Exodus 27:11

KJV

And likewise for the north side in length [there shall be] hangings of an hundred [cubits] long, and his twenty pillars and their twenty sockets [of] brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [of] silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

And likewise for the north {H6828} side {H6285} in length {H753} there shall be hangings {H7050} of an hundred {H3967} cubits long {H753}, and his twenty {H6242} pillars {H5982} and their twenty {H6242} sockets {H134} of brass {H5178}; the hooks {H2053} of the pillars {H5982} and their fillets {H2838} of silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Likewise, along the north side are to be tapestries 150 feet long, hung on twenty posts in twenty bronze sockets, with silver hooks and rings for the posts.

Berean Standard Bible

Likewise there are to be curtains on the north side, a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.

American Standard Version

And likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings a hundred cubits long, and the pillars thereof twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 27:11 provides the precise specifications for the north side of the Tabernacle courtyard, mirroring the dimensions and materials previously detailed for the south. It mandates hangings one hundred cubits long, supported by twenty brass pillars set in twenty brass sockets, with the hangings secured by silver hooks and connected by silver fillets. This meticulous instruction underscores God's demand for order, holiness, and the intentional design of His dwelling place, where every component, from foundational brass to connecting silver, held both functional and profound symbolic significance in establishing a sacred boundary for divine encounter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 27:11 is an integral part of God's comprehensive instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its surrounding courtyard, a detailed blueprint that begins in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). Specifically, this verse follows the description of the Tabernacle's south side in [Exodus 27:9-10](/exodus/27-9-10 "Exodus 27:9-10 - The South Side of the Courtyard"), indicating a deliberate pattern of symmetry and balance in the divine design. The preceding verses ([Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Altar of Burnt Offering")) detail the altar of burnt offering, the central piece of furniture in the courtyard, emphasizing the sacrificial system that would be central to worship within this sacred space. Following the north side's description, the passage continues to outline the west side ([Exodus 27:12](/exodus/27-12 "Exodus 27:12 - The West Side of the Courtyard")), the east side with its gate ([Exodus 27:13-19](/exodus/27-13-19 "Exodus 27:13-19 - The East Side and Gate")), and concludes with instructions for the oil for the lampstand ([Exodus 27:20-21](/exodus/27-20-21 "Exodus 27:20-21 - Oil for the Lampstand")), demonstrating a logical progression from the courtyard's exterior boundaries to its internal functions and the continuous provision for light within the Holy Place.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as a portable sanctuary for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a tangible symbol of God's immediate presence among His people. Its construction was commanded shortly after the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, signifying the establishment of a covenant relationship where God would literally dwell in their midst ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Sanctuary")). In ancient Near Eastern cultures, temples and sacred spaces were often designed with meticulous detail, reflecting the perceived order and majesty of the deity. However, the Tabernacle's unique portability and the divine origin of its specific, exhaustive blueprints set it apart, emphasizing Yahweh's direct involvement in establishing the parameters of worship. The use of specific materials like brass (bronze) and silver was common in the region for both utilitarian and decorative purposes, but within the Tabernacle's context, these materials took on profound symbolic meaning, distinguishing sacred from common and highlighting the purity and redemption necessary for approaching a holy God. The entire structure, including the courtyard described in [Exodus 27](/exodus/27 "Exodus 27 - The Tabernacle Courtyard"), functioned as a divinely ordained barrier, protecting the holiness of God from the defilement of the camp, and regulating access to His presence according to His precise protocol.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**. The exhaustive detail in the Tabernacle's construction, down to the number of pillars and the material of the hooks, reveals God as a God of perfect order, who demands meticulous adherence to His revealed will. Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Separation**. The courtyard hangings, supported by these pillars, created a distinct boundary, separating the sacred space where God's presence dwelt from the common camp. This physical demarcation underscored God's transcendent holiness and the necessity of a consecrated approach, a theme echoed in the call for Israel to be a "holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Holy Nation")). Thirdly, the various materials—brass for the sockets and silver for the connecting elements—introduce the theme of **Symbolic Meaning in Worship**. These materials were not chosen arbitrarily but carried profound theological weight, foreshadowing the means by which sinful humanity could approach a holy God, a concept deeply developed throughout the sacrificial system and ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden'_):** From a root conveying strength, this term refers to the foundational bases into which the pillars were set. These sockets provided stability and support for the entire structure of the courtyard wall. Their composition of brass (bronze) underscores their role as a strong, enduring basis, symbolically connecting the foundation of God's dwelling with His unyielding strength and righteous judgment.
* **Hooks (Hebrew, _vâv'_):** This word denotes a hook, specifically the fasteners used to attach the linen hangings to the pillars. Though seemingly small, these silver hooks were essential for the practical function of suspending the sacred hangings, demonstrating that even the minutest components in God's design were significant and divinely prescribed for the integrity and purity of the sacred enclosure.
* **Fillets (Hebrew, _châshuq'_):** This term refers to the attached fence-rails or rods that connected the posts or pillars along the top. These silver fillets provided structural integrity and ensured the rigidity of the entire perimeter, holding the Tabernacle courtyard together. Their material, silver, highlights their preciousness and the purity associated with the necessary connections within God's holy dwelling, emphasizing that the entire structure was bound together by principles of redemption and sanctification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And likewise for the north side in length [there shall be] hangings of an hundred [cubits] long":** This clause establishes the primary dimension of the north side of the courtyard, explicitly mirroring the south side's length. The "hangings," likely made of fine twisted linen as specified for the courtyard in [Exodus 27:9](/exodus/27-9 "Exodus 27:9 - Hangings of the Courtyard"), formed the wall of the sacred enclosure, serving as a visual and physical barrier separating the holy space from the common camp. The length of one hundred cubits (approximately 150 feet or 45 meters) indicates a substantial and imposing boundary, emphasizing the vastness of the sacred space and the clear demarcation between the profane and the holy, underscoring the reverence required to approach God's presence.
* **"and his twenty pillars and their twenty sockets [of] brass":** This specifies the structural support system for the hangings on the north side. Twenty pillars, evenly spaced along the one hundred cubits, would have held the linen hangings aloft. The "sockets" were the foundational bases into which the pillars were securely set, providing essential stability for the entire wall. The material, "brass" (more accurately, bronze), is profoundly significant. Bronze in biblical symbolism often represents strength, endurance, and divine judgment (e.g., the bronze altar in [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Bronze Altar")). Its use for the foundational sockets suggests that the very basis of God's dwelling and the approach to Him is rooted in His unwavering strength and righteous judgment, upon which all access is predicated.
* **"the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [of] silver":** This clause details the crucial connecting elements that completed the courtyard's structure. The "hooks" were used to suspend the hangings from the pillars, while the "fillets" (connecting rods) provided structural integrity, running across the top of the pillars to bind them together. Both these elements were made of "silver." Silver in the Tabernacle context frequently symbolizes redemption, atonement, or purity (e.g., the atonement money in [Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - The Atonement Money")). Here, its use for the connecting elements suggests that purity and redemption are vital for interaction within the sacred space, emphasizing that access to God's holy presence is not by human merit or effort, but through divine provision and purification, binding the structure together in holiness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device prominently featured in Exodus 27:11, and indeed throughout the Tabernacle instructions, is **Symbolism**. Every material, dimension, and component of the Tabernacle and its courtyard is meticulously chosen and imbued with deeper theological meaning, pointing beyond its physical reality to profound spiritual truths about God's character, His relationship with humanity, and the divinely ordained means of approaching Him. The **Precision** and **Repetition** of detailed instructions (e.g., mirroring the north side to the south, specifying exact numbers and materials) serve to emphasize the divine origin and absolute authority of the design, leaving no room for human alteration or improvisation. This meticulousness underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His demand for holiness and order in worship. Furthermore, the deliberate use of different materials for distinct functions (brass for foundational strength and judgment, silver for connecting purity and redemption) also functions as a form of **Contrast**, highlighting the complementary yet distinct aspects of God's character and the multi-faceted requirements for entering into His holy presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 27:11 reinforces several profound theological themes central to the Old Testament understanding of God and worship. Firstly, it underscores God's divine precision and order. The meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's design, down to the smallest hook and fillet, reveals that God is a God of perfect order, who cares about every aspect of worship and life. This attention to detail speaks to His absolute holiness and the reverence required in His presence. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of holiness and separation. The courtyard, defined by these hangings and pillars, served as a sacred barrier, marking off a consecrated space where God would meet with His people. This physical separation emphasized God's transcendent holiness and the inherent need for a consecrated approach, foreshadowing the ultimate separation that sin creates and the absolute necessity of a mediator. Finally, the potent symbolism of the materials—brass for foundational strength and judgment, silver for purity and redemption—points to the enduring nature of God's righteous character and the divinely provided means by which a sinful people can draw near to Him, emphasizing that access is always on His terms and through His provision.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Build According to the Pattern")
* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1-10 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Tabernacle and Its Limitations")
* [1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redemption with Precious Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 27:11, though detailing an ancient physical structure, offers timeless principles for believers today. It powerfully reminds us that God is a God of intentionality and excellence, who values order, purity, and precision in our lives and worship. Just as He meticulously designed every part of the Tabernacle, He has a divine purpose and plan for His church and for each individual believer within it. This calls us to live with diligence, attentiveness, and a spirit of excellence in our service to Him, recognizing that even seemingly small acts of obedience and faithfulness contribute to His grand, overarching design. Furthermore, the Tabernacle's function as a sacred boundary reminds us of God's transcendent holiness and the profound reverence due to Him. While we no longer approach God through a physical structure, the principle of reverent and consecrated living remains paramount. Our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, should reflect His character, marked by purity, intentionality, and a fervent desire for His presence. Every believer, like every part of the Tabernacle, is significant and plays a vital, divinely appointed role in the spiritual house God is building, contributing to the overall beauty and function of His dwelling among us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's design challenge or affirm your understanding of His character and His expectations for our worship and lives?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as New Testament believers, apply the principle of "holiness and separation" in our daily lives and choices without building physical barriers?**
* **Considering the symbolism of brass (judgment/strength) and silver (redemption/purity), how do these materials speak to the foundational truths and the connecting elements of your own faith journey and relationship with God?**
* **What "small parts" or seemingly insignificant details of your spiritual life, service, or relationships might God be calling you to pay more attention to, knowing that every detail matters to Him?**

### FAQ

**Why did God require such specific and detailed instructions for the Tabernacle?**

Answer: God's requirement for such specific and detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, as seen in [Exodus 27:11](/exodus/27-11 "Exodus 27:11 - North Side of the Courtyard") and throughout the book of Exodus, served multiple crucial purposes. First, it underscored His absolute sovereignty and authority, demonstrating unequivocally that worship was to be conducted on His terms, not human terms or preferences. Second, it ensured the purity and holiness of the sacred space, emphasizing the vast chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, and the precise, divinely ordained means by which access could be granted. Third, every detail, material, and dimension was imbued with profound symbolic meaning, serving as a tangible object lesson to teach the Israelites deep theological truths about God's character, the nature of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the pathway to reconciliation. It was a visual sermon, a tangible representation of spiritual realities, preparing them for the ultimate fulfillment of these truths in Christ.

**What is the significance of using different materials like brass and silver for different parts of the Tabernacle courtyard?**

Answer: The use of distinct materials like brass (bronze) and silver for different components of the Tabernacle courtyard, as specified in [Exodus 27:11](/exodus/27-11 "Exodus 27:11 - Materials for the North Side"), carries significant symbolic weight and theological depth. Brass, often associated with strength, endurance, and divine judgment in the Bible (e.g., the bronze serpent in [Numbers 21:9](/numbers/21-9 "Numbers 21:9 - The Bronze Serpent") or the bronze altar in [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Bronze Altar")), was used for the foundational sockets of the pillars. This suggests that the very basis of approaching God is rooted in His unwavering strength and righteous judgment, which must be acknowledged and respected. Silver, on the other hand, frequently symbolizes redemption, atonement, or purity (e.g., the half-shekel temple tax for atonement in [Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - The Atonement Money")). Its use for the hooks and fillets—the connecting elements—implies that purity and redemption are essential for the connections and relationships within the sacred sphere, highlighting that access to God is not by human merit but through divine provision and purification. Together, these materials illustrate the dual nature of God's character: His unyielding righteousness and His gracious provision for redemption.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 27:11, with its meticulous details of the Tabernacle courtyard's construction, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Tabernacle system, including its sacred boundaries and the specific materials used, served as a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - A Copy and Shadow")), pointing forward to the greater reality found in Christ. The Tabernacle was God's dwelling place among His people, and Jesus is Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")), the very embodiment of God's presence among humanity. The hangings and pillars of the courtyard, which created a physical separation between the holy and the common, foreshadow the veil in the temple that was dramatically torn from top to bottom at the moment of Christ's death ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil")). This act signified that through His perfect sacrifice, the barrier to God's presence was definitively removed, granting direct and confident access to God for all believers ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). The brass sockets, symbolizing God's judgment and strength, are perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who bore the full weight of God's righteous judgment for our sins on the cross, thereby demonstrating God's unwavering righteousness and His power to save ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed")). The silver hooks and fillets, representing purity and redemption, point directly to the precious, unblemished blood of Christ, by which we are redeemed "from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers" and purified, enabling us to be connected to God and to one another in His holy presence ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). Thus, the physical structure of the Tabernacle, with all its precise components, ultimately directs our gaze to Jesus, the perfect dwelling place of God, the one who tore down the dividing wall of sin, and the sole means by which we are made pure and granted access to the Father.

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.