Exodus 27:9

KJV

¶ And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward [there shall be] hangings for the court [of] fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} the court {H2691} of the tabernacle {H4908}: for the south {H5045} side {H6285} southward {H8486} there shall be hangings {H7050} for the court {H2691} of fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336} of an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520} long {H753} for one {H259} side {H6285}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Here is how you are to make the courtyard of the tabernacle. On the south side, facing southward, are to be tapestries for the courtyard made of finely woven linen, 150 feet for one side,

Berean Standard Bible

You are also to make a courtyard for the tabernacle. On the south side of the courtyard make curtains of finely spun linen, a hundred cubits long on one side,

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen a hundred cubits long for one side:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 27:9 initiates the divine blueprint for the outer court of the Tabernacle, precisely detailing the construction of its southern boundary. This verse specifies the material—fine twined linen—and the exact length of one hundred cubits for the hangings that would form this section of the sacred enclosure. It underscores God's meticulous demand for order, purity, and separation in the design of His dwelling place, establishing the foundational parameters for the consecrated space where His people would approach Him for worship and atonement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a pivotal shift in the divine instructions for the Tabernacle's construction. Having previously provided exhaustive details for the Altar of Burnt Offering and its implements in [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Altar of Burnt Offering"), the narrative now transitions to the outer enclosure that would house the entire sacred complex. The court is not an ancillary feature but an integral component, serving as the necessary boundary between the common camp and the holy precincts. Following this verse, [Exodus 27:10-15](/exodus/27-10-15 "Exodus 27:10-15 - The Court's Pillars and Hangings") continues to outline the remaining sides, pillars, and their associated hangings, while [Exodus 27:16-19](/exodus/27-16-19 "Exodus 27:16-19 - The Gate and Furnishings of the Court") describes the court's gate and overall dimensions. This sequential revelation demonstrates God's systematic and comprehensive approach to establishing a place for His presence among His people, moving from the central sacrificial apparatus outward to the encompassing sacred space.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The command to construct the Tabernacle and its court was given to Israel during their wilderness journey, a period of profound national and religious formation. As a nomadic people, a portable sanctuary was essential, symbolizing God's continuous presence and guidance. While the concept of sacred enclosures was present in ancient Near Eastern temples, which often featured courtyards to delineate holy from profane space, the Tabernacle's design was uniquely divinely revealed. The specification of "fine twined linen" (Hebrew: _shesh mashzar_) was particularly significant. This material, likely sourced from Egypt, was highly valued for its brilliant whiteness, smooth texture, and exceptional durability due to its tightly twisted threads. In various ancient cultures, including Egypt, fine linen was associated with purity, royalty, and the divine, often used for priestly attire and sacred vestments. For Israel, its use for the Tabernacle court underscored the holiness of the space and the ritual purity required for approaching the God of Israel, echoing the principles of ceremonial cleanness foundational to the Mosaic Law, as articulated in passages like [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Laws of Clean and Unclean Animals").
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 27:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**. The Tabernacle, including its court, was designed as the earthly dwelling place for God among His people, a tangible manifestation of His covenant faithfulness. This verse highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the court's boundaries physically separated the sacred from the common, emphasizing God's transcendent purity and the reverence required to enter His presence. The meticulous details also underscore the theme of **Divine Blueprint and Obedience**, demonstrating that every aspect of worship and approach to God must conform precisely to His revealed will. Furthermore, the court served as the primary space for **Atonement and Worship**, where sacrifices were offered, connecting this architectural instruction to the broader sacrificial system detailed in [Levitician law](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus 1 - Laws of Burnt Offerings").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Make (Hebrew, עָשָׂה, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root is broad in its application, meaning "to do or make" in the widest sense. In this context, it signifies a divine command for creation and construction. Moses is not given discretion in design but is commanded to _execute_ God's precise instructions. This verb underscores the active role of humanity in responding to divine directives, transforming raw materials into a sacred structure according to a revealed pattern. It highlights the intentionality behind every component of the Tabernacle and its court.
* **Court (Hebrew, חָצֵר, _châtsêr'_):** This term refers to an enclosed outdoor space, typically surrounded by walls or fences. In the context of the Tabernacle, it denotes the outer precinct that encompassed both the Tent of Meeting and the Altar of Burnt Offering. The court served as a crucial boundary, distinguishing the consecrated space where God's presence dwelt from the common ground of the Israelite camp. It was the initial point of entry for worshippers, where sacrifices were offered, symbolizing the necessary separation and consecrated access required to approach a holy God. Its enclosure created a distinct sacred zone.
* **Linen (Hebrew, שֵׁשׁ, _shêsh'_):** This noun refers to a high-quality, bleached fabric, specifically fine Egyptian linen, renowned for its brilliant whiteness and smooth texture. The KJV adds "twined" (from Hebrew, שָׁזַר, _shâzar'_), indicating that the threads were tightly twisted together, creating a stronger, more durable, and often finer yarn. This material was consistently used for the Tabernacle's most sacred components, including the inner curtains, the veil, and the priestly garments. Its pristine white color and superior quality symbolized purity, holiness, and righteousness, reflecting the unblemished character of God and the necessary state of those who would draw near to Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle:"**: This opening clause issues a direct, imperative command to Moses, signaling a shift in focus from the internal elements of the Tabernacle proper to its external, encompassing enclosure. The "court" is presented not as an accessory but as an integral and foundational component of the entire sacred complex, establishing the initial boundary and sacred space for the community.
* **"for the south side southward [there shall be] hangings for the court"**: This specifies the first section of the court to be constructed—the southern side, oriented towards the south. The term "hangings" (Hebrew: _qela'im_) refers to curtains or tapestries, indicating that the walls of the court were not solid, rigid structures but fabric barriers. This design maintained the portability of the Tabernacle while still effectively creating a distinct, enclosed, and visually impressive sacred space.
* **"[of] fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:"**: This final phrase meticulously details the material and precise dimension for the southern hangings. The "fine twined linen" emphasizes the purity, sanctity, and high quality of the barrier, visually communicating the holiness of the space. The "hundred cubits long" provides an exact measurement (approximately 150-175 feet or 45-53 meters), demonstrating the divine precision and order required in every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction. This detail sets the standard for the entire court, ensuring its uniform and divinely ordained appearance and dimensions.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 27:9, like the broader Tabernacle narrative, is rich in **Detailed Instruction** and **Precision**. The meticulous enumeration of measurements, materials, and specific placement underscores the divine origin of the design and the absolute necessity of adherence to God's blueprint. This level of detail removes any ambiguity, highlighting that every aspect of the Tabernacle, even its outer court, was divinely ordained and held profound meaning. Furthermore, there is significant **Symbolism** embedded within the material choice. The "fine twined linen" is not merely a practical fabric but a potent visual metaphor for purity, holiness, and righteousness. Its pristine whiteness and high quality symbolize the unblemished character of God and the moral and ritual purity required for His people to draw near. The court itself, defined by these hangings, functions as a **Boundary**, physically and spiritually separating the holy from the common. This physical demarcation reinforces the theological concept of God's transcendence and the reverence due to Him, while also providing a regulated pathway for human access to the divine presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 27:9 powerfully conveys the theological themes of divine order, holiness, and the necessity of consecrated space for approaching God. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle court underscore God's nature as a God of precision and intentionality, where every detail, even seemingly minor ones, contributes to a larger theological purpose. The creation of a distinct "court" with specific boundaries emphasizes the concept of holiness—that which is set apart for God—and the inherent separation between a holy God and a fallen humanity. This physical barrier served as a constant visual reminder of the reverence required to enter God's presence, while simultaneously providing an accessible, albeit regulated, pathway for worship and atonement. It reveals God's desire for His people to draw near, but always on His terms, reflecting His unblemished character and His demand for purity.

* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Leviticus 10:10 - Distinguish between Holy and Common")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1-5 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as I Am Holy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle court in Exodus 27:9 offer profound insights for contemporary believers, even though we no longer construct a physical Tabernacle. The principles of divine order, purity, and intentionality in our approach to God remain timeless and universally applicable. The court's boundaries remind us of the importance of setting apart sacred space and time for God in our lives, whether through dedicated prayer, focused worship, or disciplined study of His Word. It challenges us to consider if our lives reflect the same meticulousness in honoring God that He demanded in the Tabernacle's construction. The "fine twined linen" serves as a powerful spiritual symbol, urging us to pursue purity and righteousness in our daily walk, reflecting the character of Christ and living lives that are set apart for His glory. This calls for intentionality in our choices, thoughts, and actions, striving for a holiness that mirrors His own, not by our own merit, but through His transforming grace and the indwelling Spirit. It compels us to live lives that visibly declare our separation unto God in a world that often blurs the lines between the sacred and the profane.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to establish clearer "boundaries" to honor God and set apart sacred space or time for Him?**
* **How does the emphasis on "fine twined linen" challenge your understanding of purity and righteousness in your personal walk with God and in your public witness?**
* **What does the divine precision in the Tabernacle's design teach you about God's character, and how should this understanding shape your approach to worship and service today?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Tabernacle court?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Tabernacle court was to create a sacred, enclosed space that physically and symbolically separated the holy areas of the Tabernacle (the Tent of Meeting and the Altar of Burnt Offering) from the common camp of Israel. It served as the outer boundary of God's dwelling place among His people, emphasizing His holiness and the reverence required to approach Him. It was also the primary area where the Israelites would bring their sacrifices and engage in corporate worship, as described in various passages throughout [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Holiness"). This enclosure established a clear distinction between the profane and the holy, regulating access to God's presence.

**Why was "fine twined linen" specified for the court hangings instead of a more common material?**

Answer: The specification of "fine twined linen" (Hebrew: _shesh mashzar_) was deeply symbolic and practical. This high-quality fabric, known for its brilliant whiteness, purity, and durability due to its tightly twisted threads, was chosen to represent the holiness of God and the purity required for those who would enter His presence. It visually communicated the sacredness of the space and the unblemished character of the God who dwelt within. This material was also used for the priestly garments and the inner curtains of the Tabernacle, reinforcing its association with divine purity and sacred service, as highlighted in [Exodus 28:5-8](/exodus/28-5-8 "Exodus 28:5-8 - Priestly Garments"). Its pristine appearance served as a constant reminder of the sanctity of the Tabernacle.

**What does the precise measurement of "a hundred cubits long" signify?**

Answer: The precise measurement of "a hundred cubits long" for the court hangings signifies God's meticulous attention to detail and His demand for exactness in the construction of His dwelling place. It underscores the divine origin of the Tabernacle's design, indicating that every dimension and component was divinely ordained and not left to human discretion. This precision reflects God's perfect order, His sovereignty, and the importance of obedience to His commands in all matters of worship and service. It also ensured the uniformity, structural integrity, and symbolic significance of the portable sanctuary, as seen in the overall design detailed in [Exodus 27](/exodus/27 "Exodus 27 - The Altar and the Court"). Nothing in God's plan is arbitrary; every detail carries meaning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Tabernacle court, with its hangings of fine twined linen, serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's redemptive work. The court's primary function was to create a sacred boundary, separating the holy from the common, and providing a regulated means of access to God's presence through prescribed sacrifices. This entire system, with its limitations and temporary nature, pointed to the ultimate mediator and perfect sacrifice. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this sacred boundary and the sole means of access; He is the "new and living way" (as described in [Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")) through the tearing of His flesh on the cross, which corresponds to the symbolic tearing of the temple veil at His death (cf. [Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). The "fine twined linen," symbolizing purity and righteousness, finds its ultimate reality in Christ, who is our righteousness (as seen in [1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). Through His perfect life and atoning sacrifice, He has not only bridged the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity but has also clothed believers in His own spotless righteousness, granting us unhindered access to the Father (cf. [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Thus, the physical boundaries and ritual purity of the Tabernacle court are superseded by the spiritual reality of Christ, who is both our sacred enclosure and our open door to intimate fellowship with God.

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

Exodus 38:9

¶ And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court [were of] fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

Exodus 38:20

And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, [were of] brass.

Exodus 40:8

And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.

Ezekiel 40:28

And he brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and he measured the south gate according to these measures;

Ezekiel 42:19

He turned about to the west side, [and] measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.

Ezekiel 42:20

He measured it by the four sides: it had a wall round about, five hundred [reeds] long, and five hundred broad, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place.

Ezekiel 40:32

And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures.