Each frame was ten cubits longThe dimensions of the frames for the Tabernacle are significant, reflecting the precision and orderliness of God's instructions. A cubit is generally considered to be about 18 inches, making each frame approximately 15 feet long. This length indicates the grandeur and scale of the Tabernacle, which was to be a dwelling place for God's presence among His people. The use of specific measurements underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, as seen throughout the construction of the Tabernacle. This precision can be compared to the detailed instructions given for Noah's Ark (
Genesis 6:15) and Solomon's Temple (
1 Kings 6:2).
and a cubit and a half wide
The width of each frame, approximately 27 inches, contributes to the stability and structure of the Tabernacle. The frames were made of acacia wood, known for its durability and resistance to decay, symbolizing the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. The use of acacia wood and the specific dimensions highlight the care and craftsmanship involved in creating a sacred space. This attention to detail reflects the holiness and separateness of the Tabernacle, setting it apart as a place of worship and meeting with God. The dimensions also remind believers of the importance of following God's design in their own lives, as seen in the New Testament call to be living temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
Bezalel and OholiabSkilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.
3.
The TabernacleA portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.
4.
IsraelitesThe people of God, who contributed materials and labor for the construction of the Tabernacle.
5.
Mount SinaiThe place where God gave Moses the instructions for the Tabernacle and the Law.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ObedienceThe precise dimensions of the Tabernacle frames highlight the importance of following God's instructions meticulously. As believers, we are called to obey God's Word in every aspect of our lives.
God's Presence Among His PeopleThe Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's desire to dwell among His people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God dwells within us, making our bodies His temple.
The Role of Community in God's WorkThe construction of the Tabernacle was a communal effort, with each person contributing their skills and resources. Similarly, the church functions as a body, with each member playing a vital role.
Symbolism of the TabernacleThe Tabernacle's design and dimensions were symbolic of heavenly realities. Understanding these symbols can deepen our appreciation for the work of Christ and the nature of our relationship with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 36:21?
2.How does Exodus 36:21 demonstrate God's attention to detail in His instructions?
3.What can we learn about obedience from the construction of the tabernacle?
4.How does the tabernacle's construction reflect God's holiness and presence among His people?
5.In what ways can we apply the principle of precision in our worship today?
6.How does Exodus 36:21 connect to the New Testament understanding of God's dwelling?
7.How does Exodus 36:21 reflect the historical accuracy of the Tabernacle's construction?
8.What theological significance does the measurement in Exodus 36:21 hold for understanding God's instructions?
9.Why is the specific measurement in Exodus 36:21 important for biblical interpretation?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 36?
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.Why is the altar of burnt offering significant?
13.What defines acacia wood?
14.What was Moses' Tabernacle?What Does Exodus 36:21 Mean
Each frame“Each frame…” (Exodus 36:21a)
• The word “each” highlights that every single board mattered, none were optional. God’s dwelling was built from many identical pieces, underscoring order and unity (Exodus 36:22;1 Corinthians 14:40).
• The frames were made of acacia wood—durable and resistant—reminding us that believers, too, are called to steadfastness (Exodus 26:15;1 Peter 2:5).
• Standing side-by-side, the boards formed one sanctuary, picturing how individual believers are joined into “a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21-22;1 Corinthians 3:16).
was ten cubits long“…was ten cubits long…” (Exodus 36:21b)
• A cubit is roughly eighteen inches, so each board stood about fifteen feet high—tall enough to create a spacious holy place (1 Kings 6:2).
• The precise height shows God values exact obedience; Moses “made everything just as the LORD had commanded” (Exodus 39:32;Hebrews 8:5).
• Ten frequently signals completeness in Scripture (the ten commandments,Exodus 20:1-17), pointing to the sufficiency of God’s provision in the tabernacle which foreshadows Christ’s finished work (John 19:30;Colossians 2:17).
• The upward dimension reminds us of worship that reaches toward heaven (Psalm 121:1-2;Ephesians 3:17-19).
and a cubit and a half wide“…and a cubit and a half wide.” (Exodus 36:21c)
• Each board’s width—about twenty-seven inches—ensured the wall sections fit together tightly, leaving no gaps (Exodus 36:24-25).
• Though comparatively narrow, the boards were strengthened by crossbars of gold-overlaid acacia running through them (Exodus 36:33-34), symbolizing the unifying work of the Spirit who binds believers into one body (Ephesians 4:3-4).
• The individual width kept every frame manageable for transport, illustrating how God’s commands are exact yet never burdensome (1 John 5:3;Matthew 11:30).
• When set side-by-side, the boards formed a perfectly measured dwelling where God met His people, foreshadowing the church’s calling to be “built together for God’s habitation” (Ephesians 2:22;John 17:21).
summaryExodus 36:21 records literal measurements for each tabernacle frame: about fifteen feet high and a little over two feet wide. Every identical board contributed to a unified, sturdy sanctuary, revealing God’s concern for precision, order, and shared purpose. Physically, the verse shows how Israel obeyed the exact pattern; spiritually, it pictures believers—individual yet joined—forming God’s dwelling place on earth.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Each frameהַקָּ֑רֶשׁ(haq·qā·reš)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7175:A slab, plank, a deck of a, ship[was] tenעֶ֥שֶׂר(‘e·śer)Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 6235:Tencubitsאַמֹּ֖ת(’am·mōṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-baselongאֹ֣רֶךְ(’ō·reḵ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 753:Lengthand aהָאֶחָֽד׃(hā·’e·ḥāḏ)Article | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstcubitוְאַמָּה֙(wə·’am·māh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520:A mother, a cubit, a door-baseand a halfוַחֲצִ֣י(wa·ḥă·ṣî)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677:The half, middlewide.רֹ֖חַב(rō·ḥaḇ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7341:Breadth, width
Links
Exodus 36:21 NIVExodus 36:21 NLTExodus 36:21 ESVExodus 36:21 NASBExodus 36:21 KJV
Exodus 36:21 BibleApps.comExodus 36:21 Biblia ParalelaExodus 36:21 Chinese BibleExodus 36:21 French BibleExodus 36:21 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 36:21 Ten cubits was the length (Exo. Ex) 
