Exodus 35 17

Exodus 35:17 kjv

The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court,

Exodus 35:17 nkjv

the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court;

Exodus 35:17 niv

the curtains of the courtyard with its posts and bases, and the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard;

Exodus 35:17 esv

the hangings of the court, its pillars and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court;

Exodus 35:17 nlt

the curtains for the walls of the courtyard;
the posts and their bases;
the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard;

Exodus 35 verses

Exodus 35 17 Meaning

Exodus 35:17 describes specific components required for the outer courtyard of the Tabernacle: the upright pillars (ammûḏāyw) with their foundational bases ('ăḏānêhā), and the hanging fabric (māṣāḵ) that served as the entrance for the courtyard gate (`shaʿar). This verse is part of Moses' instructions to the Israelites about the freewill offerings and materials needed for constructing the portable sanctuary according to God's divine specifications. It underscores the precision and completeness required for every part of God's dwelling place.

Exodus 35 17 Context

Exodus chapter 35 is a pivotal passage, initiating the practical phase of building the Tabernacle. Following God's detailed instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exod 25-31), and the devastating golden calf incident (Exod 32) and the subsequent renewal of the covenant (Exod 34), this chapter marks a turning point. Moses gathers the congregation, reiterates the command for Sabbath observance, and then extends an invitation for freewill offerings. This invitation for materials (gold, silver, bronze, fabrics, etc.) for every aspect of the Tabernacle and its furnishings highlights the people's renewed commitment and eagerness to participate in establishing God's dwelling among them. The specific items listed in verses 10-19 are summaries of the components from previous divine commands (e.g., Exod 27), prompting the people to bring their contributions from a willing heart. Exodus 35:17 focuses specifically on the external enclosure of the Tabernacle, defining its boundary and regulated entrance.

Exodus 35 17 Word analysis

• the posts (עַמֻּדָ֧יו `ammûḏāyw): Derived from ʿammûd, meaning "pillar" or "column." These were the upright supports that held the linen hangings of the courtyard. In the context of the Tabernacle, these bronze pillars were functional structural elements, supporting the sacred boundaries, and also symbolized stability and endurance, specifically endurance against judgment given the material (bronze).
• of the courtyard (הֶֽחָצֵר֙ heḥāṣēr): From ḥātsēr, meaning "courtyard" or "enclosure." This designates the outer sacred space that separated the Tabernacle proper from the common camp. It demarcated a holy boundary, accessible only through a designated gate. Its function was to protect the sanctuary and regulate access to increasing levels of holiness.
• with their sockets (אֲדָנֵיהָ֙ 'ăḏānêhā): From 'eden, meaning "base" or "pedestal." These were heavy, foundational supports into which the posts were set. For the courtyard, they were made of bronze (Exod 27:10). They ensured the stability and uprightness of the posts, emphasizing the firm establishment and ordered structure of God's dwelling place. They signify a secure foundation.
• and the screen (מָסָ֧ךְ māṣāḵ): This specific term refers to a covering or veil that functions as a gate curtain. It is distinct from the inner veil (parokhet) that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The masak here denotes an ornate hanging, likely woven from fine linen with skilled craftsmanship, serving as the visible entrance point to the courtyard. It suggested access while also marking a sacred entry.
• for the gate (שַׁ֙עַר֙ shaʿar): From shaʿar, meaning "gate" or "doorway." This explicitly identifies the screen's function as providing entry through an opening. It was the only entrance to the courtyard for worshipers. This "gate" implies controlled and deliberate access into God's presence, requiring intentional approach rather than casual entry.
• of the courtyard (הֶֽחָצֵר֙ heḥāṣēr): Repetition of "courtyard," confirming the precise location of this screen—the gate specifically led into the larger outer courtyard area. This reiterates the controlled nature of entry into the consecrated space.

Words-group analysis:

• "the posts... with their sockets": This phrase collectively highlights the foundational structural elements of the courtyard. The ammudim (pillars) standing firmly in their adanīm (sockets) depict strength, stability, and divinely ordained order. The use of bronze for these elements in the courtyard points to their connection with the earth and human access, as well as being linked to judgment (e.g., bronze altar for sacrifices). They represent the external framework supporting the boundaries of holiness.
• "and the screen for the gate of the courtyard": This grouping describes the singular entry point into the outer holy precinct. The "screen" (masak) visually defines the "gate" (sha'ar), controlling and inviting access. This "gate" serves as the liminal space where the common individual transitions into the sacred, serving as a symbolic entry point that anticipates the ultimate "gate" in Christ, who grants spiritual access to God. The design emphasized that entrance into God's presence was not arbitrary but had specific, divine requirements and designated pathways.

Exodus 35 17 Bonus section

The materials for the courtyard—bronze posts and sockets, and fine linen screen—are symbolically significant. Bronze, being heavier and less precious than silver or gold, was predominantly used for the items of the outer courtyard and the brazen altar. This often symbolized judgment, human sin, and the atonement achieved through sacrifice. The sturdy bronze bases and posts provide a grounding and resilient support system, reflecting the endurance and fixed nature of God's prescribed means of worship. The vibrant, colored fine linen of the gate screen indicated beauty, order, and distinction, inviting while regulating entry. It foreshadowed that access to God's presence, initially through physical structures, would ultimately be beautiful and made possible through a designated entry—Christ himself, who bore judgment on our behalf, and whose body serves as the "gate" and "new and living way" into the Holiest.

Exodus 35 17 Commentary

Exodus 35:17 is a succinct verse detailing key components of the Tabernacle's outer courtyard, but its significance extends far beyond mere architectural instruction. It embodies God's meticulous care for His dwelling place, emphasizing that every part, down to the humble posts, sockets, and the entry screen, was divinely specified. The repetition of the detailed requirements across various chapters highlights the divine insistence on precise obedience in establishing His presence. The courtyard itself acted as a boundary, defining sacred space and regulating access, thereby teaching Israel about God's holiness and man's reverent approach. The willing contribution of materials for these structures (as indicated by the broader context of Exod 35) underscores the community's heart in establishing their worship life, a reflection of their restored covenant relationship with God after the golden calf idolatry. Practically, it reminds believers that our collective spiritual dwelling place and individual lives, if they are to glorify God, must be built according to His precise will, supported by foundational truths, and entered with intentional reverence, much as the physical elements of the Tabernacle required exact materials and placements.