“And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.”
Context:The Book of Exodus narrates the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and the establishment of their covenant with God. After the Israelites received the Ten Commandments and other laws at Mount Sinai, they were instructed to construct a Tabernacle as a place of worship and a symbol of God’s presence among them. The construction of the Tabernacle was described in great detail in the latter part of the book, including the materials, dimensions, and specific elements that made up the sanctuary.
Exodus 36:38 is part of the description of the gate of the court surrounding the Tabernacle. This gate served as an entrance and exit for the priests and the people into the outer court, the first section of the Tabernacle compound.
Several key points can be drawn from this verse:
- Craftsmanship and Detail: The verse highlights the exquisite craftsmanship involved in making the gate’s hanging. The gate’s needlework was composed of various colours, including blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. These colours were often associated with royalty, nobility, and divine symbolism, signifying the importance and holiness of the Tabernacle.
- Symbolism: The gate and the entire Tabernacle were symbolic representations of God’s dwelling among His people. The attention to detail and the use of sacred colours underscored the significance of God’s presence and the Israelites’ approach to Him with reverence and awe.
- Inclusivity and Access: The gate allowed access to the outer court, demonstrating God’s desire for the Israelites to approach Him. This symbolism would later find its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ, who proclaimed Himself as the gate or door for His sheep (John 10:7-9), signifying that through Him, people have access to God.
- Consistency and Unity: The dimensions of the gate’s hanging (twenty cubits in length and five cubits in height) were consistent with the dimensions of the other hangings surrounding the court. This consistency emphasised unity in design and purpose throughout the entire Tabernacle.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Excellence in Worship: The meticulous craftsmanship and the materials used for the gate’s hanging remind us of the importance of offering our best in worship and service to God. Just as the Israelites were committed to constructing the Tabernacle with excellence, we should also seek to serve God with all our hearts, giving Him our best in every aspect of our lives.
- Access to God through Christ: The gate’s function as an entrance points to the truth that access to God is made possible through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus declared Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provided the means for humanity to approach God with confidence and find forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.
- Unity and Community: The consistent dimensions of the gate and the surrounding hangings teach us the value of unity within the community of believers. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to maintain harmony and work together in the service of God, fulfilling His purposes with a shared sense of direction.
