Exodus 38 9

Exodus 38:9 kjv

And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

Exodus 38:9 nkjv

Then he made the court on the south side; the hangings of the court were of fine woven linen, one hundred cubits long.

Exodus 38:9 niv

Next they made the courtyard. The south side was a hundred cubits long and had curtains of finely twisted linen,

Exodus 38:9 esv

And he made the court. For the south side the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, a hundred cubits;

Exodus 38:9 nlt

Then Bezalel made the courtyard, which was enclosed with curtains made of finely woven linen. On the south side the curtains were 150 feet long.

Exodus 38 verses

Exodus 38 9 Meaning

Exodus 38:9 details the construction of the Tabernacle courtyard, specifically the dimensions and materials of its south side hangings. It signifies the meticulous adherence to God's precise instructions for His dwelling place, emphasizing the defined boundaries and the pure, holy nature required for proximity to the Divine Presence. The court's white linen hangings symbolize the righteousness and purity associated with approaching God.

Exodus 38 9 Context

Exodus 38 falls within the larger section of Exodus describing the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, beginning in chapter 35 and culminating in chapter 40. Moses had received detailed instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai (Exo 25-31). Chapters 35-38 then describe the actual execution of those plans by Bezalel, Oholiab, and other skilled artisans.

Specifically, Exodus 38 details the making of the bronze altar, the bronze basin, and the courtyard. Verse 9 initiates the description of the courtyard's fence, starting with its southern side. The meticulous description of materials, dimensions, and layout for every part of the Tabernacle and its court underscores God's holiness, His desire for a specific relationship with His people, and the ordered nature of His presence. This physical separation and detailed design were vital for teaching Israel about divine purity, the need for proper approach to God, and the distinction between the sacred and the common.

Exodus 38 9 Word analysis

• He made: (וַיַּעַשׂ, wayya'as) - "And he did/made." This phrase signals the execution of God's earlier commands. The subject is implicit, referring to Bezalel and Oholiab (Exo 37:1; Exo 38:22) who oversaw the skilled laborers. It highlights faithful obedience to the divine blueprint.
• the court: (אֶת־הֶחָצֵר, et-hechatsér) - This refers to the outer rectangular enclosure that surrounded the Tabernacle itself. It served as a distinct area, separating the Tabernacle's sacred inner spaces from the profane camp, indicating limited, regulated access to God's presence.
• on the south side: (לִפְאַת־נֶגֶב, lif'at-négev) - This precise directional specification (to the south) underscores the detailed and exact nature of God's architectural plan. Every aspect of the Tabernacle's layout was intentional and to be followed without deviation, reflecting God's order.
• the hangings: (קְלָעִים, kela'im) - These were the curtains or screens that formed the perimeter wall of the courtyard. They were not solid walls but visual barriers, emphasizing a clear boundary between the holy space of the court and the surrounding profane camp. They served as a visual testament to the required separation.
• of fine twined linen: (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh mashzar) - This describes the high-quality, pure white material used for the hangings. "Fine" indicates high thread count, and "twined" suggests multiple threads twisted together for strength and purity. This was a costly and clean material. It symbolically represented purity, holiness, and righteousness. Its whiteness contrasted sharply with the commonness of the surrounding desert. This material was also used for priestly garments, further connecting it with holiness.
• a hundred cubits long: (מֵאָה בָאַמָּה, me'ah ba'ammah) - This provides the specific length of the south side of the courtyard wall, emphasizing the vastness of the enclosed sacred space and the precision of God's design. A cubit was an ancient unit of measurement, roughly the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approx. 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm). This detail signifies the absolute specificity of God's instructions.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "He made the court": This phrase highlights the completion of a major construction component, demonstrating the obedience of the craftsmen to God's elaborate Tabernacle blueprint. It points to divine guidance leading to physical manifestation.
• "on the south side the hangings of the court": This emphasizes the meticulous detailing required for the sacred space, starting from one specific boundary. It indicates an orderly construction process where each part was systematically addressed according to a comprehensive plan.
• "were of fine twined linen, a hundred cubits long": This combination describes the specific material and precise dimensions for the courtyard boundary. The "fine twined linen" communicates purity and holiness, acting as a visible marker of separation. The "hundred cubits long" signifies the exactness of the divine blueprint and the large scale of the dedicated holy area. Together, these elements declare the holiness and order of the Tabernacle's outer precinct, distinct from the surrounding world.

Exodus 38 9 Bonus section

The construction of the Tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 38:9, stands as a prime example of God's detailed and perfect design for worship. The "fine twined linen" not only communicated purity but also represented the value and cost involved in creating a dwelling for God, echoing that His presence is priceless. The precise measurements throughout the Tabernacle's construction underscored that nothing about God's worship or presence was to be haphazard or left to human whim; rather, it required perfect order and adherence to a divine blueprint. The courtyard acted as the first layer of separation, preparing the worshiper to enter deeper into the Tabernacle's meaning and purpose, ultimately pointing to the progressive revelation of God's saving plan through Christ.

Exodus 38 9 Commentary

Exodus 38:9 demonstrates the unwavering fidelity of Bezalel and the craftsmen in executing God's specific commands for the Tabernacle courtyard. Every detail, from material to measurement, was meticulously followed. The emphasis on "fine twined linen" for the courtyard hangings is profoundly significant. This pure, white material symbolizes the holiness and purity required to approach a holy God. Unlike walls of earth or stone, these linen hangings presented a brilliant white barrier, making a powerful visual statement about the sanctity within. While they provided a physical boundary, they were not meant to be impenetrable; rather, they defined the sacred space and subtly instructed Israel about the need for ceremonial purity to enter it. This prefigures the righteousness found in Christ (who is our clean linen) as the means by which humanity can access God's presence, rather than by human effort or inherently impure works. The precision of the "hundred cubits long" length underscores God as a God of order, leaving no room for human improvisation where divine presence was concerned. This passage reinforces that true worship and approach to God must be according to His revealed will, with holiness as a non-negotiable prerequisite.