# Overview Exodus Chapter 38 details the construction of the #tabernacle, particularly focusing on the making of the #altar of burnt offering, the #laver, and the courtyard. It begins with the crafting of the bronze altar by #Bezalel, who uses acacia wood and overlays it with bronze, equipping it with a grating and carrying poles. The chapter specifies the dimensions and materials, emphasizing obedience to the divine instructions provided to #Moses. The bronze laver, made from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance of the #tent of meeting, reflects the importance of purity and preparation for worship. The construction of the courtyard, with its hangings and pillars, further establishes the sacred space where #Israelites could approach God. The chapter concludes with a detailed accounting of the materials used for the tabernacle's construction, overseen by #Ithamar, the son of #Aaron the priest. The precious metals, including gold, silver, and bronze, are meticulously recorded, highlighting the significance of communal contributions and the value placed on the tabernacle as the dwelling place of #God among His people. This careful inventory underscores the accountability and stewardship expected in the service of God, reflecting the Israelites' dedication and obedience to the covenant instructions. The chapter serves as a reminder of the importance of following God's commands precisely and the communal effort involved in creating a place of worship. ## Theological Insights Exodus 38 details the construction of the #Tabernacle, specifically focusing on the #altar of burnt offering, the #bronze laver, and the #court. This chapter highlights the meticulous attention to divine instruction and the communal effort in the building of the #Tabernacle, underscoring the theme of obedience to #God's commands as a form of worship. 1. **Sacrificial System**: The construction of the altar of burnt offering (Exodus 38:1-7) emphasizes the importance of sacrifice in the covenant relationship between #God and #Israel. The altar, made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, points to the necessity of atonement for sin, which prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of #Christ in the #NewTestament ([[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 10]]). 2. **Purification and Cleansing**: The bronze laver (Exodus 38:8), made from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting, symbolizes the need for purification before approaching a holy #God. This act of washing is a precursor to the spiritual cleansing offered through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], who purifies believers through his sacrifice ([[1 John/1 John Chapter 1]]). 3. **Community and Offering**: The making of the #Tabernacle’s court (Exodus 38:9-20) and the enumeration of the materials used (Exodus 38:21-31) highlight the collective contribution of the people of Israel. The offerings of gold, silver, and bronze reflect their dedication and willingness to support the #worship of God. This communal effort foreshadows the unity and diversity within the body of #Christ, where each member contributes to the building up of the church ([[1 Corinthians/1 Corinthians Chapter 12]]). 4. **Obedience and Worship**: The precision with which the craftsmen, led by #Bezalel and #Oholiab, follow the divine blueprint underscores the significance of obedience in worship. This meticulous adherence to God’s instructions is a model for the faithful, demonstrating that true worship involves both the heart and the hands, aligning actions with divine will ([[Romans/Romans Chapter 12]]). In summary, Exodus 38 not only provides a detailed account of the construction of the Tabernacle's key components but also illustrates deeper theological themes of sacrifice, purification, community, and obedience, all of which find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. ## Thematic Connections ### Obedience to Divine Instruction Exodus 38 continues the detailed account of the construction of the #Tabernacle, highlighting the obedience of the #Israelites to God’s specific instructions. This theme of obedience is consistent with the commands given in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]] where God provides Moses with the blueprint for the sanctuary. The faithfulness of the Israelites in carrying out these instructions underscores their commitment to the covenant relationship with God, a theme also echoed in other acts of obedience such as [[Genesis/Genesis Chapter 6|Noah’s construction of the ark]] and [[Joshua/Joshua Chapter 6|Joshua’s march around Jericho]]. ### Sacred Space and Divine Presence The construction of the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and other elements of the Tabernacle in Exodus 38 emphasizes the theme of sacred space as a dwelling place for God’s presence among His people. This idea is central to the #Israelite identity and worship, paralleling the significance of the #Temple in later Scripture, such as in [[1 Kings/1 Kings Chapter 8|Solomon’s Temple dedication]]. The meticulous detail signifies the holiness required to approach God, reminiscent of the sanctity observed in [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 16|the Day of Atonement rituals]]. ### Community and Contribution Exodus 38 highlights the communal effort in the building of the Tabernacle, with offerings of materials and labor from the entire #Israelite community. This theme of communal contribution reflects the collective responsibility of God’s people to support His work, akin to the gathering of resources for the rebuilding of the Temple in [[Ezra/Ezra Chapter 3]]. The unity and generosity of the people serve as a model for Christian community and stewardship in the New Testament, as seen in the early church in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 2]]. ### Covenant and Remembrance The record of materials used in the construction serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, as detailed in [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 19|Exodus 19]]. The bronze mirrors used for the basin may symbolize purification and reflection, themes that are integral to the covenant community’s relationship with God. This connection to the covenant is paralleled in the New Testament with the #Lord’sSupper, which serves as a reminder of the new covenant in [[Luke/Luke Chapter 22]]. ### Holiness and Atonement The altar of burnt offering and the bronze basin are central to the theme of holiness and atonement. The sacrifices offered upon the altar made atonement for the sins of the people, illustrating the necessity of holiness in approaching God. This foreshadows the ultimate atonement through [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]], the perfect sacrifice, as elaborated in the book of [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 9]]. The basin for washing before entering the Holy Place signifies the need for purification, paralleling the Christian concept of sanctification as seen in [[1 John/1 John Chapter 1|1 John 1:9]]. ## Prophetic Fulfillments ### The Tabernacle and Christ In Exodus 38, the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings continues, symbolizing the presence of #God among His people, a central theme fulfilled in the person of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]]. The Tabernacle serves as a prophetic foreshadowing of #Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the true dwelling place of God with man. [[John/John Chapter 1|John 1:14]] declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," using the Greek word "σκηνόω" (skenoo), which means to pitch a tent or tabernacle among us. This connection highlights the Tabernacle as a precursor to Christ’s incarnation, where God’s presence is fully realized in Jesus. ### The Bronze Altar and Jesus’ Sacrifice The bronze altar, described in Exodus 38, is where sacrifices were made for the atonement of sins. This altar foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ (Multiple)|Jesus Christ]] on the cross. [[Hebrews/Hebrews Chapter 10|Hebrews 10:10-12]] explains that Jesus offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements of the Law and rendering the repetitive sacrifices at the altar obsolete. Thus, the bronze altar serves as a type of Christ’s redemptive work, emphasizing the fulfillment of God’s plan for atonement through Jesus’ death. ### The Laver and Spiritual Cleansing The bronze basin, or laver, mentioned in Exodus 38, was used for the ceremonial washing of the priests, symbolizing purification and preparation for service. This imagery is fulfilled in the New Testament through the spiritual cleansing provided by Jesus. [[Ephesians/Ephesians Chapter 5|Ephesians 5:25-27]] speaks of Christ cleansing the Church with the washing of water through the word, preparing believers to be holy and blameless. The laver prefigures this spiritual purification, illustrating how Christ sanctifies and cleanses His people. ### The Contributions of the People and Generosity in Christ The detailed accounting of the contributions from the Israelites for the construction of the Tabernacle in Exodus 38 foreshadows the generous spirit found in the early Christian community, as seen in [[Acts/Acts Chapter 4|Acts 4:32-35]]. In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to give generously, reflecting the sacrificial giving seen in the construction of the Tabernacle. This prophetic fulfillment demonstrates the continuity of God’s people as willing participants in His divine plans, culminating in the communal life and mission of the Church under the New Covenant in Christ. ## Verses - **Exodus 38:1** - "Next Bezalel used acacia wood to construct the altar of burnt offering. It was 7 1/2 feet square at the top and 4 1/2 feet high." - Notes: The altar of burnt offering was a central part of the #Tabernacle worship system, where sacrifices were made. See [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 27]] for its initial instructions. - **Exodus 38:2** - "He made horns for each of its four corners so that the horns and altar were all one piece. He overlaid the altar with bronze." - Notes: The horns of the altar were significant in #sacrificial rituals. Compare with [[Leviticus/Leviticus Chapter 4]] for ritual use. - **Exodus 38:3** - "Then he made all the altar utensils of bronze—the ash buckets, shovels, basins, meat forks, and firepans." - Notes: These utensils were essential for handling the sacrifices. Similar tools can be seen in use in [[Numbers/Numbers Chapter 4]]. - **Exodus 38:4** - "Next he made a bronze grating and installed it halfway down the side of the altar, under the ledge." - Notes: The grating was part of the design for burning offerings. - **Exodus 38:5** - "He cast four rings and attached them to the corners of the bronze grating to hold the carrying poles." - Notes: The rings and carrying poles allowed for the altar to be moved as the #Israelites traveled. See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 25]] for similar designs in the #Tabernacle. - **Exodus 38:6** - "He made the poles from acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze." - Notes: Acacia wood was commonly used in the construction of #Tabernacle items. - **Exodus 38:7** - "He inserted the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar. The altar was hollow and was made from planks." - Notes: The construction details emphasize portability. - **Exodus 38:8** - "Bezalel made the bronze washbasin and its bronze stand from bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance of the Tabernacle." - Notes: The washbasin was used for purification rituals. Mirrors signify the willingness of the #Israelite women to contribute valuable items. See also [[Exodus/Exodus Chapter 30]] for instructions on the washbasin. - **Exodus 38:9** - "Then Bezalel made the courtyard, which was enclosed with curtains made of finely woven linen." - Notes: The courtyard was the outer area of the #Tabernacle complex. - **Exodus 38:10** - "There were twenty posts, each with a bronze base, and there were hooks and bands of silver." - Notes: The materials used here are consistent with other parts of the #Tabernacle. - **Exodus 38:11** - "He made the curtains for the north side and the south side of the courtyard, each 150 feet long." - Notes: The dimensions of the courtyard are significant for understanding the scale of the #Tabernacle. - **Exodus 38:12** - "The curtains on the west end of the courtyard were 75 feet long, hung with their twenty posts and bases." - Notes: The west end was part of the #Tabernacle's perimeter enclosure. - **Exodus 38:13** - "The east end, the front, was also 75 feet long." - Notes: The layout of the #Tabernacle provided a clear entrance on the east side. - **Exodus 38:14** - "The courtyard entrance was on the east end, flanked by two curtains 22 1/2 feet long, each hanging from three posts with their three bases." - Notes: The entrance structure allowed for controlled access to the #Tabernacle. - **Exodus 38:15** - "All the curtains used in the courtyard were made of finely woven linen." - Notes: This detail shows the emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. - **Exodus 38:16** - "Each post had a bronze base, and all the hooks and bands were silver." - Notes: Silver and bronze were significant materials in the #Tabernacle construction. - **Exodus 38:17** - "The tops of the posts were overlaid with silver, and the rings were used to hold up the curtains." - Notes: The design was both functional and decorative. - **Exodus 38:18** - "He made a curtain for the entrance to the courtyard, finely woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, embroidered with needlework." - Notes: The colors and embroidery reflect the sacred nature of the #Tabernacle. - **Exodus 38:19** - "This curtain was 30 feet long and 7 1/2 feet high, just like the curtains of the courtyard walls." - Notes: The entrance curtain was distinct in its craftsmanship. - **Exodus 38:20** - "It was supported by four posts, each set securely in its own bronze base. The tops of the posts were overlaid with silver, and the hooks and bands were also silver." - Notes: Again, the materials highlight the importance of the entrance. - **Exodus 38:21** - "This is an inventory of the materials used in building the Tabernacle of the Covenant. The Levites compiled the figures as Moses directed, and Ithamar son of Aaron the priest served as recorder." - Notes: #Ithamar was responsible for the oversight of materials. The role of the #Levites was crucial in #Tabernacle service. - **Exodus 38:22** - "Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made everything just as the Lord had commanded Moses." - Notes: #Bezalel was the chief artisan. His obedience to God's commands is emphasized. - **Exodus 38:23** - "He was assisted by Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, a craftsman expert at engraving, designing, and embroidering with blue, purple, and scarlet thread on fine linen cloth." - Notes: #Oholiab's skills were integral to the #Tabernacle's construction. - **Exodus 38:24** - "The entire Tabernacle was constructed from the 29 talents and 730 shekels of gold, as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel." - Notes: The use of gold signified the preciousness and holiness of the #Tabernacle. - **Exodus 38:25** - "The silver from the community of Israel weighed 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel." - Notes: The silver collected was from the contributions of the #Israelites. - **Exodus 38:26** - "This silver came from the census of the community, 1 beka per person, or half a shekel, as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel, for everyone who was registered in the census, from twenty years old or older—a total of 603,550 men." - Notes: The census was important for collecting resources for the #Tabernacle. - **Exodus 38:27** - "The hundred bases for the frames of the sanctuary walls and for the posts supporting the inner curtain required 100 talents of silver—one talent for each base." - Notes: The bases were foundational to the structure of the #Tabernacle. - **Exodus 38:28** - "The remaining 1,775 shekels of silver were used for making the hooks for the posts, the overlays for the tops of the posts, and the bands." - Notes: Every part of the silver was utilized in the construction. - **Exodus 38:29** - "The people also brought 70 talents and 2,400 shekels of bronze." - Notes: Bronze was used extensively in the #Tabernacle, especially for items like the altar of burnt offering. - **Exodus 38:30** - "This bronze was used to make the bases for the posts at the entrance to the Tabernacle, and the bronze altar, with its bronze grating and all the altar utensils." - Notes: The use of bronze was practical for items exposed to fire and wear. - **Exodus 38:31** - "Bronze was also used to make the bases for the posts that supported the curtains around the courtyard, the bases for the curtain at the entrance, and all the tent pegs for the Tabernacle and the courtyard." - Notes: The tent pegs and other elements ensured the stability of the #Tabernacle structure.