Exodus 35:18

KJV

The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords,

KJV (with Strong's)

The pins {H3489} of the tabernacle {H4908}, and the pins {H3489} of the court {H2691}, and their cords {H4340},

Complete Jewish Bible

the tent pegs for the tabernacle; the tent pegs for the courtyard, with their ropes;

Berean Standard Bible

the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, along with their ropes;

American Standard Version

the pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:18 meticulously details "The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court, and their cords," highlighting seemingly minor yet absolutely critical components for the stability and integrity of God's dwelling place among Israel. This concise verse underscores the divine precision and thoroughness inherent in God's blueprint for the Tabernacle, revealing that every element, no matter how small, was essential for its structure, function, and symbolic significance as the secure presence of the Lord amidst His nomadic people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:18 is situated within the broader narrative of [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Tabernacle Contributions"), which marks a pivotal moment of renewed covenant commitment following the catastrophic incident of the Golden Calf in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident"). After Moses' intercession and God's renewed instructions, chapter 35 details the call for freewill offerings and the designation of skilled artisans (Bezaleel and Aholiab) for the construction of the Tabernacle. This verse is part of an exhaustive list of materials and components required for the sanctuary and its surrounding court, reiterating the divine blueprint first given to Moses on Mount Sinai in chapters like [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). The inclusion of "pins" and "cords" among more prominent items like the Ark, table, and lampstand emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's design, where every piece contributes to the whole.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites were a nomadic people, journeying through the wilderness. Their daily lives were characterized by tent-dwelling, making them intimately familiar with the necessity of sturdy tent pegs (pins) and ropes (cords) for securing their temporary shelters against the unpredictable desert winds and terrain. The Tabernacle, as God's portable sanctuary, was designed to be disassembled, transported, and reassembled, mirroring their transient existence. Therefore, the "pins" (Hebrew: *yâthêd*) and "cords" (Hebrew: *mêythâr*) were not merely optional accessories but vital engineering components that ensured the structural integrity and stability of both the main tent of meeting and its surrounding courtyard enclosure. Their inclusion highlights the practical wisdom embedded in the divine instructions, ensuring that God's dwelling place was not only sacred but also physically secure and functional in a challenging environment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, by focusing on foundational elements, contributes significantly to several key themes within Exodus. It reinforces the theme of **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, demonstrating God's precise and comprehensive plan for His dwelling place, where no detail is overlooked. It also speaks to the theme of **God's Presence Among His People**, as the Tabernacle's stability ensured a secure and enduring sanctuary for the Lord in the midst of Israel's journey. Furthermore, it subtly highlights the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the securely anchored courtyard defined the sacred space, distinguishing it from the common ground, a concept echoed in the call for Israel to be a [holy nation](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation"). The emphasis on every part's necessity also foreshadows the later New Testament understanding of the interdependence of the [body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pins (Hebrew, _yâthêd'_):** From an unused root meaning to pin through or fast, this term refers to a peg, nail, paddle, or stake. In the context of the Tabernacle, these were likely bronze pegs (as indicated in [Exodus 38:20](/exodus/38-20 "Exodus 38:20 - Bronze Sockets and Tent Pegs")) driven into the ground to anchor the various curtains, frames, and posts of both the Tabernacle proper and its surrounding court. The *yâthêd* signifies stability, security, and the firm establishment of a structure, essential for a portable sanctuary in the wilderness.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_):** From the root meaning "to dwell," *mishkân* denotes a residence, dwelling place, or tent. Specifically, it refers to the Tabernacle, properly its wooden walls. This term emphasizes the temporary, portable nature of God's dwelling place among His people, contrasting with a permanent temple. The pins were crucial for securing this divine residence, ensuring its integrity as the physical manifestation of God's presence.
* **Cords (Hebrew, _mêythâr'_):** From a root meaning "to remain over" or "to be left over," this word refers to a cord (of a tent) or the string (of a bow). In the Tabernacle's construction, these cords would have been attached to the curtains and posts, then stretched taut and fastened to the *yâthêd* (pins) in the ground. The *mêythâr* provides tension, ensuring the curtains remain upright and the structure withstands external forces, symbolizing connection, support, and the integrity of the whole.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The pins of the tabernacle":** This phrase refers to the ground anchors specifically designed for the main tent structure itself, which housed the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. These pins were crucial for securing the wooden framework and the heavy coverings, ensuring the stability of God's immediate dwelling among His people against wind and movement.
* **"and the pins of the court":** This specifies the pegs used for the outer enclosure, the courtyard that surrounded the Tabernacle. This court was defined by linen curtains held up by pillars, and these pins provided the necessary ground anchorage for those pillars and curtains, delineating the sacred space from the common ground and maintaining the perimeter.
* **"and their cords":** This phrase encompasses the ropes or ties that connected the various elements (curtains, posts, frames) to the pins driven into the ground. The cords provided the essential tension and connection, distributing the load and ensuring that the entire complex—both the Tabernacle and its court—remained taut, secure, and resistant to environmental factors, thus maintaining its structural integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:18, though a simple enumeration, employs several subtle literary devices. The primary device is **Emphasis through Detail**, where the inclusion of seemingly minor components like "pins" and "cords" alongside more prominent items underscores the divine meticulousness and the absolute necessity of every part in God's grand design. This detailed listing serves to highlight that no element of God's plan is insignificant. There is also an element of **Synecdoche**, where "pins" and "cords" stand in for the entire anchoring system, representing the foundational stability and security of the Tabernacle complex. Furthermore, the physical stability provided by these elements functions as **Symbolism**, pointing to the spiritual security and steadfast presence of God among His people, and the secure nature of His covenant relationship, even in their transient wilderness journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, in its meticulous detail, powerfully conveys God's nature as a God of order, precision, and thoroughness. His divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, down to the smallest "pin" and "cord," reveals that every aspect of His will and purpose is carefully considered and holds intrinsic value. This theological truth extends beyond the Tabernacle's physical construction, teaching us that in God's economy, no detail is insignificant, and the integrity of the whole often depends on the integrity and proper function of its seemingly minor parts. This principle finds resonance in the New Testament understanding of the church as the body of Christ, where every member, regardless of perceived prominence, is indispensable for the health and stability of the whole.

* [1 Corinthians 12:22](/1_corinthians/12-22 "The Indispensable Weaker Members")
* [Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")
* [Matthew 10:30](/matthew/10-30 "Matthew 10:30 - God's Knowledge of Every Hair")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 35:18, though a technical detail, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is deeply concerned with the "small things" in our lives and service. Just as the Tabernacle's stability depended on its humble pins and cords, our spiritual lives and the collective body of Christ depend on the faithful execution of seemingly minor tasks and the valuing of every individual's contribution. This calls us to cultivate diligence and excellence in all areas, recognizing that even the most inconspicuous acts of obedience or service contribute to the greater whole of God's kingdom. Furthermore, it prompts us to reflect on the "pins and cords" of our own faith—the foundational truths, consistent spiritual disciplines, and steadfast reliance on God's Word—that provide stability and security when the storms of life inevitably come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I tend to overlook "small" details, and how might God be calling me to greater faithfulness in them?**
* **How does understanding the importance of every component in the Tabernacle help me appreciate the unique and vital role of every member in the body of Christ?**
* **What "pins and cords"—spiritual disciplines, foundational truths, or relationships—are essential for the stability of my faith, especially during times of challenge?**

### FAQ
**Why are such seemingly minor details like "pins and cords" included in God's instructions for the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The inclusion of "pins" and "cords" underscores several critical points. First, it highlights God's absolute meticulousness and thoroughness in His divine blueprint. Nothing in His plan is left to chance or deemed insignificant. Second, these components were functionally essential for the Tabernacle's stability and integrity, especially given its portable nature and the harsh desert environment. Without them, the entire structure would collapse. Third, it teaches a theological principle: the strength and stability of the whole depend on the proper function and presence of every part, no matter how humble. This foreshadows the intricate design of creation and the interdependence of the [body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ").

**What is the significance of the Tabernacle being a portable structure, and how do pins and cords relate to this?**

Answer: The Tabernacle's portability symbolized God's dynamic and intimate presence with His people as they journeyed through the wilderness. It was not a static temple but a mobile sanctuary, reflecting their nomadic lifestyle and God's commitment to be "God with us" wherever they went. The pins and cords were absolutely vital to this portability. They were the anchoring elements that allowed the Tabernacle to be securely erected in new locations, dismantled for travel, and then re-established. Their presence ensured that even in transit, God's dwelling place remained stable and secure, a constant reminder of His steadfast presence amidst their journey, as described in [Numbers 9:15-23](/numbers/9-15-23 "Numbers 9:15-23 - The Cloud and the Tabernacle's Movement").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous details of the Tabernacle, including its humble pins and cords, ultimately find their profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, was a temporary and shadow reality pointing to the permanent and perfect presence of God in the person of Jesus. Just as the pins and cords provided essential stability for the physical structure, Christ is the ultimate "pin" and "cord" for God's eternal dwelling—the Church. He is the [cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice is built, the one who [holds all things together](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Holds All Things Together") by His power. The meticulousness with which God designed the Tabernacle foreshadows the perfect, divine plan of redemption meticulously executed through Christ's [incarnation](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [atoning sacrifice](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"), and [resurrection](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Christ's Resurrection for Our Justification"). He is the secure anchor for our souls, providing an [unshakeable kingdom](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken") and a spiritual stability that far surpasses any physical structure.

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 27:19

All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, [shall be of] brass.