“And he made the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing up.” – Exodus 36:20
Exodus 36:20 Meaning
Exodus 36:20 is a detailed description found within the account of the construction of the Tabernacle. In this verse, we see “he made the boards for the tabernacle of acacia wood, standing up.” This simple yet profound statement reveals the dedication and careful craftsmanship involved in creating a dwelling place for the Lord. The materials and their arrangement were not random; they carried significant spiritual meaning. Acacia wood, known for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizes strength and stability. The act of standing up the boards points to the structure of the Tabernacle, which served as a meeting place between God and His people.
This idea of the Tabernacle provides us with a deeper understanding of God’s presence. He desired to dwell among His people, making the Tabernacle not just a physical structure, but a symbol of His promise to be with them. As we explore this verse further, we come to appreciate how even the materials used to construct the Tabernacle were part of a divine plan, meant to reflect God’s glory and holiness.
Exodus 36:20 Commentary and Explanation
Exodus 36:20 serves as a reminder that God pays attention to detail in our lives. Just as He specified the type of wood that should be used and how it should be arranged, God also has a unique plan for each of us. He knows our strengths, qualities, and purpose. The choice of acacia wood is particularly noteworthy. This wood is strong and resilient, which may indicate that God desires us to be resilient in our faith. Similar to these boards, we are called to stand firm in our beliefs, grounded in the Word of God.
When we build our lives based on God’s principles, we too can stand strong against life’s storms. We can take heart knowing that with His guidance, we are not building our lives on a shaky foundation but on something solid. Let us remember that this wooden structure, which became a dwelling for God’s presence, teaches us about building our relationship with Him. In James 1:12, we read about the blessedness of enduring trials, and just as the Tabernacle stood strong, so can we through Christ who strengthens us.
The description of the boards also symbolizes the collective strength of the community of believers. Just as the boards work together to form a sturdy tabernacle, we as individuals come together within the body of Christ to support and uplift one another. This unity is echoed in Ephesians 4:16, where it mentions how the body grows and builds itself up in love. When we function as intended within the Christian community, we provide each other with support, stability, and strength.
Finally, it is important to relate this verse back to our spiritual life. God’s dwelling place, the Tabernacle, can serve as a metaphor for our hearts. In 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, we learn that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. If God can craft a sacred space from acacia wood for His presence, we should examine our lives and hearts, ensuring they are places of worship and intimacy with God. By inviting Him to dwell in us, we allow His presence to shape our thoughts, desires, and actions.
Context of Exodus 36:20
The context of Exodus 36:20 is rooted in the detailed narrative of the construction of the Tabernacle. This was a significant moment in Israel’s history as they journeyed through the wilderness. The Israelites were coming out of a period of slavery in Egypt and entering a covenant relationship with God. The Tabernacle was to serve as a physical representation of God among His people. Throughout the previous chapters, we see God giving specific instructions on how the Tabernacle was to be constructed and what materials were needed.
In Exodus 25 to 30, God provides Moses with detailed designs for the Tabernacle, including the furniture, the outer court, and the parts of the sanctuary. Moses communicated these instructions to the people, and they collected materials like gold, silver, bronze, and precious stones to build this sacred space. In Exodus 35 and 36, we find specific details on the construction. Skilled artisans were appointed for the work, and their craftsmanship was God-given—a reminder that everything done for the Lord must be executed with excellence and care.
This context teaches us that every detail matters to God. It was not just a gathering of materials, but a reflection of their relationship with God. Every item crafted carried weight in a spiritual sense, pointing to the holiness and glory of God. This emphasis on details establishes a pattern in our lives; just as God was precise with the Tabernacle, we must also pay careful attention to our spiritual walk. Are we building our lives with care and intentionality, seeking to honor God in everything we do?
The passage also communicates a sense of God’s desire to be with His people. The Tabernacle is an emblematic of His longing for intimacy with humanity. Even in our own lives today, God’s presence remains among us. He desires a close relationship, inviting us to commune with Him. By examining the construction details of the Tabernacle, we become aware of how seriously God considers our relationship with Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 36:20
Exodus 36:20 has several key parts that resonate with us. The phrase “made the boards” reminds us of our active role in building a life that honors God. Just as skilled artisans used their hands and minds to construct the Tabernacle, we are called to be active participants in our spiritual journey. We have opportunities daily to make choices that will either draw us closer to God or lead us away.
The mention of “acacia wood” is symbolic, representing endurance and faithfulness. Just like acacia wood is renowned for its strength, we are encouraged to cultivate our faith and character to stand firm against challenges. In 1 Peter 5:10, we find assurance that after we have suffered a little while, God Himself will restore and support us. We are reminded that trials can help mold us, similar to how the boards were shaped and connected to create a sturdy structure.
Finally, the aspect of “standing up” has much significance. It signifies our posture in faith. Are we standing firm in our beliefs? Are we ready to shine the light of Christ in a world that often seeks to snuff it out? Just as those boards were carefully erected to form a protective space for God’s presence, we too are invited to stand tall in our faith, representing God’s love and truth. This means living our lives in alignment with His teachings, which can serve as a beacon of hope to others.
Lessons From Exodus 36:20
One key lesson we can draw from Exodus 36:20 is the importance of craftsmanship in our spiritual lives. God did not leave any detail overlooked when instructing on how to construct the Tabernacle. This teaches us that the work we do for God must be handled with care and dedication. Whether we are serving in our communities, participating in church activities, or striving to live out our faith daily, we are called to do everything with excellence. Colossians 3:23–24 reminds us that whatever we do, we should work at it with all our heart, as if working for the Lord.
Another lesson is the significance of community. The construction of the Tabernacle required the collective effort of the Israelites. Each person brought their skills, resources, and talents together. This is a beautiful representation of how we, as a church body, are meant to work in unison for a common purpose. Every believer has unique gifts, and when we come together, we can create something magnificent for God’s glory. Romans 12:4–5 emphasizes that we are all parts of one body, and our differences make us stronger together.
Exodus 36:20 also teaches us about preparation. Just as the Israelites prepared to construct the Tabernacle, we too must prepare our hearts and minds for God’s work. This may include prayer, studying scripture, and fellowshipping with others. By preparing ourselves spiritually, we are better equipped to handle the challenges of life and to fulfill our God-given purpose.
Lastly, this passage reminds us of God’s ever-present desire to dwell among His people. The Tabernacle was a physical symbol of that desire, and we know through Jesus Christ that God has made a way for us to experience His presence personally. John 14:6 affirms that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Through Him, we can approach God, bringing glory to His name. Therefore, we should desire to build our lives as a house of worship—a refuge reflecting His love and light.
Final Thoughts
In summary, Exodus 36:20 serves as a treasured verse showcasing God’s detailed and intentional nature. Each aspect of the verse—from the materials to the construction—offers us invitations to reflect on our faith and our relationship with God. We are reminded that, like the boards of the Tabernacle, we too are crafted with purpose and care. God’s desire is that we stand strong, united as His people, living out the gospel with integrity.
May we take these lessons to heart! As we build our lives based on His teachings, invite the Holy Spirit to guide us. Together, we can reflect Christ’s light in our actions and words. If you feel inspired to explore more about the construction of the Tabernacle, or the details surrounding it, feel free to check out additional chapters from Exodus, like Exodus 36:1 or Exodus 36:2. There’s so much to learn and apply from these texts.
Let’s remain steadfast, knowing that God is actively working in our lives, shaping us into His image. We are His dwelling place, built to glorify Him in every aspect of our existence!