Exodus 40:33
And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.
Original Language Analysis
וַיָּ֣קֶם
And he reared up
H6965
וַיָּ֣קֶם
And he reared up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 15
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֶֽחָצֵ֑ר
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֑ר
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
3 of 15
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
סָבִיב֙
round about
H5439
סָבִיב֙
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
4 of 15
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֣ן
the tabernacle
H4908
לַמִּשְׁכָּ֣ן
the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
5 of 15
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וַיִּתֵּ֕ן
and set up
H5414
וַיִּתֵּ֕ן
and set up
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 15
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֶֽחָצֵ֑ר
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֑ר
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
11 of 15
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
וַיְכַ֥ל
finished
H3615
וַיְכַ֥ל
finished
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
12 of 15
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
Historical Context
The courtyard's substantial dimensions (150 feet by 75 feet) created sacred space accessible to all Israelites, not just priests. The single gate entrance controlled access, preventing casual or irreverent approach. The completion statement connects tabernacle (creation microcosm) to Genesis creation—both reflect God's ordered purpose.
Questions for Reflection
- How do sacred boundaries (courtyard walls) teach the church's call to be separate while remaining accessible?
- What does 'Moses finished the work' paralleling creation's completion and Christ's 'finished' reveal about redemptive history's stages?
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Analysis & Commentary
'He reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar' (וַיָּקֶם אֶת־הֶחָצֵר, vayaqem et-heChatser) establishes sacred boundaries. The courtyard's enclosure separated holy space from common camp, teaching that God's dwelling requires distinction from profanity. The phrase 'set up the hanging of the court gate' completes the boundary, creating one entry point—prefiguring Christ, the exclusive way to the Father (John 14:6). Moses' declaration 'So Moses finished the work' (וַיְכַל מֹשֶׁה אֶת־הַמְּלָאכָה, vayekhal Mosheh et-haMelakhah) echoes creation's completion (Genesis 2:1-2, וַיְכֻלּוּ, vayekhullu, were finished). Christ's 'It is finished' (John 19:30, Τετέλεσται) completes redemption.