Exodus 27:10

And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets [shall be of] brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [shall be of] silver.

And the twenty {H6242} pillars {H5982} thereof and their twenty {H6242} sockets {H134} shall be of brass {H5178}; the hooks {H2053} of the pillars {H5982} and their fillets {H2838} shall be of silver {H3701}.

supported on twenty posts in twenty bronze sockets; the hooks on the posts and the attached rings for hanging are to be of silver.

with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and silver hooks and bands on the posts.

and the pillars thereof shall be twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver.

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 27:10

Exodus 27:10 continues the detailed divine instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle's outer court. This verse specifically describes the materials for the perimeter's structural elements, emphasizing God's meticulous design for His dwelling place among His people.

Context of the Outer Court

This verse is part of a larger section (Exodus 25-31) where God gives Moses precise blueprints for the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as the center of Israelite worship and the visible sign of God's presence. The outer court, described in Exodus 27:9-19, enclosed the Tabernacle proper, including the altar of burnt offering and the laver. The materials specified for its pillars, sockets, hooks, and fillets were not arbitrary but carried significant symbolic meaning, defining the sacred space and the approach to God.

Key Themes and Symbolism

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exact specifications for the twenty pillars, twenty sockets, hooks, and fillets highlight God's infinite attention to detail. Every component of the Tabernacle was purposefully designed, reflecting God's holiness and the ordered nature of true worship. This divine blueprint underscored that access to God was strictly by His terms.
  • Symbolism of Materials:
    • Brass (Bronze): The twenty pillars and their sockets were made of brass (or bronze). In the Tabernacle, brass is often associated with judgment, sacrifice, and endurance. The altar of burnt offering, where sacrifices for sin were made, was also covered with brass (Exodus 27:2). The brass sockets forming the foundation for the court's perimeter suggest that the very ground upon which one approached God was undergirded by the reality of judgment and the necessity of atonement.
    • Silver: The hooks of the pillars and their fillets (connecting rods or bands) were made of silver. Silver in the Tabernacle often symbolizes redemption and atonement. Notably, the silver sockets for the Tabernacle's inner structure were cast from the half-shekel atonement money (Exodus 38:27). The use of silver for connecting elements implies that access to God's presence and the unity within His dwelling place are secured through the precious act of redemption.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "brass" is nแต‰chosheth (ื ึฐื—ึนืฉืึถืช), which refers to copper or bronze, an alloy known for its strength and durability. The term "fillets" translates the Hebrew word chishshuqim (ื—ึดืฉึผืึปืงึดื™ื), meaning "connecting rods" or "bands." These were likely decorative or structural bands that ran between the tops of the pillars, providing stability and completing the aesthetic of the court's enclosure.

Practical Application

Exodus 27:10, though detailing ancient construction, offers timeless lessons:

  • God's Holiness and Our Approach: The distinct materials of the Tabernacle's court emphasized the clear boundary between the common and the sacred. This reminds us that God is holy, and our approach to Him must be on His terms, not our own.
  • Foundation of Redemption: The symbolism of brass (judgment/sacrifice) and silver (redemption) in the outer court's very structure subtly points to the means by which humanity can draw near to a holy God. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who became our propitiation and redemption, providing the only way to the Father (John 14:6).
  • Attention to Detail: If God cared so much about the specific materials for a temporary dwelling, how much more does He care about the details of our lives and our worship? This verse encourages us to pursue excellence and intentionality in all we do for Him.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 52:21

    And [concerning] the pillars, the height of one pillar [was] eighteen cubits; and a fillet of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness thereof [was] four fingers: [it was] hollow.

  • Exodus 26:19

    And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

  • Exodus 26:21

    And their forty sockets [of] silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

  • Exodus 36:38

    And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets [were of] brass.
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