Two tenons must be connected to each other for each frame.The use of "tenons" in the construction of the tabernacle frames reflects the precision and craftsmanship required in the building of the tabernacle. Tenons are projections on the end of a piece of wood that fit into a corresponding mortise, creating a strong joint. This method of construction ensured stability and durability, which was essential for a structure that needed to be both portable and sturdy. Theologically, the connection of the tenons can symbolize unity and strength within the body of believers, as each part must be joined together to form a cohesive whole. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are described as being "joined and held together" (
Ephesians 4:16).
Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way.
The instruction to make all the frames in the same manner emphasizes uniformity and order in the construction of the tabernacle. This reflects God's nature as a God of order and precision. The tabernacle itself is a type of Christ, as it was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. Just as the tabernacle was constructed according to a divine pattern, so too was Christ's life and ministry a fulfillment of God's perfect plan. The tabernacle's design, with its specific instructions, points to the meticulous fulfillment of prophecy in the life of Jesus, who is described as the true "tabernacle" (John 1:14,Hebrews 9:11).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
TabernacleThe 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.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were on their journey to the Promised Land.
4.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where Moses received the Ten Commandments and the detailed instructions for the construction of the tabernacle.
5.
TenonsWooden pegs or projections used to join the frames of the tabernacle, ensuring stability and unity in its structure.
Teaching Points
Unity and ConnectionThe two tenons symbolize the importance of unity and connection among God's people. Just as the frames of the tabernacle were joined together, believers are called to be united in purpose and spirit.
Attention to DetailGod's instructions for the tabernacle were precise and detailed, reflecting His desire for order and excellence. This teaches us to approach our service to God with diligence and care.
Symbolism of the TabernacleThe tabernacle serves as a physical representation of God's presence among His people. It reminds us of the importance of creating spaces in our lives where God can dwell.
Spiritual FoundationThe tenons provided stability to the tabernacle, just as a strong spiritual foundation provides stability in our faith journey. We are encouraged to root ourselves in God's Word and truth.
Christ as the FulfillmentThe tabernacle points forward to Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. Our faith is centered on Him as the fulfillment of the tabernacle's purpose.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 26:17?
2.How does Exodus 26:17 illustrate God's attention to detail in His instructions?
3.What is the significance of the "two tenons" in the tabernacle's construction?
4.How can we apply the precision of Exodus 26:17 to our spiritual lives?
5.In what ways does Exodus 26:17 connect to the overall theme of obedience?
6.How does the tabernacle's design in Exodus 26:17 reflect God's order and purpose?
7.What is the significance of the two tenons in Exodus 26:17 for the tabernacle's construction?
8.How does Exodus 26:17 reflect God's attention to detail in worship practices?
9.Why are specific construction instructions, like in Exodus 26:17, important for understanding biblical obedience?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 26?
11.Exodus 26 - How do these tabernacle measurements align or conflict with other biblical or historical texts regarding the scale and feasibility of such a dwelling?
12.If Moses received precise instructions for the Tabernacle in Exodus 38:1-7, why aren't there consistent records in other ancient sources acknowledging this event?
13.Hebrews 9:9-10 states that certain regulations were temporary; does this undermine the eternal nature of Old Testament laws elsewhere in Scripture?
14.Is there any archaeological or historical evidence for a distinct 'Tent of Meeting' as described in Exodus 33:7-11, given that later passages describe the Tabernacle differently?What Does Exodus 26:17 Mean
Two tenonsThe Lord instructed that every upright board in the tabernacle have “two tenons.” These pegs were cut from the bottom of each acacia-wood frame so they could slide into silver bases and stand solidly (Exodus 36:22–24). The detail shows God’s concern for stability in His dwelling place. Just as Noah’s ark was built to exact measurements (Genesis 6:15–16) and Solomon’s temple stones were shaped to fit perfectly (1 Kings 6:7), the tabernacle’s walls had to rest on a firm, precise foundation.
• Literal purpose: two pegs prevented wobbling and kept the heavy curtains from sagging.
• Spiritual echo: the Lord later describes His people as being “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). Two secure points remind us that our lives need more than a single support; they rest on the whole counsel of God’s Word and on the person of Christ.
must be connectedThe tenons “must be connected,” indicating that strength comes from proper joining. When the boards locked into their silver sockets, the wall became one unbroken line. In the New Testament, Paul picks up the same image: “The whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:16). Connection is not optional; it is commanded.
• No loose boards were allowed—each believer today is meant to be an active, fitted part of Christ’s body (Romans 12:4–5).
• The connection point was silver, a metal often linked with redemption money (Exodus 30:13–16). Redemption, then, is what unites us.
to each otherThe phrase stresses horizontal unity. While every frame was first anchored downward into its base, it also leaned into its neighbors for side-to-side support. Peter uses similar language for living stones that are “being built together into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5).
• God values community; isolated boards—or isolated believers—are vulnerable (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).
• The direction “to each other” prevents pride. Every board had the same job and the same measurements, recalling that “there is no favoritism with God” (Acts 10:34).
for each frameUniformity mattered: every single frame, whether on the sunny south side or the shaded north, received the same treatment. This mirrors the earlier instruction, “See that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain” (Exodus 25:40).
• God’s standards never shift from person to person or place to place (Malachi 3:6).
• Consistency gives testimony; outsiders could look at the tabernacle and see flawless order, just as they should observe good order in the church (1 Corinthians 14:40).
Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this wayThe closing sentence gathers the parts into a whole: nothing was left to human improvisation. Hebrews reminds us that the tabernacle was “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven” (Hebrews 8:5), so following God’s blueprint mattered. Obedience produced a portable sanctuary that hosted God’s glory cloud (Exodus 40:34–35).
• Complete obedience opens the door for God’s presence and blessing (John 14:23).
• Attention to detail in physical construction models attention to detail in spiritual obedience (James 1:22–25).
summaryExodus 26:17 shows God demanding stability, connection, unity, uniformity, and obedience in His dwelling place. Two secure tenons per board kept the walls firm, pointing to the firm foundation of redemption and Scripture. Connection “to each other” stressed community, while identical treatment “for each frame” highlighted God’s unchanging standards. When every board followed the pattern, God’s glory filled the tabernacle. The same principles call believers today to stand on Christ, stay joined to one another, and walk in precise obedience so that He may dwell among us.
(17)
Two tenons.--By "tenons" here are meant projections, probably round, from the end of each plank, made to fit into holes prepared for them in the "sockets." They were to be "set in order one against another":
i.e.,placed regularly at certain intervals, so that each corresponded in position to its fellow.
Verse 17. -
Two tenons. Literally, "hands." Projecting rods, such as those common in our dinner tables, seem to be meant. They may have been of metal, let into the boards to a certain depth, and projecting several inches beyond them. Or, possibly, they may have been of acacia wood.
In oneboard -
i.e. "In each board" - no doubt, at the bottom of each.
Set inorder one against the other. Arranged,
i.e., at regular intervals, the position of each corresponding to the position of its fellow.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The framesלַקֶּ֙רֶשׁ֙(laq·qe·reš)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7175:A slab, plank, a deck of a, shipmust eachהָאֶחָ֔ד(hā·’e·ḥāḏ)Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstbe connectedמְשֻׁלָּבֹ֔ת(mə·šul·lā·ḇōṯ)Verb - Pual - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 7947:To space off, intensive, to make equidistanttogetherאִשָּׁ֖ה(’iš·šāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femalewith twoשְׁתֵּ֣י(šə·tê)Number - fdc
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)tenons.יָד֗וֹת(yā·ḏō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 3027:A handDoתַּעֲשֶׂ֔ה(ta·‘ă·śeh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makethe sameכֵּ֣ן(kên)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thusfor allלְכֹ֖ל(lə·ḵōl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe framesקַרְשֵׁ֥י(qar·šê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7175:A slab, plank, a deck of a, shipof the tabernacle.הַמִּשְׁכָּֽן׃(ham·miš·kān)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4908:A residence, the Tabernacle
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 26:17 There shall be two tenons in each (Exo. Ex)