The Entrance Gate to the Outer Court of the Tabernacle of Moses

• The Entrance Gate
• The White Linen Fence
• The Bronze Altar
• The Bronze Laver
• The Encampment of the Children of Israel
• The Children of Israel on the March

One Entrance

The Entrance Gate

s we saw in the last section when a common Israelite approached the tabernacle he found that a wall of white linen around the entire tabernacle area formed a barrier against him all the way around for 300 cubits (450 feet) except one stretch of 20 cubits (30 feet) that was different. It was known as The Entrance Gate. It was not formed of white linen but was multi-colored in woven white, blue, purple and red and the curtains hung on four strong pillars. The entrance gate clearly marked out the one way by which a sinner could gain access to the court of God's house.

This 30 foot gate was the entrance. Once an Israelite entered the gate into the outer court with his sacrifice he was standing on "holy ground". As we examine the gate it is important to note that we will be discussing two more gates or curtains later. The entrance gate was 20 cubits (30 feet). It was a curtain or screen made of richly woven material:

Ex 27:16 "For the gate of the court there shall be a screen twenty cubits long, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, made by a weaver. It shall have four pillars and four sockets.

There were no cherubim represented on this outdoor screen. Cherubim were only seen within the Holy Place.

This screen with its blend of white, blue, purple and scarlet was identical to that hanging at the entrance to the tabernacle building. But it was very different from the white linen fence, which went around the entire courtyard. Think of the beauty that would meet the eye of the Israelite as he approached the gate of the Tabernacle. The bright rays of the sun would be shining upon the four colors of the gate.

This was the one and only way by which men and women could draw near to God. It was the single entrance to the entire tabernacle. There was no other way in. Whether he is a priest going to carry out his duties or a repentant sinner seeking forgiveness, a man had to enter by that one way.

No one could enter by any other way except this gate. Any Israelite approaching the Tabernacle leading his sacrifice and desiring atonement knew that there was no way to reach the bronze altar but through the gate that faced east.

Num 2:3 "On the east side, toward the rising of the sun, those of the standard of the forces with Judah shall camp according to their armies;

The Gate was always open, never barred, with no one to forbid a person who wanted to worship God. But one must make a personal decision to enter if he is to receive.

A Type of Christ

Jesus revealed Himself as the only entrance to God. The eastern gate pointed to Him. Every other possible way has been barred by the righteousness of God but because of the blood of Christ we have a way of approach. The tribe of Judah camped outside the eastern gate, the kingly tribe, and the tribe that means praise. Jesus sits as king with everything under Him. He is Malach Yahweh (The Lord our King). The worship of countless hosts will be unto Him for eternity. The beautiful gate reveals how beautiful Jesus is to behold. He is the altogether lovely One. In Him there are no flaws. He is perfect in character. If we could see His face we would see a look of love that would give us strength forever.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

Rev 5:5 But one of the elders said to me, "Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals."

Ps 22:28-29 For the kingdom is the LORD'S, and He rules over the nations. All the prosperous of the earth shall eat and worship; all those who go down to the dust shall bow before Him, even he who cannot keep himself alive.

Isa 44:6 "Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God."

Rev 5:11-14 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: "Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!" Then the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

• The Entrance Gate
• The White Linen Fence
• The Bronze Altar
• The Bronze Laver