Exodus 35 18

Exodus 35:18 kjv

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

Exodus 35:18 nkjv

the pegs of the tabernacle, the pegs of the court, and their cords;

Exodus 35:18 niv

the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the courtyard, and their ropes;

Exodus 35:18 esv

the pegs of the tabernacle and the pegs of the court, and their cords;

Exodus 35:18 nlt

the tent pegs of the Tabernacle and courtyard and their ropes;

Exodus 35 verses

Exodus 35 18 Meaning

Exodus 35:18 details essential components required for the stable erection of the Tabernacle and its surrounding court. It specifies the "pins" or "pegs" vital for anchoring both the sacred tent itself and its outer enclosure, along with the "cords" or "ropes" used in conjunction with these pins to secure and tension the entire structure. This verse is part of the comprehensive inventory of materials gathered from the willing Israelites for the construction of God's dwelling place.

Exodus 35 18 Context

Exodus chapter 35 is pivotal as it marks the Israelites' willing and skilled response to God's renewed commands following the sin of the golden calf. After Moses receives the second set of tablets and clarifies God's instructions, this chapter begins with a solemn reminder of the Sabbath commandment, reinforcing its sanctity. Immediately following, Moses conveys the Lord's call for offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Verses 5-19 present a detailed list of materials required, ranging from precious metals and fabrics to everyday items like animal skins and oil. Exodus 35:18 falls within this comprehensive inventory, specifying the functional hardware necessary for the physical stability and order of the Tabernacle complex. Historically, this effort signifies Israel's re-commitment to their covenant with Yahweh, emphasizing His presence among them through a portable sanctuary designed for their wilderness journey. The meticulous detail in this verse highlights the importance of every component, no matter how small or practical, in the divine design.

Exodus 35 18 Word analysis

• the pins (Hebrew: יִתְדֹתֶיהָ, yitedotheha): Derived from yated, meaning 'peg' or 'stake'. These were crucial for securing tents and structures in a nomadic setting, grounding them against wind and providing tension.

  • Significance: Represents stability, foundation, and being firmly rooted. The inclusion signifies the practical, essential nature of even humble components in God's grand design.

• of the tabernacle (Hebrew: לַמִּשְׁכָּן, lammishkan): From mishkan, meaning 'dwelling place' or 'residence'. This refers to the main, holy tent where God's presence would uniquely dwell, housing the Holy Place and Most Holy Place.

  • Significance: These pins secured the most sacred part of the dwelling, emphasizing the divine meticulousness and the unshakeable nature of God's presence.

• and the pins (Hebrew: וִיתֵדֹת, vîṯêḏōṯ): A repetition of "pins" indicating their requirement for another specific part of the Tabernacle complex.

  • Significance: The reiteration stresses comprehensiveness and that stability was required for all designated parts of the sacred worship space.

• of the court (Hebrew: הֶחָצֵר, heḥāṣêr): From ḥāṣêr, meaning 'courtyard' or 'enclosure'. This was the fenced outdoor area surrounding the Tabernacle tent, setting it apart as sacred space.

  • Significance: The pins for the court ensured the clear delineation of sacred boundaries, maintaining order and structure for all who entered or interacted with the holy space.

• and their cords (Hebrew: וּמֵיתְרֵיהֶם, ūmêṯrêhem): From meitar, meaning 'cord' or 'rope'. These were used in conjunction with the pins to create tension, support, and secure the fabric and components of both the Tabernacle and its court.

  • Significance: Cords imply connection, unity, and flexible strength. They enable the entire structure to stand firm and taut. Spiritually, this suggests the interconnectedness of various elements that contribute to the integrity of God's dwelling and orderly worship.

Words-group analysis

• "the pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of the court": This phrase highlights that both the most sacred dwelling place and its encompassing outer perimeter required foundational stability and grounding. It demonstrates the meticulous nature of God's blueprint, ensuring that the entire sphere of sacred activity was securely ordered. This grouping emphasizes the dual aspect of divine presence and access: an inner dwelling of utmost holiness and an outer area for regulated access and purification. Both needed firm anchorage, signifying that God’s dwelling is both secure and ordered from its heart to its boundaries.

• "and their cords": This closing phrase, modifying both sets of pins mentioned, is crucial. The cords are not just incidental but functional necessities working with the pins. While pins anchor, cords provide tension, balance, and lateral support, ensuring the structure withstands external forces and remains taut. This indicates the functional interdependence of components and the dynamic integrity of the Tabernacle. It suggests that strength and stability in God's kingdom are often found in the interplay of distinct but complementary elements, holding together a divinely designed system.

Exodus 35 18 Bonus section

The collective effort and voluntary contribution mentioned throughout Exodus 35 underscore a key principle: the building of God's dwelling place involves the willing participation of His people, contributing what they have – whether it be precious materials, skilled craftsmanship, or even simple but necessary components like pins and cords. This cooperative act built not just a physical structure but also communal bonds, teaching responsibility and unified worship. Furthermore, the portability of the Tabernacle, secured by these very pins and cords, emphasized God's desire to accompany His people wherever they went, unlike static pagan deities tied to specific locations. It foreshadowed that true worship is not bound to a physical location but is rather a spiritual reality wherever God's people are gathered (John 4:21-24), firmly secured in Christ.

Exodus 35 18 Commentary

Exodus 35:18, while seemingly a minor detail in the long list of Tabernacle materials, carries significant theological weight. The specific mention of "pins" and "cords" underscores God's meticulous nature and His demand for order and stability in His dwelling place. These practical, utilitarian items were just as crucial for the Tabernacle's integrity as the gold, silver, and fine linens. Without the humble pegs and cords, the magnificent tent and court would simply collapse, rendering it unfit as God's mobile sanctuary.

This highlights several principles: First, God is a God of order and not chaos (1 Cor 14:33). Every detail, down to the simplest peg and cord, was part of a divinely ordained blueprint, demonstrating His preference for precision and systematic arrangement in worship. Second, the importance of every component, however small or unglamorous. Just as seemingly insignificant parts are vital for a physical structure, every member and every act of service, no matter how humble, is essential for the Body of Christ (Eph 4:16; 1 Cor 12:12-27). Third, stability and security were inherent in the design. For a wandering people in a harsh wilderness, a secure Tabernacle provided a tangible sign of God's abiding, steadfast presence, a 'tent that will not be taken down' (Isa 33:20). Finally, the entire complex, securely anchored, foreshadowed the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity, first in the incarnate Christ (John 1:14) and later in the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:3), where God's presence is permanently established among His people, bound by His faithfulness.