Exodus 26:22

Make six frames for the rear of the tabernacle, the west side,

Study Bible

And for the rear of the tabernacle
The phrase "rear of the tabernacle" refers to the back part of the sacred structure where the presence of God was believed to dwell among the Israelites. The Hebrew word for "tabernacle" is "מִשְׁכָּן" (mishkan), which means "dwelling place." This highlights the tabernacle's role as a temporary yet holy dwelling for God during the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. The rear, or back, of the tabernacle was significant as it was part of the Holy of Holies, the most sacred area where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This emphasizes the importance of every part of the tabernacle in the divine plan and the meticulous care required in its construction.

to the west
The direction "to the west" is significant in biblical symbolism. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the west was often associated with the end of the day and, metaphorically, with the end of life or the world. However, in the context of the tabernacle, the westward orientation of the rear signifies the direction of the Holy of Holies, which was the most sacred space. This orientation may also reflect the journey of the Israelites, who were moving westward towards the Promised Land. The westward direction of the tabernacle's rear aligns with the setting sun, symbolizing the completion and fulfillment of God's promises.

you are to make six frames
The instruction "you are to make six frames" underscores the precision and orderliness required in the construction of the tabernacle. The Hebrew word for "frames" is "קֶרֶשׁ" (qeresh), which refers to the boards or planks used in the tabernacle's structure. The number six, often associated with imperfection or incompleteness in biblical numerology, here serves a practical purpose in the construction. It reflects the human element in the divine plan, where God uses imperfect human efforts to create a dwelling place for His presence. The specific number of frames and their arrangement demonstrate God's attention to detail and His desire for a well-ordered place of worship. This meticulous design serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and reverence in the worship of God.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary that the Israelites used during their journey in the wilderness, serving as a place of worship and the dwelling place of God among His people.

3. West Side of the Tabernacle
The specific location within the tabernacle structure where six frames were to be constructed, indicating the detailed and precise nature of God's instructions.

Teaching Points

God's Attention to Detail
The specific instructions for the tabernacle, including the six frames for the west side, highlight God's meticulous nature and His desire for order and precision in worship.

Symbolism of the Tabernacle
The tabernacle serves as a physical representation of God's presence among His people, pointing forward to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14).

Obedience in Worship
The Israelites' adherence to God's detailed instructions for the tabernacle construction underscores the importance of obedience in our worship practices today.

God's Dwelling with His People
The tabernacle signifies God's desire to dwell with His people, a theme that continues through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed construction of the tabernacle reflect God's character, and what does this teach us about how we should approach worship today?

2. In what ways does the tabernacle foreshadow the coming of Christ and His work on earth?

3. How can we apply the principle of obedience seen in the construction of the tabernacle to our daily lives and spiritual practices?

4. What does the concept of God dwelling among His people in the tabernacle mean for us as believers who are now temples of the Holy Spirit?

5. How can understanding the Old Testament tabernacle enhance our appreciation of the New Testament teachings about Christ and the Church?

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 9
This New Testament passage reflects on the significance of the tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's work and the heavenly sanctuary.

1 Corinthians 3:16
This verse connects the concept of the tabernacle as God's dwelling place to the believer's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.