Numbers 3:26
And the hangings of the court, and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and the cords of it for all the service thereof.
Original Language Analysis
וְקַלְעֵ֣י
And the hangings
H7050
וְקַלְעֵ֣י
And the hangings
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
1 of 16
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
2 of 16
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
פֶּ֣תַח
for the door
H6607
פֶּ֣תַח
for the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
5 of 16
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
of the court
H2691
הֶֽחָצֵ֔ר
of the court
Strong's:
H2691
Word #:
6 of 16
a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֧ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 16
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
which is by the tabernacle
H4908
הַמִּשְׁכָּ֛ן
which is by the tabernacle
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
9 of 16
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
10 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סָבִ֑יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֑יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
12 of 16
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וְאֵת֙
H853
וְאֵת֙
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מֵֽיתָרָ֔יו
and the cords
H4340
מֵֽיתָרָ֔יו
and the cords
Strong's:
H4340
Word #:
14 of 16
a cord (of a tent); or the string (of a bow)
Historical Context
The courtyard hangings created a 100 cubit by 50 cubit enclosure (Exodus 27:9-18) using fine twisted linen suspended from bronze and silver pillars. This visible boundary reminded Israel that God was both accessible (having a dwelling among them) and holy (requiring proper approach through the priesthood and sacrifices). The east gate faced the sunrise, symbolizing God as the source of light and life.
Questions for Reflection
- How do proper boundaries in approaching God protect both His holiness and our spiritual wellbeing?
- In what ways can you faithfully fulfill responsibilities that may seem small but contribute to the larger work of God's kingdom?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Gershonites' responsibility for the tabernacle courtyard hangings and gate emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper boundaries around sacred space. The courtyard separated common space from holy space, teaching Israel that approaching God required recognition of His transcendent holiness. Every cord and pin served a purpose in maintaining the structure's integrity, illustrating how seemingly minor faithful service matters in God's kingdom. No task in service of God's house is insignificant.