Tabernacle Boards, Square Board Theory

Square Board Theory

The perspective considered here regarding the form of the boards and the resulting measures of the Tabernacle itself is completely different than the accepted view, the main difference being in the form of the boards themselves. The accepted concept for the Tabernacle structure is based on the text found in Exodus that describes the walls and corner boards of the Tabernacle and applies the idea of a flat board design. The Square Board Theory on the other hand suggests the form of each board was some type of square assembly with the width and breadth being equal. The generally accepted idea of the flat design and arrangement of the boards, specifically with regard to the corner boards, seems to make sense but at the same time departs from the meaning of the words in the text of Exodus. If the perspective of the "Square Board Theory" is applied, the description in the text makes better sense.

Primary thoughts supporting the Square Board Theory;

1. The boards "standing up" are described separately from the sockets of silver. This thought is being applied here as though the boards were fashioned to stand alone. The silver sockets are being considered here as a means for locating the position of each board assembly. The sockets would be arranged according to the order of the 3 walls, with each pair of sockets acting as base for each individual board of the Tabernacle as the structure was set up.

Exodus 26:15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.

2. The square board form defines a symmetrical arrangement for the 3 walls of the Tabernacle and satisfies the biblical description of the 2 corner boards found in Exodus. The description defines a north, south and west wall with 2 boards for corners "in the 2 sides", viewed here as 1 board per corner, per side. No other form or arrangement of boards allows for 2 corner boards to be "in the sides" and still define "8 boards" in the west wall, ( see illustration, "2 Sides Westward" ).

Exodus 26:23 And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

These boards were to be coupled together beneath and above the head "of it", considered here as meaning the Tabernacle structure itself. The scripture describes 2 corners where the boards are to be "coupled" by 1 ring at the bottom and 1 ring at the top. This suggests each board is coupled in its place by 1 ring at each position. Based on this perspective there are 2 corners and 2 boards, 1 board for each corner with each board secured in its corner by 1 ring beneath and 1 ring above.

Exodus 26:24 And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.

Exodus 26:25 And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

According to Strong's definitions of the 2 Hebrew words used for "coupled", "ta'am", ( # 8382 ), and "tam", ( # 8535 ), have to do with the idea of "completeness", "perfection", or something being as a "twin" or "duplicate", rather than 2 things being fixed together. The Hebrew word used in Exodus for "together", "yachad", ( # 3162 ), also means to be as a "unit" or "alike".

With the square board design the appearance of the corner boards is identical to all the other boards when viewed from either of the 3 sides or top. Notice that the 2 corner boards were last to be described as being "in the two sides", but still causing 8 boards to be in the west wall,

Exodus 26:23 And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides.

Exodus 26:25 And they shall be eight boards,

( Ezekiel 41:21 below, supports the idea of similarity of appearance between components and the structure itself with regard to the temple shown him in his vision. )

As I learned at another Tabernacle site, the words used in Exodus for "coupled" are not used anywhere else in the KJV bible where the idea of joining 2 things together is being conveyed. These words agree more with the idea of something being made complete or something being duplicated rather than 2 things being fixed together, as mentioned above.

The perspective being applied by the square board theory suggests that the "coupling together" of the corner boards, mentioned in Exodus, refers to the securing or uniting of the 2 corner boards in there separate places, according to 1 board per corner with each of the corner boards being coupled to its 2 neighboring boards and not to each other. The theory also suggests that the 2 corner boards were twins or duplicates of the other 46 boards of the Tabernacle and their placement perfected the form of the structure as a complete unit, as suggested by the meanings of the words "taam" and "tam" also mentioned above.

3. The posts of the temple in Ezekiel's vision were squared, many other elements of the temple were also square.

Ezekiel 41:21 The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other.

4. The breadth of the Tabernacle is also mentioned and is defined as 6 + 6 = 12 cubits, according to the width of 2 posts at the door of the temple measuring 6 cubits each. What is interesting is that the posts of the temple were squared, ( Ezekiel 41:21, above ), but only the width measure of 6 cubits is given for each post Ezekiel 41:1.

Ezekiel 41:1 Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.

This is the same perspective as with the boards of the Tabernacle, the width measure of 1.5 cubits is given but not the thickness.

Exodus 26:16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board .

I believe this perspective gives more conclusive evidence that the form of the boards of the Tabernacle were some kind of square assemblies rather than a simple flat design, as suggested by the conventional "2 board per corner theory".

With regard to other words used in the text to describe boards, as used in the building of the Tabernacle and Solomon's temple, consider the correspondence of a particular Gematria value from the following 3 words, called the "Subtracted Value", to the form and measures of the Tabernacle according to the "Square Board Theory". The first word is used in Exodus to describe the Tabernacle boards, the two other words are used in 1 Kings to describe a row of boards and a board in position as part of the row or assembly of boards respectively, as used in the building of Solomon's temple.

The first word describing boards in the bible, Strong's # 7175, is used in Exodus. The SV of this word equals 540 and defines the centerline or inner 3 wall perimeter measure of 20 surrounding boards of the Holy of Holies, which defines a total of 22 separate boards, ( see illustration, "Holy of Holies, 540" ).

The second word is used to describe a row of boards, Strong's # 7713, is used in 1 Kings. The SV of this word equals 495 and defines the volume of the 22 surrounding boards of the Holy of Holies, according to the square board theory, which are defined by the 2 measures of 540 from the first word.

A third word is used to describe the use or position of a board as a part of the body or whole structure, Strong's # 6763, is also used in 1 Kings. The SV of this word equals 144 and defines the total area of ground covered by the Holy of Holies as defined by the SV's of the first 2 words.

Since the Tabernacle structure was made completely of boards it is interesting to notice that the subtracted values of the 3 words used to describe boards, particularly in relation to building materials used in the Tabernacle and Solomon's temple, actually define the measures of the form of the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle according to the square board theory. The values from these 3 words are being considered as clues to the actual form of the Tabernacle boards.

Further support for this idea is the fact that the first word, #7175, is used in Exodus 46 times and in Numbers 2 times, in the KJV, referring directly to the Tabernacle boards, this is a total of 48 times, 1 usage for each board of the Tabernacle's 48 boards. This division of the 48 occurrences as 46 and 2 also corresponds to the 46 boards of the Tabernacle's 3 walls and the 2 boards for the corners as described in Exodus 26:15-23.

The usage of this word as singular or plural also defines a division of the 48 occurrences. The word is used as singular 15 times and plural 33 times. The 15 value defines the 15 sq.cu. surface area of 1 board face, according to 1.5 cu. width x 10 cu. height, as 1.5 x 10 = 15 square cubits. The 33 value defines the 33 cu. measure of the 22 board, 3 wall perimeter of the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle, according to 22 boards x 1.5 cu. per board, as 22 x 1.5 = 33 cubits. A comparison of these values defines the 495 cubic cubit volume of the 22 board, 3 wall perimeter of the Holy of Holies, as 15 x 33 = 495.








	Square Board Theory The perspective considered here regarding the form of the boards and the resulting measures of the Tabernacle itself is completely different than the accepted view, the main difference being in the form of the boards themselves. The accepted concept for the Tabernacle structure is based on the text found in Exodus that describes the walls and corner boards of the Tabernacle and applies the idea of a flat board design. The Square Board Theory on the other hand suggests the form of each board was some type of square assembly with the width and breadth being equal. The generally accepted idea of the flat design and arrangement of the boards, specifically with regard to the corner boards, seems to make sense but at the same time departs from the meaning of the words in the text of Exodus. If the perspective of the "Square Board Theory" is applied, the description in the text makes better sense. Primary thoughts supporting the Square Board Theory; 1. The boards "standing up" are described separately from the sockets of silver. This thought is being applied here as though the boards were fashioned to stand alone. The silver sockets are being considered here as a means for locating the position of each board assembly. The sockets would be arranged according to the order of the 3 walls, with each pair of sockets acting as base for each individual board of the Tabernacle as the structure was set up. Exodus 26:15 And thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up. 2. The square board form defines a symmetrical arrangement for the 3 walls of the Tabernacle and satisfies the biblical description of the 2 corner boards found in Exodus. The description defines a north, south and west wall with 2 boards for corners "in the 2 sides", viewed here as 1 board per corner, per side. No other form or arrangement of boards allows for 2 corner boards to be "in the sides" and still define "8 boards" in the west wall, ( see illustration, "2 Sides Westward" ). Exodus 26:23 And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides. These boards were to be coupled together beneath and above the head "of it", considered here as meaning the Tabernacle structure itself. The scripture describes 2 corners where the boards are to be "coupled" by 1 ring at the bottom and 1 ring at the top. This suggests each board is coupled in its place by 1 ring at each position. Based on this perspective there are 2 corners and 2 boards, 1 board for each corner with each board secured in its corner by 1 ring beneath and 1 ring above. Exodus 26:24 And they shall be coupled together beneath, and they shall be coupled together above the head of it unto one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners. Exodus 26:25 And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board. According to Strong's definitions of the 2 Hebrew words used for "coupled", "ta'am", ( # 8382 ), and "tam", ( # 8535 ), have to do with the idea of "completeness", "perfection", or something being as a "twin" or "duplicate", rather than 2 things being fixed together. The Hebrew word used in Exodus for "together", "yachad", ( # 3162 ), also means to be as a "unit" or "alike". With the square board design the appearance of the corner boards is identical to all the other boards when viewed from either of the 3 sides or top. Notice that the 2 corner boards were last to be described as being "in the two sides", but still causing 8 boards to be in the west wall, Exodus 26:23 And two boards shalt thou make for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides. Exodus 26:25 And they shall be eight boards, ( Ezekiel 41:21 below, supports the idea of similarity of appearance between components and the structure itself with regard to the temple shown him in his vision. ) As I learned at another Tabernacle site, the words used in Exodus for "coupled" are not used anywhere else in the KJV bible where the idea of joining 2 things together is being conveyed. These words agree more with the idea of something being made complete or something being duplicated rather than 2 things being fixed together, as mentioned above. The perspective being applied by the square board theory suggests that the "coupling together" of the corner boards, mentioned in Exodus, refers to the securing or uniting of the 2 corner boards in there separate places, according to 1 board per corner with each of the corner boards being coupled to its 2 neighboring boards and not to each other. The theory also suggests that the 2 corner boards were twins or duplicates of the other 46 boards of the Tabernacle and their placement perfected the form of the structure as a complete unit, as suggested by the meanings of the words "taam" and "tam" also mentioned above. 3. The posts of the temple in Ezekiel's vision were squared, many other elements of the temple were also square. Ezekiel 41:21 The posts of the temple were squared, and the face of the sanctuary; the appearance of the one as the appearance of the other. 4. The breadth of the Tabernacle is also mentioned and is defined as 6 + 6 = 12 cubits, according to the width of 2 posts at the door of the temple measuring 6 cubits each. What is interesting is that the posts of the temple were squared, ( Ezekiel 41:21, above ), but only the width measure of 6 cubits is given for each post Ezekiel 41:1. Ezekiel 41:1 Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle. This is the same perspective as with the boards of the Tabernacle, the width measure of 1.5 cubits is given but not the thickness. Exodus 26:16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cubit and a half shall be the breadth of one board . I believe this perspective gives more conclusive evidence that the form of the boards of the Tabernacle were some kind of square assemblies rather than a simple flat design, as suggested by the conventional "2 board per corner theory". With regard to other words used in the text to describe boards, as used in the building of the Tabernacle and Solomon's temple, consider the correspondence of a particular Gematria value from the following 3 words, called the "Subtracted Value", to the form and measures of the Tabernacle according to the "Square Board Theory". The first word is used in Exodus to describe the Tabernacle boards, the two other words are used in 1 Kings to describe a row of boards and a board in position as part of the row or assembly of boards respectively, as used in the building of Solomon's temple. The first word describing boards in the bible, Strong's # 7175, is used in Exodus. The SV of this word equals 540 and defines the centerline or inner 3 wall perimeter measure of 20 surrounding boards of the Holy of Holies, which defines a total of 22 separate boards, ( see illustration, "Holy of Holies, 540" ). The second word is used to describe a row of boards, Strong's # 7713, is used in 1 Kings. The SV of this word equals 495 and defines the volume of the 22 surrounding boards of the Holy of Holies, according to the square board theory, which are defined by the 2 measures of 540 from the first word. A third word is used to describe the use or position of a board as a part of the body or whole structure, Strong's # 6763, is also used in 1 Kings. The SV of this word equals 144 and defines the total area of ground covered by the Holy of Holies as defined by the SV's of the first 2 words. Since the Tabernacle structure was made completely of boards it is interesting to notice that the subtracted values of the 3 words used to describe boards, particularly in relation to building materials used in the Tabernacle and Solomon's temple, actually define the measures of the form of the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle according to the square board theory. The values from these 3 words are being considered as clues to the actual form of the Tabernacle boards. Further support for this idea is the fact that the first word, #7175, is used in Exodus 46 times and in Numbers 2 times, in the KJV, referring directly to the Tabernacle boards, this is a total of 48 times, 1 usage for each board of the Tabernacle's 48 boards. This division of the 48 occurrences as 46 and 2 also corresponds to the 46 boards of the Tabernacle's 3 walls and the 2 boards for the corners as described in Exodus 26:15-23. The usage of this word as singular or plural also defines a division of the 48 occurrences. The word is used as singular 15 times and plural 33 times. The 15 value defines the 15 sq.cu. surface area of 1 board face, according to 1.5 cu. width x 10 cu. height, as 1.5 x 10 = 15 square cubits. The 33 value defines the 33 cu. measure of the 22 board, 3 wall perimeter of the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle, according to 22 boards x 1.5 cu. per board, as 22 x 1.5 = 33 cubits. A comparison of these values defines the 495 cubic cubit volume of the 22 board, 3 wall perimeter of the Holy of Holies, as 15 x 33 = 495. s s s