The Courtyard Constructed
The skilled workers construct the courtyard around the tabernacle, marking the sacred boundary and appointed entrance into the Lord’s dwelling complex.
Exodus 38:9-20 (BSB)
9 Then he constructed the courtyard. The south side of the courtyard was a hundred cubits long and had curtains of finely spun linen,
10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.
11 The north side was also a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver.
12 The west side was fifty cubits long and had curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver.
13 And the east side, toward the sunrise, was also fifty cubits long.
14 The curtains on one side of the entrance were fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases.
15 And the curtains on the other side were also fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases as well.
16 All the curtains around the courtyard were made of finely spun linen.
17 The bases for the posts were bronze, the hooks and bands were silver, and the plating for the tops of the posts was silver. So all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver.
18 The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high,
19 with four posts and four bronze bases. Their hooks were silver, as well as the bands and the plating of their tops.
20 All the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the surrounding courtyard were bronze.
What is the big idea of Exodus 38:9-20?
The skilled workers construct the courtyard around the tabernacle, marking the sacred boundary and appointed entrance into the LORD’s dwelling complex.
How does Exodus 38:9-20 point to Christ?
Exodus 38:9-20 shows the courtyard boundary being constructed around the place of sacrifice, cleansing, and divine dwelling. The tabernacle courtyard teaches that sinners need ordered access to the holy God. The gospel reveals Christ as the true and living way, the one through whom access is opened by his blood so that God’s people may draw near with reverence and confidence.
How does Exodus 38:9-20 relate to the life and ministry of Jesus?
This passage does not directly speak of the earthly life of Jesus. Its legitimate gospel correlation is typological and canonical: the tabernacle courtyard anticipates the biblical pattern that access to God must come through a divinely appointed way, a pattern fulfilled in Christ who brings his people near to God without erasing God's holiness.
Authorial Intent
To narrate the making of the tabernacle courtyard with its linen hangings, bronze bases, silver hooks and bands, posts, entrance curtain, and tent pegs according to the LORD’s earlier instructions, establishing the ordered boundary around the altar, basin, and tent of meeting.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does the courtyard matter in the tabernacle design?
- What does the entrance curtain teach about access to God?
- How do the courtyard boundaries relate to the altar and basin inside them?
- Why does Scripture include details about posts, bases, hooks, bands, and pegs?
- How does Sinai’s boundary help us understand the sanctuary courtyard?
- How does Christ fulfill the theme of appointed access?
- Where might we need to recover reverence for God’s appointed way while proclaiming the wideness of gospel mercy?
Literary Context
Exodus 38 continues the execution phase of the tabernacle instructions. After the bronze altar and bronze basin are made, the craftsmen build the courtyard that frames those outdoor sanctuary objects and separates the holy approach-space from the surrounding camp. The passage corresponds to the earlier command in Exodus 27:9-19, but here the emphasis is not new instruction; it is faithful completion.
Historical Context
After the bronze altar and basin are made, the construction report turns to the courtyard that encloses the outer sanctuary area. This courtyard will contain the altar and basin and will surround the tent of meeting, marking Israel’s sacred approach space.
Chapter: Exodus 38
The Altar, Basin, Courtyard, and Inventory of Tabernacle Materials
The LORD’s restored people construct the altar, basin, courtyard, and material inventory of the tabernacle, showing that approach to God requires sacrifice, cleansing, ordered boundaries, and accountable stewardship.