Exodus 27:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the Tabernacle, there were three veils made of fine linen and scarlet, as described in Exodus 36:37. One veil was placed before the Holy of Holies, another served as the entrance to the Tabernacle, and the third was positioned at the entrance of the courtyard. These veils signify Immanuel. Additionally, those who stand outside draw near to the enclosure of the sheepfold, in accordance with our Lord's proclamation that He is the door (John 10:7), serving as an entryway for the repentant.

An opening measuring twenty cubits (30 feet) was designated for entry. The remark in brackets found in verse 16 seems unjustified; firstly, the elevation of the entrance pillars would not harmonize with the rest of the Tabernacle, and secondly, the term height does not appear in the Hebrew text. In this area, suspended from four pillars, was a curtain crafted with 'patterned work' (i.e., adorned with designs, yet devoid of cherubim) in three sacred colors, which contrasted elegantly and vividly against the white fabric that enveloped the entire court of the Tabernacle.