and five for those on the rear side of the tabernacle
The rear side of the tabernacle, also known as the west side, was an important part of the structure. The repetition of the number five here reinforces the idea of grace and divine order. The rear side was opposite the entrance, which faced east, a direction often associated with God's glory and presence (as seen in Ezekiel 43:2). The careful construction of the rear side ensured the tabernacle's stability and integrity, symbolizing the steadfastness of God's covenant with Israel.

to the west
The westward orientation of the tabernacle's rear side is significant in biblical symbolism. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the west was often associated with the end of the day and rest, which can be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate rest found in God's presence. The tabernacle's orientation, with its entrance facing east and the rear to the west, may also symbolize the journey from darkness to light, from sin to redemption, reflecting the spiritual journey of the Israelites and, by extension, all believers. This orientation can also be seen as a type of Christ, who is the way to the Father, leading believers from the darkness of sin into the light of God's presence.

• Exodus 36:32 says, “five for one side of the tabernacle…”. The even allotment keeps the structure balanced, mirroring God’s orderly character (1 Corinthians 14:40).

• By following the precise “pattern shown you on the mountain” (Exodus 25:9), the craftsmen display confidence that the Lord’s design is perfect. Symmetry here isn’t cosmetic; it is engineered stability.

• The “other side” points to the north or south walls described earlier (Exodus 26:26-27). Five bars on each wall tie every board together so nothing bows under desert winds.

• Isaiah 54:2 urges, “Enlarge the place of your tent… strengthen your stakes.” The bars are the ancient equivalent of strong stakes, ensuring God’s dwelling is secure amid a harsh environment.

• No single bar holds the wall; all five share the load. In the body of Christ “the whole body… grows and builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16).

• 1 Corinthians 12:12 reminds us many members form one body. Likewise, many bars form one unified wall.

• “Moses did everything just as the LORD had commanded” (Exodus 40:16). Obedience is measured in details—down to the exact count of bars.

• Hebrews 11:7 notes Noah’s precise ark-building faith; these craftsmen exercise the same trust, teaching us that careful obedience glorifies God.

• Hebrews 9:23-24 shows the earthly tabernacle pictures heavenly realities. Five bars clasping boards hint at the future church, “joined together… a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21-22).

• Every believer, like every bar, has a place that cannot be omitted without weakening the whole.

• “…and five for the rear side of the tabernacle, to the west.” In Scripture the entrance faces east (Exodus 27:13-16); the west end lies deepest inside—closest to the Most Holy Place.

• Psalm 103:12 celebrates sins removed “as far as the east is from the west,” highlighting the westward rear as the place where forgiven people stand secure.

• Behind the veil (Exodus 26:33) rested the ark. The rear wall and its five bars guard that sacred space, picturing how believers are “kept by the power of God” (1 Peter 1:5).

• Hebrews 9:3 emphasizes the separation, yet also anticipates Christ opening the way.

• When “the cloud covered the Tent and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle” (Exodus 40:34), it settled from above toward the rear. Those five bars literally upheld the wall on which the glory rested.

• Numbers 9:15 links the cloud and the dwelling; sturdy bars mean nothing collapses under heaven’s weight.

• The west hosts the setting sun, a daily reminder of completion and rest (Genesis 1:31). The rear bars frame the end of each worshiper’s journey through the tabernacle.

• Psalm 50:1-2 speaks of Zion’s God shining “from the rising of the sun to its setting,” assuring worshipers that the God who began their day in the east finishes it in the west.

• Revelation 21:3 pictures God dwelling with His people permanently. The rear wall, last in the sequence, whispers of that final, unshakeable home.

• Hebrews 12:28 promises “a kingdom that cannot be shaken”—every bar on the west side points to that unmovable reality.

Exodus 36:32 is more than a construction note. Ten bars—five on the remaining side walls and five on the rear—demonstrate God’s insistence on order, cooperation, obedience, protection, and hope. Each bar secures the earthly tent so that God can dwell among His people, foreshadowing the unity and permanence believers now enjoy in Christ and will one day see fully in the heavenly sanctuary.