Commentary on Exodus 38

Exodus 38 meticulously details the completion of the Tabernacle's furnishings and the accounting of the materials used for its construction. It describes the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the courtyard, emphasizing the precise adherence to God's instructions given to Moses. The chapter concludes with a comprehensive inventory of the gold, silver, and bronze contributed by the Israelites, highlighting their generous participation and the immense value of the sacred structure. This chapter underscores the Israelites' obedience and God's provision for the dwelling place of His presence.

Historical context

Exodus 38 continues the narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, following the detailed blueprints provided by God in previous chapters (Exodus 25-31). The historical setting places the Israelites in the wilderness, shortly after their exodus from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Moses has received divine instructions, and now the skilled artisans, Bezalel and Oholiab, along with other craftsmen, are bringing these plans to fruition.

The audience for this account would have been the Israelites themselves, serving as a record of their obedience and God's faithfulness. It also functions as a theological statement, demonstrating the importance of precise worship and the sacredness of God's dwelling among His people. The materials used—gold, silver, and bronze—were likely spoils from Egypt or contributions from the people's personal wealth, underscoring their commitment to the covenant.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  This verse begins the description of the altar of burnt offering, made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. This altar was central to Israelite worship, where animal sacrifices were offered to atone for sin, symbolizing the need for a blood sacrifice to approach a holy God (Lev 1:1-9).

• 8:

  Here we find the unique detail that the bronze basin and its stand were made from the bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle. This highlights the sacrificial giving of the people, even of personal items, for the Lord's service. The basin was used for ceremonial washing by the priests, emphasizing purity before ministry (Exod 30:17-21).

• 9:

  The construction of the courtyard is introduced, specifying its dimensions: 150 feet long on the south side. This area enclosed the Tabernacle proper, creating a sacred space set apart from the surrounding wilderness, symbolizing the distinction between the holy and the common.

• 18:

  This verse describes the curtain for the entrance to the courtyard, made of fine linen embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. This elaborate curtain served as the sole entry point, controlling access and visually separating the sacred courtyard from the profane world outside, much like the veil within the Tabernacle itself.

• 21:

  This verse marks the beginning of the inventory of materials, noting that this is the record of the Tabernacle of the Covenant, compiled at Moses' command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar, Aaron's son. This meticulous accounting underscores the importance of stewardship and accountability in God's work.

• 24:

  The total amount of gold used for the Tabernacle is specified: 29 talents and 730 shekels, which is an immense quantity. This gold was used for the Ark, the mercy seat, the lampstand, the altar of incense, and other sacred objects, signifying the preciousness and glory of God's presence.

• 25:

  The silver collected from the community is detailed: 100 talents and 1,775 shekels. This silver came from the census tax of half a shekel per person (Exod 30:11-16), indicating that every Israelite contributed to the foundation and pillars of the Tabernacle, showing corporate responsibility.

• 27:

  The silver was primarily used for casting the bases of the sanctuary and the curtain, with each talent forming 100 bases. These bases provided stability and support for the structure, symbolizing the firm foundation upon which God's dwelling place rested.

• 29:

  The bronze contributed by the people amounted to 70 talents and 2,400 shekels. Bronze, being less precious than gold or silver, was used for the more exposed and functional elements, such as the altar of burnt offering, the courtyard pillars, and the basin (Exod 38:1-7).

• 30:

  This verse lists the various items made from bronze, including the bases for the courtyard, the bronze altar, its grating, and all its utensils. The extensive use of bronze for these items highlights their durability and the practical, sacrificial aspects of worship that took place in the outer court.

Key themes

• Obedience to divine instruction
• Generous giving for God's work
• Holiness and purity in worship
• God's dwelling among His people
• Meticulous craftsmanship and stewardship

Application

Exodus 38 reminds us that our worship and service to God should be marked by both obedience and generosity. Just as the Israelites meticulously followed God's blueprints for the Tabernacle, we are called to align our lives and ministries with His revealed will in Scripture. The detailed accounting of materials also speaks to the importance of stewardship, reminding us that all we have—our time, talents, and resources—are gifts from God to be used for His glory.

The willingness of the Israelites to donate their precious possessions, even their mirrors, for the Tabernacle's construction, challenges us to consider our own level of sacrificial giving. Our contributions, whether large or small, are vital for the building up of God's kingdom. Ultimately, the Tabernacle pointed to Christ, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity (John 1:14). Our service today is a response to His finished work, offering ourselves as living sacrifices in light of His perfect sacrifice (Rom 12:1).

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