The Courtyard

The Courtyard
Words of Faith 2-9-2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2023
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Exodus 27
[9] "Make a courtyard for the Tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains of finely twisted linen, [10] with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. [11] The north side shall also be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. [12] "The west end of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide and have curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. [13] On the east end, toward the sunrise, the courtyard shall also be fifty cubits wide. [14] Curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on one side of the entrance, with three posts and three bases, [15] and curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on the other side, with three posts and three bases. [16] "For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen--the work of an embroiderer--with four posts and four bases. [17] All the posts around the courtyard are to have silver bands and hooks, and bronze bases. [18] The courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely twisted linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. [19] All the other articles used in the service of the Tabernacle, whatever their function, including all the tent pegs for it and those for the courtyard, are to be of bronze.

The Scripture paints the picture of the Tabernacle working from the innermost point outward. The "heart" of the Tabernacle was, of course, the holy of holies containing the Ark of the Covenant. Outside that inmost point was the holy place with a table of showbread and the seven branch menorah made of gold. There was a larger courtyard beyond that.
The tabernacle complex was a rectangle that was 75' x 150'. The outer wall was made of linen curtains supported on posts set into bronze bases. Silver hooks held the curtains. Everything was kept tight with the use of bronze tent pegs.
The colors of the hanging curtains foreshadow the coming of Christ. Blue is the color of heaven and reminds us that Christ comes from heaven. Scarlet reminds us of the humanity of Christ in the blood that he shed for humanity. Purple is a blending of blue and scarlet and is also the color of royalty. It speaks of the kingship of Christ. This gate welcomed entrance into the place of God's dwelling among his people.
This basic design was carried over into the structure of Solomon's Temple after the city of David was established in Jerusalem as the capital. These "courts" would later be separated, so there was a place for Gentiles and then Jews, priests, and a court for women. There were no such separations in the early days of the Tabernacle because the entrance was primarily for priests and Levites to offer prayers and sacrifices on behalf of the people.
Most worship structures reflect some of these same designs. Traditional churches have a narthex and outer court of sorts. In modern terms, it is the lobby and the transition place between the secular world and entry into the holiness of God.
Most of all, the courtyard reminds us that we approach God slowly and carefully. We come into his presence with thanksgiving in our hearts. We come into his courts with praise. We approach while meditating upon the word of God. Coming to meet God is not a rushed experience.

Father God, may I be found entering carefully into Your presence and slowly into your sight. I come with thanksgiving in my heart and praise upon my lips. Cleanse my heart and my hands as I come before You. In Jesus' Name.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2023
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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The Words of Faith devotion is published five days a week by E-mail, excluding Federal holidays. Please feel free to forward this devotion to a friend who might be blessed by this devotion. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is quoted from the New International Version (R) of The Holy Bible. Copyright (c) 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words of Faith (c) 1997, 2023 Jeffrey D. Hoy. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this copyrighted material or use portions of it with appropriate notation of the source for non-profit purposes.