(The Lord speaking is red text)
And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward [shall be] fifty cubits.
The width of the courtyard on the east side, facing east, will be seventy-five feet.
The east side of the courtyard, toward the sunrise, is to be fifty cubits wide.
And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
And the breadth{H7341} of the court{H2691} on the east{H6924} side{H6285} eastward{H4217} shall be fifty{H2572} cubits{H520}.
1. **Themes**:
- **Precision and Detail**: The verse emphasizes the importance of specific measurements for the construction of the court of the tabernacle, reflecting a broader theme of meticulous attention to detail in the formation of sacred spaces.
- **Sanctity and Separation**: The dimensions of the court symbolize the division between the sacred space of the tabernacle and the secular world, highlighting the theme of sanctity and the need for separation from the profane.
- **Divine Instruction**: The verse is part of a series of divine commands given to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle, underscoring the theme of divine guidance and revelation.
2. **Historical Context**:
- **Exodus Narrative**: Exodus 27:13 is set within the context of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. After their liberation from slavery, God gives Moses detailed instructions for building the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God's presence would dwell among the people.
- **Tabernacle Construction**: The book of Exodus dedicates significant attention to the construction of the tabernacle and its furnishings, reflecting the central role of worship and religious practice in the life of the Israelite community. The court's dimensions, including the fifty cubits on the east side, are part of these detailed instructions.
- **Cubit as a Measurement**: A cubit was an ancient unit of length based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, which varied in actual length but was typically around 18 inches (45 centimeters). The use of the cubit in the verse situates the text within the ancient Near Eastern context where such measurements were standard.
- **Ritual Purity and Access**: The court's dimensions would have been designed to accommodate the activities related to worship and sacrifice, ensuring that ritual purity was maintained and that access to the holy places was controlled according to God's specifications.
In summary, Exodus 27:13 is a verse that reflects the detailed instructions given by God for the construction of the tabernacle's court, emphasizing the sanctity of space and the importance of following divine blueprints. It is situated within the broader historical context of the Israelites' establishment as a nation under God's guidance during their wilderness journey.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)