Exodus 27:9
And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:
Original Language Analysis
וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ
And thou shalt make
H6213
וְעָשִׂ֕יתָ
And thou shalt make
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 16
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֵ֖ת
H853
אֵ֖ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
לֶֽחָצֵ֜ר
for the court
H2691
לֶֽחָצֵ֜ר
for the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
3 of 16
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֑ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
4 of 16
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
לַפֵּאָ֖ה
side
H6285
לַפֵּאָ֖ה
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
נֶֽגֶב
for the south
H5045
נֶֽגֶב
for the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
6 of 16
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
תֵּ֠ימָנָה
southward
H8486
תֵּ֠ימָנָה
southward
Strong's:
H8486
Word #:
7 of 16
the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)
קְלָעִ֨ים
there shall be hangings
H7050
קְלָעִ֨ים
there shall be hangings
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
8 of 16
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
לֶֽחָצֵ֜ר
for the court
H2691
לֶֽחָצֵ֜ר
for the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
9 of 16
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
H8336
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
10 of 16
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
מֵאָ֤ה
of an hundred
H3967
מֵאָ֤ה
of an hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
12 of 16
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
בָֽאַמָּה֙
cubits
H520
בָֽאַמָּה֙
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
13 of 16
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)
Historical Context
The courtyard's dimensions created a rectangular enclosure with the tabernacle at the west end and the altar near the entrance at the east. All Israelite men could enter this courtyard to bring offerings, though only priests could approach the tabernacle itself.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's righteousness (linen walls) both define and protect God's people?
- What does the courtyard's accessibility (all Israel could enter) teach about approaching God's presence?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The courtyard (חָצֵר, chatser) surrounding the tabernacle measures 100 × 50 cubits (approximately 150' × 75'), enclosed by fine linen hangings. This courtyard creates consecrated space—distinct from common ground yet accessible to all Israel. The white linen (righteousness) walls define boundaries between holy and common. They separate without hiding; transparency allows viewing in but creates clear demarcation. Christ's righteousness becomes the boundary defining God's people.