צֵלָע (tsela‘), which can mean a side or a panel, emphasizing that the instructions cover both sides of the tabernacle, not just one.
• "Westward" is יָם (yam), which literally means "sea" but is often used to indicate the west, since the Mediterranean Sea was west of Israel. This clarifies that the instructions specifically include the western end of the tabernacle.

Why Exodus 26:27 matters

• This verse shows the level of detail and care in the tabernacle’s design, emphasizing that every part had a purpose and was to be made according to God’s instructions.
• It clears up any confusion about how the boards were held together, showing that the bars were not just decorative but essential for the structure’s stability.
• By specifying the westward sides, the verse connects to the overall layout of the tabernacle, which had symbolic meaning in its orientation and design.