Exodus 35:17

KJV

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,

KJV (with Strong's)

The hangings {H7050} of the court {H2691}, his pillars {H5982}, and their sockets {H134}, and the hanging {H4539} for the door {H8179} of the court {H2691},

Complete Jewish Bible

the tapestries for the courtyard, with their posts and sockets; the screen for the gateway of the courtyard;

Berean Standard Bible

the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the gate of the courtyard;

American Standard Version

the hangings of the court, the pillars thereof, and their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:17 precisely details components of the Tabernacle's outer court: its hangings, supporting pillars, their foundational sockets, and the specific hanging that served as its entrance gate. This verse is part of the meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, underscoring God's demand for exactness in the design of His dwelling place and the ordered approach required for His holy presence among His people in the wilderness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:17 is situated within the extensive section of Exodus (chapters 35-40) that transitions from the divine blueprints for the Tabernacle, given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31), to the actual execution of those plans by the Israelite craftsmen. Chapter 35 opens with Moses assembling the congregation, reiterating the Sabbath command, and calling for a freewill offering of materials for the sanctuary. Verses 10-19 provide a comprehensive list of all the items to be constructed, from the Ark of the Covenant to the various elements of the Tabernacle proper and its surrounding court. This specific verse, therefore, highlights one of the final elements in this list, focusing on the external boundary of the sacred complex, ensuring that every part of God's detailed instruction was accounted for and would be precisely replicated by the skilled artisans. The meticulous listing here reaffirms the divine origin and importance of every component, no matter how seemingly minor, in the overall structure of God's dwelling.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's forty-year wilderness wandering, a period of nomadic existence following their liberation from Egyptian bondage. In this transient environment, a portable sanctuary was essential, serving as the central point of Israel's worship and the tangible symbol of God's presence among them. Unlike the fixed temples of surrounding ancient Near Eastern cultures, the Tabernacle was designed for mobility, reflecting God's journeying with His people. The outer court, with its hangings, pillars, and sockets, served as a crucial physical and symbolic boundary, clearly delineating the sacred space from the profane camp. This separation was vital for a people learning about the absolute holiness of Yahweh and the structured, reverent approach required to enter His presence. The detailed specifications, first outlined in [Exodus 27:9-19](/exodus/27-9 "Exodus 27:9-19 - Design of the Tabernacle Court"), were not arbitrary but communicated profound theological truths about God's nature and His desire for an ordered relationship with His chosen nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hangings (Hebrew, _qela'im'_):** These refer to the curtains of fine twined linen that formed the perimeter walls of the Tabernacle's outer court. Standing five cubits (approximately 7.5 feet) high, these hangings created a distinct visual and physical barrier, separating the sacred space from the common ground of the Israelite camp. Their uniform height and material underscored the concept of a singular, defined boundary for approaching God.
* **Pillars (Hebrew, _ammudim'_):** These were the upright posts, likely made of bronze for the outer court, that supported the linen hangings. They provided the necessary structural integrity for the court's walls, ensuring the stability and definition of the sacred enclosure. Their presence signifies the fixed points from which the boundary of God's dwelling was established.
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _adanîm'_):** These were the heavy, foundational bases, also made of bronze for the outer court, into which the pillars were firmly set. The sockets provided essential stability, anchoring the entire court structure to the ground. They represent the unseen, yet crucial, support system that allowed the visible elements of the Tabernacle to stand firm, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation for all aspects of divine worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The hangings of the court":** This phrase refers to the curtains that formed the walls of the outer enclosure surrounding the Tabernacle proper. These hangings, made of fine twined linen, defined the sacred perimeter, distinguishing the consecrated area from the common ground of the Israelite camp. They visually communicated the holiness of the space within and the need for a distinct approach to God's presence.
* **"his pillars, and their sockets":** "His" refers to the court, indicating the pillars belonging to or supporting the court's hangings. These pillars were the upright supports, likely made of bronze, that held the linen curtains aloft. The "sockets" were the heavy bronze bases into which these pillars were inserted, providing stability and anchoring the entire structure. This detail highlights the meticulous engineering and foundational stability required for God's dwelling place.
* **"and the hanging for the door of the court":** This specifies the particular curtain that served as the entrance gate to the outer court. Unlike the plain linen hangings of the court walls, this entrance curtain was more ornate, likely woven with blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine twined linen, with embroidered work (as described in [Exodus 27:16](/exodus/27-16 "Exodus 27:16 - The Gate of the Court")). It represented the single, divinely appointed point of access into the sacred precinct, foreshadowing the exclusive way to approach God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Metonymy** by listing specific components (hangings, pillars, sockets, door hanging) to represent the entire outer court of the Tabernacle. This focus on individual parts underscores the divine precision and the holistic nature of God's architectural plan, where every detail contributes to the sacred whole. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is profoundly evident. The "hangings of the court" symbolize separation and holiness, creating a physical barrier that visually taught the Israelites about God's transcendence and the distinction between the sacred and the profane. The "hanging for the door" symbolizes the sole, appointed means of access into God's presence, implying that approach to the divine is not arbitrary but must occur according to God's prescribed way.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:17, though a seemingly minor detail, powerfully reinforces several core theological themes. It speaks to God's nature as a God of order and precision, where every component of His dwelling place, down to the foundational sockets, is divinely specified and significant. This meticulousness underscores the absolute holiness of God and the necessity of a structured, reverent approach to His presence. The court's hangings established a clear boundary, teaching Israel about the distinction between the sacred and the common, and the unique privilege and responsibility of being a people set apart for God. The singular "hanging for the door" also subtly introduces the theme of exclusive access, hinting that there is only one divinely appointed way to draw near to the Holy One.

* [Exodus 27:9-19](/exodus/27-9 "Detailed Instructions for the Court")
* [Leviticus 10:10](/leviticus/10-10 "Distinguishing Between Holy and Common")
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Description of the Earthly Sanctuary")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise details of Exodus 35:17 call us to consider the profound implications of God's character and our response to Him. Just as God meticulously designed every element of the Tabernacle's court, from its hangings to its sockets, He is a God of order, intentionality, and holiness. This teaches us that our approach to God should never be haphazard or casual, but marked by reverence, intentionality, and a recognition of His supreme holiness. Furthermore, the concept of boundaries, symbolized by the court hangings, reminds believers of the New Testament call to be set apart. While we no longer have a physical temple court, our lives as followers of Christ are meant to be distinct, reflecting God's character in a fallen world. Every detail of our lives, our thoughts, words, and actions, can either contribute to or detract from the sanctity of our walk with God. This verse encourages us to serve God with diligence and attention to detail, understanding that even the seemingly small acts of obedience contribute to the larger tapestry of His kingdom work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you need to embrace more divine order and intentionality, reflecting God's character?**
* **How does the concept of "boundaries" for God's holy presence translate into your daily walk as a believer in a secular world?**
* **What "small details" in your service or worship of God might need greater diligence and attention?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the Tabernacle's outer court and its hangings?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the Tabernacle's outer court and its hangings was to create a clearly defined, sacred space that separated the Tabernacle proper from the common ground of the Israelite camp. This physical boundary visually and symbolically taught the Israelites about God's absolute holiness and the necessity of a distinct, reverent approach to His presence. It served as a buffer zone, allowing only those who were ceremonially clean and authorized to enter, thus protecting the people from God's consuming holiness while still allowing for His dwelling among them. The hangings also provided privacy for the sacred rituals performed within.

**Why did God require such precise details for every part of the Tabernacle, even the court components?**

Answer: God required such precise details for several profound reasons. Firstly, it underscored His nature as a God of order, not chaos, demonstrating His meticulous design for all creation and redemption. Secondly, the exactness emphasized His holiness; His dwelling place demanded perfection and adherence to His divine standards. Thirdly, it tested and demonstrated the Israelites' obedience and faith. Their task was not to innovate but to faithfully execute God's revealed will, teaching them the importance of submission to divine authority. Finally, every detail of the Tabernacle, including the court, was rich with symbolic meaning, foreshadowing aspects of Christ and the new covenant, which required precise fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The outer court of the Tabernacle, with its defining hangings, supporting pillars, and single entrance gate, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The very concept of a separated, holy space, accessible only through a designated "door," points directly to Jesus. He declares, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). The physical barriers of the court, which once separated a sinful people from a holy God, are now superseded by Christ's atoning work. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus tore the veil (symbolized by the Tabernacle's inner curtain, but applicable to all barriers), opening a new and living way into the very presence of God ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through the Veil")). The pillars and sockets, which provided stability for the earthly sanctuary, are now fulfilled in Christ, who is the cornerstone and foundation of God's true temple, the Church ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). We, as believers, are no longer confined to an outer court but are invited into intimate fellowship with God through the one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). The meticulous design of the court, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering plan to provide perfect access to Himself, fully realized in the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ.

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.