Exodus 38 details the construction and furnishing of key elements of the Tabernacle, focusing on the altar of burnt offering, the laver, and the court surrounding the Tabernacle. This chapter provides...
31
Verses
~5 min
Read Time
Moses
Author
c. 1446 BC - Wilderness Tabernacle Construction during the Exodus journey
Timeline
Timeline
c. 1446 BC - Wilderness Tabernacle Construction during the Exodus journey
Exodus 38 details the construction and furnishing of key elements of the Tabernacle, focusing on the altar of burnt offering, the laver, and the court surrounding the Tabernacle. This chapter provides a meticulous account of the materials used, measurements, and craftsmanship, emphasizing obedience to God's commands given through Moses. It highlights the skilled work of Bezaleel and Aholiab, who led the artisans in creating these sacred items. The chapter also records the offerings of gold, silver, and brass from the congregation, underscoring the communal participation in worship. This detailed description underscores the holiness and order God requires in worship, setting the stage for Israel’s covenant relationship with Him.
Verses 1-8: Construction of the Altar and Laver. This section describes the altar of burnt offering made of shittim wood overlaid with brass, including its dimensions, horns, and accompanying vessels. The laver, used for ceremonial washing, is also crafted from brass, symbolizing purification.
Verses 9-20: The Court of the Tabernacle. The chapter details the hangings, pillars, sockets, and gate of the Tabernacle’s outer court. The materials—fine linen, brass, silver, and embroidered colors—reflect the beauty and sanctity of the worship space.
Verses 21-31: Summary of Materials and Craftsmen. This final section lists the leaders responsible for the work, Bezaleel and Aholiab, and provides an accounting of the gold, silver, and brass used. It emphasizes faithful adherence to God’s instructions and the communal offerings that made the construction possible.
Son of Uri from the tribe of Judah, Bezaleel was the chief craftsman appointed by God to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle’s furnishings. His skilled work and leadership were crucial in fulfilling God’s detailed instructions.
Son of Ahisamach from the tribe of Dan, Aholiab was an engraver, workman, and embroiderer who assisted Bezaleel. His artistic skills contributed to the beauty and craftsmanship of the Tabernacle.
Son of Aaron the priest, Ithamar was responsible for counting and overseeing the service of the Levites related to the Tabernacle, ensuring proper organization and stewardship.
Details the construction of the altar from shittim wood overlaid with brass, including its dimensions, horns, and accompanying vessels, as well as the laver made from the women’s mirrors, symbolizing purification.
Describes the fine linen hangings, pillars, sockets, and the embroidered gate of the Tabernacle’s outer court, emphasizing the beauty and sanctity of the worship space.
Lists the leaders Bezaleel and Aholiab, the amounts of gold, silver, and brass used, and the faithful adherence to God’s commands in completing the Tabernacle furnishings.
“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.”
“And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.”
“This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.”
“And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.”
“And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.”
How well do you know Exodus 38?
Take the QuizCommit to obeying God’s commands in all aspects of life, recognizing that worship requires reverence and exactness.
Engage in regular spiritual cleansing through prayer and repentance, reflecting the symbolism of the laver.
Offer your gifts and talents to God willingly, trusting He equips you for His service as He did Bezaleel and Aholiab.
Participate actively in the community of faith, contributing to the collective work of the Church.
Value order and stewardship in your spiritual life, ensuring accountability and faithfulness in service.
The chapter emphasizes strict adherence to God’s precise instructions for the Tabernacle’s construction, illustrating the importance of obedience in worship and covenant relationship.
The altar, laver, and court symbolize the need for purification and separation from sin before approaching God, reflecting the broader biblical theme of holiness.
The detailed accounting of materials and the use of communal offerings highlight the collective responsibility and participation of Israel in worshiping God.
God’s gifting of Bezaleel and Aholiab demonstrates that God equips His people with talents to serve Him effectively, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.
Exodus 38 is set during the wilderness period following Israel’s deliverance from Egypt, approximately the 15th century BC. The Israelites were nomadic, encamped at Mount Sinai, receiving God’s law and instructions for worship. The Tabernacle served as a portable sanctuary where God’s presence dwelt among His people. The use of shittim wood (acacia) and metals like gold, silver, and brass reflects the available materials in the Sinai region and the craftsmanship traditions of the ancient Near East. The political context involved a recently freed people preparing to enter the Promised Land, emphasizing obedience and covenant identity through worship.
Reformed theology sees the Tabernacle as a type of Christ, with the altar representing Christ’s sacrifice and the laver symbolizing cleansing by the Word. The detailed obedience reflects the believer’s call to holiness and reverence in worship.
Dispensationalists emphasize the literal fulfillment of God’s instructions in the wilderness and see the Tabernacle as a foreshadowing of Christ’s earthly ministry and the future Millennial Temple, highlighting God’s unfolding plan.
Early Church Fathers often allegorized the Tabernacle elements, viewing the altar as Christ’s cross, the laver as baptism, and the court as the Church, teaching spiritual truths about salvation and sanctification.
Describes the earthly sanctuary and its furnishings, directly paralleling the Tabernacle details in Exodus 38.
Outlines the burnt offering sacrifices performed on the altar made as described in Exodus 38.
David’s instructions for building the Temple include detailed plans reminiscent of the Tabernacle’s construction.
Jesus references the necessity of washing (symbolized by the laver) for spiritual cleansing.
Calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, connecting to the altar’s symbolism of offering.
Exodus 38 stands as a powerful reminder of God’s holiness and the importance of worshiping Him according to His precise instructions. Through the detailed construction of the altar, laver, and court, believers see the necessity of purity, obedience, and communal participation in approaching God. The chapter also highlights God’s provision of gifted servants to accomplish His work, encouraging believers today to use their talents for His glory. Ultimately, this chapter calls Christians to reverence, order, and wholehearted dedication in their worship and service to the Lord.
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