WALLS MADE FROM TWISTED FINE LINEN, NOT GOAT’S HAIR. WALLS ARE 150 feet or 45.7 meters X 75 feet or 22.9 meters. EACH CURTAIN IS 22.5 feet or 6.9 METERS LONG AND 7.5 feet or 2.3 meters HIGH. THE GATE IS 30 feet or 9.1 METERS.
Exodus 27:9 – 19 “You are also to make a courtyard for the tabernacle. On the south side of the courtyard make curtains of finely spun linen, a hundred cubits long on one side, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and silver hooks and bands on the posts. Likewise there are to be curtains on the north side, a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. The curtains on the west side of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide, with ten posts and ten bases. The east side of the courtyard, toward the sunrise, is to be fifty cubits wide. Make the curtains on one side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases, and the curtains on the other side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases. The gate of the courtyard shall be twenty cubits long, with a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It shall have four posts and four bases. All the posts around the courtyard shall have silver bands, silver hooks, and bronze bases. The entire courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely spun linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. All the utensils of the tabernacle for every use, including all its tent pegs and the tent pegs of the courtyard, shall be made of bronze.”
While we can understand that the actual place of worship itself would be made of costly materials, it is mind – boggling to realize that God is demanding that even the courtyard be enclosed in “fine twisted linen,” NOT goat’s hair as the artist who designed this diagram has erroneously indicated. (Dennis Prager, quoting the Jewish Torah, also indicates that the curtains are linen and NOT goat’s hair.)
The posts are to be made of acacia wood with bronze bases, bands of silver around the posts, and silver hooks to fasten the curtains. The curtains for the gate are to be woven in the same fashion as the innermost layer of the curtains covering the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. The gates are fashioned so that anybody entering realizes that they are entering a holy place and will not barge in without thinking. All the utensils and even the tent pegs must be cast from bronze, a durable metal that will stand up under long years of abuse.
When the Israelites saw these fine linen curtains gleaming in the mornign sun, they must have had a vision of the purity and beauty of God. The material for the courtyard curtains is far nicer than anything the Israelites were wearing.
One matter on which God does not give instructions is the housekeeping challenges: what happens when these curtains get dirty? The Israelites are in an area with blowing sand, high winds, and lots of dirt. The white linen curtains are made partially to indicate the precious nature of a relationship with God and partially to indicated God’s purety and His holiness. The white linen curtains also symbolizes the need for men to confess their sins and to repent before worshiping God. But how white will these curtains be after being carried around the wilderness for some time? Each curtain is 22.5 feet long by 7.5 feet high. That’s 168.75 square feet for each of the large curtains! There is no mention of women entering any part of the enclosure. Do they have to go down the line with basins of soap and water?
Those caring for linen today recommend washing with soap and cold water and drying in the sun or tumble drying it. So even though the water supply can be a challenge at times, those curtains have to be washed regularly. Later on, God orders Moses to nake fine linen garments for the priests, adding more to the wash day challenges.
APPLICATION: How much effort are you willing to make to worship God? In 2 Samuel 24:24 King David said, “I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” As we study the tabernacle, one thing becomes exceedingly clear: this structure took a great deal of care to maintain it! There must have been times when some of the linen wore out and had to be repaired or completely re – woven. Every time the Israelites moved, certain groups were tasked with carrying specific items however far they would walk that day. And there was a continual need for oil, for incense, for animals for sacrifices, etc.
Compare all the things the Israelites did with what we do today. As a result of the recent pandemic, many churches now have online services; however, these churches have found that people may watch their services but feel no need to donate money so those services can continue.
Am I urging that people invest all their time in buildings? Far from it! My husband and I have been members of several groups that met in homes or schools, using their money to help those in need. In such cases, giving becomes a form of worship. But sitting comfortably before a TV or a computer, tablet, or phone screen means very little if your heart remains unchanged at the end of the program. Electronic media allow us to distance our selves to an alarming rate! May God help us to find new ways of worshiping Him and serving Him!
PRAYER: Father God, we confess that we are LAZY! Bone lazy! Impossibly lazy! Lord, set our hearts on fire for you so that we will find new means of loving you and serving you. In the matchless Name of King Jesus. Amen.
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