He made the central crossbarThe central crossbar was a crucial component in the construction of the Tabernacle, serving to stabilize the structure. This reflects the importance of order and precision in worship, as God provided specific instructions for the Tabernacle's construction. The crossbar can symbolize the unity and strength found in the body of Christ, as believers are called to be united in purpose and faith.
to run through the center of the frames
The design of the Tabernacle, including the central crossbar running through the frames, highlights the meticulous nature of God's instructions. This central positioning signifies the importance of having God at the center of worship and life. It also prefigures the centrality of Christ in the believer's life, as He is the cornerstone of faith and the one who holds all things together.
from one end to the other
The phrase "from one end to the other" emphasizes the completeness and thoroughness of God's design. It suggests the idea of continuity and consistency, which are essential in the life of faith. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's eternal nature and His role as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, who encompasses all of creation and history.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Bezalel and OholiabSkilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. They were filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.
2.
The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a central place of worship and sacrifice.
3.
The Middle CrossbarA structural component of the Tabernacle, designed to provide stability and unity to the framework. It symbolizes the strength and unity required in the community of believers.
4.
Israelites in the WildernessThe people of God who were journeying from Egypt to the Promised Land. Their experiences and obedience in constructing the Tabernacle reflect their relationship with God.
5.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai. He ensured that the construction was carried out according to God's specifications.
Teaching Points
Unity and Stability in the Body of ChristJust as the middle crossbar provided stability to the Tabernacle, unity in the church provides strength and support. Believers are called to work together in harmony, supporting one another in faith.
Obedience to God's InstructionsThe meticulous construction of the Tabernacle according to God's instructions highlights the importance of obedience in our spiritual lives. We are called to follow God's Word faithfully.
The Presence of God Among His PeopleThe Tabernacle was a physical representation of God's presence. Today, God dwells within us through the Holy Spirit, and we are called to live as His holy temple.
The Role of Skilled ServiceBezalel and Oholiab used their God-given skills for His glory. We are encouraged to use our talents and abilities in service to God and His church.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 36:33?
2.How does Exodus 36:33 demonstrate the importance of skilled craftsmanship in God's work?
3.What can we learn about teamwork from the construction described in Exodus 36:33?
4.How does Exodus 36:33 connect to the broader theme of obedience in Exodus?
5.How can we apply the dedication shown in Exodus 36:33 to our lives?
6.What role does attention to detail play in fulfilling God's plans, as seen here?
7.What is the significance of the central crossbar in Exodus 36:33 for the Tabernacle's construction?
8.How does Exodus 36:33 reflect God's attention to detail in worship practices?
9.Why is the specific construction method in Exodus 36:33 important for understanding ancient Israelite craftsmanship?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 36?
11.(Exodus 35) Is there any concrete historical or archeological evidence to verify that such a grand construction project occurred in the Sinai wilderness?
12.Hebrews 9:9-10 states that certain regulations were temporary; does this undermine the eternal nature of Old Testament laws elsewhere in Scripture?
13.Psalm 30:5: Why does the verse say God's anger is momentary if the Bible elsewhere depicts extended periods of divine punishment?
14.Psalm 33:13-15 teaches God observes everyone on earth; what evidence supports the idea that God actively watches and guides human affairs?What Does Exodus 36:33 Mean
He made• The craftsman Bezalel, “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability” (Exodus 35:30-35), carried out the Lord’s exact instructions.
• His obedience highlights that every detail of the tabernacle came from God, not human invention (Exodus 25:8-9;Hebrews 8:5).
• In the same way, believers today are called to build their lives according to God’s revealed pattern (Matthew 7:24-25;James 1:22).
the central crossbar• Literally, this was the middle bar that linked the standing boards of the tabernacle on each side (Exodus 26:28).
• It provided alignment and strength, reminding us that God Himself is the stabilizing center of His dwelling (Psalm 46:5).
• Spiritually, the bar foreshadows Christ, the “chief cornerstone” who holds His people together (Ephesians 2:20-22;Colossians 1:17).
to run through the center• The bar went inside the rings, unseen yet essential (Exodus 36:34).
• God often works at the heart level—His support runs within, not merely around us (Jeremiah 31:33;John 14:17).
• This inner placement pictures the Holy Spirit strengthening believers “in your inner being” (Ephesians 3:16-17).
of the frames• The frames (acacia boards overlaid with gold) formed the tabernacle’s walls (Exodus 26:15-25).
• Individually set in silver bases, they stood upright because they were joined together (Philippians 1:27).
• New-covenant believers are called “living stones” being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5;1 Corinthians 3:16).
from one end to the other• The bar extended the entire length, ensuring no gap in support (Exodus 36:33).
• God’s sustaining grace covers the full span of our lives—“from everlasting to everlasting” (Psalm 90:1-2).
• Jesus is “the Alpha and the Omega… who is, who was, and who is to come” (Revelation 1:8), faithfully completing what He starts (Philippians 1:6).
summaryExodus 36:33 records Bezalel’s careful placement of the middle crossbar, a literal structural piece that secured every frame of the tabernacle from end to end. This detail reveals God’s precise design, underscores His role as the central support of His dwelling, and foreshadows Christ and the Spirit uniting and strengthening believers today.
Verse 33. -
He made the middle Bar to shoot through the boards. Rather, as in
Exodus 26:28, "to reach
from end to end of the boards."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He madeוַיַּ֖עַשׂ(way·ya·‘aś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makethe centralהַתִּיכֹ֑ן(hat·tî·ḵōn)Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8484:Centralcrossbarהַבְּרִ֣יחַ(hab·bə·rî·aḥ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1280:A boltto run throughלִבְרֹ֙חַ֙(liḇ·rō·aḥ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1272:To bolt, to flee suddenlythe centerבְּת֣וֹךְ(bə·ṯō·wḵ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432:A bisection, the centreof the frames,הַקְּרָשִׁ֔ים(haq·qə·rā·šîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 7175:A slab, plank, a deck of a, shipfromמִן־(min-)Preposition
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofone endהַקָּצֶ֖ה(haq·qā·ṣeh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7097:End, extremitytoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe other.הַקָּצֶֽה׃(haq·qā·ṣeh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7097:End, extremity
Links
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Exodus 36:33 BibleApps.comExodus 36:33 Biblia ParalelaExodus 36:33 Chinese BibleExodus 36:33 French BibleExodus 36:33 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 36:33 He made the middle bar to pass (Exo. Ex) 
