Topical Bible: Tabernacle: The Boards of With the Bars, Covered With Gold

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The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, was a portable earthly dwelling place for the Divine Presence among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Central to its construction were the boards and bars, which formed the framework of this sacred structure. These elements were meticulously designed and crafted according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Construction and Materials

The boards of the Tabernacle were made of acacia wood, a durable and resilient material known for its resistance to decay. Each board was ten cubits long and one and a half cubits wide (Exodus 26:16). The use of acacia wood symbolizes the incorruptible nature of the Tabernacle, reflecting the holiness and eternal nature of God.

The boards were overlaid with pure gold, signifying the divine glory and majesty of God. The gold covering also served to enhance the beauty and splendor of the Tabernacle, making it a fitting dwelling place for the Almighty. The boards were set upright, and each board was equipped with two tenons, or pegs, to ensure stability and alignment (Exodus 26:17).

The Bars

To hold the boards together, bars were crafted from acacia wood and also overlaid with gold. These bars were inserted through rings of gold attached to the boards, providing structural integrity and unity to the entire framework. There were five bars for each side of the Tabernacle: north, south, and west (Exodus 26:26-27). The central bar, which ran the full length of each side, was particularly significant as it symbolized the unity and cohesion of the structure (Exodus 26:28).

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The boards and bars of the Tabernacle, covered with gold, hold profound spiritual significance. The acacia wood represents the humanity of Christ, who, though fully human, was without sin and incorruptible. The gold overlay signifies His divinity, illustrating the union of human and divine natures in the person of Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the unity and strength provided by the bars reflect the unity of the body of Christ, the Church. Just as the bars held the boards together, so too does the Holy Spirit bind believers together in love and purpose. The central bar, running the length of each side, can be seen as a representation of Christ Himself, who is the cornerstone and unifying force of the Church.

Biblical References

· "Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide." (Exodus 26:16)
· "Each frame is to have two tenons connected to one another. Do the same for all the frames of the tabernacle." (Exodus 26:17)
· "You are to make five crossbars of acacia wood for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, five for those on the other side, and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west." (Exodus 26:26-27)
· "The central crossbar in the middle of the frames shall extend from one end to the other." (Exodus 26:28)

The boards and bars of the Tabernacle, covered with gold, are a testament to the intricate design and divine purpose of this holy sanctuary. They serve as a reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people and the profound truths embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 26:26-29
And you shall make bars of shittim wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 36:34
And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... And after this manner was the tabernacle reared. ... rings belonging to each of the longer
boards, and passing ... entire wood, and through them gilt bars passed along ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

Princely Service.
... to every man according to his service." It fell to the lot of Merari to carry the
heaviest materials of the tabernacle; the boards, the bars, and the ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

I Know that My Redeemer Liveth
... of Mansoul, are carried away, and the bars thereof are ... they enter the secret palaces
of the tabernacle of life ... shall not get to glory some on boards, and some ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/i know that my redeemer.htm