Numbers 3:26

KJV

And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which [is] by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the hangings {H7050} of the court {H2691}, and the curtain {H4539} for the door {H6607} of the court {H2691}, which is by the tabernacle {H4908}, and by the altar {H4196} round about {H5439}, and the cords {H4340} of it for all the service {H5656} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

the curtains surrounding the courtyard, the screen for the entrance of the courtyard surrounding the tabernacle and the altar, all the fixtures and ropes for these items, and their maintenance.

Berean Standard Bible

the curtains of the courtyard, the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard that surrounds the tabernacle and altar, and the cords—all the service for these items.

American Standard Version

and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 3:26 meticulously details the specific responsibilities of the Merarite clan, one of the three Levitical families, concerning the Tabernacle's structural and foundational components. This verse highlights their crucial role in the transport, assembly, and maintenance of the court hangings, the entrance curtain, and all the associated cords, underscoring the divine order and precision required for the wilderness sanctuary and the sacred nature of even its most seemingly mundane elements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 3 is a pivotal chapter within the broader narrative of Israel's wilderness journey, meticulously detailing the divine organization of the Levitical tribe. Following the census of the firstborn and their redemption by the Levites (as seen in [Numbers 3:11-13](/numbers/3-11-13 "Numbers 3:11-13 - Redemption of the Firstborn")), the chapter proceeds to enumerate the three main Levitical clans—the Gershonites, Kohathites, and Merarites—and assigns each specific duties related to the Tabernacle. While the Kohathites were entrusted with the most holy articles, such as the Ark of the Covenant and the altar (though forbidden to touch them directly, as seen in [Numbers 4:15](/numbers/4-15 "Numbers 4:15 - Kohathite Duties")), and the Gershonites were responsible for the Tabernacle's coverings and curtains (detailed in [Numbers 3:25](/numbers/3-25 "Numbers 3:25 - Gershonite Duties")), Numbers 3:26 precisely delineates the Merarites' charge over the heavier, structural elements. This systematic division of labor ensures that every part of God's dwelling place is accounted for and handled with the utmost care, reflecting a divine blueprint for worship and community life that extends throughout the book of [Numbers](/numbers "The Book of Numbers").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Numbers is Israel's forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, a period marked by divine provision, discipline, and the constant presence of God among His people through the Tabernacle. This portable sanctuary served as the physical manifestation of God's covenant presence, a sacred space where He met with Israel. The construction and subsequent transport of the Tabernacle were monumental tasks, requiring immense coordination and specialized labor. The Levites, set apart from the other tribes (as described in [Numbers 1:49-50](/numbers/1-49-50 "Numbers 1:49-50 - Levites Exempt from Census")), were God's chosen ministers for this sacred duty. Their responsibilities were not merely logistical; they were acts of worship that maintained the holiness and order of the camp. The items listed in [Numbers 3:26](/numbers/3-26 "Numbers 3:26 - Merarite Responsibilities"), such as the court hangings and cords, were essential for defining the sacred boundaries of the Tabernacle complex, separating the holy from the common and ensuring the structural integrity of the entire assembly as it journeyed through the desert. This meticulous organization was vital for a nomadic people, ensuring the sanctity and functionality of their central place of worship.

* **Key Themes:** Numbers 3:26 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Numbers and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Order and Holiness**. God's meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle's construction and maintenance, down to its smallest components, emphasize His nature as a God of order and the absolute holiness required in His presence. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Specialized Service and Corporate Responsibility**. Each Levitical clan, including the Merarites, had distinct but equally vital roles, illustrating that every member of God's community has a specific function contributing to the whole. This division of labor for the Tabernacle's intricate parts, as seen across [Numbers 3](/numbers/3 "Numbers 3 - The Levites' Duties"), ensures accountability and efficiency. Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **God's Presence Among His People**. The Tabernacle, with all its components, was the tangible sign of God dwelling with Israel. The careful handling of its elements, even the "hangings" and "cords," was an act of preserving the integrity of that divine presence, making it possible for a holy God to reside amidst an unholy people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hangings (Hebrew, _qelaʻ'_):** From H7050, meaning "a sling; also a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself; hanging, leaf, sling." In this context, `qelaʻ` refers to the finely woven linen curtains that formed the perimeter fence of the Tabernacle's outer court. These hangings, described in [Exodus 27:9-15](/exodus/27-9-15 "Exodus 27:9-15 - The Court of the Tabernacle"), created a sacred enclosure, visually separating the holy space of the Tabernacle from the common ground of the Israelite camp. Their care was vital for maintaining the sanctity and boundaries of God's dwelling place.
* **Curtain (Hebrew, _mâçâk'_):** From H4539, meaning "a cover, i.e. veil; covering, curtain, hanging." This term denotes the ornate screen or veil that served as the sole entrance gate to the outer court of the Tabernacle. Unlike the plain linen hangings, this curtain was likely made of blue, purple, and scarlet material, and fine woven linen, embroidered with needlework, as detailed in [Exodus 27:16](/exodus/27-16 "Exodus 27:16 - The Gate of the Court"). It regulated access to the sacred space, symbolizing the necessary reverence and divine permission required to approach God's presence.
* **Cords (Hebrew, _mêythâr'_):** From H4340, meaning "a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow); cord, string." These were the ropes or cords used to secure the various components of the Tabernacle and its court, anchoring the pillars and hangings firmly to the ground by means of tent pegs. Mentioned in [Exodus 35:18](/exodus/35-18 "Exodus 35:18 - Cords and Pegs of the Tabernacle"), these cords were crucial for the stability and durability of the entire structure, especially during transport and in varying weather conditions in the wilderness. Their inclusion in the Merarites' charge highlights that even the seemingly minor elements were indispensable for the Tabernacle's proper function.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the hangings of the court":** This phrase identifies the first major responsibility of the Merarites: the large linen curtains that formed the outer perimeter of the Tabernacle complex. These hangings defined the sacred boundary, separating the holy area from the surrounding camp of Israel. Their transport and setup required significant effort due to their size and weight, underscoring the physical demands of the Merarite service.
* **"and the curtain for the door of the court":** This specifies the ornate entrance gate to the outer court. Distinct from the inner veils that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, this curtain served as the controlled access point to the entire Tabernacle precinct, signifying that approach to God's presence was regulated and sacred. Its care was equally important, as it was the visible entry to the consecrated space.
* **"which [is] by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about":** This clarifies the location and scope of these items. The hangings and door curtain enclosed the entire Tabernacle structure, including the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, as well as the brazen altar of burnt offering and the laver in the outer court. This emphasizes that the Merarites were responsible for the entire enclosure system of the sacred precinct, ensuring the physical separation and protection of God's dwelling and its associated implements of worship.
* **"and the cords of it for all the service thereof":** This final clause encompasses all the ropes, cords, and associated pegs necessary to secure the hangings, pillars, and other structural components of the court. The phrase "for all the service thereof" indicates that these cords were integral to every aspect of the Tabernacle's function, from its initial erection to its dismantling and transport. This highlights the importance of every detail, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, in the meticulous service of God and the stability of His sacred dwelling.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 3:26 primarily employs **Detailed Enumeration**, meticulously listing the specific items under the Merarites' care. This precise cataloging underscores the divine demand for order, accountability, and thoroughness in the service of the Tabernacle. The verse also utilizes **Synecdoche**, where the "cords" represent not just themselves, but the entire system of stability and support for the Tabernacle structure, including the tent pegs and the anchoring system. By focusing on these foundational, yet often overlooked, elements, the text implicitly uses **Symbolism**. The physical boundaries (hangings, curtain) symbolize the spiritual separation between the holy and the profane, and the cords symbolize the essential, often unseen, elements that provide stability and enable the proper functioning of a sacred endeavor. The very act of detailing these seemingly mundane items elevates them to sacred importance, reflecting God's meticulous nature and the holistic sanctity of His dwelling place.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 3:26, in its precise allocation of duties to the Merarites, profoundly illustrates God's demand for order, precision, and dedicated service in His worship. The meticulous care required for even the "hangings" and "cords" underscores the principle that every detail in God's service matters, and that faithfulness in seemingly small tasks is as vital as in prominent ones. This divine blueprint for the Tabernacle's maintenance reflects a broader theological truth: God is a God of order, not chaos, and His presence requires reverence, structure, and intentionality. The physical boundaries created by the Merarites' charge also symbolize the necessary separation between the holy and the common, emphasizing the sanctity of God's dwelling and the reverence due to Him. This passage reminds us that true worship encompasses diligent attention to all aspects of God's revealed will, recognizing that even the "behind-the-scenes" work contributes to the integrity of His sacred presence.

* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")
* [Luke 16:10](/luke/16-10 "Luke 16:10 - Faithfulness in Little Things")
* [Exodus 40:33](/exodus/40-33 "Exodus 40:33 - Completion of the Tabernacle Court")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed instructions for the Merarites in Numbers 3:26, though rooted in the ancient Tabernacle service, offer profound and timeless principles for believers today. Just as every component of the Tabernacle, from the grand Ark to the humble cords, was essential for its function and the manifestation of God's presence, so too is every role and every task within the body of Christ indispensable. This verse challenges us to recognize the inherent dignity and spiritual significance in all forms of service, particularly those that are foundational, behind-the-scenes, or seemingly mundane. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of diligence, stewardship, and faithfulness in whatever God has entrusted to us—whether it be our spiritual gifts, our material resources, our family responsibilities, or our professional duties. Our lives, as temples of the Holy Spirit, are to be lived with intentionality and order, reflecting the same divine precision seen in the Tabernacle's construction and care, ensuring that our "court" is well-maintained for the dwelling of God's Spirit. This passage encourages us to find purpose and godliness in the ordinary, knowing that God values faithfulness in all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "cords" or foundational, often overlooked, tasks in your life or community are essential for stability and proper function?**
* **How does the Merarites' dedication to structural elements challenge your perception of "important" versus "unimportant" service within your faith community?**
* **In what areas of your life can you cultivate greater order, diligence, and reverence, reflecting God's meticulous nature?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the "hangings of the court" and the "curtain for the door of the court"?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the "hangings of the court" was to create a sacred boundary, enclosing the Tabernacle and its altars, thereby separating the holy space from the common areas of the Israelite camp. These linen curtains formed the outer wall of the Tabernacle complex, as detailed in [Exodus 27:9-15](/exodus/27-9-15 "Exodus 27:9-15 - Description of the Tabernacle Court"). The "curtain for the door of the court" served as the single entrance gate to this enclosed sacred space. It was typically more ornate than the surrounding hangings (see [Exodus 27:16](/exodus/27-16 "Exodus 27:16 - The Gate of the Court")), signifying that access to God's dwelling was regulated and required a specific, divinely appointed pathway, emphasizing reverence and the holiness of the space within. Together, they established the physical and symbolic separation necessary for God's holy presence to dwell among His people.

**Why were the "cords" specifically mentioned as part of the Merarites' responsibility?**

Answer: The specific mention of "cords" (and by extension, the tent pegs they were attached to) highlights their critical importance to the structural integrity and stability of the entire Tabernacle complex. While seemingly minor, these cords anchored the pillars and hangings of the court, ensuring the Tabernacle could withstand wind and the rigors of being dismantled, transported, and reassembled during Israel's wilderness journeys. Their inclusion in the Merarites' charge underscores that even the most foundational and utilitarian elements were essential for the proper functioning and stability of God's dwelling place, reflecting God's meticulous attention to every detail of His worship and presence among His people. The Merarites were responsible for the heavier, structural components, and the cords were vital for securing these elements, as further elaborated in [Numbers 4:31-32](/numbers/4-31-32 "Numbers 4:31-32 - Merarite Charge Details").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous detail concerning the Merarites' responsibility for the Tabernacle's structural elements—the hangings, the door curtain, and the cords—finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, in its entirety, was a shadow and type of God's dwelling among His people, and its physical boundaries pointed to the necessary separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. Christ, however, is the true and ultimate Tabernacle, the very "Word made flesh, who dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation")). He is the true "curtain for the door of the court," for He declared, "I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). The tearing of the temple veil at His crucifixion ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Torn Veil")) symbolized that His body, broken for us, became the new and living way into the Most Holy Place, granting direct access to God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). Furthermore, the "cords" that provided stability to the Tabernacle point to Christ as the one who "holds all things together" ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ's Supremacy")), the foundational cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual temple—the church—is built ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ the Cornerstone")). Thus, the Merarites' service foreshadowed the comprehensive and foundational work of Christ, who not only provides access to God but also sustains and unifies His people in Himself, making us part of His eternal dwelling.

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 35:18

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

Exodus 27:9

¶ 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 27:16

And for the gate of the court [shall be] an hanging of twenty cubits, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: [and] their pillars [shall be] four, and their sockets four.

Exodus 38:9

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

Exodus 38:16

All the hangings of the court round about [were] of fine twined linen.