“The hangings of the court, his pillars, and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court.”
Context:The book of Exodus records the events of the Israelites’ journey out of Egypt, led by Moses, and their establishment as a nation under the covenant with God. In chapters 25-40, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God’s presence would dwell among His people.
In Exodus 35, Moses gathers the people of Israel and instructs them to contribute offerings and materials for the construction of the Tabernacle and its various elements. The verse in question, Exodus 35:17, is part of the list of specific items that the skilled craftsmen among the Israelites were tasked to make.
“The hangings of the court”: The “hangings” refer to the curtains or screens that surrounded the outer courtyard of the Tabernacle. The courtyard was the outermost area where the people could gather to worship and present their offerings. The hangings provided a sense of separation between the sacred space of the Tabernacle itself and the outside world.
“His pillars and their sockets”: The hangings needed support to stand, and these were provided by pillars or posts. The pillars were likely made of wood or metal and were set into sockets or bases to hold them securely in place. These pillars formed the framework that held up the hangings and maintained the integrity of the Tabernacle’s structure.
“The hanging for the door of the court”: This refers to the entrance curtain or screen that separated the courtyard from the Holy Place within the Tabernacle. This curtain marked the boundary between the outer court and the more sacred inner areas where only priests were allowed to enter.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Separation and Holiness:The construction of the Tabernacle and its courtyard emphasizes the concept of separation between the holy and the common. It symbolises that there is a distinction between God’s presence and the outside world. This concept also teaches us about the holiness of God and the importance of approaching Him with reverence and respect.
- Unity and Collaboration:The construction of the Tabernacle required the combined efforts of the entire community. Each person contributed according to their abilities, and skilled craftsmen played a vital role. This highlights the importance of unity within the body of believers and the value of diverse talents and skills in service to God.
- Access to God:The hanging at the entrance of the courtyard reminds us of the access we have to God through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as “the door” (John 10:9), signifying that He is the way to the Father. The entrance curtain also foreshadows the tearing of the veil in the Temple when Jesus was crucified, symbolising that through His sacrifice, believers have direct access to God (Matthew 27:51).
In conclusion, Exodus 35:17 may seem like a straightforward description of the Tabernacle’s construction, but it carries significant spiritual lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the holiness of God, the importance of unity and collaboration in God’s work, and the access we have to Him through Jesus Christ.
