Topical Bible: Silver: Made Into: Sockets for the Boards of the Tabernacle

◄ Silver: Made Into: Sockets for the Boards of the Tabernacle ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the construction of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, silver played a significant role, particularly in the formation of the sockets for the boards of the Tabernacle. These sockets were foundational elements, providing stability and support for the structure that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference for the use of silver in the Tabernacle's construction is found in Exodus 26:19, where it is detailed that the boards of the Tabernacle were to be set into silver sockets. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Make forty silver bases to go under the twenty frames—two bases for each frame, one under each tenon."

Purpose and Symbolism:

The use of silver for the sockets is significant both practically and symbolically. Practically, silver provided a durable and stable foundation for the boards, ensuring the Tabernacle's structural integrity. Symbolically, silver often represents redemption and purity in biblical literature. The use of silver in the Tabernacle's foundation can be seen as a reflection of the divine purity and the redemptive relationship between God and His people.

Collection of Silver:

The silver used for the sockets was collected as part of a census offering, as described in Exodus 30:11-16. Each Israelite was required to give a half-shekel as a ransom for his life, and this silver was then used for the service of the Tabernacle. Exodus 38:25-27 provides further details: "The silver obtained from those of the congregation who were recorded was 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel—one beka per person, that is, a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be registered, a total of 603,550 men. The 100 talents of silver were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil; 100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent per base."

Construction Details:

The Tabernacle's boards were made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, and each board was fitted with two tenons that would fit into the silver sockets. This design allowed for the boards to be securely anchored, ensuring the Tabernacle's stability as it was assembled and disassembled during the Israelites' travels.

Theological Implications:

Theologically, the use of silver in the Tabernacle's construction underscores the concept of redemption and the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The silver sockets, derived from the atonement money, symbolize the foundation of God's dwelling place being built upon the redeemed lives of His people. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God dwelling among a redeemed and holy people, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the ultimate foundation and cornerstone of the faith.

In summary, the silver sockets for the boards of the Tabernacle represent both a practical and deeply symbolic element of the Israelites' worship and relationship with God, highlighting themes of redemption, purity, and divine presence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 26:19,25,32
And you shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 36:24,26,30,36
And forty sockets of silver he made under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... into their bases, and these were of silver, in each of ... the Hebrews call Chinchares,
if it be turned into the Greek ... It was made with its knops, and lilies, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

Princely Service.
... that were rich cast in large sums of silver and of ... own making; what is it my darling
has made for me ... When one of the other tribes was taken into captivity, he ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... heavily plated with gold, and set in sockets of silver, while the ... of heavenly things,"
and that "Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... heavily plated with gold and set in sockets of silver, while the ... of heavenly things,"
and that "Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

Scriptural Types.
... directed, in the presence of competent witnesses, to "take silver and gold ... by a greater
and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands" into heaven itself ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm