Exodus 27:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: "You shall make the court of the tabernacle. On the south side the court shall have hangings of fine twined linen a hundred cubits long for one side.

NIV: "Make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains of finely twisted linen,

NASB: Now you shall make the courtyard of the tabernacle. On the south side there shall be hangings for the courtyard of fine twisted linen, a hundred cubits long for one side;

CSB: "You are to make the courtyard for the tabernacle. Make hangings for the south side of the courtyard out of finely spun linen, 150 feet long on that side

NLT: Then make the courtyard for the Tabernacle, enclosed with curtains made of finely woven linen. On the south side, make the curtains 150 feet long.

KJV: And thou shalt make the court of the tabernacle: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen of an hundred cubits long for one side:

NKJV: “You shall also make the court of the tabernacle. For the south side there shall be hangings for the court made of fine woven linen, one hundred cubits long for one side.

Exodus 27:9–19 details the outdoor courtyard surrounding the tabernacle (Exodus 26). This space is 100 cubits long and 50 cubits wide with walls 5 cubits tall. The walls are sheets of linen. These are suspended from bronze posts with silver hooks. The east border is the same except for an opening 20 cubits wide, covered by a linen curtain suspended from four pillars.

This passage describes more components of the tabernacle (Exodus 25:8–9). These include a bronze altar for burnt sacrifices. The tabernacle itself (Exodus 26) sits inside a courtyard marked by hanging linens. This area is also home to a basin to be explained later (Exodus 30:17–18).

The Lord is describing the sanctuary (Exodus 25:8–9) and sacred objects which Israel is to build. Chapter 25 included the ark, a sacred table, and a lampstand. Chapter 26 described the tabernacle itself, made of wooden scaffolds, linen, and animal skins. This passage depicts the bronze altar, courtyard walls, and lamp oil. Future chapters will discuss priestly concerns, an incense altar, and other regulations.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.