"Then he made the court on the south side; the hangings of the court were of fine woven linen, one hundred cubits long" (Ex. 38:9).
Of the courts of the tabernacle, the psalmist wrote, “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.… Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked” (Ps. 84:2, 10 NIV); “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name” (Ps. 100:4 NIV). The sentiment of the psalmist is one of passion, joy, and delight. When he entered the courts of the tabernacle, he was entering the presence of God, not directly, but as closely as one could come under that Old Testament dispensation. But even at that distance, with fabric hanging all around, the psalmist preferred the courts of the Lord to the splendid halls of kings. Those who love the Lord would rather be in His living and glorious presence than indulge in the creaturely delights of this world.
In the tabernacle, there were two courts, one for the priests, and the other for the common people. Chambers were annexed to the first court, wherein the Levites lived and served. These keepers of the tabernacle were expected to live there. Then there was the court of the people, where sacrifices were made, prayers were offered, and the people presented themselves to God. It was in this manner that Israel was reminded of the fallen, desperate condition of man. They were forbidden to enter the temple, yet they were still required to come before God. Though the Israelites were unworthy outcasts, God received them. All they needed to do was seek Him in humility and be mindful of their own unworthiness.
When a person stepped into the court of the tabernacle, he was reminded of the greatness and majesty of God. He learned not to be presumptuous when coming into the presence of God, for it was only by God’s mercy that he could approach Him. The Bible teaches us that the ungodly cannot ascend the holy hill, that the arrogant cannot stand in His presence. Such a place is reserved for the humble, for those who have repented of their sins and have put their trust in Jesus Christ for the redemption of their souls. When we come before God in worship, it is good for us to remember how unworthy we are and how great is His goodness and mercy.
How do you approach God in worship with a humble heart? How is worship a privilege? When you go to worship this week, pray for a humble heart. When you walk into the assembly room, think of what an honor it is to come into the presence of the King of kings, and thank Him for His mercy and grace.
