Exodus 38:18
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,
The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard

God provided one appointed entrance into the courtyard, where Israel drew near through sacrifice and cleansing. The enclosed courtyard marked off holy ground from the camp and taught that sinners could approach God only by the way He established. The single entrance anticipates Christ, who alone brings believers to the Father (John 14:6).

Num 3:26 the curtains of the courtyard,…
Num 4:26 the curtains of the courtyard, and the curtains…
Exo 35:17 the curtains of the courtyard with its posts…

was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn,

The same colors appeared throughout the tabernacle and in the garments of the priests. Blue directs attention to God’s heavenly majesty, purple to royal authority, and scarlet to the blood required for atonement. Their beauty declared that access to God rests upon His holiness, kingship, and provision for sacrifice.

Exo 26:1 You are to construct the tabernacle itself…
Exo 36:8 All the skilled craftsmen among the workmen…
Exo 35:25 Every skilled woman spun with her hands…

and finely spun linen.

Fine linen emphasized cleanness and righteousness in a place devoted to the holy presence of God. Revelation 19:8 associates fine linen with the righteous deeds of the saints, made possible through the saving work of Christ. Those who draw near to God must be clothed in righteousness He provides.

Exo 26:31 Make a veil of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn,…
Lev 16:4 He must tie a linen sash around him and put on the linen turban.…
Exo 28:39 You are to weave the tunic with fine linen,…

It was twenty cubits long

The entrance measured about thirty feet across, providing a visible and sufficient access point for the worshipers bringing offerings to the altar. God’s way of approach was exclusive, yet it was openly set before the whole covenant community.

Exo 27:16 The gate of the courtyard shall be twenty cubits long,…
1Ki 6:3 The portico at the front of the main hall of the temple…
2Ch 3:4 The portico at the front, extending across the width…

and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high,

The curtain stood about seven and a half feet high, matching the linen hangings surrounding the courtyard. Its height preserved the separation of the sacred precinct while its embroidered entrance invited Israel to come before God according to His covenant commands.

Exo 27:18 The entire courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long…
1Ki 7:23 He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular…
2Ch 4:2 He also made the Sea of cast metal. It was circular…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites who received the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle from God.

2. Bezalel and Oholiab
Skilled craftsmen appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

3. The Tabernacle
A portable sanctuary that served as the dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. The Entrance Curtain
A significant part of the Tabernacle, symbolizing the separation between the holy and the common, made with specific colors and materials.

5. The Israelites
The people of God, who were commanded to construct the Tabernacle according to the divine pattern given to Moses.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Colors and Materials
The blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, along with the finely spun linen, represent royalty, divinity, and sacrifice. These colors point to the majesty and holiness of God and foreshadow the work of Christ.

The Role of Skilled Craftsmanship
The work of a weaver highlights the importance of using God-given talents for His glory. It encourages believers to dedicate their skills and abilities to the service of God.

Separation and Access
The entrance curtain signifies the separation between God and man due to sin, but also the access provided through the prescribed way. This points to Christ as the ultimate way to God.

Obedience to Divine Instructions
The meticulous following of God's instructions for the Tabernacle construction teaches the importance of obedience and reverence in worship.

God's Presence Among His People
The Tabernacle serves as a reminder of God's desire to dwell among His people, encouraging believers to cultivate a personal relationship with Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How do the colors and materials used in the entrance curtain of the Tabernacle reflect the character and nature of God?

2. In what ways can we use our skills and talents to serve God and His church today, as Bezalel and Oholiab did?

3. How does the concept of separation and access in the Tabernacle relate to our relationship with God through Jesus Christ?

4. What can we learn from the Israelites' obedience to God's detailed instructions for the Tabernacle about our own approach to worship and service?

5. How does the presence of God in the Tabernacle encourage us to seek a deeper relationship with Him in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 26:36-37
Provides earlier instructions for the making of the entrance curtain, emphasizing its importance and the specific materials to be used.

Hebrews 9:1-10
Discusses the earthly sanctuary and its regulations, including the significance of the Tabernacle and its furnishings as a foreshadowing of Christ's work.

John 1:14
Relates to the concept of God dwelling among His people, as the Word became flesh and "tabernacled" among us, fulfilling the symbolism of the Tabernacle.

Matthew 27:51
Describes the tearing of the temple veil at Christ's crucifixion, symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity.
The Brazen Altar, the Laver, and the CourtJ. Orr Exodus 38:1-21
The Court and its LessonsJ. Urquhart Exodus 38:1-31
People
Aaron, Ahisamach, Aholiab, Bezaleel, Dan, Hur, Ithamar, Levites, Moses, Uri
Places
Sinai
Topics
Answerable, Best, Blue, Breadth, Byssus, Colours, Corresponding, Court, Courtyard, Covering, Cubits, Curtain, Curtains, Designs, Doorway, Embroidered, Embroiderer, Embroidery, Entrance, Fine, Finely, Gate, Hanging, Hangings, Height, Hight, Length, Linen, Material, Needlework, Needle-work, Open, Over-against, Purple, Red, Round, Scarlet, Screen, Sides, Space, Stuff, Twenty, Twined, Twisted, Weaver, Yarn
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 38:18

     5304   embroidery
     5392   linen

Exodus 38:9-19

     7344   curtain

Exodus 38:9-20

     5271   courtyard

Exodus 38:17-19

     4363   silver

Exodus 38:17-20

     4312   bronze

Library
The Unmerciful Servant.
"Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved
William Arnot—The Parables of Our Lord

The Doctrine of the Scriptures.
I. NAMES AND TITLES. 1. THE BIBLE. 2. THE TESTAMENTS. 3. THE SCRIPTURES. 4. THE WORD OF GOD. II. INSPIRATION. 1. DEFINITION. 2. DISTINCTIONS. a) Revelation. b) Illumination. c) Reporting. 3. VIEWS: a) Natural Inspiration. b) Christian Illumination. c) Dynamic Theory. d) Concept Theory. e) Verbal Inspiration. f) Partial Inspiration. g) Plenary Inspiration. 4. THE CLAIMS OF THE SCRIPTURES THEMSELVES: a) The Old Testament. b) The New Testament. 5. THE CHARACTER (OR DEGREES) OF INSPIRATION. a) Actual
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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