Exodus 27:16 - For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer; their pillars four, and their sockets four.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 27:16" mean?
This verse from Exodus 27:16 describes the specific design and materials for the screen or curtain that would serve as the gate (entrance) to the court of the Tabernacle. Let's break down each element:
"For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits...": The entrance to the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle was not a solid door, but a screen or curtain. This screen was twenty cubits wide. A cubit is roughly 18 inches (but varies slightly), so this gate was approximately 30 feet wide.
"...of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen...": This lists the materials used to make the screen. These were highly valued, rich colors and fine linen, reflecting the sacred and special nature of the Tabernacle and its court.
Blue: Often associated with heaven or the divine realm.
Purple: Symbolic of royalty and majesty.
Scarlet: Representing sacrifice, atonement, and life.
Fine twined linen: A high-quality, finely woven linen, signifying purity and holiness.
"...the work of the embroiderer...": This indicates that the screen was not plain, but decorated with intricate embroidery. Skilled artisans were responsible for weaving and decorating the fabric.
"...their pillars four, and their sockets four.": The screen was held up by four pillars, which were placed in four sockets. The sockets were probably made of bronze (as specified elsewhere), providing stable bases for the pillars.
In Summary:
The verse describes a large, beautifully crafted screen made of expensive and symbolic materials that served as the entrance to the courtyard of the Tabernacle. It was a carefully designed piece of the Tabernacle, reflecting the holiness and importance of the space within. The colors and materials would have been visually striking and symbolic, communicating the sacred nature of the Tabernacle to those approaching it.
Significance:
The careful details in this verse, and in all the descriptions of the Tabernacle, highlight the following:
God's Specificity: God gave precise instructions, leaving little to chance. This emphasizes the importance of following His commands exactly.
Holiness and Reverence: The costly materials and intricate design signify the sacredness of God's presence and the need for reverence in approaching Him.
Symbolism: The colors and materials likely had deeper symbolic meaning, pointing to aspects of God's character and the way of salvation.
Communal Effort: The creation of the Tabernacle involved the skills and contributions of many people, showing the importance of community in serving God.
Ultimately, the screen served as a point of access, but also as a reminder of the separation between the holy space of the Tabernacle and the outside world.
Exodus 27:16 - For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer; their pillars four, and their sockets four.
What does "Exodus 27:16" mean?
This verse from Exodus 27:16 describes the specific design and materials for the screen or curtain that would serve as the gate (entrance) to the court of the Tabernacle. Let's break down each element:
"For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits...": The entrance to the courtyard surrounding the Tabernacle was not a solid door, but a screen or curtain. This screen was twenty cubits wide. A cubit is roughly 18 inches (but varies slightly), so this gate was approximately 30 feet wide.
"...of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen...": This lists the materials used to make the screen. These were highly valued, rich colors and fine linen, reflecting the sacred and special nature of the Tabernacle and its court.
Blue: Often associated with heaven or the divine realm.
Purple: Symbolic of royalty and majesty.
Scarlet: Representing sacrifice, atonement, and life.
Fine twined linen: A high-quality, finely woven linen, signifying purity and holiness.
"...the work of the embroiderer...": This indicates that the screen was not plain, but decorated with intricate embroidery. Skilled artisans were responsible for weaving and decorating the fabric.
"...their pillars four, and their sockets four.": The screen was held up by four pillars, which were placed in four sockets. The sockets were probably made of bronze (as specified elsewhere), providing stable bases for the pillars.
In Summary:
The verse describes a large, beautifully crafted screen made of expensive and symbolic materials that served as the entrance to the courtyard of the Tabernacle. It was a carefully designed piece of the Tabernacle, reflecting the holiness and importance of the space within. The colors and materials would have been visually striking and symbolic, communicating the sacred nature of the Tabernacle to those approaching it.
Significance:
The careful details in this verse, and in all the descriptions of the Tabernacle, highlight the following:
God's Specificity: God gave precise instructions, leaving little to chance. This emphasizes the importance of following His commands exactly.
Holiness and Reverence: The costly materials and intricate design signify the sacredness of God's presence and the need for reverence in approaching Him.
Symbolism: The colors and materials likely had deeper symbolic meaning, pointing to aspects of God's character and the way of salvation.
Communal Effort: The creation of the Tabernacle involved the skills and contributions of many people, showing the importance of community in serving God.
Ultimately, the screen served as a point of access, but also as a reminder of the separation between the holy space of the Tabernacle and the outside world.