Exodus 38:17
And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָֽאֲדָנִ֣ים
And the sockets
H134
וְהָֽאֲדָנִ֣ים
And the sockets
Strong's:
H134
Word #:
1 of 16
a basis (of a building, a column, etc.)
עַמֻּדֵ֥י
and all the pillars
H5982
עַמֻּדֵ֥י
and all the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
2 of 16
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
נְחֹשֶׁת֒
were of brass
H5178
נְחֹשֶׁת֒
were of brass
Strong's:
H5178
Word #:
3 of 16
copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)
עַמֻּדֵ֥י
and all the pillars
H5982
עַמֻּדֵ֥י
and all the pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
5 of 16
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
וַחֲשֽׁוּקֵיהֶם֙
and their fillets
H2838
וַחֲשֽׁוּקֵיהֶם֙
and their fillets
Strong's:
H2838
Word #:
6 of 16
attached, i.e., a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
H3701
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
7 of 16
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם
of their chapiters
H7218
רָֽאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם
of their chapiters
Strong's:
H7218
Word #:
9 of 16
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
H3701
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
10 of 16
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
מְחֻשָּׁקִ֣ים
were filleted
H2836
מְחֻשָּׁקִ֣ים
were filleted
Strong's:
H2836
Word #:
12 of 16
to cling, i.e., join, (figuratively) to love, delight in; elliptically; to deliver
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
H3701
כֶּ֔סֶף
of silver
Strong's:
H3701
Word #:
13 of 16
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
כֹּ֖ל
H3605
כֹּ֖ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
The four pillars, spaced across the twenty-cubit gate, supported the heavier embroidered curtain. Bronze sockets (matching the altar and laver) in the courtyard contrasted with silver sockets (redemption) in the tabernacle proper, demonstrating progressive degrees of holiness. The gate's durability ensured continuous access throughout Israel's wilderness journey.
Questions for Reflection
- What do four pillars (versus three on sides) teach about God reinforcing the entrance to ensure continued access?
- How do bronze sockets even under the beautiful gate illustrate that all access acknowledges judgment satisfied through sacrifice?
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Analysis & Commentary
Four pillars and four bronze sockets for the gate demonstrate stability and universality (four directions, four corners of earth) in the entrance to God's dwelling. Four pillars (versus three on each side section) provide extra support for the heavier embroidered curtain, teaching that the way into God's presence, though singular, receives special reinforcement. This substantial entrance structure ensures that access remains available—the gate won't collapse under traffic of all who enter. The bronze sockets (judgment) foundation even under the beautiful gate teaches that entrance still acknowledges judgment, now satisfied through sacrifice.