Exodus 38
BBCExodus 38:1
- The Altar of Burnt Offering (38:1-7)The altar of burnt offering represents the cross, where the Lord Jesus offered Himself to God as a complete sacrifice. There can be no access to God apart from His sacrificial death.
Exodus 38:8
- The Laver (38:8)The laver speaks of the present ministry of Christ, cleansing His people by the washing of water with the Word (Eph_5:26). The priests were required to wash their hands and feet before performing any service. So our actions and our walk must be clean before we can serve the Lord effectively. The laver was made from the bronze mirrors of the serving women. Glorification of self gave way to service for God.
Exodus 38:9
- The Outer Court, Pillars, and Screen (38:9-31)38:9-20 The outer court around the tabernacle consisted of white linen hangings, fifty-six pillars with bronze sockets and silver hooks, and an embroidered screen at the gate. The white linen speaks of the righteousness which bars the unbelieving sinner from approaching God, but which also separates and protects the believer inside. The only entrance to the court was the gate, made of fine woven linen and embroidered with blue, purple, and scarlet thread. This suggests Christ (“I am the door,” Joh_10:9) here as the only way of approach to God. The fine linen is a picture of His spotless purity; the blue, of His heavenly origin; the purple, of His regal glory; the scarlet, of His suffering for sin. 38:21-23 The names of the skilled workers are repeated. Whenever God has a task to do, He raises up people to do it. For the tabernacle He called and equipped Bezalel and Aholiab. For the building of the temple He used Hiram to supply materials. For the building of the church, he used His chosen workmen, Peter and Paul. 38:24-31 The materials used in building the tabernacle are carefully tabulated. They would be valued in the millions of dollars in today’s currency. We too can dedicate our possessions to the work of the Lord, saying in effect, “Take my silver and my gold; not a mite would I withhold.”