Exodus 27:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Exodus 27:10 meticulously details the materials for the perimeter of the Tabernacle's outer court, specifying that its twenty pillars and their twenty sockets were to be made of brass, while the hooks of the pillars and their connecting fillets were to be of silver. This divine instruction underscores God's precise design for His dwelling place, revealing profound symbolic meanings embedded in the very structure that defined the sacred space and regulated the approach to His holy presence among His people, emphasizing the foundational truths of divine judgment and costly redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 27:10 is situated within a comprehensive section of the book (chapters 25-31) where Yahweh provides Moses with the intricate architectural plans for the Tabernacle, its sacred furnishings, and the vestments for the Aaronic priesthood. Specifically, this verse contributes to the detailed description of the outer court (Exodus 27:9-19), which served as the sacred enclosure for the Tabernacle proper, housing the [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") and the laver. The preceding verses (Exodus 27:1-8) had already outlined the construction of the brass altar, establishing a material theme that continues into the court's perimeter. The meticulous enumeration of every component and material throughout [Exodus 27](/exodus/27 "Exodus 27 - The Outer Court and Oil for the Lamp") underscores God's demand for order, purity, and precision in worship, ensuring that every element of His dwelling place was consecrated and purposeful, guiding the worshiper through a divinely ordained process of approach to His holiness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of these divine instructions, the Israelites were a recently liberated, nomadic people traversing the wilderness after their deliverance from Egyptian bondage. Lacking a permanent temple, the portable Tabernacle was indispensable as a tangible manifestation of God's covenant presence in their midst. While ancient Near Eastern temples often utilized precious materials, the Tabernacle's design was unique in its divine origin and profound symbolic intent, standing in stark contrast to the pagan cultic sites of surrounding cultures. The specified materials—brass (bronze) and silver—were valuable yet accessible to the Israelites, likely sourced from the spoils of Egypt ([Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Spoils from Egypt")) and through freewill offerings. In the ancient world, specific metals often carried symbolic weight, but here, their meaning was uniquely defined by Yahweh's theological purposes, particularly concerning judgment, sacrifice, and redemption, which were foundational to the covenant relationship established at Sinai.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the broader Tabernacle narrative, contributes to several overarching themes. The theme of **Divine Presence** is paramount, as the Tabernacle served as God's dwelling place among His people, a visible sign of His covenant faithfulness. The meticulous instructions highlight the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute transcendence and the strict requirements for approaching Him. The materials themselves underscore the themes of **Judgment and Atonement**, particularly through the consistent association of brass with sacrifice and silver with redemption, a motif seen throughout the Tabernacle's construction, from the [altar](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") to the [sockets of the inner structure](/exodus/38-27 "Exodus 38:27 - Silver from Atonement Money"). Finally, the detailed blueprint reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Order**, revealing God's precise control over every aspect of worship and His desire for a structured, reverent approach to His sacred presence.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden'_):** From a root conveying strength, this term refers to a basis or foundation, particularly for a building or column. In the Tabernacle, sockets were heavy bases into which the pillars were set. Their composition of brass (bronze) for the outer court pillars signifies that the very foundation and stability of the sacred enclosure, and thus the approach to God, rests upon the unyielding reality of divine judgment and the necessity of atonement.
* **Fillets (Hebrew, _châshuq'_):** This word, derived from a verb meaning "to attach" or "to cling," describes a connecting rod, rail, or band that linked the pillars together. These elements provided structural cohesion and aesthetic continuity to the outer court's perimeter. Their composition of silver carries significant theological weight, implying that the unity, integrity, and sacred boundary of the Tabernacle are secured and maintained through the precious act of redemption.
* **Silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** This precious metal, from a root meaning "to long for" or "to be pale," consistently symbolizes redemption and atonement within the Tabernacle's design. Notably, the silver sockets for the inner Tabernacle structure were fashioned from the [atonement money](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - Atonement Money") collected from every Israelite. Its application to the hooks and fillets in the outer court signifies that access to God's presence and the very cohesion of His people are established and maintained through the precious, divinely provided means of redemption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets [shall be of] brass":** This clause specifies the foundational support structure for the outer court's perimeter. The "twenty pillars" (likely wooden, possibly overlaid or fitted with brass elements) and their "twenty sockets" (solid brass bases) emphasize the strength, durability, and stability required for the sacred enclosure. The material, brass (bronze), immediately invokes themes of divine judgment, the severity of sin, and the absolute necessity of sacrifice, which are foundational prerequisites for any approach to a holy God. It signifies that the very ground upon which one stands to enter God's presence is undergirded by the reality of His righteous judgment.
* **"the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [shall be of] silver":** This part describes the connecting and securing elements at the top of the pillars. The "hooks" were used to suspend the linen curtains that formed the walls of the court, while the "fillets" were connecting rods or bands that ran horizontally between the pillars, providing structural integrity and completing the framework. The deliberate use of silver for these components highlights the pervasive theme of redemption and atonement. It suggests that the very means by which the court was assembled, its sacred boundaries defined, and its curtains hung—thereby regulating access—was secured through the precious, divinely ordained act of redemption.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 27:10, like the entirety of the Tabernacle's blueprint, primarily employs **Symbolism**. The choice of materials is not merely functional but deeply imbued with theological significance. **Brass** (or bronze) consistently symbolizes divine judgment, strength, and the necessity of sacrifice, particularly in its association with the [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") where sin was addressed. **Silver**, conversely, symbolizes redemption and atonement, notably derived from the [atonement money](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - Atonement Money") collected from each Israelite. The precise enumeration of "twenty pillars" and "twenty sockets" also exemplifies **Detailed Enumeration** or **Merism**, where every component is meticulously listed. This literary technique emphasizes God's absolute precision, His comprehensive design, and the holistic, divinely ordered nature of His dwelling place. This meticulous detail underscores the sacredness of the space and the strict, divinely established terms by which one could approach the Holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 27:10, through its specific material requirements for the outer court, powerfully communicates foundational theological truths about God's character and humanity's prescribed approach to Him. The brass elements, forming the base and structural support of the court, speak to the unyielding reality of divine judgment and the prerequisite of atonement for sin. This is the unalterable "ground" upon which one must stand to even begin to approach God. Intertwined with this, the silver components—the hooks and connecting fillets—symbolize redemption and the precious cost involved in drawing near to a holy God. Together, these materials paint a vivid picture of a God who is both perfectly just in His condemnation of sin and infinitely merciful in providing a way for humanity to be reconciled through a divinely ordained process of sacrifice and redemption. The Tabernacle, therefore, served as a tangible object lesson in the absolute necessity of atonement to bridge the chasm between a sinful humanity and a holy God.

* [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money")
* [Leviticus 4:20](/leviticus/4-20 "Leviticus 4:20 - Atonement for Sin")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of Exodus 27:10 serve as a profound reminder that our approach to God is never on our own terms, but always on His. The distinct materials of the outer court—brass at the base, silver for connection—illustrate that the foundation of our relationship with a holy God must acknowledge both His righteous judgment against sin and His gracious provision for redemption. This ancient blueprint challenges us to consider the intentionality and reverence with which we engage in worship and spiritual life today. If God cared so deeply about the physical structure of a temporary dwelling, how much more does He care about the spiritual integrity and purity of our hearts, which are now, through Christ, His dwelling place? This verse calls us to embrace the reality that true access to God is costly, secured by divine provision, and requires a humble recognition of our profound need for atonement and redemption. It encourages us to live lives that reflect the holiness of the God we serve, always mindful of the precious price paid for our access and the ongoing work of redemption in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of the Tabernacle's construction, particularly the specific materials in Exodus 27:10, inform our understanding of God's character and His expectations for worship?**
* **In what ways do the symbolic meanings of brass (judgment/sacrifice) and silver (redemption/atonement) in the outer court challenge or comfort us regarding our approach to God today?**
* **How can we apply the principle of "God's terms" for worship and access, as exemplified by the Tabernacle, in our modern lives and church practices, ensuring reverence and intentionality?**

### FAQ
**Why were these specific metals (brass and silver) chosen for the outer court?**

Answer: The choice of brass (bronze) and silver was deeply symbolic and intentional, reflecting core theological truths. Brass, often associated with strength, durability, and judgment, was prominently used for the [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") where sin was atoned for through fire. Its use for the foundational pillars and sockets of the outer court signifies that the very ground upon which one approaches God is undergirded by the reality of divine judgment and the necessity of sacrifice to address sin. Silver, on the other hand, consistently symbolizes redemption and atonement. This is powerfully illustrated by the fact that the silver sockets for the Tabernacle's inner structure were made from the [half-shekel atonement money](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - The Atonement Money") collected from every Israelite. Therefore, the combination of brass and silver in the outer court communicates that access to God's holy presence is only possible through a divinely provided means of judgment met and redemption secured.

**What is the significance of the "fillets" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: The "fillets" (Hebrew: `châshuqim`) were likely connecting rods or bands that ran between the tops of the pillars of the outer court. While their precise appearance is debated, their function was to provide structural stability and aesthetic unity to the enclosure, ensuring the curtains were properly hung and the court maintained its defined shape. Theologically, their significance lies in their material: silver. As silver consistently symbolizes redemption and atonement in the Tabernacle's design, the "fillets" suggest that the unity, stability, and integrity of the sacred space—and by extension, the community that approaches God—are secured and maintained through the precious act of redemption. They underscore that the very fabric of God's dwelling and His people's cohesion is founded upon His redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 27:10, with its foundational brass and connecting silver, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The brass elements, symbolizing divine judgment against sin and the necessity of sacrifice, point directly to Christ's bearing of God's righteous wrath on the cross. He became the ultimate [sacrifice for sin](/romans/8-3 "Romans 8:3 - God Sent His Own Son") and bore the curse that was due to us, thereby redeeming us from its power ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")). The silver components, representing redemption and atonement, find their perfect fulfillment in the precious blood of Jesus. It is not with perishable things like silver or gold that we are redeemed, but with the [precious blood of Christ](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood"), as of a lamb without blemish or spot. The Tabernacle's outer court, therefore, illustrates that access to God's holy presence is only granted through the one who perfectly satisfied divine justice and provided complete redemption. Jesus is the true and living [Way](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way") into the presence of God, the ultimate Tabernacle where God now dwells among His people ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through Him, the themes of judgment met and redemption secured are eternally fulfilled, providing a permanent and perfect access to the Father that the temporary Tabernacle could only symbolize ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, the Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI 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.