“And for the gate of the court shall be an hanging of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework: and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four.”
Context: All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen. Exodus 38:16 (KJV)
This verse is part of the detailed description of the construction of the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites built in the wilderness under the guidance of God. The tabernacle was the central place of worship and the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
Let’s break down the verse and explore its significance:
“And for the gate of the court shall be a hanging of twenty cubits…”:
The “gate of the court” refers to the entrance to the outer court of the tabernacle. In this context the “gate of the court” is the point through which worshippers entered the sacred area.
The “hanging” is the piece of fabric that covered the entrance.
“…of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twine linen, wrought with needlework…”:
Blue: the meaning of blue is associated with heaven and the divine realm.
Purple: the meaning of purple is linked to royalty and authority.
Scarlet: the meaning of scarlet points to sacrifice and redemption.
Fine twined linen: the meaning of fine twined linen signifies purity and righteousness.
“and their pillars shall be four, and their sockets four.”
Access to God: The gate’s hanging, with its colors and materials, points to Jesus Christ as the only way to approach God and receive salvation.
In John 14:6, Jesus declared Himself as “the way, the truth, and the life,” emphasizing that only through Him can we have access to the Father.
God’s Holiness and Majesty: The materials and colors used in the gate’s hanging remind us of God’s holiness and majesty. As we approach God, we must do so with reverence and awe, acknowledging His sovereignty and divine nature.
The Sacrifice of Christ: The scarlet color in the hanging foreshadows the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. His shed blood provides the atonement for our sins, making it possible for us to have a relationship with God.
Universality of Salvation: The four pillars and their sockets signify that God’s salvation is available to all people, regardless of their background or nationality. In Christ, there is no distinction, and everyone can come to God through faith.
