Exodus 38:13

KJV

And for the east side eastward fifty cubits.

KJV (with Strong's)

And for the east {H6924} side {H6285} eastward {H4217} fifty {H2572} cubits {H520}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the east side were tapestries seventy-five feet long.

Berean Standard Bible

And the east side, toward the sunrise, was also fifty cubits long.

American Standard Version

And for the east side eastward fifty cubits.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:13 precisely details the dimensions of the Tabernacle's courtyard, specifying that the east side measured fifty cubits. This verse is part of a larger divine blueprint for the portable sanctuary, underscoring God's meticulousness in commanding the construction of a sacred space where His presence would dwell among His people, emphasizing divine order, precision, and the importance of faithful obedience in every aspect of worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 38:13 is situated within the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically following the instructions for the courtyard's design given in [Exodus 27](/exodus/27 "Exodus 27 - Instructions for the Tabernacle Courtyard"). Chapters 36-38 describe the actual execution of these divine commands by Bezalel, Oholiab, and the skilled artisans. Verse 13 is part of the description of the courtyard's perimeter, which began in [Exodus 38:9](/exodus/38-9 "Exodus 38:9 - The Courtyard Dimensions Begin"). The preceding verses detail the south and north sides (one hundred cubits each), while the subsequent verses (Exodus 38:14-15) specify the dimensions of the two "wings" of the east side, which flanked the entrance. This verse, therefore, provides the total length of the east side, serving as a foundational measurement for the entrance area. The meticulous enumeration of every dimension across these chapters highlights the divine origin and sacred purpose of each component.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as the central place of worship for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a tangible symbol of God's presence among them, as commanded in [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Command to Build the Tabernacle"). The instructions for its construction were given to Moses on [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19-20 "Exodus 19:20 - Moses on Mount Sinai"), emphasizing their divine authority. The "cubit" was a standard ancient unit of length, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm), representing the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Thus, fifty cubits would be roughly 75-87.5 feet (23-26.5 meters). This precise measurement, along with all other specifications, reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of sacred architecture, where divine spaces were often constructed with exactitude to mirror heavenly realities or to ensure ritual purity and order. The east side, in particular, held significant symbolic meaning in many ancient cultures, often associated with the rising sun, new beginnings, and the direction from which divine manifestations might appear, a theme echoed in later biblical texts like [Ezekiel 43:1](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple from the East").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Eastward (Hebrew, _qēdmāh'_):** This word (קֵדְמָה) denotes the direction "east" or "eastward." Its repetition in the Hebrew text (קֵדְמָה קֵדְמָה) for emphasis underscores the specific orientation of this side of the courtyard. In biblical thought, the east often carries significant symbolic weight, frequently associated with the direction of the sun's rising, new beginnings, the garden of Eden ([Genesis 2:8](/genesis/2-8 "Genesis 2:8 - The Garden in Eden, Eastward")), and the anticipated return of God's glory or presence ([Ezekiel 43:1](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple from the East")). For the Tabernacle, the east side was crucial as it contained the sole entrance to the sacred courtyard.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ʾammah'_):** The term (אַמָּה) refers to the standard ancient unit of linear measurement, roughly the length of a forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. While its exact length varied slightly, it was approximately 18-21 inches (45-53 cm). The use of such a precise, universally understood measurement within the ancient world highlights the meticulous detail of God's instructions, ensuring that the Tabernacle's construction would be exact and uniform, reflecting divine order and preventing human arbitrary alterations.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And for the east side":** This phrase establishes the specific boundary being described, distinguishing it from the north, south, and west sides previously or subsequently detailed. It sets the geographical orientation of this particular segment of the Tabernacle courtyard's enclosure.
* **"eastward":** This adverbial repetition (from the Hebrew _qēdmāh qēdmāh_) reinforces the direction, emphasizing that this is indeed the side facing the rising sun. This emphasis is not merely for clarity but hints at the symbolic importance of this orientation, particularly as it houses the main entrance to the sacred space.
* **"fifty cubits":** This is the precise linear measurement for the length of the east side. This numerical detail, like all other measurements for the Tabernacle, signifies the divine precision and intentionality behind every aspect of the sanctuary. It underscores that God's design is not arbitrary but perfectly ordered, contributing to the overall harmony and sacred geometry of the holy dwelling.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 38:13, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Precision and Detail**, a characteristic feature of the entire Tabernacle construction narrative ([Exodus 36-38](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle Begins")). The exact specification of "fifty cubits" for the "east side eastward" is not merely architectural instruction but a theological statement. It conveys God's meticulousness, His demand for order in worship, and the sacredness of every dimension of the Tabernacle. This **Repetition** of "eastward" (in the Hebrew text, _qēdmāh qēdmāh_) serves as an emphatic device, drawing attention to the significance of this particular side, which held the courtyard's entrance. Furthermore, the entire description of the Tabernacle, including this verse, functions as **Symbolism**. The precise dimensions and orientation of the Tabernacle, including its east-facing entrance, are not arbitrary but point to a divinely ordered cosmos and a structured approach to God, foreshadowing deeper spiritual realities and the ultimate access to God through Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:13, in its precise detailing of the Tabernacle courtyard's east side, underscores profound theological truths about God's character and His relationship with humanity. It reveals a God of infinite precision, who cares deeply about order and detail in all matters pertaining to His worship and presence. The exact measurements for the sacred enclosure demonstrate that access to God is not haphazard but is governed by divine prescription, emphasizing the holiness of God and the need for His people to approach Him on His terms. This meticulousness also highlights the Israelites' faithful obedience in constructing the Tabernacle exactly as commanded, setting a precedent for future generations regarding adherence to God's revealed will. The east side's particular significance, as the point of entry, subtly points to the idea of a divinely appointed gateway to God's presence.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Build According to the Pattern") – Emphasizes the divine command to build the Tabernacle "according to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings."
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is a God of Order") – States, "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace," reflecting the divine order evident in the Tabernacle's design.
* [Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Tabernacle as a Copy of Heavenly Things") – Describes the Tabernacle priests serving "a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 38:13, though seemingly a mere architectural detail, offers rich lessons for contemporary believers. The divine insistence on meticulous precision in the Tabernacle's construction reminds us that God is a God of order, excellence, and intentionality. This principle extends beyond physical structures to our spiritual lives, our worship, and our service. It challenges us to consider whether we approach God with the same reverence for His revealed will and with a commitment to excellence in our spiritual disciplines and communal gatherings. Just as every cubit contributed to the sacred enclosure, every detail of our lives, when offered to God, can contribute to a life of worship. The Tabernacle's design, with its precise boundaries, also speaks to the sacredness of God's presence and the need for a consecrated approach. While we no longer have a physical Tabernacle, the principles of holiness, order, and intentionality in approaching God remain paramount. We are called to live lives that reflect the divine order, acknowledging that God cares about the "small" details as much as the grand narratives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or service do I need to cultivate greater precision and intentionality, reflecting God's character?**
* **How does the emphasis on divine order in the Tabernacle's construction inform my understanding of worship and spiritual discipline today?**
* **Considering the Tabernacle's east-facing entrance, what does it mean for me to "enter" God's presence today, and how should that entry be approached?**

### FAQ

**Why is so much detail given to the Tabernacle's measurements, even seemingly minor ones like Exodus 38:13?**

Answer: The extensive detail, including the specific measurement in Exodus 38:13, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it underscores the divine origin of the Tabernacle's design. This was not a human invention but a direct revelation from God, emphasizing His meticulousness and sovereignty. Secondly, it ensured uniformity and precision in construction, guaranteeing that the Tabernacle would be built exactly as God intended, reflecting His perfect order and holiness. This precision was vital for its function as a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Tabernacle as a Copy of Heavenly Things")). Finally, it demonstrated the Israelites' faithful obedience to God's commands, highlighting the importance of adherence to divine instruction, even in what might seem like minor architectural specifications.

**What is the significance of the "east side" of the Tabernacle courtyard?**

Answer: The east side of the Tabernacle courtyard held particular significance because it contained the main and only entrance to the sacred enclosure. This orientation is consistent with ancient Near Eastern and biblical symbolism, where the east often represented the direction of new beginnings, the rising sun, and the anticipated appearance of divine glory. For example, the Garden of Eden was planted "eastward" ([Genesis 2:8](/genesis/2-8 "Genesis 2:8 - The Garden in Eden, Eastward")), and the glory of the Lord is depicted as entering the temple from the east in [Ezekiel 43:1-2](/ezekiel/43-1 "Ezekiel 43:1-2 - The Glory of the Lord Enters the Temple"). Thus, the east gate symbolized the divinely appointed access point for humanity to approach God's dwelling place, a concept that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 38:13, with its precise measurement of the Tabernacle's east side, finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, in its entirety, was a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Tabernacle as a Copy of Heavenly Things")), and its eastern entrance, meticulously measured, prefigured Christ as the singular, divinely appointed "door" or "gate" to God's presence. Just as the east gate was the only way into the courtyard, Jesus declares, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")). The fifty cubits of the east side, representing a carefully defined and limited access point, foreshadowed the perfect and complete access that would be granted through Christ's singular sacrifice. Through His broken body, the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way into the Most Holy Place, God's very presence, was now opened to all believers, not through a physical gate or ritual, but through the new and living way that He consecrated for us ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Thus, the precise dimensions of the Tabernacle's entrance ultimately point to the perfect, unchangeable, and sufficient work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), who is our ultimate access and dwelling place with God ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

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.