Read the Daily Bible Verse – Exodus 36:20 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Exodus 36:20 is one of the verses detailing the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle, which served as the dwelling place for God among His people. Although this verse might seem like a simple description of the Tabernacle’s construction, it carries profound theological implications that speak to God’s order, holiness, and His desire for intimate fellowship with His people. In this article, we will explore Exodus 36:20 in depth, providing an understanding of the context, the meaning of the verse, its application in life, its comparison with other biblical texts, and its modern-day relevance. Through detailed commentary, we will see how this verse teaches us valuable spiritual lessons.
The Context of Exodus 36:20 KJV
To fully appreciate Exodus 36:20, we need to place it in the larger narrative of the Book of Exodus. The Book of Exodus chronicles God’s miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their subsequent journey through the wilderness. Central to the second half of the book is the construction of the Tabernacle, a mobile sanctuary where God would dwell among His people.
By the time we reach Exodus 36, the Israelites have already received detailed instructions from God about the materials, design, and layout of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 36, skilled artisans and craftsmen, primarily Bezalel and Oholiab, are overseeing the building of the Tabernacle according to God’s specifications. Exodus 36:20 is part of a section that deals specifically with the construction of the Tabernacle’s boards.
Exodus 36:20 (KJV) reads:
“And he made twenty boards for the south side of the tabernacle of shittim wood, for the south side southward:” (Exodus 36:20, KJV)
This verse introduces the twenty boards that were part of the southern wall of the Tabernacle. These boards, made of shittim wood (acacia wood), were designed to form one of the outer walls of the Tabernacle, which would be covered with the various layers of materials detailed in previous verses. The careful description of these materials is not only a reflection of God’s detailed instructions but also an invitation to us to examine the spiritual significance behind these components.
The Tabernacle’s Purpose and Function
Before diving into the details of Exodus 36:20, it’s helpful to recall the overall purpose of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle was designed to be the dwelling place of God among His people. It was where God would meet with Moses and the Israelites, and it represented God’s holiness and presence in the midst of His people.
The structure of the Tabernacle, which included the outer courtyard, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies), was a highly symbolic representation of God’s presence and the way in which His people could approach Him. The boards in Exodus 36:20 were part of the outer structure of the Tabernacle, helping to form the walls that separated the sacred space from the outside world.
The Exodus 36:20 Meaning
Exodus 36:20 focuses on the construction of the southern side of the Tabernacle, and there are several important elements to unpack in this verse. Understanding the materials, design, and purpose of these boards provides valuable insight into God’s character and His relationship with His people.
1. The Material: Shittim Wood (Acacia Wood)
The verse mentions that the boards were made of shittim wood, also known as acacia wood. Acacia was a sturdy, durable wood found in the desert, symbolizing both strength and purity. The durability of the wood speaks to the enduring nature of God’s covenant with His people. Even though the Israelites were journeying through the wilderness, the Tabernacle’s construction symbolized the permanence of God’s presence with them.
The use of shittim wood also highlights God’s provision. While the Israelites were in the desert, they had little access to resources. Yet, God provided the materials they needed, ensuring that every detail was accounted for, even in the most challenging circumstances.
2. The Number of Boards: Twenty
The number twenty is also significant. It is not arbitrary, as God’s instructions are always intentional. In the Bible, numbers often carry symbolic meaning. The number twenty can represent completeness or fulfillment in some contexts. This suggests that the twenty boards formed a complete, stable structure, emphasizing the holiness and integrity of God’s dwelling place. The completeness of the Tabernacle’s structure reflects God’s perfect design and His intention to dwell fully among His people.
3. The Position: South Side of the Tabernacle
Exodus 36:20 specifies that the boards were placed on the south side of the Tabernacle. The southern side of the Tabernacle was a place of stability and order, indicating that the Tabernacle was to be a center of worship and holiness in the camp of Israel. By designating the boards for a specific side, God was emphasizing the importance of order and structure in worship and in His people’s lives.
Exodus 36:20 Application in Life
While Exodus 36:20 might seem like a passage concerned with the physical construction of the Tabernacle, there are practical lessons for Christians today.
1. God Cares About the Details
The detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, including the design of the boards, show that God cares about the small details of our lives. In the same way that God provided specific materials and instructions for the Tabernacle, He also cares about the specifics of how we live our lives. God desires for us to approach Him with intentionality and purity, ensuring that every aspect of our worship and service to Him is carried out with diligence and reverence.
This principle extends beyond physical structures. It includes the way we structure our time, relationships, and priorities. Every area of life can be an offering to God when done with a heart of worship and obedience.
2. Strength and Stability in Our Faith
The use of shittim wood (acacia wood) in Exodus 36:20 symbolizes the strength and endurance of the Tabernacle. Similarly, God calls us to build our lives on a foundation of strength—rooted in faith, obedience, and trust in Him. Just as the boards provided stability to the Tabernacle, our faith in God should offer stability in our lives, especially during times of trial or uncertainty.
This lesson can be applied in our daily struggles, reminding us that God is the one who provides strength when we feel weak. His provision and strength are sufficient for us to endure whatever challenges come our way.
3. Holiness and Purity in Our Approach to God
The Tabernacle, as the dwelling place of God, was a place of holiness. The use of pure materials like acacia wood suggests that God desires His people to approach Him with purity in heart and conduct. Christians today are called to live lives that reflect God’s holiness, striving to be set apart for His service.
This requires intentional effort in our spiritual walk, maintaining integrity and purity in our thoughts, words, and actions. God calls us to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), and this passage reminds us that holiness is not an afterthought, but a necessary part of our relationship with God.
Comparison with Other Biblical Texts
To further understand the meaning of Exodus 36:20, let’s look at how this passage compares with other biblical texts that speak to God’s holiness, the importance of structure in worship, and His provision.
1. 1 Corinthians 6:19 – Our Bodies as Temples
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19:
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19, KJV)
In the New Testament, the concept of the Tabernacle shifts from a physical building to the believer’s body. Just as the Israelites constructed a sacred space to house God’s presence, Christians are called to honor their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. This connection underscores the importance of holiness and purity, just as the materials of the Tabernacle were holy and set apart for God’s use.
2. 1 Peter 2:5 – Living Stones
In 1 Peter 2:5, Peter compares Christians to living stones being built into a spiritual house:
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house…” (1 Peter 2:5, KJV)
This echoes the idea of structure in the Tabernacle. Just as the boards were necessary to create a stable and functional Tabernacle, each believer is a “living stone” that contributes to the larger spiritual house of God’s people. We are not isolated individuals but part of a greater community that is designed to honor and worship God.
3. Ephesians 2:19-22 – The Church as a Holy Temple
In Ephesians 2:19-22, Paul speaks of the Church being built into a holy temple for God:
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22, KJV)
This passage underscores the spiritual fulfillment of the Tabernacle. Today, God’s presence dwells not in a physical structure but in His people. The idea of structure and purpose in Exodus 36:20 is transferred to the spiritual community of believers.
Modern-Day Relevance
Exodus 36:20 has deep modern relevance for Christians today. This verse speaks to the importance of order, holiness, and dedication in our relationship with God. Just as the Israelites were meticulous in following God’s detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle, Christians today are called to live lives that honor God with the same level of intentionality and obedience.
This passage reminds us that God’s holiness must permeate every aspect of our lives—just as the Tabernacle was constructed with pure and durable materials, we are called to live with integrity, building our lives on the foundation of faith and obedience to God’s word.
Conclusion
Exodus 36:20, while detailing a seemingly mundane aspect of the Tabernacle’s construction, speaks to profound spiritual truths that are relevant for Christians today. It teaches us about God’s holiness, strength, order, and purpose in our lives. By understanding the symbolic meaning of the materials and design of the Tabernacle, we are reminded to live lives that honor God in every detail, striving for purity, integrity, and obedience in our walk with Him. The Tabernacle’s meticulous construction serves as a model for how we should approach our relationship with God—carefully, reverently, and with dedication.
Exodus 36:20 Commentary
Exodus 36:20 is a powerful reminder of the holiness and purpose of the Tabernacle and the lives of those who are part of God’s community. The details of this verse emphasize the strength, stability, and dedication required in following God’s plan for our lives. The shittim wood, the number twenty, and the southern side all symbolize deeper spiritual truths, reminding us that God is involved in every detail of our lives and that we are called to live with purpose and holiness.
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