Exodus 36:34 - He overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold as places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

Generated Verse: Exodus 36:34

What does "Exodus 36:34" mean?


Exodus 36:34 describes a very specific part of the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary the Israelites built in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. Let's break down the verse:

"He overlaid the boards with gold...": This refers to the wooden boards that formed the walls of the Tabernacle. The craftsman, likely Bezalel or his assistants (Exodus 31:2), covered these boards with a thin layer of gold. This meant they were essentially plated or veneered with gold, making them appear solid gold.

"...and made their rings of gold as places for the bars...": The boards needed to be connected to create a sturdy structure. To do this, gold rings were attached to the boards. These rings would serve as conduits or holders for horizontal bars.

"...and overlaid the bars with gold.": These bars were long poles that would be threaded through the gold rings attached to the boards. By passing through the rings, they would bind the boards together, forming the walls of the Tabernacle. Like the boards, these bars were also overlaid with gold.

In essence, the verse describes the process of:

1. Gilding: Covering the wooden boards and bars with a layer of gold for aesthetic beauty and to symbolize the sacredness and preciousness of the Tabernacle.
2. Structural Integrity: Creating a system of rings and bars to hold the boards together and form the walls of the Tabernacle.

Symbolic Significance:

Gold: Gold is a symbol of purity, divinity, royalty, and glory in the Bible. Its use in the Tabernacle signified that this was a holy and special place dedicated to God.
Craftsmanship: The meticulous detail and high-quality materials used in the Tabernacle demonstrate the Israelites' dedication to creating a worthy dwelling place for God.
Order and Stability: The structure itself, held together by the bars and rings, can be seen as a symbol of the order and stability that God brings to the lives of his people.

In summary, Exodus 36:34 details the gold overlaying of wooden boards and the creation of rings and bars for the Tabernacle's walls, emphasizing both the aesthetic beauty and structural integrity of this sacred space.

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