Exodus 38:18
And the hanging for the gate of the court [was] needlework, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits [was] the length, and the height in the breadth [was] five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.
And the hanging {H4539} for the gate {H8179} of the court {H2691} was needlework {H7551}{H4639}, of blue {H8504}, and purple {H713}, and scarlet {H8144}{H8438}, and fine twined {H7806} linen {H8336}: and twenty {H6242} cubits {H520} was the length {H753}, and the height {H6967} in the breadth {H7341} was five {H2568} cubits {H520}, answerable {H5980} to the hangings {H7050} of the court {H2691}.
The screen for the gateway to the courtyard was the work of a weaver in colors, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely woven linen. Its length was thirty feet and its height seven-and-a-half feet all the way along, like the tapestries of the courtyard.
The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was twenty cubits long and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high,
And the screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.
Cross-References
-
2 Chronicles 3:14 (2 votes)
And he made the vail [of] blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and wrought cherubims thereon.
Commentary
Context of Exodus 38:18
Exodus 38:18 is part of the detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle and its courtyard, as instructed by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Chapters 35-40 of Exodus describe the actual building and assembly of the various components, fulfilling the divine blueprints laid out in earlier chapters (primarily Exodus 25-31). This particular verse focuses on the entrance to the outer court of the Tabernacle, highlighting its unique design and materials. Unlike the plain white linen hangings that formed the perimeter of the court, the gate was distinct, serving as the sole point of entry into the sacred space.
Key Themes and Messages
- Blue: Often associated with heaven and the divine, pointing to the heavenly origin and nature of Christ.
- Purple: A color of royalty and kingship, signifying Christ's sovereign authority as King of kings.
- Scarlet: Represents blood, sacrifice, and atonement, foreshadowing the atoning blood of Jesus shed for sin.
These colors, along with the fine twined linen, speak to the multifaceted person and work of the Messiah.Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew term for "needlework" is ma'aseh roqem (מַעֲשֵׂה רֹקֵם), which specifically refers to embroidered work or variegated needlework, suggesting a skilled artisan's hand creating intricate patterns. This distinguishes it from plain weaving and emphasizes the beauty and intentionality of the gate's design. The "fine twined linen" (shesh mashzar - שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר) denotes high-quality, pure, and tightly woven linen, signifying durability and purity.
Practical Application
Exodus 38:18, though describing an ancient physical structure, carries profound spiritual lessons for believers today. Just as the Tabernacle gate served as the singular, divinely appointed entry point, so too is Jesus Christ the only way to approach God. The rich colors of the gate beautifully prefigure Christ's divine nature, royal authority, and sacrificial work, which provide us access. This verse reminds us of the preciousness and exclusivity of God's provision for salvation, urging us to enter through the "gate" He has provided, which is His Son. It also highlights God's meticulousness and His desire for worship that is both beautiful and pure.
Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.