Exodus 38:15 – “And curtains fifteen cubits long were on the other side of the entrance to the courtyard, with three posts and three bases.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 38:15 continues the description of the Tabernacle’s courtyard, specifically detailing the construction on the other side of the entrance. Like the previous verse, this verse tells us that the curtains on this side were fifteen cubits long (about 22.5 feet or 6.75 meters), supported by three posts set in three bases. These curtains, posts, and bases mirrored those on the opposite side of the entrance, creating a balanced and symmetrical design for the courtyard.
This symmetry in the construction of the Tabernacle’s courtyard was not just about aesthetics; it symbolized the order and harmony that were central to the worship of God. The entrance, flanked by these curtains on both sides, served as the main access point for the people to come and offer their sacrifices and worship. The care taken to ensure that both sides of the entrance were identical reflects the importance of order and balance in the approach to God’s presence.
Historical Context
The Tabernacle was constructed during the Israelites’ time in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This portable sanctuary served as the dwelling place of God among His people and was the center of their worship and religious practices. The courtyard described in Exodus 38 enclosed the Tabernacle and provided a space for the Israelites to gather, offer sacrifices, and participate in the rituals that were essential to their covenant relationship with God.
The construction of the courtyard, including the entrance, was carried out with great attention to detail, following the specific instructions given by God. The symmetrical design of the entrance, with matching curtains, posts, and bases on both sides, emphasized the importance of following God’s instructions precisely and the need for order in the place where God’s presence would dwell.
Theological Implications
Theologically, the construction of the curtains, posts, and bases on the other side of the entrance to the Tabernacle’s courtyard highlights the importance of balance and order in worship. The symmetry of the design reflects the idea that God is a God of order, not chaos, and that approaching Him requires a sense of balance and reverence. The matching curtains on either side of the entrance also symbolize the consistency and fairness of God’s character, reminding us that God’s standards and expectations are the same for all who seek Him.
The entrance to the Tabernacle’s courtyard, framed by these curtains, served as the gateway to God’s presence. This emphasizes the idea that coming into God’s presence requires intentionality and preparation. The balance and order in the construction of the entrance reflect the need for a balanced and ordered life when approaching God.
Literary Analysis
In the literary context of Exodus, this verse is part of the detailed description of the Tabernacle’s construction. The repetition of measurements, materials, and design elements throughout these passages underscores the care and precision that were required in the building of the Tabernacle. The symmetry in the design of the entrance, with identical curtains, posts, and bases on both sides, reinforces the theme of order and balance that runs throughout the construction narrative.
This attention to detail in the construction of the Tabernacle also reflects the broader biblical theme of God’s holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with reverence and respect. The careful construction of even the smallest elements of the Tabernacle, like the curtains on either side of the entrance, serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our relationship with God.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 27:15 – Provides the original instructions for constructing the curtains, posts, and bases on both sides of the entrance, emphasizing the importance of symmetry and balance in the Tabernacle’s design.
- 1 Corinthians 14:40 – Speaks of doing everything in a fitting and orderly way, reflecting the importance of order and balance in worship.
- Psalm 119:105 – Describes God’s word as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, which can be related to the idea of approaching God’s presence with intentionality and preparation.
Application for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 38:15 serves as a reminder of the importance of balance, order, and intentionality in our worship and relationship with God. Just as the curtains on either side of the Tabernacle’s entrance were symmetrical and carefully constructed, our approach to God should be marked by a sense of balance and order in our lives. This verse challenges us to examine whether our lives reflect the order and harmony that are characteristic of God’s design.
The symmetry in the construction of the Tabernacle’s entrance also reminds us of the consistency of God’s character. God’s expectations are the same for all who seek Him, and His standards do not change. This encourages us to strive for consistency in our own lives, ensuring that our actions, thoughts, and attitudes are aligned with God’s will.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His desire for order and harmony in the place where His people would come to worship Him. By giving detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle’s entrance, God was providing a way for His people to approach Him in a manner that was safe, respectful, and holy. The symmetrical design of the entrance, with matching curtains on both sides, symbolizes the balance and fairness of God’s character, showing that He is a God who is consistent and just in His dealings with His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The entrance to the Tabernacle’s courtyard, framed by matching curtains on both sides, points forward to Jesus Christ, who is described as the “way” to the Father. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Just as the entrance to the Tabernacle was the way for the Israelites to approach God’s presence, Jesus is the way for us to come into a relationship with God. The symmetry and order of the entrance reflect the perfect and unchanging nature of Christ, who provides a balanced and secure path to God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the symmetry and order in the construction of the Tabernacle’s entrance challenge us to examine the balance and order in our own lives?
- In what ways can we ensure that our approach to God is marked by intentionality, preparation, and reverence?
- What does this passage teach us about the consistency and fairness of God’s character?
- How does the symbolism of the entrance to the Tabernacle connect with Jesus’ teaching about being the way to the Father?
- How can we apply the principles of order, balance, and intentionality, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle, to our daily walk with God?
This verse encourages us to reflect on the importance of balance, order, and intentionality in our approach to God, pointing us to the ultimate fulfillment of these principles in Jesus Christ, who is the way to the Father.