Exodus 38: A Detailed Commentary and Explanation

Introduction

Exodus 38 continues the description of the construction of the Tabernacle, focusing on the making of the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, the courtyard, and an inventory of materials used. This chapter highlights the meticulous craftsmanship involved in constructing the sanctuary, demonstrating the obedience of the Israelites to God's instructions as given through Moses.

Each item constructed had a sacred purpose, representing deeper spiritual truths about worship, sacrifice, and God's presence among His people.

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Verses 1–7: The Altar of Burnt Offering

(1) And 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.
(2) And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.
(3) And 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.
(4) And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it.
(5) And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.
(6) And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.
(7) And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

Explanation

1. Material and Dimensions

   • The altar was made of acacia (shittim) wood, a durable wood resistant to decay, symbolizing incorruptibility.

   • It was five cubits (about 7.5 feet) square and three cubits (about 4.5 feet) high. The altar was hollow but overlaid with bronze (brass) for durability.

2. Horns on the Four Corners

   • The horns were a significant feature, symbolizing strength and salvation.

   • They were used for the sprinkling of sacrificial blood (Leviticus 4:7) and represented God’s power and protection (Psalm 18:2).

   • In times of distress, people would grab the horns of the altar seeking refuge (1 Kings 1:50).

3. Bronze Utensils

   • The pots, shovels, basins, flesh hooks, and firepans were all made of bronze, a symbol of judgment and purification by fire.

   • These tools were necessary for handling sacrifices, collecting ashes, and maintaining the fire.

4. Bronze Grating and Rings

   • The bronze grating was placed beneath the altar, allowing ashes to fall through while permitting airflow for continuous burning.

   • The rings and poles were used for carrying the altar, making it portable, ensuring that Israel could take their place of sacrifice with them during their journey.

Symbolism

• The altar represents Christ’s sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10-12).

• The bronze symbolizes judgment, reminding us that Jesus bore the judgment for sin.

• The fire on the altar, which was to burn continually (Leviticus 6:13), represents God’s consuming holiness.

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Verse 8: The Bronze Basin (Laver)

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

Explanation

1. The Laver’s Purpose

   • The bronze laver was used for ceremonial washing by the priests before they ministered at the altar or entered the Holy Place (Exodus 30:18-21).

   • It symbolized the need for purification and holiness before approaching God.

2. Made from Women’s Mirrors

   • The mirrors used to make the laver were polished bronze that women previously used for personal grooming.

   • This symbolizes self-denial and devotion, as these women sacrificed their personal belongings for the service of God.

   • It also reflects the transforming power of God—turning objects of vanity into instruments of purification.

Symbolism

• The laver represents baptism and spiritual cleansing (Ephesians 5:26).

• It emphasizes that before one can worship or serve God, purification is necessary.

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Verses 9–20: The Courtyard of the Tabernacle

The Structure of the Courtyard

(9-10) The court on the south side had hangings of fine linen, one hundred cubits long, with twenty pillars and twenty bronze sockets.
(11-12) The north and west sides had the same dimensions and materials.
(13-14) The east side, where the entrance was, had a 20-cubit wide gate.
(15-17) The pillars, sockets, hooks, and bands were made of bronze and silver.
(18-19) The screen for the entrance was embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.
(20) The pegs for the Tabernacle were also made of bronze.

Explanation

1. Outer Court Dimensions

   • The court was 100 cubits (150 feet) long and 50 cubits (75 feet) wide.

   • It was enclosed with fine linen hangings, representing righteousness and separation from the world.

2. The Gate and its Colors

   • The entrance curtain was embroidered with blue (heavenly), purple (royalty), and scarlet (sacrifice).

   • These colors prefigure Christ as the way to God (John 14:6).

3. The Bronze and Silver Pillars

   • Bronze bases represented judgment.

   • Silver hooks represented redemption, showing that access to God was made possible through atonement.

Symbolism

• The courtyard represents separation from the world and preparation for worship.

• The gate signifies that Christ is the only way to enter God’s presence (John 10:9).

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Verses 21–31: Inventory of Materials Used

(21-23) The inventory of materials was recorded by the Levites under the supervision of Ithamar, son of Aaron.
(24-25) The total amount of gold used was 29 talents and 730 shekels.
(26) A half-shekel was collected from each man aged 20 and above, totaling 603,550 men.
(27-28) The silver from the census was used for the sockets of the Tabernacle.
(29-31) The bronze was used for the altar, its utensils, and the courtyard.

Explanation

1. Supervised by Ithamar

   • Ithamar, Aaron’s son, oversaw the accounting, ensuring transparency and accountability.

2. The People’s Contribution

   • Every Israelite contributed a half-shekel (Exodus 30:11-16), symbolizing corporate responsibility in worship.

3. Use of Gold, Silver, and Bronze

   • Gold (purity, divinity) was used for the Holy Place and Most Holy Place.

   • Silver (redemption) was used for structural elements.

   • Bronze (judgment) was used for the altar and courtyard items.

Symbolism

• The materials reflect God's holiness and Israel’s obedience.

• The half-shekel tax represents equal participation in redemption—no one was excluded.

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Conclusion

Exodus 38 highlights the detailed craftsmanship of the Tabernacle, emphasizing holiness, obedience, and the need for atonement. Each part of the structure pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice, the true cleansing water, and the only way to God.