Exodus 27:9–19 “The Courtyard of the Tabernacle”

Exodus 27:9-19 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Matt Redman – Better Is One Day/ Facedown
• Make Room – Community Music
• Elevation Worship – O come to the altar

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• The tabernacle was built from Gospel project – Lesson for Kids
• Every Move I Make | Hillsong Kids | Kingdom Kids Worship with Motions – Song for Kids
• Deep Cries Out – Bethel Music Kids/ KCCNJ King’s Kids VBS Worship – Song for Kids
• Praise | Motion Video – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth arelocated in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

Next, the Lord gives instructions regarding the courtyard of the Tabernacle. The curtain fence is to be made from finely twisted linen. The southern and northern sides of the courtyard should each be one hundred cubits long (approximately 45 meters). In contrast, the western and eastern sides should be half that length, fifty cubits (approximately 23 meters).

The southern and northern curtains will be supported by twenty pillars each, and the western and eastern curtains by ten pillars each. The pillars must be spaced five cubits apart and fixed securely.

The entrance is to be located on the eastern side, and a curtain made of finely twisted linen yarn should be hung there. This courtyard gate is to be aligned in the same direction as the entrance to the Tabernacle itself.

Meditation:

The courtyard of the Tabernacle marks the boundary between the ordinary and the sacred. Outside the fence is the realm of everyday life; inside the fence is the sanctuary. The people live outside the Tabernacle—in their daily routines—but are to enter the courtyard to come before God regularly. The Tabernacle is not a place for permanent dwelling, but a place for temporary abiding. One stays there to cleanse the eyes of the soul—blurred by the world—and then return to daily life. It is so that one may live in the world with a heart that abides by the sanctuary.

Strictly speaking, God’s presence remains the same inside or outside the Tabernacle. The reason the Tabernacle is built and its boundaries marked with a fence is for us, humans, who are creatures shaped by our surroundings. If we do not enter the sanctuary and renew our awareness of God’s presence, we will too easily forget God and live as though He were not present in the world. God is equally present inside and outside the sanctuary, but by creating a distinct and visible boundary, He helps us not forget His presence.

Asaph began questioning God’s existence as he observed the wicked’s prosperity and the righteous’s suffering. Witnessing the injustice of everyday life, he came dangerously close to losing his faith. His decision to enter the sanctuary kept him from crossing that line of doubt and disbelief. He confesses, “But it was when I entered the sanctuary of God that I finally understood the destiny of the wicked” (Psalm 73:17).

This is why we must establish sanctuaries within the spaces where we live. A church building is a sanctuary within daily life. If you have set aside a prayer room in your home, that too is a sanctuary in your daily life. We must also create sanctuaries within our time. Dedicating one hour each day to God and worshiping on Sundays creates a sanctuary in time. Our lives must be centered and ordered around the sanctuary. If the sanctuary is neglected, our daily life also falls into disorder. We must draw a clear boundary between the sacred and the ordinary so that the line does not become blurred.

Prayer:

Lord, I will firmly establish a sanctuary in the midst of my daily life. Each day and every Sunday, I will faithfully keep a sanctuary in time. Let our hearts be filled with joy as we seek the sanctuary and make our steps light as we return to our everyday lives. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: God invites us to build “sanctuaries” in our daily lives—special times and spaces where we remember His presence. These moments help us see the world clearly, grow in faith, and live purposefully.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What is something special you can do each day to think about God?
  • Why do you think God wants us to visit Him in worship, even if He is with us all the time?
  • Can you think of a place at home (like your room or a quiet corner) where you can talk to God?
    
• For Youth
  • When do you feel closest to God—at church, at home, or somewhere else? Why?
  • What helps you remember that God is with you during your normal daily life?
  • How can you create a “sanctuary” in your schedule that allows time for prayer, reflection, or quiet with God?