Exodus 26:20Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

On the southern side, there were twenty pillars supported by forty sockets, making a total of sixty, and the same arrangement was found on the northern side, symbolizing the leaders, chiefs, and dignitaries. This quantity is also referenced by the wise King Solomon in the Song of Solomon, where he states, ‘Behold, Solomon's bier, sixty strong around it’ (Song of Songs 3:7).

The bases of the boards elevated the wood above the ground, preventing decay. Together, these bases created a unified foundation, as described in the Septuagint, contributing to the intricate decoration of the Tabernacle. Each bar was equipped with two spikes at its base, and each spike had a dedicated footplate. At the corners of the Tabernacle, the boards were interlinked by rings, serving as the sole connection between the rear wall and the side walls. The walls, as we will explore further, were interconnected through staves that passed through all the boards. While the exact method of connecting the corner beam rings may not be completely clear, it is reasonable to conjecture that they were either bolted or simply linked by chains or cords.