Exodus 26:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In every pillar stands Christ, the foundation of the Church, the “support of the truth,” as Paul states (1 Tim. 3:15). He is the One who provides for and sustains all that exists.

Let us draw from the Apostle’s own statements a clarification of the enigmatic symbols represented by the tabernacle. In one instance, he refers to the Only-begotten, which we associate with the tabernacle: "For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible: whether thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers, all things were created by Him, and for Him" (Col. 1:16). The aesthetically pleasing golden pillars, the coverings, the rings, and the cherubim that overshadow the tabernacle with their wings, along with all other elements detailed in the construction of the tabernacle, can, when contemplated deeply, reflect the eternal powers manifested within the tabernacle—those that, by Divine will, uphold the cosmos.

The dimensions of the tabernacle are clearly established as thirty cubits in length and ten cubits in width. The south side comprised twenty boards, matched by an equal number on the north side. Other interpreters referred to these supports as planks. Each board measured one and a half cubits in width, which results in a total of thirty cubits for the twenty boards. The western side contained six boards of similar measurements, along with two additional boards at the corners. Out of the twelve cubits accounted for, ten constituted the internal width, while the remaining two cubits were attributed to the connections between the two side walls.

The entire structure of the tabernacle, as previously mentioned, consisted of a wooden framework covered by a tent elevated on tall poles. This height, surpassing the walls, allowed for ventilation and a measure of light to penetrate the interior space. Analyzing the wooden components reveals that three sides featured beams or likely polished panels set in silver bases, which constituted the tabernacle's walls. The wooden walls measured only 30 cubits, or 45 feet, while the curtains extended to a length of 60 feet, indicating that the wooden framework was situated within the area of the tent and was smaller in size, with the tent enveloping the walls.