What is the meaning of Exodus 38:9? Then he constructed the courtyard – The word “Then” places this work in a real, historical sequence, coming after the completion of the tabernacle’s inner furnishings (Exodus 37). – “He” points to Bezalel and the craftsmen who were “filled with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability for every kind of craftsmanship” (Exodus 35:31). – Obedience stands out: God had said, “You must make the tabernacle and design all its furnishings according to the pattern I will show you” (Exodus 25:9). – The courtyard marked a clear, physical boundary between what was common and what was holy, previewing the call in 2 Corinthians 6:17 to “come out from among them and be separate.” – Hebrews 8:5 reminds us that these earthly structures were “a copy and shadow of what is in heaven,” underscoring both their literal reality and their spiritual purpose. The south side of the courtyard was a hundred cubits long – One hundred cubits equals about 150 feet (45 meters), demonstrating that God cares about exact dimensions. Exodus 27:18 repeats the measurement, showing that Moses recorded it twice for emphasis. – Such precision teaches: • Worship must be done “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24) and also with order and clarity (1 Corinthians 14:40). • God’s people camped in orderly rows around this space (Numbers 2), highlighting community life centered on God’s presence. – Physically large yet still finite, the courtyard hinted that while “the highest heaven cannot contain” God (1 Kings 8:27), He graciously draws near in a defined, accessible way. and had curtains of finely spun linen – Linen was strong, light, and brilliant white—fitting symbols of purity. Exodus 26:1 speaks of the same material inside the tabernacle, tying inner holiness to outer witness. – Revelation 19:8 connects linen with righteousness: “For the fine linen she wears is the righteous acts of the saints.” – The curtains formed a protective screen, shielding worshipers from distraction and emphasizing that approach to the altar must be through God-given covering. – Isaiah 1:18 comforts sinners with the promise, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow,” a truth pictured by these white hangings. – Ultimately, Christ “was made to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21); He is our true and better linen covering. summary Exodus 38:9 records real craftsmanship carried out exactly as God commanded. The building of the courtyard, its precise 100-cubit length, and its gleaming linen curtains all proclaim that the Lord desires ordered, holy worship and provides the means to make it possible. The passage points forward to Christ, whose righteous covering now welcomes believers into God’s presence with both reverence and confidence. |
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