The Tabernacle of God was given to the children of Israel as a place for the worship of God. It symbolised God’s presence in the midst of His people. God gave detailed instructions on how the Tabernacle was to be constructed. Exodus 27:9-21 describes the details of the courtyard of the Tabernacle and how the children of Israel could approach God in worship. 

1.  The courtyard was a symbol of separation (Exod 27:9-15)

The courtyard was the area where only genuine believers could enter to worship God. 2 Chronicles 23:19 tells us that there were porters who were gatekeepers to keep the gate of the courtyard. People who were unclean were not allowed to enter the courtyard. Our worship of God must not be flippant. We must come prepared, with “clean hands, and a pure heart” (Ps 24:4) to worship God every Lord’s Day.

There is a danger of putting additional barriers in our worship of God. Any artificial demarcation or unbiblical separation must be removed. We must be careful of “elitism” in our church. There must not be any partiality in our coming together to worship God.

2.  The gate in the courtyard was where the people entered (Exod 27:16-19)

There was only one gate (one entrance) to the courtyard. Every worshipper had to enter through this one gate when they came to worship God. As the people entered the courtyard through this one gate, they would come to the brazen altar, and then the meeting place. This is a reminder to us that we can approach God only through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, who had sacrificed Himself in order that we can have salvation.

The gate was also a symbol of welcome: welcoming the people to enter to worship God. Do we desire to be in the sanctuary to worship God? There being only one gate means there is no other way to God other than through Jesus Christ. And we who believe in Jesus as our Lord and Saviour must delight in the worship of God.

3.  The oil was brought by the people (Exod 27:20-21)

The children of Israel were instructed to bring oil with them as they came to worship God. The oil, “to cause the lamp to burn always” (v20), must be of the finest quality. We too must be involved in the worship of God. We are reminded to be the light of the world, to shine for Him, all the time.