Exodus 36:24 (KJV)

What does Exodus 36:24 mean?

Exodus 36:24 describes how forty silver bases were made to support twenty wooden boards, with each board having two bases underneath it to fit its two connecting pegs. This verse details part of the construction instructions for the tabernacle, focusing on how the boards were stabilized and held upright.

In this section, Moses is overseeing the building of the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary for Israel’s worship during their journey in the wilderness. The verse explains a practical detail: each board (used for the walls) had two tenons—projections at the bottom—and each tenon fit into its own silver socket. This ensured the boards were firmly anchored, showing the care and precision in the tabernacle’s design.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 36:24

• "Sockets" (אֶדֶן, ’eden): This word refers to the bases or sockets made of silver that held the boards upright. The use of silver (כֶּסֶף, keseph) for these sockets highlights the value and significance of the tabernacle’s structure.
• "Boards" (קֶרֶשׁ, qeresh): These are the upright wooden planks forming the walls. Each board had two "tenons" (יָד, yad), literally "hands," which were projections fitting into the sockets.
• "Tenons" (יָד, yad): The word means "hand," but here it refers to the pegs or projections at the bottom of each board. The image is of each board having two "hands" that fit securely into the silver bases, ensuring stability.

Why Exodus 36:24 matters

• This verse clarifies the careful engineering and craftsmanship involved in building the tabernacle, showing that every detail was planned for stability and portability.
• The specific mention of silver sockets for each tenon underlines the importance of both beauty and function in Israel’s worship space.
• Understanding this construction detail helps readers appreciate the broader context of Exodus 36, where the focus is on obedience to God’s instructions and the collective effort of the people in building a sacred place.