The Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus, was the portable dwelling place for the presence of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. The entrance to the Tabernacle was marked by a gate, which was a curtain of blue, purple, scarlet, and finely twined linen (Exodus 27:16). This gate symbolized the holiness and separation of God's presence, accessible only through prescribed means. Everyone from the high priest to the common worshiper entered and left through this single opening.

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The colors of the threads in the gate were also symbolic. Blue stood for heaven. Purple, an expensive dye to produce, was a symbol of royalty. Red symbolized blood and sacrifice. White meant purity and holiness. The courtyard fence, made of white linen, enclosed holy ground, and the priests wore white linen garments.

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​Like the other elements of the tabernacle, the east gate of the court was rich with meaning. God ordered that when the tabernacle was set up, the gate was to be on the east end, opening to the west. Going west symbolizes moving toward God, while going east symbolizes going away from God. The gate on the Garden of Eden was on the east side (Genesis 3:24). Cain went away from God to the land of Nod, east of Eden (Genesis 4:16). Lot split from Abraham went east and landed in the evil cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 13:11). In contrast, the holy of holies, the dwelling place of God in the tabernacle, was on the west end.

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In the New Testament, the concept of the gates of the Lord's dwelling takes on new meaning with the coming of Jesus Christ. He is described as the "gate" or "door" through which believers enter into eternal life and fellowship with God. In John 10:9, Jesus declares, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."