Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 26:28
A bar or bolt, often made of wood, used to secure city gates or as a symbol of tribulation. It represents a fortress or a prison.
Definition: 1) bar 1a) of wood 1b) of city gates 2) of tribulation, a fortress, of the earth as a prison (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bar, fugitive. See also: Exodus 26:26; 2 Chronicles 14:6; Psalms 107:16.
Tiykon means middle or central, describing something as being in the middle or midst of something else. It is used to describe physical locations or positions.
Definition: middle
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: middle(-most), midst. See also: Exodus 26:28; 1 Kings 6:8; Ezekiel 42:6.
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
This Hebrew word refers to a flat piece of wood, like a board or plank, often used in building ships or other structures. It appears in descriptions of the tabernacle and Solomon's temple. The KJV Bible translates it as 'board' or 'bench'.
Definition: 1) board, boards, plank 1a) board 1b) boards
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: bench, board. See also: Exodus 26:15; Exodus 36:22; Ezekiel 27:6.
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
In the book of Joshua, this word refers to an end or border of a territory. It can also mean the edge or brink of something. This concept is used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) end, extremity 1a) end, mouth, extremity 1b) border, outskirts 1c) the whole (condensed term for what is included within extremities) 1d) at the end of (a certain time) Also means: qe.tseh (קֵ֫צֶה "end" H7097B)
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, border, brim, brink, edge, end, (in-) finite, frontier, outmost coast, quarter, shore, (out-) side, [idiom] some, ut(-ter-) most (part). See also: Genesis 8:3; Judges 7:19; Psalms 19:5.
Context — The Frames and Bases
Exodus 26:28 Summary
[This verse talks about a special beam that runs through the middle of the frames of the tabernacle, holding them together. It's like how Jesus holds everything together in our lives, as it says in Colossians 1:17. The beam is important because it keeps the tabernacle stable and strong, just like how God keeps us strong when we trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 46:1. By following God's instructions and building the tabernacle just right, the Israelites could trust that it would be a safe and holy place to worship God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the central crossbar in the tabernacle frames?
The central crossbar in the middle of the frames, as mentioned in Exodus 26:28, provides stability and support to the structure, much like how Jesus Christ is the central figure who holds everything together in our lives, as seen in Colossians 1:17.
Why is it important for the crossbar to extend from one end to the other?
The extension of the crossbar from one end to the other, as stated in Exodus 26:28, ensures the unity and cohesion of the tabernacle, symbolizing the unity and wholeness that God desires for His people, as expressed in Ephesians 4:13.
How does this verse relate to the overall design of the tabernacle?
This verse is part of the detailed instructions given to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 26, and it highlights the importance of attention to detail and obedience to God's commands, as emphasized in Exodus 40:16.
What can we learn from the use of acacia wood for the crossbars?
The use of acacia wood for the crossbars, as mentioned in Exodus 26:26, may symbolize the durability and resilience of God's people, who are called to endure and persevere in their faith, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:1.
Reflection Questions
- How does the image of the central crossbar holding the frames together speak to my own need for stability and support in life?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of unity and cohesion, as represented by the crossbar, to my relationships with others in the body of Christ?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to pay attention to detail and obey God's commands, just as Moses did in the construction of the tabernacle?
- How can I trust in God's provision and care, just as the Israelites trusted in the structural integrity of the tabernacle, and apply that trust to my own life and circumstances?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 26:28
And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 26:28
And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up. Boards ... of shittim wood standing up.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 26:28
In the midst of the boards; not within the thickness of the boards, as the Jews conceive, but in the length of them; as appears, 1. Because this bar, as well as the rest, was gilded, , which was frivolous if it were never seen 2. Because all the bars had rings made to receive and hold them up, .
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 26:28
Exodus 26:28 And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall reach from end to end.Ver. 28. And the middle bar in the midst of the boards.] The fastening together of these boards thus with bars signified, saith an interpreter, the uniting of all the members together by one and the same Spirit in Christ: "from whom the whole body fitly joined together, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in love."
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 26:28
(28) In the midst of the boards.—Rather, midway in the boards—equi-distant, i.e., from the bottom and the top.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 26:28
26–29. The bars. Five gilt bars of acacia wood, attached to the frames by gold rings, are to run horizontally along the two sides and the back of the Dwelling, to keep the frames in their places. The middle bar in each case ran from end to end: the other bars, it may be inferred, were shorter, perhaps arranged as is here shewn: It is not stated whether the bars were to be outside or inside the Dwelling: but the former seems the more natural, and is commonly assumed.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 26:28
26-29. Bars — The description and design of these are easy to be understood.