Exodus 38
BSB1 Bezalel constructed the altar of burnt offering from acacia wood. It was square, five cubits long, five cubits wide, and three cubits high. 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. 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. 9 Then he constructed the courtyard. The south side of the courtyard was a hundred cubits long 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 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, 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 and, like the curtains of the courtyard, five cubits high, 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. 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, according to the sanctuary shekel. 25 The silver from those numbered among the congregation totaled 100 talents and 1,775 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel— 26 a beka per person, that is, half a shekel, 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 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 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. 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.
Study Notes — Exodus 38
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Exodus 38
- Themes from Exodus 38
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Exodus 38
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Exodus chapter 38 provides a detailed account of the construction of the tabernacle, including the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the courtyard. The chapter begins with the construction of the altar of burnt offering, which was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze (Exodus 38:1-7). The bronze basin was also constructed, and the courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings (Exodus 38:8-20). The chapter concludes with a summary of the materials used in the construction of the tabernacle, including gold, silver, and bronze (Exodus 38:21-31). Throughout the chapter, the skill and craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab are highlighted, as they were filled with the Spirit of God to carry out the work.
Context for the Chapter
Exodus chapter 38 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and the ultimate redemption that comes through Christ. The construction of the tabernacle is a crucial part of this narrative, as it provides a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites and a means of worship and relationship with Him.
Heart Application
As we read about the construction of the tabernacle, we are reminded of the importance of worship and relationship with God. We are also reminded of the beauty and perfection of Christ, who is the true tabernacle and dwelling place of God. Let us seek to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, and to worship Him in spirit and truth.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Exodus chapter 38 is about the construction of the tabernacle, which was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. The chapter describes the construction of the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the courtyard, and it highlights the skill and craftsmanship of Bezalel and Oholiab. As we read about the construction of the tabernacle, we are reminded of the beauty and perfection of Christ, who is the true tabernacle and dwelling place of God. (Exodus 38:1-31)
Voices from the Church
“The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, and it pointed to the ultimate presence of God among men in the person of Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The construction of the tabernacle was a work of great skill and craftsmanship, and it highlights the importance of the gifts and talents that God gives to His people.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The construction of the altar of burnt offering (Exodus 38:1-7) — The altar of burnt offering was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, and it was a symbol of the sacrifice and atonement that God required for sin.
- The construction of the bronze basin (Exodus 38:8) — The bronze basin was made of bronze and was a symbol of purification and cleansing.
- The construction of the courtyard (Exodus 38:9-20) — The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane.
- The summary of the materials used in the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 38:21-31) — The chapter concludes with a summary of the materials used in the construction of the tabernacle, including gold, silver, and bronze.
- The role of the Levites in the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 38:21) — The Levites played a crucial role in the construction of the tabernacle, and they were responsible for its maintenance and upkeep.
Core Doctrines
- The doctrine of the tabernacle
- The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, and it pointed to the ultimate presence of God among men in the person of Christ.
- The doctrine of the priesthood
- The Levites played a crucial role in the construction of the tabernacle, and they were responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This highlights the importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God.
- The doctrine of sacrifice and atonement
- The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice and atonement that God required for sin, and it pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
- The doctrine of purification and cleansing
- The bronze basin was a symbol of purification and cleansing, and it pointed to the ultimate purification and cleansing that comes through Christ.
Lessons from Exodus 38
- The importance of worship and relationship with God — The construction of the tabernacle highlights the importance of worship and relationship with God, and reminds us of the beauty and perfection of Christ, who is the true tabernacle and dwelling place of God.
- The role of the gifts and talents that God gives to His people — The construction of the tabernacle was a work of great skill and craftsmanship, and it highlights the importance of the gifts and talents that God gives to His people.
- The significance of the tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites — The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, and it pointed to the ultimate presence of God among men in the person of Christ.
- The importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God — The Levites played a crucial role in the construction of the tabernacle, and they were responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This highlights the importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God.
- The ultimate sacrifice and atonement that comes through Christ — The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice and atonement that God required for sin, and it pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
Themes from Exodus 38
- The theme of God's presence among His people — The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, and it pointed to the ultimate presence of God among men in the person of Christ.
- The theme of worship and relationship with God — The construction of the tabernacle highlights the importance of worship and relationship with God, and reminds us of the beauty and perfection of Christ, who is the true tabernacle and dwelling place of God.
- The theme of the gifts and talents that God gives to His people — The construction of the tabernacle was a work of great skill and craftsmanship, and it highlights the importance of the gifts and talents that God gives to His people.
- The theme of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God — The Levites played a crucial role in the construction of the tabernacle, and they were responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This highlights the importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God.
- The theme of the ultimate sacrifice and atonement that comes through Christ — The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice and atonement that God required for sin, and it pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the tabernacle in the biblical narrative?
- How does the construction of the tabernacle point to the ultimate presence of God among men in the person of Christ?
- What is the role of the Levites in the construction of the tabernacle, and what does this say about the importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God?
- How does the altar of burnt offering point to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ?
- What is the significance of the bronze basin in the construction of the tabernacle, and how does it point to the ultimate purification and cleansing that comes through Christ?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The construction of the altar of burnt offering (Exodus 38:1-7)
| Exodus 38:1 | The altar of burnt offering was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. |
| Exodus 38:2 | The altar was square in shape, with a length and width of five cubits and a height of three cubits. |
| Exodus 38:3 | The altar was made with a bronze grating, and it had bronze rings and bronze utensils. |
| Exodus 38:4 | The altar was made with a bronze network, and it had bronze rings and bronze utensils. |
| Exodus 38:5 | The altar was made with a bronze base, and it had bronze rings and bronze utensils. |
| Exodus 38:6 | The altar was made with a bronze overlay, and it had bronze rings and bronze utensils. |
| Exodus 38:7 | The altar was made with a bronze grating, and it had bronze rings and bronze utensils. |
2. The construction of the bronze basin (Exodus 38:8)
| Exodus 38:8 | The bronze basin was made of bronze and was a symbol of purification and cleansing. |
3. The construction of the courtyard (Exodus 38:9-20)
| Exodus 38:9 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings. |
| Exodus 38:10 | The pillars were made of bronze and were five cubits high. |
| Exodus 38:11 | The hangings were made of fine linen and were ten cubits long. |
| Exodus 38:12 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane. |
| Exodus 38:13 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane. |
| Exodus 38:14 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane. |
| Exodus 38:15 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane. |
| Exodus 38:16 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane. |
| Exodus 38:17 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane. |
| Exodus 38:18 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane. |
| Exodus 38:19 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane. |
| Exodus 38:20 | The courtyard was set up with its pillars and hangings, and it was a symbol of the separation between the holy and the profane. |
4. The summary of the materials used in the construction of the tabernacle (Exodus 38:21-31)
| Exodus 38:21 | The tabernacle was made with gold, silver, and bronze. |
| Exodus 38:22 | The tabernacle was made with fine linen and with goat hair. |
| Exodus 38:23 | The tabernacle was made with acacia wood and with bronze. |
| Exodus 38:24 | The tabernacle was made with gold, silver, and bronze. |
| Exodus 38:25 | The tabernacle was made with fine linen and with goat hair. |
| Exodus 38:26 | The tabernacle was made with acacia wood and with bronze. |
| Exodus 38:27 | The tabernacle was made with gold, silver, and bronze. |
| Exodus 38:28 | The tabernacle was made with fine linen and with goat hair. |
| Exodus 38:29 | The tabernacle was made with acacia wood and with bronze. |
| Exodus 38:30 | The tabernacle was made with gold, silver, and bronze. |
| Exodus 38:31 | The tabernacle was made with fine linen and with goat hair. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the tabernacle in the biblical narrative?
The tabernacle was a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites, and it pointed to the ultimate presence of God among men in the person of Christ (Exodus 38:21, John 1:14).
How does the construction of the tabernacle point to the ultimate presence of God among men in the person of Christ?
The construction of the tabernacle highlights the importance of worship and relationship with God, and reminds us of the beauty and perfection of Christ, who is the true tabernacle and dwelling place of God (Exodus 38:1-31, John 1:14).
What is the role of the Levites in the construction of the tabernacle, and what does this say about the importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God?
The Levites played a crucial role in the construction of the tabernacle, and they were responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This highlights the importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God (Exodus 38:21, Numbers 3:6-10).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 38:1 → Hebrews 9:11 | The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice and atonement that God required for sin, and it pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. |
| 2 | Exodus 38:8 → John 1:14 | The bronze basin was a symbol of purification and cleansing, and it pointed to the ultimate purification and cleansing that comes through Christ. |
| 3 | Exodus 38:21 → Numbers 3:6-10 | The Levites played a crucial role in the construction of the tabernacle, and they were responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This highlights the importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God. |
| 4 | Exodus 38:1 → Matthew 27:51 | The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice and atonement that God required for sin, and it pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. |
| 5 | Exodus 38:8 → Hebrews 10:22 | The bronze basin was a symbol of purification and cleansing, and it pointed to the ultimate purification and cleansing that comes through Christ. |
| 6 | Exodus 38:21 → 1 Peter 2:9 | The Levites played a crucial role in the construction of the tabernacle, and they were responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This highlights the importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God. |
| 7 | Exodus 38:1 → Romans 3:25 | The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice and atonement that God required for sin, and it pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. |
| 8 | Exodus 38:8 → Ephesians 5:26 | The bronze basin was a symbol of purification and cleansing, and it pointed to the ultimate purification and cleansing that comes through Christ. |
| 9 | Exodus 38:21 → Revelation 1:6 | The Levites played a crucial role in the construction of the tabernacle, and they were responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This highlights the importance of the priesthood in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God. |
| 10 | Exodus 38:1 → Hebrews 13:10 | The altar of burnt offering was a symbol of the sacrifice and atonement that God required for sin, and it pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. |
Sermons on Exodus 38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Exodus) Exodus 38 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the structure and significance of the tabernacle in the Bible. The tabernacle was made up of various coverings and furniture, each representin |
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(Exodus) Exodus 38:18 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the colors used in the hanging for the gate of the court. The blue represents Christ's deity, as he came from heaven. The |
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(Through the Bible) Exodus 30-32 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He focuses on the incident where the Israelites worshiped a golden calf while Mos |
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Studies in 1 Thessalonians 01 Conversion by Svend Christensen | In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about a man who asks a young boy to bring him water. The man uses the water to wash his feet before going to remember the Lord in the brea |
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The Tabernacle 12 Boards-Bars (Incomplete) by J. Henry Brown | In this sermon transcript, the speaker recounts their experience of visiting a place where they were preaching the gospel. They initially feel unsure about being there and question |
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The Pins of the Tabernacle. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the significance of seemingly insignificant tasks in God's work, using the example of the 'pins' of the tabernacle to illustrate that God notices and values |
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The Brazen Laver by Charles S. Price | Charles S. Price preaches on the significance of the laver in the Book of Exodus, emphasizing the need for spiritual cleansing before entering God's presence. He draws parallels be |
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The Washbasin by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the significance of the bronze washbasin in the Bible, symbolizing the cleansing power of Christ to remove sin and restore hope. The washbasin, made of bro |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 38
In this chapter, we see the careful construction of the tabernacle, with all its parts and furnishings, as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. The altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the courtyard all point to the ultimate sacrifice and purification that comes through Christ. As we read about the construction of the tabernacle, we are reminded of the beauty and perfection of Christ, who is the true tabernacle and dwelling place of God. Let us seek to cultivate a deeper relationship with God, and to worship Him in spirit and truth, as we reflect on the significance of the tabernacle and its furnishings. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The attention to detail in the construction of the tabernacle
The chapter provides a detailed account of the construction of the tabernacle, including the materials used and the measurements of each component. This attention to detail highlights the importance of the tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites.
The role of the Levites in the construction of the tabernacle
The Levites played a crucial role in the construction of the tabernacle, and they were responsible for its maintenance and upkeep. This highlights the importance of the Levites in the worship and relationship of the Israelites with God.
The use of symbolism in the construction of the tabernacle
The tabernacle, altar of burnt offering, and bronze basin are all symbols of God's presence and relationship with the Israelites. The use of these symbols highlights the importance of the tabernacle as a symbol of God's presence and relationship with His people.