Exodus 38 15

Exodus 38:15 kjv

And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Exodus 38:15 nkjv

and the same for the other side of the court gate; on this side and that were hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three sockets.

Exodus 38:15 niv

and curtains fifteen cubits long were on the other side of the entrance to the courtyard, with three posts and three bases.

Exodus 38:15 esv

And so for the other side. On both sides of the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three bases.

Exodus 38:15 nlt

The curtain on the left side was also 22 1?2 feet long and was supported by three posts set into three bases.

Exodus 38 verses

Exodus 38 15 Meaning

Exodus 38:15 specifies further architectural details of the Tabernacle courtyard, specifically concerning the second of the two shorter, twenty-cubit-long sides. It states that this side was to have three pillars (or posts) and three corresponding sockets (or bases) to support the curtain hangings, ensuring adherence to the precise divine blueprint for the sacred structure. This detailed inventory underscores the meticulousness of God's instructions for His dwelling place among His people.

Exodus 38 15 Context

Exodus 38:15 is situated within the lengthy exposition (chapters 25-31 and 35-40) detailing the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary commanded by God for Israel in the wilderness. This specific verse follows a comprehensive account of the Tabernacle's framework, coverings, and sacred furniture. Chapter 38 particularly focuses on the outer court of the Tabernacle, describing its dimensions, materials, and components. Verses 9-17 describe the layout and specifics of the courtyard, including the linen hangings, pillars, and sockets, ensuring precise compliance with the divine pattern shown to Moses on Mount Sinai. Verse 15 specifically describes the dimensions of one of the 20-cubit (approximately 30 feet) short sides, complementing verse 14 which dealt with the other. This attention to detail highlights the sacred nature of the Tabernacle and its function as the earthly dwelling place for God's holy presence amidst His people. Historically, the Tabernacle was the central point of Israel's worship, pilgrimage, and national identity throughout their wilderness journey and into the early period of settling in Canaan.

Exodus 38 15 Word analysis

• and for the other side: (Hebrew: v'laketef hash'enit)
  • v'la (וְלַ): "and for the" - A conjunction indicating continuation and inclusion, specifying another part of the courtyard structure.
  • ketef (כָּתֵף): "side" or "shoulder" - Here used geographically to denote a structural side or end section of the courtyard, signifying a distinct part being addressed. Its literal meaning of "shoulder" hints at a supporting part.
  • hash'enit (הַשֵּׁנִית): "the second" - Clearly distinguishes this side from the first 20-cubit side mentioned in Exo 38:14, reinforcing the symmetrical nature of the Tabernacle design. This second side, mirroring the first, completed the ends of the rectangular court.
• out of the twenty cubits: (Hebrew: esrim ammah)
  • esrim (עֶשְׂרִים): "twenty" - The precise numerical dimension in cubits (an ancient unit of measure, roughly 18 inches or 45 cm) of this specific end side of the courtyard, translating to about 30 feet (approx. 9 meters). This precision is a hallmark of all Tabernacle instructions, showing God's exactness.
  • ammah (אַמָּה): "cubit" - The standard unit of measurement in biblical times, usually defined from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
• their pillars were three: (Hebrew: 'ammudeihem shloshah)
  • 'ammudeihem (עַמֻּדֵיהֶם): "their pillars" - 'ammudim (עַמֻּדִים) refers to the vertical supports or columns used to hold the linen courtyard curtains. The possessive suffix indicates they belong to this specific side. The pillars were made of bronze (Exo 38:10), providing foundational strength.
  • shloshah (שְׁלֹשָׁה): "three" - The exact number of pillars for this 20-cubit side. Unlike the longer 50 and 100-cubit sides where pillars were typically spaced every 5 cubits, having three pillars over 20 cubits (which might imply 10-cubit intervals, or end pillars with one central pillar) shows a distinct design for the narrower ends. This particular configuration points to deliberate divine instruction rather than generic rules.
• and their sockets three: (Hebrew: v'adeneihem shloshah)
  • v'adeneihem (וְאַדְנֵיהֶם): "and their sockets" - 'adanim (אֲדָנִים) refers to the heavy bases or pedestals into which the pillars were set. These were crucial for stability. Made of bronze (Exo 38:17), their weight provided the necessary anchorage for the poles and curtains.
  • shloshah (שְׁלֹשָׁה): "three" - The number of sockets perfectly corresponds to the number of pillars, each pillar needing a solid base.

Exodus 38 15 Bonus section

The specific arrangement of "three pillars" on a "twenty cubits" side of the Tabernacle courtyard is notable because it breaks the uniform 5-cubit spacing found on the longer sides (100 cubits with 20 pillars, or 50 cubits with 10 pillars). For a 20-cubit span with three pillars, this could imply two 10-cubit curtain sections, possibly a pillar at each end and one precisely in the middle. This asymmetrical spacing for the short ends suggests a functional or symbolic distinction for these parts of the courtyard, potentially influencing how the courtyard was entered or perceived. It underscores that God's design was not just about total measurements but about specific configurations for each segment, reflecting deliberate choices in its functionality and symbolism, even if not fully revealed to us. This specific detail reinforces the uniqueness of divine instruction compared to common human architectural practices, where often, uniform repetition is preferred.

Exodus 38 15 Commentary

Exodus 38:15, while seemingly a mere listing of construction materials and dimensions, resonates with profound theological significance within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle. It exemplifies God's infinite wisdom and demand for meticulous obedience in all matters concerning His worship and presence. The painstaking detail—the "three pillars" and "three sockets" for a specific 20-cubit side—was not arbitrary. It conveyed that God’s holy dwelling required precise adherence to His blueprint, leaving no room for human improvisation or interpretation. This level of exactitude served several purposes: it established the Tabernacle's divine origin, ensuring its integrity as a symbol of God’s holiness and accessibility. Every piece, no matter how small, contributed to the whole, signifying that every command of God, every detail of spiritual life, holds significance. The copper/bronze sockets mentioned elsewhere for the pillars, though not explicit here, grounding the sacred space in robust, durable material speaks to the permanence of God's foundational principles. Ultimately, this precision pointed towards the perfect, ultimate sacrifice and Tabernacle found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the divine design in every aspect of His life, death, and resurrection, embodying God's full presence and providing direct access to Him.