What significance do the "three posts and three bases" hold in Exodus 27:14? Setting the Scene • Exodus 27:14: “The hangings on one side of the entrance shall extend fifteen cubits, with three posts and three bases…” • God is detailing the east-side gate of the Tabernacle court—20 cubits of entrance curtain flanked by two identical side-panels, each 15 cubits long and upheld by three posts set in three bronze bases. • The description is historical and literal; every measurement, material, and number is purposeful (Hebrews 8:5). Structural Function • The posts held up fine linen hangings that marked the holy boundary (Exodus 27:9). • Bronze bases anchored the posts firmly in the desert sands, preventing sway, collapse, or unauthorized entry (Numbers 3:38). • Three evenly spaced posts gave the 15-cubit panel proper tension and symmetry, creating a straight, welcoming line that guided worshipers toward the single gate (John 10:9). Numeric Symbolism of Three • Three often signals completeness or a confirmed testimony: – Deuteronomy 19:15—“at the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter shall be established.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12—“a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” • By placing three posts on each side of the gate, the court offered a double “three-fold witness” (six total) affirming that the entrance is authentic and ordained by God. • Three also looks forward to the third-day resurrection (Luke 24:7); life with God lies beyond the gate where sacrifice is offered. Meaning of the Posts • Made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze (Exodus 27:10), the posts speak of righteous humanity protected from judgment: – Acacia: incorruptible wood—Christ’s perfect humanity (Psalm 16:10). – Bronze: judgment borne (Numbers 21:8-9). • The posts literally lift the white linen (righteousness, Revelation 19:8) high enough to be seen from afar, pointing every pilgrim to God’s standard. Meaning of the Bases • Bronze bases rest on the desert floor, picturing sin already judged so worshipers may stand accepted (Romans 8:3). • Each panel required exactly three bases—no post stood without solid footing; no righteousness can be displayed unless judgment is satisfied. A Gate Framed by Witness and Judgment • One 20-cubit gate (Exodus 27:16) symbolizes the one way to God (John 14:6). • On either side, three posts in bronze preach: – “The way is open, yet guarded.” – “Judgment has been met; step through in faith.” • Six posts altogether surround the entrance much like six days of creation surround the Sabbath rest; entering God’s presence fulfills the purpose of creation (Exodus 20:11). Related Scriptures • Psalm 118:19—“Open to me the gates of righteousness.” • Isaiah 60:18—“You will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.” • 1 Corinthians 10:11—“These things happened to them as examples and were written for our instruction.” Practical Takeaways • God designs worship down to the smallest detail; nothing in His Word is filler. • True access to God is framed by His own witness and His own satisfied judgment, never by human innovation. • The stability of the bronze bases reassures believers that salvation rests on finished, unshakable work (Hebrews 10:14). • As the posts elevated linen, believers are to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15), holding up the testimony that Christ alone is the gate. |
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