Exodus 27:12
And for the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits: their pillars ten, and their sockets ten.
Original Language Analysis
הֶֽחָצֵר֙
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵר֙
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
2 of 11
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
לִפְאַת
side
H6285
לִפְאַת
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
יָ֔ם
on the west
H3220
יָ֔ם
on the west
Strong's:
H3220
Word #:
4 of 11
a sea (as breaking in noisy surf) or large body of water; specifically (with the article), the mediterranean sea; sometimes a large river, or an artif
קְלָעִ֖ים
shall be hangings
H7050
קְלָעִ֖ים
shall be hangings
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
5 of 11
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
אַמָּ֑ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֑ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
7 of 11
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
עַמֻּֽדֵיהֶ֣ם
their pillars
H5982
עַמֻּֽדֵיהֶ֣ם
their pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
8 of 11
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
Historical Context
The west end formed the courtyard's back wall, directly behind the tabernacle. Worshipers entering from the east would pass the altar, approach the laver, and see the tabernacle entrance with this wall as the entire complex's western boundary.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the 'completeness' (ten) of the foundation behind the holiest place teach about God's character?
- How does the courtyard's ordered design (2:1 ratio) reflect divine wisdom and beauty?
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Analysis & Commentary
The west end (rear) spans 50 cubits with ten pillars and ten sockets. Half as wide as the length (50 vs. 100), the courtyard forms a 2:1 rectangle. The number ten represents completeness; the west wall (behind the Most Holy Place) stands on complete foundation. This wall, most distant from the entrance, backs the holiest location—suggesting that God's deepest holiness rests on complete, perfect foundation.