Exodus 39:40
The hangings of the court, his pillars, and his sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, his cords, and his pins, and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation,
Original Language Analysis
אֵת֩
H853
אֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
קַלְעֵ֨י
The hangings
H7050
קַלְעֵ֨י
The hangings
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
2 of 21
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
for the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
for the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
3 of 21
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עַמֻּדֶ֣יהָ
his pillars
H5982
עַמֻּדֶ֣יהָ
his pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
5 of 21
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
for the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
for the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
11 of 21
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֵ֗ת
H853
וְאֵ֗ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 21
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
16 of 21
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
כְּלֵ֛י
and all the vessels
H3627
כְּלֵ֛י
and all the vessels
Strong's:
H3627
Word #:
17 of 21
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
of the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֖ן
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
19 of 21
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
Historical Context
The courtyard's 100 cubits by 50 cubits dimensions created substantial enclosed space, protecting the tabernacle proper while allowing many worshippers in the courtyard during sacrifices. The bronze sockets' weight (totaling over 7 tons) ensured the structure's stability despite desert winds.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the courtyard boundaries teach that God's holiness requires separation from common profanity?
- What does Christ as the gate reveal about His exclusive role as the way to the Father?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The courtyard hangings (קַלְעֵי הֶחָצֵר, qal'ei heChatser) with pillars, sockets, gate hanging, cords, and pins defined sacred space, separating tabernacle from common camp. The white linen hangings symbolized holiness/separation; the bronze sockets' durability indicated enduring boundaries. The gate's embroidered hanging (multicolored like priestly garments) taught that entry requires both holiness and mediation. All these 'vessels of service' enabled tabernacle function. Christ, the door (John 10:9), provides entry to God's dwelling; the church as God's temple (1 Corinthians 3:16) maintains holy separation.