Exodus 27:9 - “You shall make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen one hundred cubits long for one side:

Generated Verse: Exodus 27:9

What does "Exodus 27:9" mean?


This verse from Exodus 27:9 describes the instructions for constructing the courtyard of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary the Israelites used during their wanderings in the wilderness. Let's break it down:

"You shall make the court of the tabernacle:" This establishes that the Israelites are to build a courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle itself. The courtyard served as a designated space around the Tabernacle.

"for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court..." This focuses on the south side of the courtyard. The phrase "southward" emphasizes that the hangings should be along the entire length of the southern boundary.

"...of fine twined linen..." Specifies the material to be used for the hangings: "fine twined linen." This was a high-quality, carefully woven fabric, reflecting the sanctity and importance of the Tabernacle.

"...one hundred cubits long for one side:" This gives the length of the hangings for the south side: one hundred cubits. A cubit was a standard unit of measurement based on the length of a forearm (approximately 18 inches, but variations existed). So, one hundred cubits would be roughly 150 feet (100 cubits 1.5 feet/cubit). This establishes the length of the south side of the courtyard.

In simpler terms, this verse is saying:

"Build a courtyard around the Tabernacle. On the south side, you need to create a boundary using hangings made of fine linen that are 100 cubits (around 150 feet) long."

Significance:

This verse, along with the subsequent verses, provides precise instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle's courtyard. These details are important because:

They reflect God's specific design: The detailed instructions demonstrate that the Tabernacle was not just a random structure, but a divinely ordained design.
They emphasize the importance of holiness and separation: The courtyard served to separate the holy space of the Tabernacle from the common areas outside. The fine linen hangings acted as a visual barrier and a symbol of this separation.
They highlight the Israelites' obedience: By following these instructions precisely, the Israelites demonstrated their obedience to God's commands.
They show the meticulous planning and resources needed for worship: The Tabernacle was a significant undertaking, requiring skilled craftsmen and valuable materials.

The courtyard provided a space for the priests to perform their duties and for the Israelites to gather for worship. It was an essential part of the Tabernacle complex, serving as a transition zone between the everyday world and the holy presence of God within the Tabernacle itself.

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