Exodus 38:9

ยถ And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court [were of] fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

And he made {H6213} the court {H2691}: on the south {H5045} side {H6285} southward {H8486} the hangings {H7050} of the court {H2691} were of fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}, an hundred {H3967} cubits {H520}:

He made the courtyard. On the south side, facing southward, the tapestries for the courtyard were made of finely woven linen, 150 feet long,

Then he constructed the courtyard. The south side of the courtyard was a hundred cubits long and had curtains of finely spun linen,

And he made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, a hundred cubits;

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 38:9

Exodus 38:9 details the construction of the Tabernacle's outer court, specifically describing the hangings on the south side. This verse is part of a larger section (Exodus 35-40) that meticulously records the fulfillment of God's commands for building the Tabernacle, demonstrating the Israelites' obedience to the divine instructions given earlier.

Context

The book of Exodus transitions from God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai to the establishment of His dwelling place among them. Chapters 25-31 outline God's precise instructions for the Tabernacle and its furnishings, while chapters 35-40 describe the actual execution of these commands by skilled craftsmen like Bezaleel and Aholiab, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Exodus 38 focuses on the court of the Tabernacle, an enclosed area surrounding the Tent of Meeting itself. The "hangings of the court" served as walls, defining the sacred space and separating it from the common wilderness. This meticulous construction was part of the divine blueprint for the Tabernacle, which was to be a portable sanctuary for God to dwell among His people during their wilderness journey.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The specific measurements ("an hundred cubits," approximately 150 feet) and the consistent use of high-quality materials highlight God's demand for order and exactness in worship. Every detail was divinely ordained, leaving no room for human improvisation.
  • Holiness and Separation: The court hangings served as a physical barrier, demarcating the sacred space where God's presence would manifest. This separation underscored the holiness of God and the need for a designated, consecrated area for approaching Him.
  • Purity and Quality: The use of "fine twined linen" for the hangings signifies purity, beauty, and the highest quality. This material was not merely functional but symbolic, reflecting the spotless character of God and the reverence due to Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "fine twined linen" translates the Hebrew ืฉึตืืฉื ืžึธืฉึฐืื–ึธืจ (shesh mashzar), which refers to a very high-quality, pure white Egyptian linen. This material was highly prized and used for priestly garments (Exodus 28:6) and the inner coverings of the Tabernacle, signifying purity, righteousness, and royalty. Its presence in the outer court hangings indicates that even the exterior elements of God's dwelling were to be of the finest quality, reflecting His glory and the sanctity of the entire structure.

Practical Application

Exodus 38:9, like the rest of the Tabernacle narrative, teaches us about God's character and His expectations for those who approach Him. While we no longer build physical tabernacles, the principles endure:

  • Reverence for God: The meticulous detail and use of the finest materials demonstrate the immense reverence due to God. Our worship and service should reflect a similar attitude of giving our best to Him.
  • Order in Worship: God is a God of order, not chaos. This verse reminds us of the importance of intentionality, preparation, and structure in our communal worship and personal devotion.
  • Holiness in Life: The physical separation of the Tabernacle court points to the spiritual separation required of believers. As God's spiritual temple today, we are called to live lives of purity and holiness, set apart for His purposes.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 27:9

    ยถ And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward [there shall be] hangings for the court [of] fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:

  • 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.

  • Psalms 92:13

    Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.

  • Psalms 84:2

    My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

  • Exodus 40:8

    And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.

  • 1 Kings 6:36

    And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams.

  • Psalms 84:10

    For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
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