What does Exodus 36:21 mean?
What is the meaning of Exodus 36:21?

Each frame

“Each frame…” (Exodus 36:21a)

• The word “each” highlights that every single board mattered, none were optional. God’s dwelling was built from many identical pieces, underscoring order and unity (Exodus 36:22; 1 Corinthians 14:40).

• The frames were made of acacia wood—durable and resistant—reminding us that believers, too, are called to steadfastness (Exodus 26:15; 1 Peter 2:5).

• Standing side-by-side, the boards formed one sanctuary, picturing how individual believers are joined into “a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Corinthians 3:16).


was ten cubits long

“…was ten cubits long…” (Exodus 36:21b)

• A cubit is roughly eighteen inches, so each board stood about fifteen feet high—tall enough to create a spacious holy place (1 Kings 6:2).

• The precise height shows God values exact obedience; Moses “made everything just as the LORD had commanded” (Exodus 39:32; Hebrews 8:5).

• Ten frequently signals completeness in Scripture (the ten commandments, Exodus 20:1-17), pointing to the sufficiency of God’s provision in the tabernacle which foreshadows Christ’s finished work (John 19:30; Colossians 2:17).

• The upward dimension reminds us of worship that reaches toward heaven (Psalm 121:1-2; Ephesians 3:17-19).


and a cubit and a half wide

“…and a cubit and a half wide.” (Exodus 36:21c)

• Each board’s width—about twenty-seven inches—ensured the wall sections fit together tightly, leaving no gaps (Exodus 36:24-25).

• Though comparatively narrow, the boards were strengthened by crossbars of gold-overlaid acacia running through them (Exodus 36:33-34), symbolizing the unifying work of the Spirit who binds believers into one body (Ephesians 4:3-4).

• The individual width kept every frame manageable for transport, illustrating how God’s commands are exact yet never burdensome (1 John 5:3; Matthew 11:30).

• When set side-by-side, the boards formed a perfectly measured dwelling where God met His people, foreshadowing the church’s calling to be “built together for God’s habitation” (Ephesians 2:22; John 17:21).


summary

Exodus 36:21 records literal measurements for each tabernacle frame: about fifteen feet high and a little over two feet wide. Every identical board contributed to a unified, sturdy sanctuary, revealing God’s concern for precision, order, and shared purpose. Physically, the verse shows how Israel obeyed the exact pattern; spiritually, it pictures believers—individual yet joined—forming God’s dwelling place on earth.

How does Exodus 36:20 contribute to understanding the construction of the Tabernacle?
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