Exodus 38:14
The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.
Original Language Analysis
קְלָעִ֛ים
The hangings
H7050
קְלָעִ֛ים
The hangings
Strong's:
H7050
Word #:
1 of 10
a (door) screen (as if slung across), or the valve (of the door) itself
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
H6240
עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה
Strong's:
H6240
Word #:
3 of 10
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
H520
אַמָּ֖ה
cubits
Strong's:
H520
Word #:
4 of 10
properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)
הַכָּתֵ֑ף
of the one side
H3802
הַכָּתֵ֑ף
of the one side
Strong's:
H3802
Word #:
6 of 10
the shoulder (proper, i.e., upper end of the arm; as being the spot where the garments hang); figuratively, side-piece or lateral projection of anythi
עַמּֽוּדֵיהֶ֣ם
their pillars
H5982
עַמּֽוּדֵיהֶ֣ם
their pillars
Strong's:
H5982
Word #:
7 of 10
a column (as standing); also a stand, i.e., platform
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃
three
H7969
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃
three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
8 of 10
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
Historical Context
The fifteen-cubit sections on either side of the gate created a defined entrance while maintaining the courtyard's enclosure. The three pillars supporting each section provided structural stability for the heavier gate curtain. This entrance design prevented casual or irreverent access while enabling legitimate worship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does carefully defined entrance parameters teach about access to God following His design, not our preference?
- How do limited access points prefigure Christ as the singular door to salvation?
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Analysis & Commentary
Hangings of fifteen cubits (approximately 22.5 feet) on one side of the gate, with three pillars and three sockets, begins defining the entrance parameters. The specific dimension (fifteen cubits) creates proper proportion for the gate relative to courtyard size. This careful measurement teaches that access to God, though genuinely available, follows divine design—not every point along the wall provides entrance; God designates where and how to approach. The limitation of access points prefigures Christ's declaration 'I am the door' (John 10:9)—one entrance, precisely defined.