Exodus 38:9
And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
And he made
H6213
וַיַּ֖עַשׂ
And he made
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
1 of 12
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֶֽחָצֵר֙
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵר֙
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
3 of 12
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
לִפְאַ֣ת׀
side
H6285
לִפְאַ֣ת׀
side
Strong's:
H6285
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, mouth in a figurative sense, i.e., direction, region, extremity
נֶ֣גֶב
on the south
H5045
נֶ֣גֶב
on the south
Strong's:
H5045
Word #:
5 of 12
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
תֵּימָ֗נָה
southward
H8486
תֵּימָ֗נָה
southward
Strong's:
H8486
Word #:
6 of 12
the south (as being on the right hand of a person facing the east)
קַלְעֵ֤י
the hangings
H7050
קַלְעֵ֤י
the hangings
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
7 of 12
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
הֶֽחָצֵר֙
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵר֙
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
8 of 12
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
H8336
שֵׁ֣שׁ
linen
Strong's:
H8336
Word #:
9 of 12
bleached stuff, i.e., white linen or (by analogy) marble
Historical Context
The courtyard measured 100 × 50 cubits (approximately 150' × 75'), enclosed by white linen curtains hanging from bronze pillars. This outdoor area contained the bronze altar and laver, while the tabernacle itself stood at the western end. The white curtains visible from outside proclaimed holiness and invited approach through the gate.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the linen boundary (substantial yet permeable) teach about separation from the world while remaining accessible?
- How do believers as 'living stones' forming walls around God's presence fulfill the courtyard's function today?
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Analysis & Commentary
The court of the tabernacle (חֲצַר הַמִּשְׁכָּן, chatzer ha-mishkan) begins with the south side—fine twisted linen hangings (קְלָעִים שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, kela'im shesh mashzar) of hundred cubits (approximately 150 feet). White linen representing purity and righteousness creates visible boundary between holy space and common area, teaching that God's dwelling requires separation from the world. The extensive length (100 cubits) demonstrates that holiness boundaries are substantial, not token gestures. This enclosure anticipates believers as 'living stones' (1 Peter 2:5) forming walls around God's presence.