In biblical craftsmanship and construction, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle, tenons play a crucial role. A tenon is a projection on the end of a piece of wood that is designed to fit into a corresponding mortise, or hole, in another piece, thereby joining the two pieces together. This method of joinery is ancient and was employed in the construction of the Tabernacle as described in the Book of Exodus.

Biblical References:

The primary biblical reference to tenons is found in the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, as given to Moses on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 26:17 , the text states: "Each frame is to have two tenons joined to one another. Do the same for all the frames of the tabernacle." This verse highlights the use of tenons in the assembly of the Tabernacle's frames, ensuring stability and alignment.

Further elaboration is found in Exodus 36:22 , where the actual construction is described: "Each frame had two tenons joined to one another; this is how he made all the frames of the tabernacle." This repetition underscores the importance of tenons in the structural integrity of the sacred space.

Symbolic and Practical Significance:

From a practical standpoint, tenons were essential for the portability and reassembly of the Tabernacle. The Israelites, during their wilderness journey, needed a mobile sanctuary that could be easily dismantled and reconstructed. The use of tenons allowed for this flexibility, as the frames could be securely joined and then separated as needed.

Symbolically, the tenons can be seen as a representation of unity and connection within the body of believers. Just as the tenons joined the frames of the Tabernacle, so too are believers called to be joined together in faith and purpose, forming a spiritual house for God. This imagery aligns with the New Testament teaching found in Ephesians 2:21-22 : "In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit."

Craftsmanship and Divine Instruction:

The use of tenons in the Tabernacle construction reflects the divine wisdom imparted to the craftsmen, Bezalel and Oholiab, who were filled with the Spirit of God to carry out this sacred task (Exodus 31:1-6). Their work was not merely functional but also an act of worship, as they followed the precise instructions given by God. The meticulous detail, including the use of tenons, underscores the importance of obedience and reverence in the service of God.

In summary, tenons, though a small and technical aspect of the Tabernacle's construction, carry significant weight in both the practical assembly of the sacred space and the symbolic unity of God's people. Through the use of tenons, the Tabernacle stood as a testament to divine order and the cooperative effort of the Israelites in their worship of the Lord.3027. yad -- hand
... 1), slackness* (1), some (1), spacious* (1), stays (2), strength (5), submitted*
(1), support (1), support* (1), swore* (12), sworn* (4), tenons (6), through ...
/hebrew/3027.htm - 8k

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... thickness was four fingers: they had thin plates of gold affixed to them on both
sides, inwardly and outwardly: they had each of them two tenons belonging to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

Confessio Fidei Gallicana.
... tous autres moyens de nous pouvoir justifier devant Dieu; [250] et sans pr??sumer
de nulles vertus, ni m??rites, nous nous tenons simplement ?� l'ob??issance ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio fidei gallicana.htm

The Confession of the Waldenses. AD 1655.
... hommes d??ja glorifi??s, on nous accuse de les m??priser, au lieu que nous les publions
bienheureus, dignes, et de lo?�ange, et d'imitation, et tenons sur tout ...
/.../the confession of the waldenses.htm

The Apostles' Creed.
... des ap??tres, p.623), boldly asserts, without a shadow of proof: 'Fid??lement attach??
?� la tradition de l'??glise catholique, nous tenons, non-seulement qu ...
/.../ 7 the apostles creed.htm

Confessio Belgica.
... [464] C'est pourquoi nous tenons ce fondement ferme ?� jamais, donnant toute gloire
?� Dieu, [465] en nous humiliant et reconnaissant tels que nous sommes ...
/.../schaff/the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/confessio belgica.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... 12. [8] French, "Car si nous disons qu'il n'a merit?? que mal de nous; Dieu nous
pourra demander quel mal il nous a fait, lui dont nous tenons tout notre bien ...
/.../sergieff/on the christian life/chapter ii a summary of.htm

A Summary of the Christian Life. Of Self-Denial.
... [393] French, "Car si nous disons qu'il n'a merit?? que mal de nous; Dieu nous pourra
demander quel mal il nous a fait, lui dont nous tenons tout notre bien ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 a summary of.htm

P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ...
... Footnotes: [628] The French from the beginning of the chapter is as follows:--"Or
d'autant que nous voyons l'observation que nous tenons de baptiser les petits ...
/.../chapter 16 paedobaptism its accordance.htm

Tenons (4 Occurrences)
...Tenons (4 Occurrences). Exodus 26:17 There shall be two tenons in each board, joined
to one another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. ...
/t/tenons.htm - 7k

Tenon
... Each board had two tenons which were mortised into it (Exodus 36:22 margin).
These tenons would be made of harder wood than the ...
/t/tenon.htm - 8k

Frames (47 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Exodus 26:17 There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one
another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. ...
/f/frames.htm - 17k

Boards (50 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:17 There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another:
thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. ...
/b/boards.htm - 21k

Frame (33 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Exodus 26:17 There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one
another: thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. ...
/f/frame.htm - 19k

Projection (3 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:19 You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two
sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another ...
/p/projection.htm - 8k

Sockets (44 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:19 You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two
sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another ...
/s/sockets.htm - 20k

Board (47 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:17 There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another:
thus you shall make for all the boards of the tabernacle. ...
/b/board.htm - 23k

Twenty (282 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:19 You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two
sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another ...
/t/twenty.htm - 40k

Forty (142 Occurrences)
... Exodus 26:19 You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two
sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another ...
/f/forty.htm - 38k

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