- The Tabernacle of the Congregation -

The Gate of the Outer Court served as the single entrance leading into the Tabernacle. It was essentially a large multi-colored curtain, composed of finely twined linen, measuring 35 feet in length, and 8.75 feet in height. The Gate is best known for its notable color scheme consisting of blue, purple, scarlet and white (more on this later).

What about its construction? The Gate of the Outer Court was structurally supported by a series of wooden pillars (a total of '4') set in brass sockets (or 'foundation footings'). Silver hanging rods (a total of '3') were attached to the wooden pillars to form a series of horizontal cross beams. From there... the cross beams (or 'hanging rods') were used to hang the Gate in an upright position using a set of silver hooks (as seen in the picture above). What was its overall purpose? The Gate of the Outer Court served as a meeting place where God's people (those living on the outside of the Tabernacle) would meet with the priests (God's representatives on earth) for the 'sin offering' exchange. What's the 'sin offering' exchange? The priests would regularly receive the 'sin offering' on the Lord's behalf, and then sacrifice it on the person's behalf at the Burnt Offering Altar. The blood of the 'sin offering' would then make atonement for the sins of the person who initially brought the 'sin offering' to the Lord. This 'exchange' always took place at the Gate of the Outer Court.

What's the overall 'spiritual significance' behind the color scheme (the '4' colors) used in the Gate's fabric design?

  • The color 'Blue' signifies both the 'Heavenly' and the 'Godly' > "Behold your God!" (Isaiah 40:9)

'Blue' symbolically represents John's gospel, where the Apostle Thomas calls Jesus Christ "My Lord and my God" (John 20:28). John's gospel primarily focuses on the presentation of Jesus Christ as "JEHOVAH HIMSELF!"

  • The color 'Purple' signifies 'Royal Kingship' > "Behold your King!" (Zechariah 9:9)

'Purple' symbolically represents Matthew's gospel, where Jesus Christ, the royal descendant of King David (Matthew 1:1), says after His Resurrection: "All authority is given unto Me in heaven and upon earth" (Matthew 28:18). Matthew's gospel primarily focuses on the presentation of Jesus Christ as "JEHOVAH'S CHOSEN KING!"

  • The color 'Scarlet' signifies 'Blood' and 'Sacrifice' > "Behold My Servant!" (Isaiah 52:13)

'Scarlet' symbolically represents Mark's gospel, where Jesus says that "He came to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Mark's gospel primarily focuses on the presentation of Jesus Christ as "JEHOVAH'S SERVANT!"

  • The color 'White' signifies 'Purity', 'Righteousness' and 'True Humanity' > "Behold the Man!" (Zechariah 6:12)

'White' symbolically represents Luke's gospel, where Pontius Pilate says of Jesus Christ, "I find no fault in this Man" (Luke 23:4). Luke's gospel primarily focuses on the presentation of Jesus Christ as "JEHOVAH'S PERFECT MAN!"

On another note... The number '4' (in the Bible) always has a direct reference to 'God's Creation', or more importantly the 'Earth' in a universal (all inclusive) sense. But what does this have to do with the Gate? Did you notice there were exactly '4' colors used in the Gate's fabric design? This is excellent news for the people living upon the earth. Why is that? The use of the number '4' is providing us with a clue concerning the future use of this Gate. What clue? That one day through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (the true door) complete open access into God's Tabernacle will be offered to every person living upon the earth (an all inclusive invitation).

The '4' colors (above) are intricately woven together to become the complete 'door', in the same way that the '4' gospels are woven together to give us a complete picture of Jesus Christ. Purity, righteousness, kingliness and godliness; these attributes, like colors, combine together in the unique personage of Jesus Christ. Jesus said "I am the door; if any man enters through Me he shall be saved" (John 10:9). He also said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6). So who is Jesus Christ? He is the Gate of the Outer Court leading into God's Tabernacle, and there is no other way for a man to enter into God's presence but through Him. Therefore, it would be a excellent idea for all of us to closely examine the Gate of the Outer Court in greater detail. How does one accomplish this? By studying the '4' gospel accounts of Jesus Christ (the true door), starting up a personal relationship with Him, and truly discovering Him for yourself. If you would like to learn more about the symbology behind the 'materials' used to structurally support the Gate of the Outer Court please move onward to the Fence of the Outer Court.