Exodus 26:20

For the second side of the tabernacle, the north side, make twenty frames

Study Bible

and twenty frames
The phrase "and twenty frames" refers to the structural components of the Tabernacle, which was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "frames" is "קֶרֶשׁ" (qeresh), which can also mean boards or planks. These frames were made of acacia wood, a durable and resistant material, symbolizing the strength and stability of God's presence. The number twenty signifies completeness and order, reflecting the divine perfection and meticulous design ordained by God for His dwelling place. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the importance of reverence and precision in worship, reminding believers of the holiness and majesty of God.

for the north side
The "north side" of the Tabernacle is significant in its orientation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, directions held symbolic meanings. The north often represented mystery and hiddenness, as it was associated with the unknown lands beyond the horizon. In the context of the Tabernacle, the north side's frames contribute to the overall symmetry and balance of the structure, ensuring that God's dwelling is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound. This orientation also reflects the universality of God's presence, encompassing all directions and peoples. The careful construction of the Tabernacle, including its northern aspect, serves as a reminder of God's omnipresence and the call for His people to align their lives according to His divine order and purpose.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. The Tabernacle
A portable earthly dwelling place for God among the Israelites, designed according to divine specifications.

3. The North Side
One of the four sides of the tabernacle, which was to have twenty frames as part of its structure.

4. Israelites
The people of God, who were to construct the tabernacle as a place of worship and meeting with God.

5. Mount Sinai
The mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments and the instructions for the tabernacle.

Teaching Points

Divine Order and Precision
God's instructions for the tabernacle were precise, reflecting His nature of order and intentionality. This teaches us the importance of following God's guidance in our lives with attention to detail and obedience.

God's Presence Among His People
The tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, believers are the temple of the Holy Spirit, reminding us of the intimate relationship God desires with us.

Community and Cooperation
The construction of the tabernacle required the collective effort of the Israelites, symbolizing the importance of community and working together in the body of Christ.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
Each part of the tabernacle, including the frames, had symbolic meaning pointing to spiritual truths. This encourages us to seek deeper understanding of biblical symbols and their relevance to our faith.

Faithfulness in Small Details
The specific number of frames for each side of the tabernacle underscores the importance of faithfulness in even the smallest details of God's instructions, encouraging us to be diligent in our spiritual walk.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed construction of the tabernacle reflect God's character, and how can we apply this understanding to our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the tabernacle serve as a foreshadowing of Christ and His work of redemption?

3. How can the concept of the tabernacle as a dwelling place for God inform our understanding of being the temple of the Holy Spirit today?

4. What lessons can we learn from the communal effort required to build the tabernacle, and how can we apply these lessons to our church communities?

5. How does the precision in God's instructions for the tabernacle challenge us to be precise and intentional in our obedience to God's Word?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide the broader context of the tabernacle's construction, detailing God's specific instructions to Moses.

Hebrews 8:5
This verse explains that the tabernacle was a copy and shadow of what is in heaven, emphasizing the divine pattern given to Moses.

1 Corinthians 3:16
This verse connects the concept of the tabernacle to believers being the temple of God, highlighting the presence of God dwelling among His people.