“And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and five cubits the height, all of needlework.” – Exodus 38:18 (KJV)
“The curtain at the entrance of the courtyard was made of beautiful fine twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It was twenty cubits long and five cubits high.” – Exodus 38:18 (NLT)
“The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was made of finely woven linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. It was twenty cubits long and five cubits high.” – Exodus 38:18 (MSG)
What Does Exodus 38:18 Mean?
The verse Exodus 38:18 offers an intricate layer of meaning that invites us to explore both the physical construction of the Tabernacle and its deeper spiritual symbolism. The reference to the elements used in the curtain is more than a mere description; it carries a message that highlights God’s meticulous design and intention in creating a space for His presence among the Israelites.
We learn that the curtain is made of beautiful materials—fine linen combined with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. Each color plays a significant role in Biblical symbolism. Blue often represents divine revelation, as it reflects the heavens. Purple is commonly associated with royalty and kingship, which signifies that God is both our King and our Creator. Scarlet, on the other hand, can represent sacrifice and atonement, connecting us to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The combination of these colors in the curtain symbolizes the rich and multi-faceted nature of God’s character and His relationship with His people.
Exodus 38:18 Explanation and Commentary
As we take a closer look at the construction aspects of Exodus 38:18, we must take into account the context of the Tabernacle as a whole. The Tabernacle served as God’s dwelling place among His people. The intricacy of the work involved in crafting items like the curtain conveys how much importance God places on worship and the way we approach Him.
The curtain’s height and length—five cubits high and twenty cubits long—give us insight into the separation it created between the Holy Place and the common grounds. It established a boundary, indicating that while God is among His people, there are sacred spaces that require reverence and respect. This notion is reflected throughout scripture, particularly in passages where the presence of God is associated with holiness and the call for reverence in approaching Him. (Exodus 33:20)
In a spiritual sense, this curtain also serves as a barrier to remind us of the separation caused by sin. It indicates that humanity cannot just enter directly into God’s presence without going through the proper channels, which leads us to the importance of the sacrifices made in the Tabernacle. This points us toward the ultimate sacrifice made through Jesus Christ, who tore the veil of separation when He died, inviting us into a personal relationship with God.
Context of Exodus 38:18
To fully understand Exodus 38:18, we must consider the greater context in which it resides. This verse is part of a larger description detailing the construction of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings. After the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt, God called Moses to lead them, and He established a covenant with them. Central to this covenant is the concept of His presence dwelling amongst His people.
Throughout the Book of Exodus, we see the Israelites struggling to keep faith in God amidst trials and challenges. God’s instructions for the Tabernacle come as a promise that He would be with them even while they journeyed through the wilderness. The verses leading up to Exodus 38:18 focus on the meticulous details of the Tabernacle’s construction. Here, each item, each curtain, was crafted with purpose and care to represent God’s desire to dwell with His people, reinforcing the importance of continued faith.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Exodus 38:18
In breaking down Exodus 38:18, we find several key ideas that merit exploration. The first is the significance of the materials used. Fine twisted linen signifies purity and righteousness. Using luxurious materials like blue and purple yarn signifies honor and kingdom character. By including these lavish materials, God sets a standard for how we should treat His dwelling place.
The curtain’s measurements also represent a deeper theology. The length and height can symbolize the strength and immovability of God’s presence—a presence that is both protective and nurturing. God uses people and their talents to build something beautiful. He employs skilled artisans for this task, showing the importance of community in worship and service to God. As we think about how we can use our gifts, we recall the apostle Paul’s encouragement in 2 Timothy 1:6-7, reminding us to fan into flames the gifts God gave us.
Lessons to Learn From Exodus 38:18
Exodus 38:18 challenges us to contemplate the intimacy of our relationship with God. The materials used, and the way they were arranged, remind us of how we should prepare our hearts and lives to meet God. Worship is not just about attending church; it is about our entire being. We are called to be living sacrifices to God, made holy and pleasing to Him (Romans 12:1).
Another lesson from this verse is the reminder of God’s holiness. The barriers created by the curtain serve as a profound metaphor for the separation between God’s holiness and our human shortcomings. However, Jesus bridges this gap. Through His sacrifice, we have freedom and access to God. It motivates us to honor Him with our lives and approach Him with reverence, recognizing the incredible gift of connection we have.
Final Thoughts
The truth of Exodus 38:18 resonates deeply in our lives today. It stirs us to reflect on how we approach God and engage with His presence. Each detail laid out in the verse teaches us something vital about worship and relationship with God. We are invited into a sacred space filled with beauty, reverence, and connection. Let us remember to bring the same care, devotion, and intention to our lives as the artisans did with the Tabernacle.
As we continue our exploration of scriptures, we encourage you to check out other insightful passages. You may find inspiration in Matthew 11, where Jesus speaks of rest for the weary. Alternatively, look into the stories of creation in Genesis 1, where God declares His creation as good. These passages complement our reflection on Exodus 38:18, inviting us to a deeper understanding of God’s nature, love, and grace.