Exodus 27:12

The curtains on the west side of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide, with ten posts and ten bases.

Study Bible

The width of the courtyard on the west side shall be fifty cubits, with curtains, ten cubits high, and ten posts and ten bases
The width of the courtyard
The term "courtyard" refers to the outer area surrounding the Tabernacle, a sacred space designated for worship and sacrifice. In Hebrew, the word for courtyard is "חָצֵר" (chatser), which implies an enclosed area. This courtyard served as a boundary between the sacred and the profane, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin. It was a place where the Israelites could approach God, but only through the prescribed means, foreshadowing the coming of Christ who would bridge this separation.

on the west side
The west side of the Tabernacle courtyard was significant in its orientation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, directions held symbolic meanings. The west, in particular, was often associated with the end of the day and rest. The placement of the Tabernacle's entrance on the east, with the west as its rear, may symbolize the journey from darkness to light, from sin to redemption, as one moves towards the presence of God.

shall be fifty cubits
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The specific dimensions given by God for the Tabernacle and its courtyard emphasize His attention to detail and order. The number fifty in Scripture often symbolizes deliverance or freedom, as seen in the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25:10). Thus, the width of fifty cubits may symbolize the freedom and deliverance found in God's presence.

with curtains
The curtains, or "יְרִיעָה" (yeriah) in Hebrew, served as the walls of the courtyard. These were not solid walls but rather woven fabric, indicating both separation and accessibility. The curtains allowed light and air to pass through, symbolizing the permeable boundary between God and His people, where His holiness is both veiled and revealed.

ten cubits high
The height of ten cubits for the curtains signifies completeness and divine order, as the number ten often represents in Scripture. This height ensured that the activities within the courtyard were hidden from the outside world, preserving the sanctity of the worship and sacrifices performed there. It reminds believers of the need for reverence and respect in approaching God.

and ten posts and ten bases
The posts and bases provided the structural support for the curtains. The repetition of the number ten here reinforces the idea of divine order and completeness. Each post and base was a necessary component in maintaining the integrity of the courtyard, symbolizing the support and foundation of God's law and commandments in the life of a believer. Just as the posts upheld the curtains, so too does God's Word uphold and sustain the faith of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai.

2. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were to construct the Tabernacle as a place of worship during their journey through the wilderness.

3. The Tabernacle Courtyard
A sacred space surrounding the Tabernacle, where the Israelites would gather for worship and sacrifices.

4. The West Side of the Courtyard
Specifically mentioned in this verse, it was part of the larger structure that enclosed the Tabernacle.

5. The Curtains, Posts, and Bases
Elements of the Tabernacle's construction, symbolizing order, structure, and the separation between the sacred and the common.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle remind us of the importance of following God's commands precisely, as they are given for our benefit and His glory.

The Holiness of God
The structure and design of the Tabernacle, including the courtyard, reflect God's holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and respect.

Community Worship
The courtyard was a place for the community to gather, highlighting the importance of corporate worship and fellowship among believers.

Symbolism of Separation
The curtains and posts symbolize the separation between the holy and the common, reminding us of the need for purity and sanctification in our lives.

God's Presence Among His People
The Tabernacle was a tangible sign of God's presence with the Israelites, encouraging us to seek and recognize God's presence in our daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed construction of the Tabernacle, including the courtyard, reflect the character of God?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience to God's instructions in our daily lives?

3. How does the concept of the Tabernacle as a place of worship and community gathering relate to the modern church?

4. What does the separation of the sacred and the common in the Tabernacle teach us about holiness in our personal lives?

5. How can we cultivate an awareness of God's presence in our lives, similar to how the Israelites experienced His presence in the Tabernacle?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, emphasizing the importance of following God's precise directions.

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament reflects on the significance of the Tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and the heavenly sanctuary.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Paul speaks of believers as the temple of God, drawing a parallel between the physical Tabernacle and the spiritual dwelling of God within His people.