What is the meaning of Exodus 38:15? And the curtains • “Curtains” points to the fine linen hangings that surrounded the Tabernacle courtyard (see Exodus 27:9; 38:9). • They formed a visible boundary between what was holy and what was common, reminding Israel that approaching God requires separation from the world (2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Peter 1:15-16). • The use of linen, not animal skins, shows that purity—not human effort—was the first lesson at the courtyard gate (Revelation 19:8). on the other side • The Hebrew narrative describes the courtyard’s east end—the side that faced the sunrise (Exodus 27:13). • “Other side” balances the 15-cubit section already mentioned in Exodus 38:14, demonstrating God’s love of order and symmetry (1 Corinthians 14:33, 40). • Two equal sides flanking the entrance foreshadow Christ as the only gate (John 10:9), with no unequal or random approach allowed. were also fifteen cubits long • Fifteen cubits equals about 22½ feet (roughly 6.9 m). That length, paired with the second 15-cubit stretch, leaves a 20-cubit central opening for the gate screen (Exodus 27:16). • The precise measurements assure us that the Holy Spirit inspired exact details, not approximations (2 Timothy 3:16). • The number fifteen combines the biblical numbers of rest (seven) and new beginning (eight), hinting at the rest and renewal found when entering God’s presence (Matthew 11:28-30). with three posts • Posts (pillars) held the linen taut and upright, illustrating how God Himself upholds His standards (Psalm 75:3). • Three posts on each side picture stability and completeness, just as the triune God is perfectly sufficient (Matthew 28:19). • Silver capitals and hooks (Exodus 38:17, 19) symbolize redemption supporting purity, since silver often pictures atonement (Numbers 3:47-51). and three bases as well • The bases (sockets) were bronze, a metal linked to judgment and strength (Numbers 21:8-9; Revelation 1:15). • Purity (linen) and redemption (silver) could only stand firm on a foundation of judgment satisfied—ultimately fulfilled at the cross (Romans 3:24-26). • Each socket anchored the courtyard boundary securely, reflecting the unchanging nature of God’s moral law (Psalm 19:7-9). summary Exodus 38:15 describes one of two equal side-sections of linen hangings at the Tabernacle’s east entrance. The Spirit-inspired details—fifteen-cubit curtains, three supporting posts, and three bronze bases—show God’s meticulous order, the necessity of separation unto holiness, and the balanced, secure way He provides for sinners to draw near. Together, the matching sides flank the single 20-cubit gate, directing all eyes to the sole entrance God ordained—an Old-Covenant picture fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ, the only way to the Father. |
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