1 He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood.
2 And he made horns for it on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with bronze.
3 And he made all the utensils of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its utensils of bronze.
4 He made for the altar a grating, a network of bronze, under its ledge, extending halfway down.
5 They made the altar of acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high.
6 He made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze.
7 And he put the poles through the rings on the sides of the altar to carry it with them. He made it hollow, with boards.
8 He made the basin of bronze and its stand of bronze, from the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered in the entrance of the tent of meeting.
9 And he made the court. For the south side the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, a hundred cubits;
10 Their forty bases of silver, two bases under one frame, and two bases under the next frame.
11 With the silver from those of the congregation who were recorded, the hundred talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary,
12 And the sockets for the pillars of the court were of bronze, the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals of silver, and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.
13 And for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, twenty frames,
14 The hangings of the court, its pillars and its bases, and the screen for the gate of the court,
15 The bronze altar, and its grating of bronze, its poles, and all its utensils, the basin and its stand.
16 The pillars of the court around the tabernacle and its gatehooks and its cords were of bronze.
17 Then the pillars of the court all around the tabernacle were of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals was of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.
18 The screen for the entrance of the court was embroidered with needlework in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It was twenty cubits long and five cubits high, in its breadth, corresponding to the hangings of the court.
19 All the utensils of the tabernacle for every use, and all its pegs, and all the pegs of the court, shall be of bronze.
20 All the pegs of the tabernacle and of the court all around were of bronze.
21 These are the records of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, as they were recorded at the commandment of Moses, the responsibility of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.
22 Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord commanded Moses;
23 and with him was Oholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and designer and embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.
24 All the gold that was used for the work, in all the construction of the sanctuary, the gold from the offering, was twenty-nine talents and 730 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary.
25 The silver from those of the congregation who were recorded was a hundred talents and 1,775 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary.
26 a beka a head (that is, half a shekel, by the shekel of the sanctuary), for everyone who was listed in the records, from twenty years old and upward, for 603,550 men.
27 And of the 100 talents of silver were cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil; a hundred bases for the hundred talents, a talent for a base.
28 Of the 1,775 shekels he made hooks for the pillars and overlaid their capitals and made fillets for them.
29 And the bronze that was offered was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels.
30 with which were made the bases of the entrance of the tent of meeting, the bronze altar and the bronze grating for it and all the utensils of the altar,
31 And the bases of the court all around and the bases of the gate of the court, all the pegs of the tabernacle, and all the pegs of the court all around.
The True Meaning of Exodus 38
The Book of Exodus, the second book of the Bible, is believed to have been written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. We witness the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness as the narrative continues, guided by God’s divine presence, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This chapter delves into the construction of the Tabernacle, the sacred dwelling place where God will meet with His people. The Israelites, under the direction of skilled craftsmen, meticulously assemble the various components of this holy structure, including the bronze altar, the bronze laver, and the curtains that will surround the Tabernacle. This chapter provides a detailed account of the materials used and the specific instructions followed, highlighting the importance of obedience and attention to detail in the worship of the Almighty. The Tabernacle serves as a physical representation of God’s presence among His people, foreshadowing the ultimate fulfillment of His promise in the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who will dwell among us and establish a new covenant (John 1:14) as we explore this chapter. The careful construction of the Tabernacle reminds us of the reverence and devotion required in our own worship and service to the Lord.
Exodus 38:1-7
The construction of the altar of burnt offering is the focus in Exodus 38:1-7. This significant structure was to be placed in front of the entrance to the tabernacle, where offerings would be presented to the Lord by the priests on behalf of the Israelites. The materials used in making the altar were primarily bronze, indicating its durability and strength. Within these verses, Bezalel, the skilled craftsman appointed by God, played a crucial role in overseeing the construction of the altar. The mention of Bezalel’s involvement is a reminder of how God equips his people with unique gifts and abilities to fulfill the tasks He assigns to them. This illustrates the importance of using one’s talents in service to God and highlights the theme of working together in unity for a common purpose within the community of believers.
The specific dimensions of the altar were carefully specified by God to Moses, emphasizing the importance of precision and obedience in carrying out God’s instructions. This attention to detail reflects the idea of God’s perfection and how He expects His people to honor Him by following His commands meticulously. The altar of burnt offering was a central part of the sacrificial system in the tabernacle, where the blood of animals was offered to atone for the sins of the people. This act of sacrifice foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, where His blood was shed once and for all for the forgiveness of sins, as mentioned in Hebrews 9:22, “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.”
The emphasis on the bronze material used for the altar is significant, as bronze in the Bible often symbolizes judgment. The idea of judgment is reflected in the concept of atonement, where the offering of sacrifices was necessary to appease God’s judgment for sin. This theme of judgment and atonement runs throughout the Bible, culminating in the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death. Romans 3:25 mentions, “God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith.” The altar of burnt offering serves as a poignant reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for reconciliation with God through sacrifice. Exodus 38:1-7 highlights the meticulous construction of the altar of burnt offering, the role of Bezalel in its creation, and the symbolic significance of the materials used. This passage underscores the themes of obedience, sacrifice, atonement, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. It challenges believers to be faithful in utilizing their God-given talents for His glory, to follow His commands with precision and dedication, and to recognize the profound importance of redemption and reconciliation through the shedding of blood.
Exodus 38:8
The verse in Exodus 38:8 reads that he made the large basin of bronze and its pedestal of bronze from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.” This verse highlights the construction of the large bronze basin for washing, which was a crucial part of the tabernacle used for the priests to cleanse themselves before performing their duties. What is significant in this verse is that the bronze for this basin was obtained from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
This act of the women giving up their mirrors for the construction of the basin holds a deeper meaning. Mirrors in biblical times were usually made of polished metal, and they were precious possessions for women. These women demonstrated their devotion and commitment to the service of the Lord by willingly offering their mirrors for a sacred purpose. This action symbolizes selflessness and a willingness to contribute to the worship of God, even at the cost of personal sacrifice.
The significance of this act extends beyond the construction of the basin itself. It serves as a reminder of the importance of selflessness, humility, and devotion in the service of God. The women who gave up their mirrors set an example of generosity and dedication that serves as a timeless lesson for all believers. It teaches us to prioritize the spiritual over the material, to give sacrificially, and to contribute to the work of God with a willing heart.
This act of the women contributing their mirrors also echoes themes of generosity and stewardship found throughout the Bible. Jesus praises a poor widow for giving all she had in the story of the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44 in the New Testament, emphasizing that true generosity is not measured by the amount given, but by the spirit in which it is given. The women in Exodus 38:8 exemplify this spirit of sacrificial giving, reminding us that our offerings to God are valuable not just in their quantity but in the sincerity of our hearts. Exodus 38:8 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of selfless devotion and sacrificial giving in the service of God. The women who offered their mirrors for the construction of the basin demonstrated a deep commitment to the worship of the Lord, setting a timeless example of generosity and stewardship for believers throughout history. Their act challenges us to examine our own attitudes towards giving and to approach the work of God with humility, devotion, and a willingness to sacrifice for the greater good.
Exodus 38:9-20
The construction of the courtyard of the tabernacle is the focus in Exodus 38:9-20. Let’s break this down into important sections for closer examination:
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“And he made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits. The emphasis in this section is on the meticulous care taken in creating the tabernacle and its surroundings. The mention of fine twined linen reflects the high level of craftsmanship and quality of materials used. It underscores the importance of offering our best to God in terms of skills, resources, and dedication. This verse reminds us of the value of beauty, excellence, and attention to detail in service to the Lord.
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“And for the north side the hangings were an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.” (Exodus 38:10)
Here, the symmetry and balance in the construction of the courtyard are highlighted. The careful measurements and precise numbers indicate order and organization in the worship of God. The use of different materials such as brass and silver signifies the diversity and uniqueness within the community of believers. It reminds us that while we may come from different backgrounds, we are united in our worship and service to God. -
“And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.” (Exodus 38:12)
This verse continues to describe the construction of the courtyard, emphasizing the consistency in design and materials used. The mention of silver once again symbolizes purity and redemption. It serves as a reminder of the ultimate price paid for our salvation by Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice brings unity and reconciliation to all believers. -
“All the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, were of brass.” (Exodus 38:20)
The usage of brass for the pins holding the tabernacle and courtyard together signifies strength and durability. It underscores the idea of a firm foundation in our faith and in the worship of God. Just like these pins were essential for the stability of the tabernacle, our faith and commitment to God are crucial for the sustainability of our spiritual life. Exodus 38:9-20 highlights the significance of craftsmanship, order, unity, and strength in the worship of God. It teaches us the importance of offering our best to God, finding beauty in our service, striving for excellence, and working together in harmony as a community of believers. These verses demonstrate that every detail of the tabernacle’s construction was intentional and had symbolic meaning, pointing to deeper spiritual truths and principles that are timeless and relevant for us today.
Exodus 38:21-23
The verses in Exodus 38:21-23 address the inventory and labor documentation of the resources used in constructing the tabernacle. It reads, “These are the amounts of the materials used for the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle of the Covenant law, which were recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron, the priest. Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made everything the Lord commanded Moses; with him was Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan—an engraver and designer, and an embroiderer in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen.”
First, it’s important to note the meticulous record-keeping of the resources used for the construction of the Tabernacle. This signifies a level of accountability and transparency in handling the contributions of the Israelites towards this sacred place of worship. This attention to detail and order reflects God’s desire for things to be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
The mention of Bezalel and Oholiab is significant because they were specifically chosen and gifted by God for the craftsmanship required for constructing the Tabernacle. Bezalel, from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan, were filled with the Spirit of God, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts to carry out the work assigned to them (Exodus 35:30-35). This serves as a reminder that God equips individuals with unique talents and abilities for His purposes (Ephesians 2:10).
Bezalel and Oholiab’s collaboration reflects the importance of teamwork in fulfilling God’s plans. Despite being from different tribes, they worked together harmoniously to create the intricate components of the Tabernacle. This highlights the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, where individuals use their diverse gifts to serve a common purpose (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). These verses in Exodus 38:21-23 emphasize the significance of stewardship, obedience, giftedness, and unity in carrying out God’s work. The detailed account of the materials used in the construction of the Tabernacle, coupled with the skilled craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab, serves as a reminder for believers to use their God-given talents to glorify Him and contribute towards the building of His kingdom.
Exodus 38:24-31
Exodus 38:24-31 states: “All the gold that was used for the work, in all the construction of the sanctuary, the gold from the offering, was twenty-nine talents and 730 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. The silver from those of the congregation who were recorded was a hundred talents and 1,775 shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary: a beka a head (that is, half a shekel, by the shekel of the sanctuary), for everyone who was listed in the records, from twenty years old and upward, for 603,550 men. The hundred talents of silver were for casting the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil; a hundred bases for the hundred talents, a talent for a base. And of the 1,775 shekels he made hooks for the pillars and overlaid their capitals, and made fillets for them. The bronze that was offered was seventy talents and 2,400 shekels; with it he made the bases for the entrance of the tent of meeting, the bronze altar and the bronze grating for it and all the utensils of the altar, the bases around the court, and the bases of the gate of the court, all the pegs of the tabernacle, and all the pegs around the court. We see a detailed account of the materials used in the construction of the sanctuary in this passage. The meticulous recording of the gold, silver, and bronze used underscores the importance of precision and care in dedicating resources to the service of the Lord. Each talent and shekel accounted for demonstrates the value placed on creating a sacred space for worship.
The mention of the people who contributed to the silver offering is significant. The requirement of a half-shekel from each individual, regardless of their wealth or status, reinforces the idea of equality before God. This offering served as a means for everyone to participate in the construction of the sanctuary, highlighting the communal aspect of worship and the principle of collective responsibility in supporting the work of the Lord.
The specific items mentioned in the use of the silver and bronze, such as the bases of the sanctuary, the altar, and the gate of the court, reveal the attention to detail in every aspect of the construction. This emphasis on precision and adherence to God’s instructions reflects the importance of obedience and reverence in carrying out divine commands.
Furthermore, the mention of the pegs of the tabernacle and the court symbolizes stability and security. Faith and obedience are crucial for maintaining a strong and enduring relationship with God, just as these pegs were essential for holding the structure together. This attention to even the smallest details in the construction of the sanctuary conveys the idea that nothing should be overlooked or neglected in the worship of the Lord. This passage serves as a reminder of the value of dedication, generosity, and precision in serving God. It emphasizes the importance of unity in worship, the equality of all believers before God, and the significance of faithfully following God’s instructions in every aspect of our lives. The meticulous account of the materials used in the sanctuary serves as a tangible representation of the care and reverence with which we should approach our worship and service to the Almighty.
After Exodus 38
The people had given generously to the work of the tabernacle. Their hearts were filled with joy as they saw the sanctuary take shape. The skilled craftsmen labored diligently, following the Lord’s instructions to the letter. The reverend knew that this was just the beginning as he put the final touches in place. The tabernacle would be the center of worship for the Israelites, a tangible reminder of God’s presence among them. But the true test would come when the people had to live out their faith, day in and day out, in the wilderness that lay ahead.
The reverend knew that the journey was far from over. The people would face trials and temptations, but if they remained faithful to the Lord, He would guide them through. The tabernacle would be their constant companion, a beacon of hope in the midst of the unknown.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.