Make five posts of acacia wood for the curtainThe use of acacia wood is significant due to its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. Acacia trees were common in the Sinai region, making them a practical choice for construction. The number five often represents grace in biblical numerology, suggesting the grace of God in providing a means for His presence among His people. The posts served as a structural support for the curtain, which separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, emphasizing the holiness and separation of God from sin.
Overlay them with gold hooks
Gold in the tabernacle symbolizes divinity and purity, reflecting the divine nature of God. The overlaying of the posts with gold signifies the sanctity and glory of the tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt. The use of gold hooks indicates the importance of the curtain, as it was the barrier between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This separation highlights the need for mediation between God and humanity, a role ultimately fulfilled by Jesus Christ as our High Priest.
And cast five bronze bases for them
Bronze, often associated with judgment and strength, was used for the bases, providing stability and support for the posts. The combination of gold and bronze in the tabernacle's construction reflects the balance of God's holiness and justice. The use of bronze bases also connects to the bronze altar, where sacrifices were made, pointing to the necessity of atonement for sin. The number five, repeated here, reinforces the theme of grace, as the bases uphold the posts that support the curtain, symbolizing the grace that upholds the law and the covenant.
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 where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
3.
Entrance CurtainA specially designed curtain for the entrance of the Tabernacle, made with specific colors and materials.
4.
Acacia WoodA durable wood used in the construction of the Tabernacle's posts, symbolizing strength and endurance.
5.
EmbroidererThe skilled artisan responsible for crafting the intricate designs on the curtain, highlighting the importance of beauty and craftsmanship in worship.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of ColorsThe blue, purple, and scarlet yarns symbolize royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. Reflect on how these colors point to the nature and work of Christ.
Craftsmanship in WorshipThe detailed work of the embroiderer shows that God values beauty and skill in worship. Consider how we can offer our best talents in service to God.
Holiness and AccessThe curtain represents a barrier to the Holy of Holies, reminding us of the separation between God and man due to sin, and how Christ's sacrifice has torn that barrier.
Materials and MeaningThe use of acacia wood and gold signifies durability and purity. Reflect on how our faith should be both enduring and pure.
God's Detailed InstructionsThe specific instructions for the Tabernacle remind us that God cares about the details of our lives and worship. Consider how we can be attentive to God's guidance in our daily walk.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 26:37?
2.How does Exodus 26:37 illustrate God's attention to detail in worship practices?
3.What significance do the "five posts" have in the tabernacle's construction?
4.How can we apply the principle of craftsmanship from Exodus 26:37 today?
5.How does Exodus 26:37 connect to the broader theme of holiness in Exodus?
6.What lessons about obedience can we learn from the instructions in Exodus 26:37?
7.What is the significance of the five pillars in Exodus 26:37 for the tabernacle's design?
8.How does Exodus 26:37 reflect God's attention to detail in worship practices?
9.Why were the pillars in Exodus 26:37 overlaid with gold?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 26?
11.What was Moses' Tabernacle?
12.Exodus 25:10 - Does using acacia wood and gold overlay for the Ark raise practical or scientific concerns about weight and portability for a traveling community?
13.Psalm 105:37 describes the Israelites leaving Egypt with silver and gold, yet Egyptian records of a mass exodus are scarce. How do we account for this discrepancy?
14.Exodus 37:17-24: Could a single gold talent realistically be fashioned into a single lampstand with six branches and intricate decorations as described?What Does Exodus 26:37 Mean
Make five postsThe Lord’s command to “Make five posts” (Exodus 26:37) underscores that every detail of the tabernacle came from Him, not human creativity.
• Five is the exact number God chose—no more, no less—revealing His precise order (compareExodus 25:40;Hebrews 8:5).
• Posts provide vertical stability, a simple reminder that our walk with God stands or falls on His appointed supports (Psalm 119:89).
• God’s people obeyed without debate; faithful obedience always brings blessing (Exodus 39:32).
of acacia woodAcacia wood is durable, resistant to decay, and plentiful in the wilderness—ideal for a portable sanctuary (Exodus 25:10, 13).
• The incorruptible nature of acacia pictures the sinless humanity of Christ (Isaiah 53:9;1 Peter 2:22).
• Using common desert material shows how God sanctifies everyday resources for holy purposes (1 Timothy 4:4–5).
• Nothing in God’s service is wasted; even our ordinary abilities can be “acacia wood” in His hands (Romans 12:1).
for the curtainThese posts hold the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 26:33).
• The curtain guards the presence of God, reminding Israel of His holiness (Leviticus 16:2).
• Until Christ’s death tore the temple veil (Matthew 27:51), access to God remained limited, pointing ahead to the new and living way (Hebrews 10:19–20).
• The posts therefore stand between sin and holiness, foreshadowing the Mediator who would one day bridge that gap (1 Timothy 2:5).
overlay them with gold hooksGold speaks of deity and glory (Exodus 25:11). Even the hooks—small as they are—bear the mark of divine splendor.
• Covering wood with gold pictures Christ’s divine nature united with His humanity (John 1:14).
• Hooks secure the veil, illustrating how God upholds the barrier His own righteousness requires (Psalm 97:2).
• Every shimmering detail invited worshippers to recognize the majesty of the One dwelling within (1 Chronicles 29:11).
cast five bronze bases for themBronze (or copper) is the metal of judgment and strength in Scripture (Exodus 27:2;Numbers 21:8–9).
• The posts rest on bronze, showing that access to God must be grounded in satisfied justice (Romans 3:24–26).
• Casting each base indicates permanence; God’s standards do not shift with culture (Malachi 3:6).
• Bronze at the floor level, gold above—judgment underneath, glory above—mirrors our own salvation: Christ bore judgment so we might enter glory (2 Corinthians 5:21).
summaryExodus 26:37 weaves together obedience, incorruptibility, separation, glory, and judgment. Five acacia posts, clad in gold with bronze foundations, upheld the veil that guarded God’s presence. The materials and arrangement all point to Christ: incorruptible humanity, divine glory, the righteous barrier His sacrifice would ultimately remove, and the firm foundation of satisfied justice. In this single verse, God quietly lays another plank in the gospel’s unfolding blueprint, inviting His people to marvel at the wisdom and beauty of His dwelling place among them.
(37)
Five pillars.--The odd number is surprising, especially compared with the "four pillars" of the interior (
Exodus 26:32), until we remember that a tent such as that described must have a pillar, or tent-pole, in the middle of its gable-end, and an equal number of supports on either side. It is, in fact, this fifth pillar which, together with the use of the word '
ohel,gives to the tent theory of Mr. Fergusson, now generally adopted, its solid basis.
Their hooks.--The hooks from which the hanging was to be suspended. (Comp.Exodus 26:32.)
Sockets of brass.--Rather, "of bronze." (See Note onExodus 25:3.)
Verse 37. -Five pillars. The central pillar was, no doubt, as Mr. Fergusson long ago pointed out, one of two tent-poles, which supported between them a ridge-pole, over which were thrown the coverings that formed the roof of the tent. Its height was probably fifteen cubits, so as to give a due slope to the roof. The two pillars nearest to the central one probably measured ten cubits, and stood in line with the two walls of themishkan. The outer pair would then have a height of five cubits, and support the two extremities of the goats' hair covering.Their hooks. The hooks whereby the "hanging" was attached to the pillars. Compare ver. 32.Sockets of brass -i.e., of bronze. These were probably let into the ground, like the other sockets.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Make
וְעָשִׂ֣יתָ(wə·‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make
five
חֲמִשָּׁה֙(ḥă·miš·šāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 2568:Five
posts
עַמּוּדֵ֣י(‘am·mū·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5982:A column, a stand, platform
of acacia wood
שִׁטִּ֔ים(šiṭ·ṭîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 7848:Acacia (a tree and a wood)
for the curtain,
לַמָּסָ֗ךְ(lam·mā·sāḵ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4539:A covering, screen
overlay
וְצִפִּיתָ֤(wə·ṣip·pî·ṯā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6823:To lay out, lay over
them
אֹתָם֙(’ō·ṯām)
Direct object marker | third person masculine plural
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative case
with gold
זָהָ֔ב(zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky
hooks,
וָוֵיהֶ֖ם(wā·wê·hem)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 2053:A hook, pin, peg
and cast
וְיָצַקְתָּ֣(wə·yā·ṣaq·tā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3332:To pour out, to melt, cast as metal, to place firmly, to stiffen, grow hard
five
חֲמִשָּׁ֖ה(ḥă·miš·šāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 2568:Five
bronze
נְחֹֽשֶׁת׃(nə·ḥō·šeṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5178:Copper, something made of that metal, coin, a fetter, base
bases
אַדְנֵ֥י(’aḏ·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 134:A base, pedestal
for them.
לָהֶ֔ם(lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew
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OT Law: Exodus 26:37 You shall make for the screen five (Exo. Ex)
