Exodus 27:11 is a detailed instruction for constructing part of the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. Let's break down the verse:
"Likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long..." This specifies that the north side of the courtyard should have hangings (likely linen screens or curtains) extending for 100 cubits in length. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, generally considered to be the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, so roughly 18 inches (or 45cm) but the exact length isn't precise. Therefore 100 cubits would be approximately 150 feet.
"...and its pillars twenty..." This means that the hangings would be supported by 20 pillars or posts. These pillars would be spaced along the 100-cubit length.
"...and their sockets twenty, of brass..." Each of the 20 pillars would have a base or "socket" made of brass (bronze). The sockets would provide stability for the pillars and help them stand upright. Brass was a valuable and durable material at the time.
"...the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver." This refers to the details used to suspend the hangings on the pillars.
Hooks: These were likely small hooks attached to the pillars. They would be used to hang the curtains or screens. These hooks were to be made of silver, a more precious metal than brass.
Fillets: The meaning of "fillets" here is a bit more debated among scholars, but most sources agree that it refers to a horizontal band or connecting rod running along the top of the pillars. It provided a structural support connecting the pillars to each other. The hangings could then be suspended from this fillet. This was also to be made of silver.
In summary, this verse provides instructions for building the north side of the courtyard:
A 150 foot long screen/hanging.
Supported by 20 pillars.
Each pillar has a brass base to stand on.
Silver hooks and horizontal silver bars to attach the screen to the pillars.
Significance
This verse and the surrounding chapter are part of God's instructions to Moses for the precise construction of the Tabernacle and its courtyard. The meticulous details highlight the importance of:
Order and precision in worship: God desired a specific design and arrangement.
Sanctity: The use of expensive materials like brass and silver reflects the holy nature of the space.
Separation: The courtyard and its hangings would have created a visual and physical barrier, separating the holy space from the outside world.
These instructions were not arbitrary but were meant to create a space set apart for God's presence and worship.
Exodus 27:11 is a detailed instruction for constructing part of the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness. Let's break down the verse:
"Likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long..." This specifies that the north side of the courtyard should have hangings (likely linen screens or curtains) extending for 100 cubits in length. A cubit is an ancient unit of measurement, generally considered to be the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, so roughly 18 inches (or 45cm) but the exact length isn't precise. Therefore 100 cubits would be approximately 150 feet.
"...and its pillars twenty..." This means that the hangings would be supported by 20 pillars or posts. These pillars would be spaced along the 100-cubit length.
"...and their sockets twenty, of brass..." Each of the 20 pillars would have a base or "socket" made of brass (bronze). The sockets would provide stability for the pillars and help them stand upright. Brass was a valuable and durable material at the time.
"...the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver." This refers to the details used to suspend the hangings on the pillars.
Hooks: These were likely small hooks attached to the pillars. They would be used to hang the curtains or screens. These hooks were to be made of silver, a more precious metal than brass.
Fillets: The meaning of "fillets" here is a bit more debated among scholars, but most sources agree that it refers to a horizontal band or connecting rod running along the top of the pillars. It provided a structural support connecting the pillars to each other. The hangings could then be suspended from this fillet. This was also to be made of silver.
In summary, this verse provides instructions for building the north side of the courtyard:
A 150 foot long screen/hanging.
Supported by 20 pillars.
Each pillar has a brass base to stand on.
Silver hooks and horizontal silver bars to attach the screen to the pillars.
Significance
This verse and the surrounding chapter are part of God's instructions to Moses for the precise construction of the Tabernacle and its courtyard. The meticulous details highlight the importance of:
Order and precision in worship: God desired a specific design and arrangement.
Sanctity: The use of expensive materials like brass and silver reflects the holy nature of the space.
Separation: The courtyard and its hangings would have created a visual and physical barrier, separating the holy space from the outside world.
These instructions were not arbitrary but were meant to create a space set apart for God's presence and worship.