Exodus 38:18 – “The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was made of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 38:18 describes the curtain that was made for the entrance to the Tabernacle’s courtyard. This curtain, also called a gate, was distinct in its color and craftsmanship, made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, combined with finely twisted linen. It was the work of a skilled embroiderer, highlighting the importance of beauty and artistry in the construction of the Tabernacle. The curtain was twenty cubits long (about 30 feet or 9 meters) and five cubits high (about 7.5 feet or 2.3 meters), matching the height of the other curtains surrounding the courtyard.
The colorful curtain set the entrance apart from the rest of the enclosure, marking it as the only way into the courtyard where sacrifices were made and worship took place. The choice of colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—had symbolic significance, often representing royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. The curtain’s detailed craftsmanship further emphasized the sacredness of the Tabernacle and the importance of entering God’s presence with reverence.
Historical Context
The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt. This portable sanctuary served as the dwelling place of God among His people, providing a central place for worship, sacrifice, and communion with God. The courtyard was enclosed by curtains, with this specific curtain at the entrance being the most ornate and distinct.
In the ancient Near East, curtains like this one were often used to mark off sacred spaces, and the use of specific colors and materials signified the importance of the area they enclosed. The entrance to the Tabernacle’s courtyard was the only way for the Israelites to access the altar and the holy place, making it a focal point of their worship and a symbol of the proper way to approach God.
Theological Implications
Theologically, the curtain at the entrance of the Tabernacle’s courtyard symbolizes the access to God’s presence and the proper way to approach Him. The use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, along with finely twisted linen, reflects the holiness, royalty, and sacrificial nature of God’s relationship with His people. The craftsmanship of the curtain also emphasizes the idea that entering God’s presence is not something to be done casually, but with respect and reverence.
The fact that there was only one entrance to the courtyard underscores the exclusivity of the way to God. Just as the Israelites could only enter the courtyard through this gate, the Bible teaches that there is only one way to God—through Jesus Christ. This curtain, with its beautiful design and rich symbolism, points to the greater reality of Christ as the way to the Father.
Literary Analysis
In the literary context of Exodus, this verse is part of a detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. The description of the curtain, with its specific colors and materials, highlights the importance of every element in the Tabernacle’s design. The attention to detail in the crafting of the curtain reflects the care and precision that were necessary in the worship of God.
The use of specific colors—blue, purple, and scarlet—throughout the Tabernacle’s construction is consistent, reinforcing the themes of royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. These colors were not chosen randomly; they were meant to convey deep theological truths about God and His relationship with His people.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 26:36 – Describes the curtain for the entrance to the Tabernacle itself, which was made with similar materials and colors, emphasizing the consistency in the design.
- John 10:9 – Jesus says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” This connects the symbolism of the Tabernacle’s entrance with Christ as the only way to God.
- Hebrews 10:19-20 – Speaks of the “new and living way” opened for us through the curtain, which is Christ’s body, connecting the Tabernacle’s curtain with the access to God provided by Jesus.
Application for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 38:18 reminds us of the importance of approaching God with reverence and through the proper way. Just as the curtain at the entrance to the Tabernacle’s courtyard was the only way for the Israelites to enter, we too must come to God through the way He has provided—through Jesus Christ. This verse challenges us to consider whether we are entering God’s presence with the respect and honor that He deserves.
The beautiful and intricate design of the curtain also encourages us to recognize the value and significance of worshiping God in a way that reflects His holiness and majesty. Our approach to God should be marked by a recognition of His royal and divine nature, and we should strive to honor Him in every aspect of our worship and our lives.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in providing a way for His people to come into His presence. By instructing the Israelites to create a beautiful and significant curtain for the entrance to the Tabernacle’s courtyard, God was making it clear that He desired a relationship with His people, but also that this relationship required reverence, respect, and obedience to His ways. The curtain, with its rich symbolism, serves as a reminder of God’s holiness and the care He takes in providing a way for us to come to Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The curtain at the entrance of the Tabernacle’s courtyard points forward to Jesus Christ, who is described as the “gate” or “door” through which we must enter to come to God. In John 10:9, Jesus says, “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” Just as the Israelites could only enter the courtyard through the curtain, we can only come to God through Jesus. The colors of the curtain—blue, purple, and scarlet—can be seen as symbols of Christ’s royalty (purple), His divinity (blue), and His sacrifice (scarlet).
The curtain also foreshadows the tearing of the veil in the Temple at the moment of Jesus’ death, which symbolized the opening of the way to God through Christ’s sacrifice (Matthew 27:51). Through Jesus, the way to God’s presence is now open to all who believe, without the need for a physical curtain to separate us from God.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the description of the curtain at the entrance to the Tabernacle’s courtyard challenge us to think about the way we approach God in our own lives?
- In what ways can we ensure that our worship reflects the reverence and honor that God deserves?
- What does this passage teach us about the importance of following God’s instructions in our relationship with Him?
- How does the symbolism of the colors used in the curtain—blue, purple, and scarlet—enhance our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us?
- How can we apply the principles of exclusivity and reverence, as seen in the construction of the Tabernacle’s entrance, to our daily walk with God?
This verse encourages us to reflect on the importance of approaching God with reverence, recognizing Jesus as the only way to the Father, and honoring God in every aspect of our worship and lives.