Exodus 27:16 – “For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer—with four posts and four bases.”

The Tabernacle in the wilderness was a portable temple that the Israelites would carry from place to place during their journey to the Promised Land. Surrounding this portable temple was courtyard whose outer perimeter was a curtain by a curtain composed primarily of finely twisted linen. There was only one entrance, a “gate” that was really four curtains of different colors. Prophetically this foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the only way to come to salvation. Jesus also said “I am the gate” or “door” (John 10:9).

THE WIDE YET NARROW GATE – This gate also reminds us of God’s invitation for man to enter His Project and receive salvation. Interestingly enough this gate was physically quite wide measuring twenty cubits (That is, about 30 feet or 9 meters).   The fact that this gate as physically WIDE speaks of how God’s invitation is for all – for MANY are called.  The curtains also allowed only one person at a time to enter, because salvation is individual, although open to all.

Notice also that the courtyard entrance – by which people come directly to the altar of atonement – was wider and lower (20 cubits wide by five cubits high) than the other two curtain entryways. The others, admitting people to worship in the Lord’s presence, were narrower and higher (10 x 10 cubits). Not all who experience the blessing of redemption and forgiveness (atonement) will understand or appreciate true spiritual worship.

CURTAIN – Just like linen curtains surrounding the tabernacle, so too the gate was also a curtain. As a result, one would not need or be able to knock on it. It was soft and made no noise when someone entered. We do not need to be professional theologians to enter God’s Project. Instead, we enjoy a silent and peaceful fellowship with our Lord and Savior. Even before entering, we can behold the beauty of Christ in the symbolism of the four colors of the materials used to construct this gate curtain.

FOUR – The number four is also present in another presentation of Jesus Christ in the opening verses of the book of Ezekiel with the four-faced living creatures (a subject for another study).

1. PURPLE (MATTHEW) – Purple is a color associated with royalty and speaks of Jesus as our King of Kings. The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus in this way, and reminds us that He is also the rightful heir to the throne of David. Those who desire the beauty of Jesus have them as both King and Lord of their lives. They surrender all to Him. When He speaks, they obey with great joy and reverence.

2. SCARLET (MARK) – This color is a bright red color and reminds us of the Blood He shed on the cross for us. He suffered and died for our sins. The Gospel of Mark focuses on Jesus in this way. Though Jesus is King, He is also the humblest Servant who has left for us the best example to follow. Those who desire His beauty seek to serve the interests of the Body of Christ, and die to their own interests daily.

3. LINEN (LUKE) – This bright white color reminds us of the sanctification that God requires in our lives. Though we are sinful humans, God overlooks our faults when we are walking in the footsteps of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Though perfect in his divine nature, Jesus was also the perfect Man. He completed His mission without any sin. The Gospel of Luke focuses on this aspect of Jesus.

4. BLUE (JOHN) – This is the color of the sky on a clear day. This reminds us of the things above in eternity and speaks of the divinity of Christ. Jesus was not only the perfect Man, but also GOD as well.

FOUR PILLARS – These supports were what held up these curtain gates, and are yet another reference to the four gospels.

TWENTY CUBITS – This was the width of the gate. This is the biblical number of expectancy or waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises. It also reminds us that we cannot fall short this number (for example 19 is the biblical number of falling show of this). To neglect any aspect of Christ will lead to a tragic ending. John 10:9 “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.”

Luke 13:24 “…Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.”