Exodus Chapter 38

The Altar of Burnt Offerings

(Leviticus 1:1-17; Leviticus 8:18-21)

1And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood: five cubits was the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; it was foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof. 2And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass. 3And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons, and the fleshhooks, and the firepans: all the vessels thereof made he of brass. 4And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it. 5And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves. 6And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass. 7And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

The Bronze Basin

8And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

The Tabernacle Courtyard

9And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits: 10Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 11And 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. 12And 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. 13And for the east side eastward fifty cubits. 14The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 15And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 16All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen. 17And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver. 18And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court. 19And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver. 20And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, were of brass.

The Cost of the Tabernacle

21This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest. 22And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses. 23And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen.

24All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary. 25And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation was an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: 26A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men. 27And of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket. 28And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their chapiters, and filleted them. 29And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels. 30And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brasen altar, and the brasen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar, 31And the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court round about.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Bronze Altar
(Exodus 27:1–8)

1 He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its breadth was five cubits, and its height was three cubits. 2 He made its horns on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with brass. 3 He made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. He made all its vessels of brass. 4 He made for the altar a grating of a network of brass, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up. 5 He cast four rings for the four ends of brass grating, to be places for the poles. 6 He made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with brass. 7 He put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. He made it hollow with planks.

The Bronze Basin
(Exodus 30:17–21)

8 He made the basin of brass, and its base of brass, out of the mirrors of the ministering women who ministered at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

The Courtyard
(Exodus 27:9–19)

9 He made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits; 10 their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 11 For the north side one hundred cubits, their pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver. 12 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. 13 For the east side eastward fifty cubits. 14 The hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three; 15 and so for the other side: on this hand and that hand by the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three. 16 All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen. 17 The sockets for the pillars were of brass. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver; and the overlaying of their capitals, of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver. 18 The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. Twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, like to the hangings of the court. 19 Their pillars were four, and their sockets four, of brass; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals, and their fillets, of silver. 20 All the pins of the tabernacle, and around the court, were of brass.

An Inventory of Materials
(Ezra 2:68–70; Nehemiah 7:70–73)

21 This is the amount of material used for the tabernacle, even the Tabernacle of the Testimony, as they were counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest. 22 Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that Yahweh commanded Moses. 23 With him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen.

24 All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents, and seven hundred thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary. 25 The silver of those who were numbered of the congregation was one hundred talents, and one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary: 26 a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty men. 27 The one hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the veil; one hundred sockets for the one hundred talents, a talent for a socket. 28 Of the one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their capitals, and made fillets for them. 29 The brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand four hundred shekels. 30 With this he made the sockets to the door of the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, all the vessels of the altar, 31 the sockets around the court, the sockets of the gate of the court, all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins around the court.

The Bronze Altar
(Exodus 27:1–8)

1 Bezalel constructed a the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. b 2 He made a horn at each of its four corners, so that the horns and altar were of one piece, and he overlaid the altar with bronze.

3 He made all the altar’s utensils of bronze—its pots, shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks, and firepans. 4 He made a grate of bronze mesh for the altar under its ledge, halfway up from the bottom.

5 At the four corners of the bronze grate he cast four rings as holders for the poles. 6 And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze. 7 Then he inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar for carrying it. He made the altar with boards so that it was hollow.

The Bronze Basin
(Exodus 30:17–21)

8 Next he made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

The Courtyard
(Exodus 27:9–19)

9 Then he constructed the courtyard. The south side of the courtyard was a hundred cubits long c and had curtains of finely spun linen, 10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11 The north side was also a hundred cubits long, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver. 12 The west side was fifty cubits long d and had curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. The hooks and bands of the posts were silver. 13 And the east side, toward the sunrise, was also fifty cubits long.

14 The curtains on one side of the entrance were fifteen cubits long, e with three posts and three bases. 15 And the curtains on the other side were also fifteen cubits long, with three posts and three bases as well. 16 All the curtains around the courtyard were made of finely spun linen. 17 The bases for the posts were bronze, the hooks and bands were silver, and the plating for the tops of the posts was silver. So all the posts of the courtyard were banded with silver.

18 The curtain for the entrance to the courtyard was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and finely spun linen. It was twenty cubits long f and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high, g 19 with four posts and four bronze bases. Their hooks were silver, as well as the bands and the plating of their tops. 20 All the tent pegs for the tabernacle and for the surrounding courtyard were bronze.

An Inventory of Materials
(Ezra 2:68–70; Nehemiah 7:70–73)

21 This is the inventory for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. 22 Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made everything that the LORD had commanded Moses. 23 With him was Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, designer, and embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen.

24 All the gold from the wave offering used for the work on the sanctuary totaled 29 talents and 730 shekels, h according to the sanctuary shekel.

25 The silver from those numbered among the congregation totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, i according to the sanctuary shekel— 26 a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, j according to the sanctuary shekel, from everyone twenty years of age or older who had crossed over to be numbered, a total of 603,550 men.

27 The hundred talents of silver k were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil—100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent per base.

28 With the 1,775 shekels of silver l he made the hooks for the posts, overlaid their tops, and supplied bands for them.

29 The bronze from the wave offering totaled 70 talents and 2,400 shekels. m 30 He used it to make the bases for the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar and its bronze grating, all the utensils for the altar, 31 the bases for the surrounding courtyard and its gate, and all the tent pegs for the tabernacle and its surrounding courtyard.

Footnotes:

1 a Literally He constructed
1 b The altar was approximately 7.5 feet in length and width, and 4.5 feet high (2.3 meters in length and width, and 1.4 meters high).
9 c 100 cubits  is approximately 150 feet or 45.7 meters.
12 d 50 cubits  is approximately 75 feet or 22.9 meters.
14 e 15 cubits  is approximately 22.5 feet or 6.9 meters.
18 f 20 cubits  is approximately 30 feet or 9.1 meters.
18 g 5 cubits  is approximately 7.5 feet or 2.3 meters.
24 h The total weight of the gold was approximately 1.1 tons or 1 metric ton.
25 i The total weight of the silver was approximately 3.79 tons or 3.44 metric tons.
26 j A beka  is half a shekel, or approximately 0.2 ounces or 5.7 grams.
27 k 100 talents  is approximately 3.77 tons or 3.42 metric tons of silver.
28 l 1,775 shekels  is approximately 44.6 pounds or 20.2 kilograms of silver.
29 m The total weight of the bronze was approximately 2.67 tons or 2.42 metric tons.

The Altar of Burnt Offerings

(Leviticus 1:1-17; Leviticus 8:18-21)

1And he maketh the altar of burnt-offering of shittim wood, five cubits its length, and five cubits its breadth (square), and three cubits its height; 2and he maketh its horns on its four corners; its horns have been of the same; and he overlayeth it with brass; 3and he maketh all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the sprinkling-pans, the forks, and the fire-pans; all its vessels he hath made of brass. 4And he maketh for the altar a brazen grate of net-work, under its border beneath, unto its midst; 5and he casteth four rings for the four ends of the brazen grate -- places for bars; 6and he maketh the staves of shittim wood, and overlayeth them with brass; 7and he bringeth in the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it with them; hollow with boards he made it.

The Bronze Basin

8And he maketh the laver of brass, and its base of brass, with the looking-glasses of the women assembling, who have assembled at the opening of the tent of meeting.

The Tabernacle Courtyard

9And he maketh the court; at the south side southward, the hangings of the court of twined linen, a hundred by the cubit, 10their pillars are twenty, and their brazen sockets twenty, the pegs of the pillars and their fillets are silver; 11and at the north side, a hundred by the cubit, their pillars are twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the pegs of the pillars and their fillets are silver; 12and at the west side are hangings, fifty by the cubit; their pillars are ten, and their sockets ten; the pegs of the pillars and their fillets are silver; 13and at the east side eastward fifty cubits. 14The hangings on the side are fifteen cubits, their pillars three, and their sockets three, 15and at the second side at the gate of the court, on this and on that, are hangings, fifteen cubits, their pillars three, and their sockets three; 16all the hangings of the court round about are of twined linen, 17and the sockets for the pillars of brass, the pegs of the pillars and their fillets of silver, and the overlaying of their tops of silver, and all the pillars of the court are filleted with silver. 18And the covering of the gate of the court is the work of an embroiderer, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and twined linen; and twenty cubits is the length, and the height with the breadth five cubits, over-against the hangings of the court; 19and their pillars are four, and their sockets of brass four, their pegs are of silver, and the overlaying of their tops and their fillets are of silver; 20and all the pins for the tabernacle, and for the court round about, are of brass.

The Cost of the Tabernacle

21These are the numberings of the tabernacle (the tabernacle of testimony), which hath been numbered by the command of Moses, the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. 22And Bezaleel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, hath made all that Jehovah commanded Moses; 23and with him is Aholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and designer, and embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet, and in linen.

24All the gold which is prepared for the work in all the work of the sanctuary (and it is the gold of the wave-offering) is twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary. 25And the silver of those numbered of the company is a hundred talents, and a thousand and seven hundred and five and seventy shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary; 26a bekah for a poll (half a shekel, by the shekel of the sanctuary,) for every one who is passing over unto those numbered, from a son of twenty years and upwards, for six hundred thousand, and three thousand, and five hundred and fifty. 27And a hundred talents of silver are to cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; a hundred sockets for the hundred talents, a talent for a socket; 28and the thousand and seven hundred and five and seventy he hath made pegs for the pillars, and overlaid their tops, and filleted them. 29And the brass of the wave-offering is seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels; 30and he maketh with it the sockets of the opening of the tent of meeting, and the brazen altar, and the brazen grate which it hath, and all the vessels of the altar, 31and the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the gate of the court, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court round about.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Exodus 38?

1.1Introduction to Exodus 38

1.2Context of Exodus 38

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Exodus 38 Unique Insights

1.6Exodus 38 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Exodus 38 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Exodus 38 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Exodus 38?

Introduction to Exodus 38

Exodus 38 provides an intricate account of the construction of the bronze altar, bronze basin, and the courtyard of the Tabernacle, along with a detailed inventory of all the materials used in building the sanctuary. This chapter stands as a testament to the precision and accountability required in sacred service, demonstrating how even the most practical aspects of worship can be infused with spiritual significance. The meticulous recording of materials used – gold, silver, and bronze – reveals both the generosity of the Israelites and the transparent stewardship of resources dedicated to God’s dwelling place.

The chapter’s detailed enumeration of materials serves as more than just an ancient ledger; it exemplifies the principle that everything given for God’s service matters and is carefully noted. Each contribution, whether large or small, was recorded and used purposefully in creating the place where God would dwell among His people.

Context of Exodus 38

Within the broader narrative of Exodus, chapter 38 falls within the section detailing the actual construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 35-40), following the instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25-31). This chapter specifically focuses on the creation of the outer court furnishings and provides a financial accounting of all materials used in the Tabernacle’s construction. Its placement is significant as it demonstrates the faithful execution of God’s detailed instructions, showing how divine plans were meticulously transformed into physical reality.

In the larger biblical narrative, this chapter serves as a crucial link in the establishment of proper worship. It bridges the gap between God’s theoretical instructions and their practical implementation, setting a precedent for how sacred space should be constructed and managed. The careful attention to detail and accurate accounting prefigures later Temple practices and establishes principles that would influence worship spaces throughout biblical history, from Solomon’s Temple to the spiritual temple of believers’ bodies described in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 6:19).

The emphasis on precise measurements and careful accounting also establishes a pattern of stewardship and accountability that extends beyond the immediate context of Tabernacle construction. This chapter demonstrates how spiritual leadership involves both faithful execution of God’s commands and transparent management of resources entrusted by the community.

Ancient Key Word Study

נְחשֶׁת (nechoshet) – “Bronze”: This metal symbolized judgment and purification in the Tabernacle context. Its use in the altar where sacrifices were made points to the judicial aspect of atonement. The word appears frequently in this chapter, emphasizing the importance of judgment and purification in approaching God.
מִזְבַּח (mizbeach) – “Altar”: The root means “to slaughter for sacrifice.” The bronze altar was the first thing encountered in the courtyard, teaching that approach to God begins with sacrifice and atonement. Its prominence in the chapter underscores the centrality of sacrifice in worship.
חָצֵר (chatzer) – “Courtyard”: This term denotes an enclosed space, suggesting both protection and separation. The courtyard created a sacred space that was accessible yet set apart, illustrating the balance between God’s accessibility and His holiness.
פְּקוּדֵי (pekudei) – “Accounts/Numberings”: This word comes from a root meaning “to attend to, oversee, muster.” Its use here emphasizes the importance of accountability and proper stewardship in sacred matters.
תְּרוּמָה (terumah) – “Contribution/Offering”: This term specifically refers to that which is lifted up or elevated, suggesting the act of dedicating something to God. It appears in the context of the materials freely given for the Tabernacle’s construction.
כִּכָּר (kikkar) – “Talent”: This weight measurement (approximately 75 pounds) appears multiple times in the accounting section, demonstrating the substantial nature of the people’s giving and the magnificence of the Tabernacle’s construction.
אַדְנֵי (adnei) – “Bases/Sockets”: These foundational elements literally supported the entire structure. The word shares its root with אָדוֹן (Adon – Lord), suggesting a beautiful metaphor of God as our foundation.
מְשֻׁזָר (moshzar) – “Twisted”: Used to describe the fine linen, this term implies something that has been carefully worked and refined, symbolizing the precision and excellence required in items dedicated to God’s service.
פָּקַד (paqad) – “To count/attend to”: This verb emphasizes careful attention and oversight, appearing throughout the accounting section and highlighting the importance of diligent management of sacred resources.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s description of the bronze altar using the phrase “חֲמֵשׁ אַמּוֹת אָרְכּוֹ” (five cubits in length) employs the standard biblical measurement term אַמָּה (ammah – cubit) rather than alternative ancient measurements like זֶרֶת (zeret – span) or טֶפַח (tefach – handbreadth). This choice emphasizes the altar’s perfect proportions according to the divine standard, as the cubit was considered the most sacred measurement unit.
The repeated use of “נְחשֶׁת” (bronze) in verses 2-7 rather than “בַּרְזֶל” (iron) for the altar’s construction is significant. While iron was available and more durable, bronze carried symbolic significance of judgment and purification, making it more appropriate for the altar where atonement would take place.
In verse 8, the phrase “בְּמַרְאֹת הַצֹּבְאֹת” (mirrors of the serving women) specifically uses מַרְאָה (mar’ah – mirror) rather than the more common term רְאִי (re’i). This choice emphasizes these weren’t just ordinary mirrors but objects with spiritual significance, transformed from implements of personal adornment to sacred service.
The accounting section beginning in verse 21 uses “פְּקוּדֵי” (records) rather than the more common “סֵפֶר” (book/record), emphasizing the official and sacred nature of this inventory. This term connects to the census terminology, suggesting divine oversight of the accounting process.
Verses 24-31’s detailed monetary calculations use “כִּכָּר” (talent) and “שֶׁקֶל” (shekel) rather than other ancient weight measurements, establishing these as the standard sacred weights for Temple service that would continue throughout Israel’s history.

Can a Bible Come to Life over a Coffee?

This biblical entry has a unique origin story. Find out how it came to be—and why your visit today is about so much more than words. Get your coffee ready—God’s about to visit. But will you open the door for Him?

I’m ready

Exodus 38 Unique Insights

The construction of the bronze laver from the mirrors of the serving women (verse 8) provides a fascinating insight into the spiritual transformation of mundane objects into sacred implements. According to Midrash Tanchuma, these women had used these mirrors in Egypt to maintain their beauty and attract their husbands despite the harsh conditions of slavery, thus ensuring the continuation of the Jewish people. Their willing donation of these mirrors for sacred use represents a powerful transformation from physical beauty to spiritual service.

The precise accounting of materials used in the Tabernacle’s construction reveals an important principle about accountability in spiritual leadership. The ancient Jewish sage Rashi notes that Moses provided this detailed accounting even though no one had requested it, establishing a precedent that leaders handling public funds should maintain complete transparency. This principle influenced later Temple practices and continues to inform religious institutional management today.

The proportions and measurements throughout the chapter follow a pattern based on the number five, which according to kabalistic interpretation represents God’s grace and man’s incompleteness without divine intervention. The five-cubit dimensions of various items remind us of human limitation and our need for divine completion. The Zohar connects this to the five books of Torah and the five fingers of the human hand, suggesting that proper worship involves both divine instruction and human action working in harmony.

The organizational structure described in the courtyard’s construction presents a physical representation of spiritual truths about approaching God. The early church father Origen saw in this arrangement a pattern for spiritual growth, with the bronze altar representing initial repentance and the progressive movement inward representing deeper levels of spiritual maturity and closeness to God.

Exodus 38 Connections to Yeshua

The bronze altar detailed in this chapter foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Yeshua the Messiah. Its construction from bronze, a metal associated with judgment, points to how He would bear God’s judgment on behalf of humanity. The altar’s dimensions – five cubits square – represent the perfection of God’s grace manifested in the Messiah’s sacrifice, while its hollow construction (Exodus 38:7) mirrors how He emptied Himself to become our sacrifice (Philippians 2:7).

The bronze laver, made from mirrors, presents a beautiful picture of transformation through the Messiah. Just as these mirrors were transformed from instruments of physical reflection to tools of spiritual purification, so Yeshua transforms us from focusing on our external appearance to reflecting His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). The careful accounting of materials points to how everything in the Old Covenant was carefully prepared and measured to pave the way for the Messiah’s perfect fulfillment of all requirements.

Exodus 38 Scriptural Echoes

The detailed accounting in this chapter finds resonance throughout Scripture, particularly in passages about Temple construction (1 Kings 7:13-51) and restoration (Ezra 1:9-11). The principle of careful stewardship echoes in New Testament teachings about managing God’s resources (1 Corinthians 4:2).

The bronze altar’s construction parallels later Temple worship and ultimately points to Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10). The courtyard’s arrangements find spiritual fulfillment in the torn Temple veil (Matthew 27:51) and our direct access to God through Christ (Hebrews 10:19-22).

The willing contributions of the people mirror the generosity of early Christians (Acts 4:32-35) and Paul’s teaching on cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). The transformation of the mirrors presages Paul’s teaching about being transformed into Christ’s image (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Exodus 38 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to consider our own stewardship of resources dedicated to God’s service. The meticulous accounting reminds us that God notices and values every contribution, whether large or small. Just as each material in the Tabernacle served a specific purpose, we too should consider how we can use our resources and talents in service to God’s kingdom.

The transformation of the mirrors into the bronze laver presents a powerful metaphor for personal transformation. What aspects of our lives, currently focused on self, could be surrendered and transformed for God’s service? This account invites us to examine our priorities and consider what we might need to give up to participate more fully in God’s work.

The careful construction according to divine specifications challenges us to approach our service to God with excellence and attention to detail. While we’re no longer bound by Levitical law, the principle of giving our best to God remains. How might we apply this level of care and precision to our spiritual lives and service?

Did You Know

The total amount of gold used in the Tabernacle was approximately 2,193 pounds (1 talent = 75 pounds), making it worth over $43 million in today’s values.
The bronze altar, despite its size, was designed to be portable, with its hollow construction and carrying poles demonstrating God’s intention for His presence to be mobile among His people.
The women who donated their mirrors for the bronze laver were specifically noted as “serving at the entrance of the tent of meeting,” suggesting an organized group of women with designated spiritual responsibilities.
The silver collected came exclusively from the half-shekel tax on men aged 20 and over, providing an exact census of 603,550 men of military age.
The bronze altar’s dimensions created a surface area of 25 square cubits, symbolically representing divine grace multiplied by human responsibility.
The courtyard’s dimensions formed a perfect golden ratio, a mathematical principle found throughout nature and considered by many ancient cultures to represent perfect beauty.
The detailed inventory system described here influenced accounting practices throughout ancient Israel and was later adopted by the First and Second Temples.
The amount of bronze collected was less precisely recorded than gold and silver, possibly because bronze came from many small personal items rather than measured contributions.
The construction sequence described follows a pattern from most holy to least holy spaces, reflecting a spiritual principle of working outward from God’s presence.
The white hangings of the courtyard were exactly 100 cubits long on the north and south sides, representing completeness and divine perfection.

Have you been blessed?

This website has over 46,000 Biblical resources, made possible through the generosity of the 0.03% of supporters like you. If you’ve been blessed today, please consider sending a gift.

send a gift

Bible Themes

Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. What is the F.O.G?

Articles: 46924

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments