And he made boards for the tabernacle; twenty boards for the south side southward:

EXODUS 36:23KJV
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Exodus 36:23 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:23 mean?

Exodus 36:23 describes how twenty boards were made for the south side of the tabernacle, forming part of its structure. This verse records a specific step in the construction of the tabernacle, focusing on the framework for one side.

In this part of Exodus, skilled workers are building the tabernacle according to detailed instructions given earlier. The verse highlights the careful organization and precise measurements used in creating the sacred tent where Israel would worship. The boards mentioned here are large wooden planks that made up the walls, showing the practical work involved in turning God's instructions into a real structure.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:23

  • "boards" (קֶרֶשׁ, qeresh): This word refers to the upright wooden planks used as the main structural elements of the tabernacle’s walls. Understanding that these are not just small boards but substantial planks helps picture the sturdiness and size of the structure.
  • "tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, mishkan): This term means "dwelling place" or "sanctuary," emphasizing that the structure was meant to be a special place where God’s presence would be among the people.
  • "south" (תֵּימָן, teman) and "southward" (נֶגֶב, negev): Both words point to the orientation of the boards, making clear that this verse is about the southern side of the tabernacle. The use of both terms underlines the importance of precise direction in the construction.

Why Exodus 36:23 matters

  • This verse shows the attention to detail and orderliness in the tabernacle’s construction, reflecting the care taken to follow God’s instructions exactly.
  • By specifying the number and placement of the boards, Exodus 36:23 helps readers understand the physical layout of the tabernacle, which is important for visualizing how worship was organized in ancient Israel.
  • The verse connects to a larger theme in Exodus: the idea that every part of the tabernacle had a set place and purpose, reinforcing the sense of sacred order in Israel’s worship practices.