Topical Bible: Tabernacle: Description of The Frame

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The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, served as the portable earthly dwelling place of Yahweh among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. The frame of the Tabernacle was a crucial component, providing the structural support necessary for the entire edifice. The detailed instructions for its construction are found primarily in Exodus 26 and 36.

Materials and Construction

The frame of the Tabernacle was constructed using acacia wood, a durable and resilient material known for its resistance to decay and insects. This choice of wood underscores the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. Each board was overlaid with pure gold, symbolizing the divine presence and holiness of the Tabernacle. The boards were set in silver bases, further emphasizing the preciousness and sanctity of the structure.

Dimensions and Design

According to Exodus 26:15-30, the Tabernacle's frame consisted of a series of upright boards. Each board was ten cubits in height and one and a half cubits in width. The boards were joined together by means of two tenons, which fit into corresponding silver bases. This design ensured stability and ease of assembly and disassembly, reflecting the Israelites' nomadic lifestyle.

The north and south sides of the Tabernacle each had twenty boards, while the west side had six boards, with two additional boards for the corners. The corner boards were designed to be double, providing additional strength and support to the structure. The east side, which served as the entrance, did not have boards but was covered by a curtain.

Crossbars and Rings

To further stabilize the frame, five crossbars were used on each side of the Tabernacle. These crossbars were also made of acacia wood overlaid with gold. The middle crossbar extended from end to end, providing additional reinforcement. Gold rings were attached to the boards to hold the crossbars in place, ensuring that the structure remained secure.

Symbolism and Significance

The frame of the Tabernacle, with its gold overlay and silver bases, is rich in symbolism. Gold, often associated with divinity and purity, reflects the holiness of God and His dwelling place. Silver, frequently linked to redemption, signifies the atoning work necessary for the Israelites to approach God. The use of acacia wood, a common yet durable material, highlights the humanity of Christ, who is both fully God and fully man.

The precise and detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle's frame underscore the importance of obedience to God's commands. The Israelites' adherence to these instructions demonstrated their reverence for God and their desire to create a dwelling place worthy of His presence. The Tabernacle, with its carefully crafted frame, served as a constant reminder of God's covenant and His desire to dwell among His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 26:15-37
And you shall make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.
Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 36:20-38
And he made boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Scriptural Types.
... Its frame-work on three sides consisted of upright boards, or ... the rich inner curtain
is distinguished in the Mosaic description as the tabernacle, while the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

The Same Subject Continued.
... is also susceptible of demonstration and of description. ... that grateful surrender
of the tabernacle, which results ... wrong; not considering that the frame of man ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxiii the same subject continued.htm

Christian Standing and Christian Progress
... confident." This is a far-reaching description of the ... if our earthly house of this
tabernacle is dissolved ... is Christian indeed, are but the frame without the ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter ix christian standing and.htm

On the Holy Spirit
... This description of Christ was a proper inducement to Jews ... life spread itself through
his whole frame, as if ... is, that in the future age "the tabernacle of God ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 141 on the holy.htm

Coming to Christ
... At [17]the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington. ... A VERY CORRECT DESCRIPTION OF OUR
DEPARTURE. "To whom coming." We shall soon, very soon, quit this mortal frame. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/coming to christ.htm

His First Residence in Germany.
... in the surrounding neighborhood is beautiful beyond description. ... who knows the weakness
of our frame will forgive ... cut, and reduce this frail tabernacle to that ...
/.../chapter iv his first residence.htm

On the Different Functions of Modesty. ...
... what it has found hid in the frame of our ... it unseemly to mention by name their
description, and the ... wear them, when they enter into the tabernacle of witness ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xviii on the different.htm

The Gospel Cordial
... 9th, 1911 delivered by CH Spurgeon at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington ... Whatever
be my frame; ... among us swarms of people who answer to his description of Mr ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the gospel cordial.htm

A Sight of the Crowned Christ
... Another has Him set in picture frame, behind glass ... heard by Samuel, the flooding
of Tabernacle and Temple ... distinctness and a fulness of description here greater ...
/.../quiet talks on the crowned christ of revelation/iii a sight of the crowned.htm

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... there should seem an omission in the description, "must worship ... round the one tent
called the tabernacle, they might ... not feel in so good a frame; somebody else ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm