(37) Five pillars.--The odd number is surprising, especially compared with the "four pillars" of the interior (Exodus 26:32), until we remember that a tent such as that described must have a pillar, or tent-pole, in the middle of its gable-end, and an equal number of supports on either side. It is, in fact, this fifth pillar which, together with the use of the word 'ohel, gives to the tent theory of Mr. Fergusson, now generally adopted, its solid basis. Their hooks.--The hooks from which the hanging was to be suspended. (Comp. Exodus 26:32.) Sockets of brass.--Rather, "of bronze." (See Note on Exodus 25:3.) Verse 37. - Five pillars. The central pillar was, no doubt, as Mr. Fergusson long ago pointed out, one of two tent-poles, which supported between them a ridge-pole, over which were thrown the coverings that formed the roof of the tent. Its height was probably fifteen cubits, so as to give a due slope to the roof. The two pillars nearest to the central one probably measured ten cubits, and stood in line with the two walls of the mishkan. The outer pair would then have a height of five cubits, and support the two extremities of the goats' hair covering. Their hooks. The hooks whereby the "hanging" was attached to the pillars. Compare ver. 32. Sockets of brass - i.e., of bronze. These were probably let into the ground, like the other sockets. and overlay them with gold; with plates of gold, for a gild would soon wear off by continual use in passing and repassing. This is to be understood not of the whole pillars, but of the chapiters, heads, tops, or knobs of them, and of their fillets or girdles; in some parts of them the wood appearing, as is plain from Exodus 36:38, and their hooks shall be of gold; on which the hanging, covering, or vail was hung: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them; for the pillars to stand upon them, and were of a meaner metal than those on which the pillars for the vail before mentioned; that being the entrance into the holy of holies, where the divine Majesty dwelt, this into the holy place where the priests did their service. |