Exodus 26:28 Commentary

Verse Context: Exodus 26:28 states, "And the bars of the tabernacle ye shall make of shittim wood; and overlay them with gold." This verse speaks to the construction details of the Tabernacle, a central element of the Israelites' worship and God's dwelling among His people.

Significance of the Tabernacle

The Tabernacle serves as a profound symbol of God's presence and His desire to dwell among His people. Public domain commentaries provide rich insights into the theological implications of the Tabernacle's construction and materials.

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the practical and spiritual design of the Tabernacle. He notes that the use of shittim wood, which is durable and resistant to decay, symbolizes the enduring nature of God’s covenant with Israel.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes adds that the gold overlay represents divine excellence and holiness, indicating that God's presence transforms the mundane into the sacred. This is reflective of the believer's life, which, when touched by God, becomes valuable and meaningful.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke expounds on the bars’ structural role, suggesting that they provide strength and stability to the Tabernacle. This highlights the importance of divine support in upholding the spiritual community among the Israelites.

Material Symbolism

The materials used in the Tabernacle are not merely functional; they encapsulate deeper spiritual truths:

• Shittim Wood: The wood’s resistance to decay serves as a metaphor for God’s eternal nature. Clarke points out that it symbolizes humanity, created from the earth but transformed through divine purpose.
• Gold Overlay: Gold is often associated with divinity and purity in Scripture. Henry notes that the gold signifies glory and the celestial, further representing God’s holiness as He inhabits the Tabernacle.

Theological Implications

This construction detail leads to important theological reflections about the relationship between God and His people:

• Divine Presence: The bars' function and material illustrate how God, through His Spirit, provides support and stability in the believer's life. Barnes highlights that God's presence is not only in the sacred but also in the mundane, inspiring believers to keep their lives aligned with His will.
• Kingly Order: The construction of the Tabernacle reflects the order of God’s Kingdom. Each element, from the wood to the gold, signifies a deliberate intention to establish a worship space that reflects God’s glory and rules over His creation, as discussed by Henry.
• Community and Worship: The mention of the bars can also be viewed as a representation of the communal aspect of worship. Clarke notes that believers today should understand their roles as supporting each other in faith, much like the bars provide structure to the Tabernacle.

Historical Considerations

The construction of the Tabernacle occurred in a specific historical context that underscores its relevance:

• Provision in the Wilderness: As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, the Tabernacle provided a mobile meeting place with God. This symbolism reminds modern believers of God’s constant provision and guidance, a theme emphasized by both Barnes and Clark.
• Covenantal Relationship: The meticulous construction details signify the seriousness of the covenant relationship. Henry comments on how God’s instructions for the Tabernacle reflect His desire for a holy relationship established through sacrifice and worship.

Application for Today

Understanding Exodus 26:28 encourages deep reflection for contemporary believers:

• Holiness in Worship: Pastors and leaders should emphasize the value of holiness in worship. Just as the bars were overlaid with gold, believers are called to cultivate purity in their hearts and lives as they approach God.
• Support within Community: The metaphor of the bars suggests the need for fellowship and support among believers. The church functions best when its members uphold one another in faith, reflecting the community of the early Church.
• God’s Presence: The enduring truth is that God desires to dwell among His people. Students and theologians alike should explore the implications of this divine presence both personally and communally.

Conclusion

In Exodus 26:28, with its detailed description of the bars of the Tabernacle made of shittim wood and overlaid with gold, we uncover rich spiritual, theological, and practical insights. As scholars and students of the Word engage with this text, let them be reminded of the sacred nature of worship, the importance of community support, and the unceasing presence of God in the life of believers.