“You shall also make the court of the tabernacle …” (Ex. 27:9)
The court that God commanded to be constructed before the tabernacle can be seen as a type of the church, enclosed and distinguished from the rest of the world. The enclosure was supported by pillars, symbolizing the stability of the church. And on these pillars hung clean linen, which could be seen as the righteousness of the saints (Rev. 19:8). These were the courts that David longed for and wanted to reside in (Ps. 84:2, 10), and into which the people of God entered with praise and thanksgiving (Ps. 100:4). This court, however, was open to only a few worshippers. But today, under the Gospel, barriers are removed and men everywhere are exhorted to pray, for there is room for all in every place to call on the name of Jesus Christ.
There were two courts separated from the sanctuary, one for the priests and the other for the rest of the people. The Levites dwelt in the first, and were the keepers of the tabernacle. The passage before us is referring to the court of the people, where they consecrated their sacrifices and offered their prayers to God. Though they were restricted to the exteriors, and thus reminded of their separation from God, the people were taught that they could be received by God by His mercy. David understood the significance of the courts when he said, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness” (Ps. 84:10).
Like so many other saints in the Bible, David longed to be in God’s presence. Even with all the veils, curtains, and the foreshadowings of truths yet to be revealed, these Old Testament saints preferred to dwell in the courts of the Lord rather than to enjoy sin for a season. Coming into the presence of God’s glory, though it remained hidden from them, was a magnificent reminder of their dependence on God, of their unworthiness to approach Him, and of His mercy in leading His people out of bondage and choosing to dwell among them. This was a great delight to those who loved the Lord, and, like them, all who long to be in God’s presence will “flourish in the courts of our God” (Ps. 92:13). As we gather for worship, may we always “enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise” (Ps. 100:4).
Read Psalm 84 and Psalm 100. Read them out loud. If you know the meter, try singing them. Get a sense of the writer’s earnestness and joy. Make the psalms your own, praying through them that you, too, will enter the courts of God with praise. Express the joy of your salvation by writing out your own praise to Him.