(1) Overview-see the picture I've sent you 2 days ago for the courtyard
(NET) The tabernacle is an important aspect of OT theology. The writer’s pattern so far has been: ark, table, lamp, and then their container (the tabernacle); then the altar and its container (the courtyard). The courtyard is the place of worship where the people could gather—they entered God’s courts. Though the courtyard may not seem of much interest to current readers, it did interest the Israelites. Here the sacrifices were made, the choirs sang, the believers offered their praises, they had their sins forgiven, they came to pray, they appeared on the holy days, and they heard from God. It was sacred because God met them there; they left the “world” (figuratively speaking) and came into the very presence of God.
(2) The courtyard was about 1/3 the size of a American football field. It was surrounded by the hangings 150'x75'x7.5' v.18. In other words, when the people of Israel entered the courtyard (they were not able to enter further into the tabernacle. Only priests could enter) they were enclosed by the hangings. They could not see the outside because the hangings were very tall. It was the place that God dwells with man and man separate from the world.
(2) The courtyard was about 1/3 the size of a American football field. It was surrounded by the hangings 150'x75'x7.5' v.18. In other words, when the people of Israel entered the courtyard (they were not able to enter further into the tabernacle. Only priests could enter) they were enclosed by the hangings. They could not see the outside because the hangings were very tall. It was the place that God dwells with man and man separate from the world.
Reflection: Are you longing to be with God and separate from the world? Do you just want to separate this time and spend this time with God alone?
Audrey
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