The Tabernacle Courtyard served as the outer enclosure of the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Detailed instructions for its construction are found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 27:9-19 and Exodus 38:9-20. The courtyard was a significant component of the Tabernacle complex, symbolizing the separation between the holy presence of God and the common world, while also providing a space for worship and sacrifice.

Structure and Dimensions

The Tabernacle Courtyard was a rectangular area measuring 100 cubits in length and 50 cubits in width (approximately 150 feet by 75 feet). It was enclosed by a fence made of fine twisted linen curtains, supported by 20 pillars on the north and south sides, and 10 pillars on the east and west sides. Each pillar was set in a bronze base and topped with silver bands and hooks, as described in Exodus 27:10-11: "with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts."

The entrance to the courtyard was located on the east side, consisting of a 20-cubit wide curtain made of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely twisted linen, as stated in Exodus 27:16: "For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, woven with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen, with four posts and four bases."

Significance and Function

The Tabernacle Courtyard was the designated area for the Israelites to bring their offerings and sacrifices to God. It contained two primary pieces of furniture: the Bronze Altar and the Bronze Basin. The Bronze Altar, also known as the Altar of Burnt Offering, was used for animal sacrifices, symbolizing atonement and reconciliation with God. Exodus 27:1-8 provides the specifications for the altar, emphasizing its central role in the sacrificial system.

The Bronze Basin, placed between the altar and the entrance to the Tabernacle, was used by the priests for ceremonial washing before performing their duties, as described in Exodus 30:18-21. This act of purification underscored the holiness required to approach God.

Theological Implications

The Tabernacle Courtyard represented the initial stage of approaching God, accessible to all Israelites who sought to worship and offer sacrifices. It illustrated the concept of holiness and the need for atonement, as the people could not enter the Holy Place or the Most Holy Place without mediation by the priests. The courtyard's design and function highlighted the separation between God and humanity due to sin, while also providing a means for reconciliation through the sacrificial system.

The Tabernacle Courtyard, with its emphasis on sacrifice and purification, foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, according to Christian theology, fulfilled the sacrificial system and provided direct access to God for believers. As stated in Hebrews 10:19-22 , "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."