Exodus 38:11

KJV

And for the north side [the hangings were] an hundred cubits, their pillars [were] twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [of] silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the north {H6828} side {H6285} the hangings were an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520}, their pillars {H5982} were twenty {H6242}, and their sockets {H134} of brass {H5178} twenty {H6242}; the hooks {H2053} of the pillars {H5982} and their fillets {H2838} of silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the north side they were 150 feet long, hung on twenty posts in twenty bronze sockets, with the hooks on the posts and their rings of silver.

Berean Standard Bible

The north side was also a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver.

American Standard Version

And for the north side a hundred cubits, their pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:11 continues the precise documentation of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically detailing the dimensions and materials for the north side of its outer court. This verse, like the surrounding passages, underscores the meticulous adherence to God's divine blueprint for His dwelling place among His people, emphasizing the profound significance of every detail in sacred worship and the establishment of a holy space.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 38:11 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which meticulously records the actual construction and erection of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. This section serves as the fulfillment of the detailed instructions God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai in earlier chapters (Exodus 25-31). The shift from divine command to human execution highlights the Israelites' obedience and the divine origin of the sanctuary. Specifically, this verse follows the description of the south side of the outer court in [Exodus 38:9](/exodus/38-9 "Exodus 38:9 - South Side of the Tabernacle Court"), demonstrating a deliberate pattern of symmetry and uniformity in the Tabernacle's design, reinforcing the divine order inherent in God's plan for His presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's forty-year wilderness journey after their exodus from Egypt. As a nomadic people, a portable sanctuary was essential, symbolizing God's continuous presence and guidance among them. In the ancient Near East, temples were common, but Israel's Tabernacle was unique in its monotheistic focus and its emphasis on a holy God dwelling among a set-apart people. The outer court, described in [Exodus 38:9-17](/exodus/38-9 "Exodus 38:9-17 - The Tabernacle Court"), served as a sacred boundary, separating the holy space from the common, thereby protecting the people from God's unapproachable holiness while simultaneously providing a designated place for worship and atonement. The materials specified—brass (bronze) and silver—were valuable and symbolic, reflecting the sacredness and enduring nature of the structure and its purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ammah'_):** An ancient unit of linear measure, typically based on the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, approximately 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). The "hundred cubits" (approximately 150-175 feet or 45-53 meters) for the hangings on the north side denotes a substantial length, contributing to the impressive scale and grandeur of the sacred enclosure, emphasizing the vastness and separation of God's dwelling.
* **Fillets (Hebrew, _ḥašuqim'_):** These refer to connecting rods or bands, specifically made of silver in this verse, that would have run between the tops of the pillars. Their crucial function was to provide stability and support for the linen hangings, ensuring the structural integrity of the outer court. This detail illustrates the comprehensive and robust nature of the Tabernacle's design, where even seemingly minor components played a vital role in the overall sacred structure.
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nᵊḥōšeṯ'_):** Often translated as bronze, this metal was commonly used for foundational elements and instruments of judgment or atonement within the Tabernacle complex. The "sockets of brass" provided a firm and durable base for the pillars, signifying strength, endurance, and the unyielding nature of God's righteous standards. Its association with the brazen altar ([Exodus 27:1](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering")) further links it to the concept of judgment for sin and the necessity of atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the north side [the hangings were] an hundred cubits":** This clause specifies the length of the linen hangings that formed the boundary of the Tabernacle's outer court on its northern side. The "hundred cubits" (approximately 150-175 feet) indicates a significant expanse, mirroring the dimensions of the south side and contributing to the overall grandeur and enclosed nature of the sacred space. These hangings served as a visual and symbolic barrier, delineating the holy from the common.
* **"their pillars [were] twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty":** This details the vertical support structure for the hangings. Twenty pillars, evenly spaced along the hundred-cubit length, provided the framework. Each pillar was firmly set into a "socket of brass," emphasizing the foundational strength and stability of the entire structure. The use of brass for the sockets, given its symbolic association with judgment and atonement, suggests that the very foundation of access to God's presence rested upon these principles.
* **"the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [of] silver":** This describes the connecting elements at the top of the pillars. The "hooks" were used to suspend the linen hangings, while the "fillets" (connecting rods) ran between the pillars, providing additional stability and ensuring the hangings remained taut and orderly. The use of "silver" for these components is highly symbolic; silver in the Tabernacle context often points to redemption and atonement, particularly seen in the "atonement money" used for the Tabernacle's sockets ([Exodus 38:27](/exodus/38-27 "Exodus 38:27 - The Use of Atonement Money")). This suggests that the very means of connecting and supporting the holy space was imbued with the preciousness of redemption.

#### Literary Devices
The description in Exodus 38:11, like much of the Tabernacle narrative, employs several key literary devices. **Repetition** of precise measurements, numbers, and materials (e.g., "twenty pillars," "twenty sockets") emphasizes the exactitude required by God and highlights the divine origin of the blueprint. This meticulous detail underscores the paramount importance of obedience in executing God's commands for worship. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the materials themselves carrying theological weight: brass (bronze) often represents judgment and atonement, forming the sturdy, foundational sockets, while silver, used for the hooks and fillets, consistently points to redemption and purity, adorning the connecting elements. The mirroring of the north side's specifications with the south side ([Exodus 38:9](/exodus/38-9 "Exodus 38:9 - South Side of the Tabernacle Court")) demonstrates **symmetry** and order, reflecting God's character as a God of perfect design, not chaos.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:11, with its minute details of the Tabernacle's construction, profoundly reveals God's character and His relationship with humanity. The divine precision in every measurement and material underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His expectation of meticulous obedience in matters of worship and service. The Tabernacle, and specifically its outer court, served as a physical manifestation of God's holiness and His desire to dwell among His people, yet it simultaneously emphasized the necessary separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The symbolic use of brass for foundations (judgment/strength) and silver for connections (redemption/purity) points to the foundational truths upon which access to God is granted: through His righteous standards and the provision of atonement. This intricate design foreshadows the deeper theological realities of God's dwelling with humanity through Christ.

* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "The Heavenly Pattern")
* [1 Peter 1:15](/1_peter/1-15 "Be Holy in All Your Conduct")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, even down to the number of pillars and the material of their hooks, offer profound lessons for believers today. God's attention to detail teaches us that He values diligence, precision, and faithfulness in all aspects of our lives, especially in our worship and service to Him. There are no "small" details when it comes to honoring God; every act of obedience, however seemingly insignificant, contributes to the larger tapestry of His will. The Tabernacle's orderly and purposeful design reflects God's character as a God of order, not confusion, encouraging us to seek order, intentionality, and purpose in our personal spiritual disciplines, our communal worship, and the overall structure of our lives as the church. Furthermore, the Tabernacle's role as God's dwelling place reminds us that through the Holy Spirit, individual believers are now temples of God, and the church collectively is His spiritual dwelling. This calls us to live lives that reflect the holiness, order, and redemptive purpose of the God who dwells within and among us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform our approach to worship and service today?**
* **In what ways can we, as individuals and as the church, better embody the holiness and order that the Tabernacle symbolized?**
* **Considering the symbolism of brass and silver, how do the foundational truths of judgment and redemption shape our daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Why are the dimensions and materials so meticulously detailed in Exodus?**

Answer: The meticulous detailing of the Tabernacle's dimensions and materials in Exodus serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His desire for worship to be conducted according to His precise will, not human invention. It emphasizes that the Tabernacle was a divine blueprint, not a human design. Secondly, the precision ensured uniformity and order, reflecting God's character as a God of order, not chaos ([1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is Not a God of Confusion")). Thirdly, every element, from the brass sockets to the silver fillets, carried rich symbolic meaning, teaching profound theological truths about holiness, sin, judgment, and redemption. Finally, the exact specifications were necessary for its construction as a portable sanctuary, ensuring it could be assembled and disassembled consistently during Israel's wilderness journey, symbolizing God's faithful presence with His people wherever they went ([Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Cloud Covers the Tabernacle")).

**What is the significance of "brass" and "silver" in the Tabernacle's construction?**

Answer: In the Tabernacle's symbolism, "brass" (bronze) and "silver" carry distinct and profound meanings. Brass, being a strong and durable metal, is often associated with judgment, strength, and endurance. Its use for the altar of burnt offering ([Exodus 27:1-2](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1-2 - The Altar of Burnt Offering")) and the sockets for the pillars ([Exodus 38:11](/exodus/38-11 "Exodus 38:11 - North Side of the Tabernacle Court")) signifies that access to God's presence is founded upon the reality of His righteous judgment against sin and the necessity of atonement. Silver, conversely, frequently symbolizes redemption, purity, and preciousness. Notably, the "atonement money" collected from the Israelites was used for the silver sockets of the sanctuary and the pillars ([Exodus 38:27](/exodus/38-27 "Exodus 38:27 - Use of Atonement Money")). Its use for the hooks and fillets in Exodus 38:11 suggests that the very means of connecting and maintaining the holy space was imbued with the preciousness of redemption, highlighting that it is through a costly act of atonement that humanity can draw near to a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Tabernacle, meticulously detailed in Exodus 38:11 and throughout the book, serves as a profound Old Testament foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. While the Tabernacle was a temporary, physical dwelling place for God among His people, Jesus is the ultimate and eternal embodiment of God dwelling with humanity. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," literally "tabernacled" among us. The Tabernacle's outer court, with its hangings and pillars, established a sacred boundary and provided a pathway to God, but it was still a shadow. Jesus, however, is the true and living way, the ultimate access point to the Father ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")). The brass sockets, symbolizing judgment and atonement, find their complete fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the judgment for our sins, becoming our perfect atonement ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Propitiation Through Faith")). Similarly, the silver hooks and fillets, pointing to redemption and purity, are fully realized in the precious blood of Christ, by which we are redeemed and purified ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with Precious Blood")). Through His finished work, the veil separating humanity from God was torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), granting believers direct access to God's presence. Ultimately, the Tabernacle's purpose of God dwelling with His people is perfectly fulfilled in Christ, who not only dwelt among us but, through His Spirit, now indwells believers, making each one a temple of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Your Body is a Temple")), and the church, His collective spiritual dwelling place ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - Growing into a Holy Temple")).

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.