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 meticulously describes the construction of the Tabernacle's outer court, specifically detailing the dimensions and materials for its north side. This verse, consistent with the surrounding chapters, emphasizes the precise adherence to God's divine blueprint for His sacred dwelling place among the Israelites, highlighting the profound significance of every detail in establishing a holy space for worship and demonstrating the people's obedience to divine command.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 38:11 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus (chapters 35-40), which meticulously chronicles the actual construction and erection of the Tabernacle and its various furnishings. This section serves as the tangible fulfillment of the detailed instructions God had previously given to Moses on Mount Sinai in earlier chapters (Exodus 25-31). The narrative shift from divine command to human execution underscores the Israelites' faithfulness and the divine origin of the sanctuary's design. This particular verse follows the description of the south side of the outer court in [Exodus 38:9-10](/exodus/38-9-10 "Exodus 38:9-10 - The 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 among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's forty-year wilderness journey after their miraculous exodus from Egyptian bondage. As a nomadic people, a portable sanctuary was not merely convenient but essential, symbolizing God's continuous presence, guidance, and covenant faithfulness among them. While temples were common in the ancient Near East, 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, detailed in [Exodus 38:9-17](/exodus/38-9-17 "Exodus 38:9-17 - The Tabernacle Court and Its Pillars"), served as a crucial sacred boundary, separating the holy space from the common, thereby protecting the people from God's unapproachable holiness while simultaneously providing a designated, divinely ordained place for corporate worship, sacrifice, and atonement. The specified materials—brass (bronze) and silver—were valuable and symbolic, reflecting the sacredness, enduring nature, and redemptive purpose of the structure.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. The theme of **Divine Presence** is paramount, as the Tabernacle's construction is the means by which God will dwell among His people, fulfilling His promise from [Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Dwelling Among Israel"). The meticulous details highlight the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing the vast chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, and the necessity of a divinely appointed means of access. The repeated measurements and specific materials also underscore the theme of **Obedience to Divine Command**, demonstrating Israel's faithfulness in executing God's precise instructions, a motif seen throughout the Tabernacle accounts (e.g., [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - Completion of the Tabernacle")). Furthermore, the symbolic use of materials like brass and silver introduces the themes of **Judgment and Redemption**, which are foundational to understanding the sacrificial system and the path to reconciliation with God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden'_):** From the same root as "lord" (adon) in the sense of strength, this term refers to a basis or foundation, particularly for a building or column. In [Exodus 38:11](/exodus/38-11 "Exodus 38:11 - North Side of the Tabernacle Court"), the "sockets of brass" provided the firm and durable base for the twenty pillars of the north side. Their foundational role signifies strength, stability, and the unyielding nature of God's righteous standards upon which His dwelling place was established.
* **Fillets (Hebrew, _châshuq'_):** This word describes connecting rods or bands, specifically made of silver in this context. These "fillets" would have run between the tops of the pillars, providing crucial stability and support for the linen hangings, ensuring the structural integrity and tautness of the outer court's enclosure. 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 and its orderly appearance.
* **Silver (Hebrew, _keçeph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be pale" or "to long for," silver was a valuable metal. In the Tabernacle's context, silver frequently symbolizes redemption, purification, and preciousness. Its use for the hooks and fillets in this verse, as well as for the sockets derived from "atonement money" ([Exodus 38:27](/exodus/38-27 "Exodus 38:27 - The Use of Atonement Money")), imbues these connecting and supporting elements with the profound theological truth that access to God and the maintenance of His holy space are predicated upon a costly act of redemption.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the north side [the hangings were] an hundred cubits":** This initial clause precisely specifies the length of the fine linen hangings that formed the boundary of the Tabernacle's outer court on its northern perimeter. The measurement of "an 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 and controlling access to God's immediate presence.
* **"their pillars [were] twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty":** This segment details the vertical support structure essential for holding the hangings aloft. Twenty pillars were evenly spaced along the hundred-cubit length, providing the necessary framework. Each of these pillars was firmly anchored into a "socket of brass" (bronze), emphasizing the foundational strength and stability of the entire structure. The use of brass for these foundational elements, given its symbolic association with judgment and endurance, suggests that the very basis of access to God's presence rested upon His unyielding righteous standards.
* **"the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [of] silver":** This final clause describes the connecting and ornamental elements at the top of the pillars. The "hooks" were essential for suspending the linen hangings, allowing them to hang uniformly and securely. The "fillets" (connecting rods) ran horizontally between the pillars, providing additional stability and ensuring the hangings remained taut and orderly. The specification of "silver" for these components is highly symbolic; silver in the Tabernacle context often points to redemption and atonement, particularly as seen in the "atonement money" used for the Tabernacle's sockets. This suggests that the very means of connecting and supporting the holy space was imbued with the preciousness of redemption, highlighting the divine provision for humanity to draw near.

#### Literary Devices
The description in [Exodus 38:11](/exodus/38-11 "Exodus 38:11 - North Side of the Tabernacle Court"), like much of the Tabernacle narrative, employs several key literary devices to convey its profound theological message. **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 and faithfulness in executing God's commands for worship. **Symbolism** is pervasive, with the materials themselves carrying deep theological weight: brass (bronze) often represents judgment, strength, and endurance, forming the sturdy, foundational sockets, while silver, used for the hooks and fillets, consistently points to redemption, purity, and preciousness. 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. This meticulous architectural description also functions as a form of **typology**, foreshadowing greater spiritual realities to be revealed in the New Testament.

### 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, who perfectly embodies these principles.

* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Heavenly Pattern")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy as God is Holy")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - 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 and reflects His character. 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, always striving for excellence in our walk and witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform our approach to worship and service today, both individually and corporately?**
* **In what practical ways can we, as individuals and as the church, better embody the holiness, order, and intentionality that the Tabernacle symbolized?**
* **Considering the symbolism of brass (judgment/strength) and silver (redemption/purity), how do these foundational truths shape our daily walk with God and our understanding of His provision for us?**

### 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, ensuring that it faithfully represented the heavenly pattern ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - The Heavenly Pattern")). 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 described in [Exodus 38:11](/exodus/38-11 "Exodus 38:11 - North Side of the Tabernacle Court"), 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/40-34-38 "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 rich 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 prominent use for the altar of burnt offering ([Exodus 27:1-2](/exodus/27-1-2 "Exodus 27:1-2 - The Altar of Burnt Offering")) and the foundational 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 holy 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](/exodus/38-11 "Exodus 38:11 - North Side of the Tabernacle Court") and throughout the book of Exodus, 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 precise dimensions, hangings, and pillars, established a sacred boundary and provided a divinely appointed pathway to God, but it was ultimately a shadow of the true reality. 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 the steadfastness of God's righteous demands, find their complete fulfillment in Christ's sacrifice on the cross, where He bore the full weight of divine judgment for our sins, becoming our perfect propitiation and 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 from futile ways and purified from all unrighteousness ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed with Precious Blood")). Through His finished work on the cross, the veil separating humanity from God was torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), granting believers direct, unhindered 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 Holy Spirit, now indwells individual 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 on earth ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "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.