Exodus 27:16
The gate of the courtyard shall be twenty cubits long, with a curtain embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It shall have four posts and four bases.
For the gate of the courtyard
The "gate" here signifies an entrance, a point of access to the sacred space of the Tabernacle. In Hebrew, the word for gate is "שַׁעַר" (sha'ar), which often denotes a place of decision or transition. The courtyard gate was the only way into the Tabernacle, symbolizing that there is one way to approach God, foreshadowing the New Testament teaching that Christ is the way to the Father (John 14:6).

there is to be a curtain
The "curtain" (Hebrew: "מָסָךְ", masak) served as a barrier, yet also as a means of entry. It represents the separation between the holy and the common, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. The curtain's presence reminds us of the holiness of God and the need for purity when approaching Him.

twenty cubits long
A "cubit" is an ancient measurement roughly equivalent to the length of a forearm, about 18 inches. Thus, twenty cubits would be approximately 30 feet. The specific dimensions indicate God's precise instructions for worship, emphasizing that approaching God is not a matter of human invention but divine revelation.

woven of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn
The colors "blue, purple, and scarlet" are significant in biblical symbolism. Blue often represents heaven or divinity, purple signifies royalty, and scarlet denotes sacrifice or atonement. Together, these colors woven into the curtain reflect the divine nature, kingship, and sacrificial work of Christ, who fulfills the law and the prophets.

and finely spun linen
"Finely spun linen" (Hebrew: "שֵׁשׁ", shesh) was a high-quality fabric, symbolizing purity and righteousness. Linen was used for priestly garments, indicating that those who serve God must be clothed in righteousness. This points to the righteousness of Christ, imputed to believers.

with four posts and four bases
The "four posts and four bases" provide structure and support for the curtain. The number four often symbolizes universality or completeness in Scripture, suggesting that the invitation to enter God's presence is extended to all who come through the prescribed way. The posts and bases ensure stability, reflecting the unchanging nature of God's covenant and His faithfulness to His promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Tabernacle Courtyard
The courtyard was the outer area surrounding the Tabernacle, serving as a place for the Israelites to gather and offer sacrifices. It was a sacred space that separated the holy from the common.

2. The Gate of the Courtyard
This was the entrance to the Tabernacle's courtyard, symbolizing access to God's presence. The gate was distinctively designed with specific colors and materials.

3. Moses
As the leader of the Israelites, Moses received the instructions for the Tabernacle from God on Mount Sinai and communicated them to the people.

4. The Israelites
God's chosen people, who were to construct the Tabernacle according to the divine instructions given to Moses.

5. The Priests
Descendants of Aaron, responsible for ministering in the Tabernacle and facilitating the people's worship and sacrifices.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Colors
The blue, purple, and scarlet yarns used in the gate's curtain symbolize heavenly authority, royalty, and sacrifice. Reflect on how these attributes are fulfilled in Christ and how they should influence our worship and daily lives.

Access to God
The gate of the courtyard was the only entrance, symbolizing the exclusivity of access to God. In the New Testament, Jesus is the only way to the Father. Consider how this truth impacts our understanding of salvation and evangelism.

Holiness and Separation
The courtyard gate marked a boundary between the sacred and the common. As believers, we are called to live lives that are set apart for God, maintaining holiness in our conduct.

Obedience to God's Instructions
The detailed instructions for the Tabernacle, including the gate, highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands. Reflect on areas in your life where you need to align more closely with God's will.

Community Worship
The courtyard was a communal space for worship. Consider the importance of gathering with other believers for worship and how it strengthens our faith and witness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the colors used in the gate's curtain (blue, purple, and scarlet) reflect the character and work of Christ in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the concept of a single gate to the Tabernacle courtyard parallel Jesus' teaching about being the only way to the Father?

3. How can we apply the principle of holiness and separation, as symbolized by the Tabernacle courtyard, in our modern lives?

4. What does the detailed obedience required in constructing the Tabernacle teach us about the nature of our relationship with God?

5. How does the communal aspect of worship in the Tabernacle courtyard inform our understanding of the church and its role in our spiritual lives today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 26:31-33
These verses describe the veil inside the Tabernacle, which also used blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. This connection highlights the continuity and significance of these colors in the Tabernacle's design, symbolizing royalty, divinity, and sacrifice.

John 10:9
Jesus refers to Himself as the gate, emphasizing that He is the way to access God. This connection underscores the symbolic nature of the Tabernacle gate as a precursor to Christ.

Hebrews 9:8-9
These verses discuss the symbolism of the Tabernacle and its elements, pointing to the greater reality fulfilled in Christ. The gate of the courtyard can be seen as part of this symbolic system.
The Brazen Altar and Court of the TabernacleJ. Orr Exodus 27:1-20
The Tabernacle and its TeachingsJ. Urquhart Exodus 27:1-21
Fine LinenG. Rodgers.Exodus 27:9-19
Hangings of the CourtG. Rodgers.Exodus 27:9-19
The Court of the TabernacleR. E. Sears.Exodus 27:9-19
The Gate of the CourtH. W. Soltau.Exodus 27:9-19
The Hanging of Fine LinenH. W. Soltau.Exodus 27:9-19
The PinsH. W. Soltau.Exodus 27:9-19
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Mount Sinai
Topics
Across, Bases, Best, Blue, Byssus, Colours, Court, Courtyard, Covering, Cubits, Curtain, Doorway, Embroidered, Embroiderer, Fine, Finely, Gate, Hanging, Linen, Material, Needlework, Needle-work, Pillars, Posts, Provide, Purple, Red, Scarlet, Screen, Sockets, Stuff, Twenty, Twined, Twisted, Veil, Weaver, Wrought, Yarn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 27:16

     5304   embroidery
     5392   linen

Exodus 27:9-18

     5618   measures, linear

Exodus 27:9-19

     5271   courtyard

Library
How a Private Man must Begin the Morning with Piety.
As soon as ever thou awakest in the morning, keep the door of thy heart fast shut, that no earthly thought may enter, before that God come in first; and let him, before all others, have the first place there. So all evil thoughts either will not dare to come in, or shall the easier be kept out; and the heart will more savour of piety and godliness all the day after; but if thy heart be not, at thy first waking, filled with some meditations of God and his word, and dressed, like the lamp in the tabernacle
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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