“And he made two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.” – Exodus 36:18
Exodus 36:18 Meaning
This verse is part of a detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred tent where God’s presence would dwell among His people, the Israelites. In this passage, two boards are specifically mentioned that were to be made for the corners of the Tabernacle. The importance of the Tabernacle cannot be understated, as it served as the central place of worship and symbolized the covenant between God and Israel.
The mention of “two boards for the corners” highlights the careful attention to detail that was necessary in constructing the Tabernacle. Each part had a specific purpose and significance, reminding us that in our lives, God desires us to also pay attention to the details of our faith and service to Him.
Exodus 36:18 Commentary and Explanation
The construction of the Tabernacle was a monumental task, and the instructions were given by God Himself. Every item, from the most significant elements to seemingly minor details like two corner boards, were meticulously designed to work together as a whole. This design reflects God’s grandeur and intentionality in His creation. God cares deeply about how we approach worship and relationship with Him.
The boards mentioned in this verse were made of acacia wood, a sturdy and durable material, symbolizing strength and endurance. The choice of material signifies that our relationship with God is meant to be strong and lasting. Just as the boards provide structural integrity to the Tabernacle, our faith is meant to be a strong foundation in our lives.
Constructing the Tabernacle required skilled workmanship and provides an example that God values work done with excellence. In our service to God, we too are called to work hard and apply our skills faithfully. No detail, however small, is insignificant in His eyes. Just as these boards were necessary to hold together the sacred dwelling place, so too are our contributions needed within the body of Christ today.
We can also reflect on the reminder that God plans for every part of His creation. Each board, each thread, every layer was considered, indicating that everything crafted has purpose. As we engage in our daily lives, it is good to remember that God has a purpose for each one of us, and we fit into His grand design for His kingdom.
Historical and Literary Context of Exodus 36:18
Exodus is a pivotal book in the Old Testament, recounting the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey toward the Promised Land. The focus on the construction of the Tabernacle occurs after the Israelites’ escape, highlighting their need for a physical space to meet with God. The detailed descriptions throughout this portion of Scripture show the importance of the Tabernacle to the Israelite community and their relationship with God.
The instructions for the Tabernacle were given to Moses on Mount Sinai after the Israelites had received the Ten Commandments. Thus, the building of the Tabernacle was not just about physical construction; it represented a deepening relationship and commitment between God and His people. This new chapter in their history emphasized obedience and worship in response to God’s mercy and grace throughout their Exodus journey.
Furthermore, as we read this account, we recognize that it serves a dual purpose; first as historical account and second as a spiritual metaphor for Christ’s eventual arrival and dwelling among humanity. The Tabernacle foreshadowed the coming of Jesus, who became the ultimate dwelling place of God among us. Just as the Israelites would bring their offerings and hopes to the Tabernacle, we bring our hopes and desires to Christ today.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 36:18
1. The Boards
The boards themselves symbolize the strength and support that God provides. Just as these wooden boards supported the structure, our faith is meant to support our life’s journey, providing stability and security.
2. The Corners
In construction, corners are critical. They provide the essential support and balance necessary for stability. This detail reminds us that as believers, we are part of a larger structure, the body of Christ. Every believer plays a vital role in maintaining stability and health within the church.
3. Material Significance
The use of acacia wood represents resilience. This reminds us that we, too, can be resilient in our faith, enduring life’s challenges while being refreshed in God’s presence.
Theological Significance of Exodus 36:18
The theological implications of manufacturing the Tabernacle are profound. The act of God wanting to dwell among His people speaks to His desire for an intimate relationship with us. He takes initiative to draw close, providing a means for communion and worship. God’s establishment of the Tabernacle sets a precedent for future places of worship and signifies His presence among His people.
Additionally, this verse and the surrounding context remind us that God is a God of details. He is not indifferent to how we come before Him. Our worship and lives should reflect diligence and care. We should strive to honor Him in everything we do, just as those who worked on the Tabernacle did.
Finally, the reference to the two boards for the corners can also be viewed as representing the dual nature of Christ—the divine and the human. Just as the Tabernacle was a meeting place between God and man, Jesus became that ultimate meeting place, bridging the gap caused by sin. Through Him, we have direct access to God, which brings us back to the essence of faith and relationship.
Exodus 36:18 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Practical Application of Exodus 36:18
1. Recognize Our Role
We need to recognize our roles in God’s plan. Just as the boards were made for a specific purpose, we also have been uniquely designed by God for a purpose in His kingdom. Embrace the calling He has placed in your life.
2. Pay Attention to Details
As we serve God, we can reflect on our work. Let’s offer our best, taking care of the details in our worship, love, and service. Whether this means volunteering at church or being kind to a neighbor, every detail matters.
3. Trust in God’s Plan
We can trust that God has a plan for us. Just as the Israelites relied on God’s guidance during the construction of the Tabernacle, we can rely on Him in our lives. Remember that every part of our journey has significance in His greater plan.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Exodus 36:18
As we reflect on Exodus 36:18, we can take a moment to examine our lives. Are we paying attention to the details in our spiritual walk? Are we actively applying our skills and resources to serve God and others? It can often be easy to overlook the small things, but this verse reminds us that even the smallest tasks contribute to the bigger picture.
Let us meditate on the importance of being present and purposeful in everything we do. When we realize that God cares about the details of our lives, it becomes easier to approach our daily tasks with a sense of joy and purpose. Let us commit to being diligent in our faith, trusting that God is working everything together for good.
Embrace the idea that we are part of something much more significant than ourselves. Reflect on how we can become active participants in God’s divine plan, both in our local communities and beyond. It is in the everyday act of service, like the construction of the Tabernacle, that we find deep meaning and fulfillment in our faith.
Final Thoughts
Exodus 36:18 presents a rich tapestry of meaning, illustrating the beauty of God’s presence among His people. The specific detail of two boards for the corners of the Tabernacle serves as a gentle reminder that no aspect of our faith— no matter how minor it may seem— is without purpose in God’s grand design.
Let us continue to explore the richness of scripture and find inspiration in the small details of our lives, knowing that just like those boards, we contribute to the beautiful structure of God’s ongoing work in the world. As we journey through our days, may we continually seek to serve, worship, and draw closer to God in every aspect of our lives, understanding that all parts, no matter how small, matter greatly.
If you are interested in exploring more topics about scripture and its applications, you can read about Jeremiah 14:2 or Luke 12:27. Each verse carries its own unique message for us to learn from and integrate into our daily lives.