Exodus 27:14

KJV

The hangings of one side [of the gate shall be] fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets three.

KJV (with Strong's)

The hangings {H7050} of one side {H3802} of the gate shall be fifteen {H2568}{H6240} cubits {H520}: their pillars {H5982} three {H7969}, and their sockets {H134} three {H7969}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The tapestries for one side [of the gateway] will be twenty-two-and-a-half feet long, hung on three posts in three sockets;

Berean Standard Bible

Make the curtains on one side fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases,

American Standard Version

The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 27:14 provides a precise architectural detail for the Tabernacle courtyard, specifying the dimensions and supporting structures for one side of its entrance gate. This verse, part of God's meticulous blueprint for the portable sanctuary, details the length of the gate's hangings and the exact number of pillars and their corresponding sockets required for its construction. It underscores the divine precision and order demanded for the sacred space, emphasizing that access to God's presence was strictly regulated and built according to His exact, revealed specifications.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 27:14 is situated within a highly detailed section of the book of Exodus, specifically [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - 31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle and Priesthood"), which meticulously outlines God's instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the garments for the priests. More immediately, [Exodus 27:9-19](/exodus/27-9 "Exodus 27:9-19 - The Courtyard of the Tabernacle") focuses on the design of the Tabernacle's outer courtyard, including its precise dimensions, the materials for its curtains, and the specifications for its entrance gate. This particular verse contributes to the overall picture of the gate's construction, following the general description of the courtyard's perimeter and preceding the details of the gate's specific curtain. The meticulous nature of these instructions highlights God's demand for order and holiness in all matters pertaining to His worship and dwelling among His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle, for which [Exodus 27:14](/exodus/27-14 "Exodus 27:14 - Specifications for the Tabernacle Gate") provides a minute detail, was Israel's portable sanctuary during their wilderness wanderings. In the ancient Near East, temples and sacred spaces were typically built with precise architectural plans, often reflecting cosmological beliefs or the perceived order of the divine. However, the Tabernacle's design was uniquely revealed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, not derived from human architectural traditions, emphasizing its divine origin and purpose. Its construction, carried out by skilled artisans empowered by the Spirit of God (as seen in [Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-6 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Spirit-Filled Craftsmen")), demonstrated God's desire to dwell among His people in a tangible way, yet within a carefully controlled and consecrated environment. The gate itself was the sole point of entry, underscoring the principle that access to God was not arbitrary but strictly according to His prescribed means, a concept vital for a people learning to live in covenant relationship with a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hangings (Hebrew, _qela'im'_):** This term refers to the fine linen curtains or tapestries that formed the enclosure walls of the Tabernacle courtyard. These "hangings" were not merely decorative but served as the physical boundary, separating the sacred space from the profane wilderness. Their material, often fine twined linen, symbolized purity and righteousness, setting the tone for the holy ground within.
* **Cubits (Hebrew, _ammah'_):** An ancient unit of measurement, roughly equivalent to the length of a forearm from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger (approximately 18-21 inches or 45-53 cm). The use of such a tangible and precise unit underscores the literal and exact nature of God's architectural instructions, leaving no room for human improvisation regarding the dimensions of His dwelling.
* **Pillars (Hebrew, _ammudim'_):** These were the vertical supports, typically made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, that held up the hangings of the courtyard. They provided structural integrity and defined the perimeter. Symbolically, pillars often represent strength, stability, and support, foundational elements for the sacred space.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The hangings of one side [of the gate shall be] fifteen cubits:"** This clause specifies the precise length of the curtain material for one of the two sections forming the entrance gate. The "fifteen cubits" (approximately 22.5-26.25 feet) indicates a significant, yet measured, opening. This exact dimension highlights the divine precision in the Tabernacle's design, ensuring the gate was neither too wide nor too narrow, but perfectly proportioned according to God's will. It also implies a mirror image for the other side of the gate, making a total gate width of 20 cubits (as seen in [Exodus 27:16](/exodus/27-16 "Exodus 27:16 - The Gate Curtain")).
* **"their pillars three, and their sockets three."** This phrase details the supporting structures for the fifteen-cubit section of hangings. Three pillars were required to support this length of curtain, with each pillar needing a corresponding socket for stability. The "sockets" (Hebrew: _adanim_) were heavy bases, often made of bronze, into which the pillars were firmly set. The number "three" often carries symbolic weight in biblical numerology, frequently associated with divine completeness, stability, or testimony. Here, it signifies the adequate and divinely ordained support system for this segment of the gate, ensuring its structural integrity and proper placement within the sacred enclosure.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 27:14, and indeed throughout the Tabernacle instructions, is **Metonymy**, where the detailed physical specifications stand in for deeper theological truths. The "hangings," "pillars," and "sockets" are not merely architectural components but represent the meticulousness of God's design and the ordered nature of His presence. The precise measurements (e.g., "fifteen cubits") also exemplify **Symbolism**, where exactitude itself symbolizes divine perfection, holiness, and the non-negotiable terms of approaching God. The repetitive enumeration of components and their quantities across this section (e.g., "three pillars, and their sockets three") reinforces the theme of divine **Order** and the comprehensive nature of God's instructions, leaving no detail to human discretion. This detailed architectural blueprint serves as a tangible representation of an invisible spiritual reality, guiding the Israelites in their understanding of a holy God who desires to dwell among them on His own terms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 27:14, with its precise architectural details, underscores several profound theological themes. Firstly, it highlights God's absolute sovereignty and meticulousness in establishing the terms of worship and access to His presence. The exact measurements and components are not arbitrary but reflect a divine blueprint, emphasizing that human interaction with the Holy must occur on God's terms, not our own. Secondly, the gate, though providing entry, also functions as a boundary, reinforcing the concept of divine holiness and the separation between the sacred and the profane. This controlled access foreshadows the New Covenant reality where access to God is still on His terms, but through a new and living way.

* [Exodus 25:9](/exodus/25-9 "Exodus 25:9 - Build According to the Pattern") - God commands Moses to build the Tabernacle "according to all that I show thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof."
* [Hebrews 9:1-5](/hebrews/9-1 "Hebrews 9:1-5 - The Earthly Tabernacle and Its Furnishings") - Describes the earthly Tabernacle as a "copy and shadow of the heavenly things," reinforcing the idea that its design was divinely inspired and symbolic of greater spiritual realities.
* [Leviticus 10:1-3](/leviticus/10-1 "Leviticus 10:1-3 - Nadab and Abihu's Unauthorized Fire") - Illustrates the severe consequences of approaching God in a way not prescribed by Him, reinforcing the necessity of adhering to divine instructions like those for the Tabernacle.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of Exodus 27:14, though seemingly mundane, call us to a deeper reflection on the nature of our relationship with God. Just as every cubit, pillar, and socket was precisely specified for the Tabernacle, so too does God desire order, intentionality, and reverence in our spiritual lives and corporate worship. This verse reminds us that approaching a holy God is not a casual endeavor but requires careful adherence to His revealed will. It challenges us to consider whether our worship, our service, and our daily walk reflect the same level of intentionality and precision that God demanded for His ancient dwelling place. Do we treat His Word with the same reverence as the Israelites were to treat the Tabernacle blueprint? Furthermore, the gate's function as both an entry point and a boundary prompts us to consider the terms of our access to God today. While the physical gate is gone, the spiritual principle remains: access is through a divinely appointed means, leading us to consider the ultimate "door" to God's presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divine precision in the Tabernacle's design challenge my approach to God's commands and instructions in Scripture today?**
* **In what areas of my spiritual life (e.g., prayer, Bible study, worship) could I cultivate greater intentionality and order, reflecting God's desire for precision?**
* **Considering the gate as a controlled point of access, how does my understanding of Jesus as the "door" (John 10:9) shape my gratitude and humility in approaching God?**

### FAQ

**Why are the measurements for the Tabernacle gate so specific?**

Answer: The measurements for the Tabernacle gate, as detailed in [Exodus 27:14](/exodus/27-14 "Exodus 27:14 - Dimensions of the Tabernacle Gate") and surrounding verses, are specific to emphasize God's absolute sovereignty and meticulousness in establishing the terms of worship and access to His presence. These precise dimensions ensured that the Tabernacle was built according to a divine blueprint, not human estimation or preference. This level of detail underscores that the Tabernacle was a holy space, set apart by God Himself, and that approaching Him required adherence to His exact specifications. It also served to teach the Israelites about God's perfect order and His demand for holiness in all matters related to His worship.

**What is the significance of the "hangings," "pillars," and "sockets" in the Tabernacle gate?**

Answer: Each component of the Tabernacle gate carried symbolic significance. The "hangings" (curtains) formed the visual barrier and the actual enclosure, symbolizing the separation between the holy and the common, and the purity required to enter God's presence (often made of fine linen, representing righteousness). The "pillars" were the vertical supports, representing strength, stability, and the foundational truths upon which God's dwelling was established. The "sockets," typically heavy bronze bases, provided the firm and stable foundation for the pillars, ensuring the entire structure was secure. Together, these elements underscored the ordered, stable, and divinely appointed means of access to God, emphasizing that His presence was both accessible and protected according to His holy terms.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 27:14, with its precise specifications for the Tabernacle gate, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself. The ancient gate, with its carefully measured hangings, pillars, and sockets, served as the sole, divinely appointed entry point into God's earthly dwelling. This foreshadowed the exclusive and perfect access provided by Christ. Just as the Tabernacle gate regulated who could enter the outer court, Jesus declares, "[I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")" ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). He is the ultimate means of entry into God's presence, the one through whom we gain access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). The hangings, which created a boundary, are fulfilled in Christ's torn body on the cross, which opened a new and living way into the Most Holy Place ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access Through the Blood of Jesus")). The stability provided by the pillars and sockets is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the cornerstone and the sure foundation upon which the entire spiritual temple of God is built ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Thus, the meticulous design of the Tabernacle gate in Exodus 27:14 points forward to Jesus, the divinely ordained, perfectly measured, and eternally stable way to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.