What does Exodus 27:15 mean?
ESV: On the other side the hangings shall be fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and three bases.
NIV: and curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on the other side, with three posts and three bases.
NASB: And for the other side there shall be hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three bases.
CSB: And make hangings 22½ feet long for the other side, including their three posts and their three bases.
NLT: The curtain on the left side will also be 22 1/2 feet long, supported by three posts set into three bases.
KJV: And on the other side shall be hangings fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.
NKJV: And on the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three sockets.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
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.
Chapter Summary:
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).
Chapter Context:
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.
Book Summary:
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.
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