Exodus 38:9-20 | The Way of Scripture

Exodus 38:9-20

How does the courtyard complete the place of worship?

Berean Standard Bible

9 Then he constructed the courtyard. The south side of the courtyard was a hundred cubits long and had curtains of finely spun linen, 10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11 The north side was also a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver. 12 The west side was fifty cubits long and had curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver. 13 And the east side, toward the sunrise, was also fifty cubits long.
14 The curtains on one side of the entrance were fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases. 15 And the curtains on the other side were also fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases as well. 16 All the curtains around the courtyard were made of finely spun linen. 17 The bases for the posts were bronze, the hooks and bands were silver, and the plating for the tops of the posts was silver. So all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver.
18 The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high, 19 with four posts and four bronze bases. Their hooks were silver, as well as the bands and the plating of their tops. 20 All the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the surrounding courtyard were bronze.

What is the context?

The workers make the courtyard’s linen curtains, posts, bases, hooks, and bands, with a separate embroidered curtain for its entrance. The south and north sides are each a hundred cubits long; the shorter sides complete the enclosure. The entrance and surrounding curtains have the same stated height.

This follows the instructions in Exodus 27:9–19. The court surrounds the tent and the area where the altar and basin will stand. Its curtains mark the bounds of this appointed place of worship, while the pegs and other fittings complete a structure made to move with Israel.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley treats the movable enclosure as part of a temporary arrangement that looks toward a wider welcome for the nations. Gill emphasizes its immediate function as the open court where the people gather, distinct from the rooms within the tent.

Where does this fit in God's plan?

The wider welcome Wesley sees finds clear expression in Ephesians 2:11–22. People formerly far away are brought near through Christ’s blood. Jews and Gentiles are reconciled to God in one body, with access to the Father by one Spirit.

This is a broader connection with God’s purpose, rather than a claim that Paul is describing these particular linen curtains. The sanctuary’s marked spaces help us appreciate the importance of approach; the gospel announces a people brought together into God’s household through Christ.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

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