“And the hangings of one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.”
Context:Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Torah, which includes the first five books (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). It narrates the history of the Israelites, specifically focusing on their deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, we are in the section where the construction of the Tabernacle is being described. The Tabernacle was a portable sanctuary built as a place of worship and connection with God during the Israelites’ desert journey.
Verse Breakdown:
“And the hangings of one side of the gate were fifteen cubits”: The “hangings” refer to the curtains or screens that surrounded the Tabernacle courtyard. Here, it specifically refers to the side of the courtyard that faced a gate. The length of these hangings on one side was fifteen cubits.
“Their pillars three”: There were three pillars used to support the hangings on this side of the gate. These pillars likely stood vertically to hold up the curtains, creating a demarcation between the sacred space within the courtyard and the outer surroundings.
“And their sockets three”: The pillars were securely placed into sockets or bases. These bases provided stability and kept the pillars firmly in place, ensuring the integrity of the Tabernacle structure.
Meaning and Symbolism:
Order and Precision: The careful measurements and construction of the Tabernacle emphasize the importance of order and precision in worship and service to God. Every aspect of the Tabernacle’s design was prescribed by God to demonstrate His holiness and the Israelites’ need for obedience.
The Gate: The gate of the Tabernacle held significant symbolism. Jesus later referred to Himself as the gate or door in John 10:9, signifying that He is the way to God and eternal life. In the Tabernacle’s context, the gate served as the entrance to the sacred space where the Israelites could approach God.
Fifteen Cubits: The number fifteen is a multiple of three (3 x 5). In biblical numerology, the number three often represents divine perfection, completeness, and the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The number five is associated with God’s grace and favour. So, fifteen cubits may symbolise God’s complete and gracious provision for access to His presence.
Pillars and Sockets: The pillars and their sockets represent stability and support. In a spiritual sense, they could symbolise the strength and foundation of our faith in God. As believers, we must have a firm foundation in Christ and rely on His strength to stand strong in our Christian walk.
Application:
While Exodus 38:14 primarily deals with the specific measurements and construction of the Tabernacle, we can draw several practical applications from this passage:
- Attention to Detail: Just as God was concerned about the smallest details in the construction of the Tabernacle, we should pay attention to the details of our lives and seek to live in obedience to God’s Word.
- Approaching God: Just as the gate was the entry point to the Tabernacle, Jesus is the gate to a relationship with God. We must approach God through faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as our Saviour and Lord.
- Stability in Faith: The pillars and sockets symbolise the stability of our faith. We should anchor ourselves in God’s truth, relying on His strength to overcome challenges and remain steadfast in our Christian journey.
- God’s Grace: The number fifteen’s connection to God’s grace reminds us of His unmerited favour and love towards us. We should be grateful for God’s grace and extend grace to others in our interactions.
In conclusion, Exodus 38:14 offers more than just a description of the Tabernacle’s construction. It provides valuable insights into worship, faith, and our relationship with God, inspiring us to approach Him with reverence, precision, and gratitude.
