The Gate of the Tabernacle Notes by Bro. Darrell W. Brown There was only one gate by which the Israelites could enter into the tabernacle courtyard. The gate was 30 feet wide, and was located directly in the center of the outer court on the east end. The gate was covered by a curtain made of finely twisted linen in the colors of blue, purple, and scarlet. The one and only gate is a representation of Christ as the only way through which one could fellowship with God and worship Him. To do this, one must enter in through the gate to the place where God dwelled. Jesus Christ said in his famous “I am” statements: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.” (John 10:9)
Christ also said:
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
The act of entering the gate to the tabernacle was significant to the Israelites. By entering, one could find forgiveness of sin and fellowship with God. The first thing that one saw upon coming through the gate was the brazen altar, which served as a reminder of man’s sinfulness and his need for a blood sacrifice in order to be fellowship with God. One needed to repent and offer sacrifices for their sin. Those who did not repent were not entering this “narrow way.”
