Exodus 27:18

The entire courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely spun linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases.

Study Bible

The entire courtyard
The Hebrew term for "courtyard" is "חָצֵר" (chatser), which refers to an enclosed area. In the context of the Tabernacle, the courtyard served as a sacred space set apart for worship and sacrifice. Historically, this courtyard was a place where the Israelites could gather, symbolizing a communal approach to worship. It represents the idea of a designated holy space where God's presence is acknowledged and revered.

shall be a hundred cubits long
A cubit is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to 18 inches or 45 centimeters. The specification of "a hundred cubits long" indicates the grandeur and significance of the Tabernacle's courtyard. This precise measurement underscores the importance of order and structure in worship, reflecting God's nature as a God of order. It also highlights the vastness of the space, accommodating the entire community of Israel in their worship practices.

and fifty cubits wide
The width of fifty cubits complements the length, creating a rectangular shape that is both functional and symbolic. The dimensions of the courtyard were divinely ordained, emphasizing the importance of following God's instructions meticulously. This width allowed for the necessary space to perform the sacrificial rituals and for the people to gather, illustrating the inclusivity of God's covenant with His people.

with curtains of finely spun linen
The use of "finely spun linen" (שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, shesh mashzar) signifies purity and holiness. Linen was a valuable material, often associated with priestly garments and sacred objects. The curtains served as a barrier between the sacred and the profane, symbolizing the separation between God and humanity due to sin, yet also pointing to the beauty and purity required in approaching God.

five cubits high
The height of the curtains at five cubits (approximately 7.5 feet or 2.3 meters) provided a sense of enclosure and privacy, creating a distinct boundary for the sacred space. This height ensured that the activities within the courtyard were shielded from the outside world, emphasizing the sanctity of the worship conducted there. It also served as a visual reminder of the need for reverence and respect when approaching God.

with bronze bases
Bronze, or "נְחֹשֶׁת" (nechosheth) in Hebrew, was a durable and strong material, often used in the construction of the Tabernacle's furnishings. The use of bronze for the bases of the curtains signifies strength and stability, reflecting the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel. Bronze also symbolizes judgment and purification, themes central to the sacrificial system practiced within the courtyard.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

3. The Courtyard
The outer area of the Tabernacle, which was enclosed by curtains and served as a place for the Israelites to gather and offer sacrifices.

4. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were journeying to the Promised Land.

5. Mount Sinai
The mountain where Moses received the Law and the instructions for the Tabernacle from God.

Teaching Points

God's Attention to Detail
The specific dimensions and materials for the Tabernacle's courtyard reflect God's meticulous nature and His desire for order and beauty in worship.

Holiness and Separation
The courtyard's design signifies the separation between the holy and the common, reminding believers of the call to live set apart for God.

Approach to Worship
The structure of the Tabernacle, including the courtyard, teaches the importance of approaching God with reverence and according to His instructions.

Symbolism of Materials
The use of bronze, linen, and other materials in the Tabernacle points to deeper spiritual truths, such as purity, strength, and the refining process.

Community and Worship
The courtyard served as a gathering place for the Israelites, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and the importance of fellowship among believers.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the detailed design of the Tabernacle's courtyard reflect God's character and His expectations for worship?

2. In what ways can the concept of holiness and separation, as seen in the Tabernacle, be applied to our lives today?

3. How does the Tabernacle foreshadow the work of Christ and the New Covenant, as discussed in Hebrews 9?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the physical Tabernacle and the spiritual temple of believers mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:16-17?

5. How can the communal aspect of the Tabernacle's courtyard inform our understanding of the importance of fellowship in the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 25-31
These chapters provide detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, including the materials and dimensions, emphasizing the importance of following God's design.

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament discusses the significance of the Tabernacle and its elements as a foreshadowing of Christ's work 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.

Revelation 21:3
This verse highlights the ultimate fulfillment of God's desire to dwell with His people, as seen in the new heaven and new earth.