And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.

EXODUS 26:28KJV
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Exodus 26:28 (KJV)

What does Exodus 26:28 mean?

Exodus 26:28 describes a specific part of the tabernacle’s construction: the middle bar that runs through the center of the boards on the sides of the tabernacle, stretching from one end to the other. This bar was designed to hold the boards together and provide structural support across the length of the tabernacle.

In this verse, God is giving Moses detailed instructions on how to build the portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship in the wilderness. The focus is on the middle bar, which runs “in the midst of the boards,” showing the careful planning and craftsmanship required for the tabernacle’s stability and unity.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 26:28

  • The word for “middle” is תָּוֶךְ (tavek), which means “midst” or “center.” This highlights that the bar is not just attached to the outside but runs through the very center of the boards, emphasizing its central role in holding the structure together.
  • The word for “bar” is בְּרִיחַ (beriach), meaning a bar or bolt used for fastening. This term shows the bar’s purpose as a connector and stabilizer.
  • The verb “shall reach” is יַבְרִיחַ (yavriach), which comes from the same root as “bar” and means to pass through or reach across. This underlines that the bar is continuous, not just a short piece, but one that spans the entire length from one end to the other.
  • The word for “end” is קָצֶה (qatseh), used twice, meaning the extremity or edge. This makes clear that the bar stretches the full length, not stopping short on either side.

Why Exodus 26:28 matters

  • This verse clears up that the tabernacle’s boards were not just standing loosely; they were tightly joined by a central bar running their full length, making the structure strong and unified.
  • The detail about the bar reaching “from end to end” shows the importance of completeness and integrity in the tabernacle’s design, reflecting the care and precision expected in things set apart for worship.
  • Understanding this construction detail helps readers picture the tabernacle more accurately and appreciate the practical wisdom behind its design, which allowed it to be both portable and sturdy for Israel’s journey.

Where else these words appear

“middle” Hebrew H8484 · used in 9 verses

  • Exodus 36:33 And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other.
  • 1 Kings 6:6 The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad: for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house.
  • Ezekiel 41:7 And there was an enlarging, and a winding about still upward to the side chambers: for the winding about of the house went still upward round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the midst.

“boards” Hebrew H7175 · used in 34 verses

  • Exodus 26:15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
  • Exodus 26:27 And five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tabernacle, for the two sides westward.
  • Exodus 36:28 And two boards made he for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

“bar” Hebrew H1280 · used in 37 verses

  • Exodus 26:26 And thou shalt make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
  • Deuteronomy 3:5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.
  • Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

“reach” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 23:6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he came down with an ephod in his hand.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.