Exodus 40:8
And thou shalt set up the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate.
Original Language Analysis
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥
And thou shalt set up
H7760
וְשַׂמְתָּ֥
And thou shalt set up
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
1 of 9
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הֶֽחָצֵֽר׃
at the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵֽר׃
at the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
3 of 9
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
סָבִ֑יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֑יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
4 of 9
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔
and hang up
H5414
וְנָ֣תַתָּ֔
and hang up
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Exodus 40:33And 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.1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.Matthew 16:18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Historical Context
The courtyard's 150 feet by 75 feet dimensions created substantial sacred space accessible to all Israel (not just priests). The white linen hangings' height (7.5 feet) prevented casual observation of tabernacle activities from outside while allowing smoke from the bronze altar to ascend visibly.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the courtyard boundaries teach the church's call to be separate yet accessible?
- What does the single gate entrance teach about Christ's exclusive claim to be the way to God?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The courtyard hangings 'round about' with its gate hanging establish sacred boundaries. The white linen curtains separated holy space from common camp, teaching that God's dwelling requires separation from profanity. The courtyard's enclosure, surrounding tabernacle and altar, defined where sacrifice and worship occurred. This prefigures the church's call to be 'separate' (2 Corinthians 6:17) while existing in the world. The gate—singular entry point—prefigures Christ, the only door to the Father (John 10:9; 14:6).