About Exodus

Exodus tells the story of Israel's deliverance from Egyptian slavery, the giving of the Law at Sinai, and the establishment of the tabernacle as the center of worship.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~4 minVerses: 31
DeliveranceRedemptionCovenantLawWorshipGod's Presence

King James Version

Exodus 38

31 verses with commentary

Making the Bronze Altar

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

The bronze altar (מִזְבַּח הָעֹלָה, mizbach ha-olah, 'altar of the burnt offering') of shittim wood overlaid with bronze represents judgment—bronze symbolizes divine judgment throughout Scripture (Numbers 21:9, Revelation 1:15). At five cubits square and three cubits high (approximately 7.5' × 7.5' × 4.5'), this altar dwarfs interior furnishings, teaching that dealing with sin must be massive and ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XXXVIII. (1) **He made the altar**.—From the furniture of the sanctuary, the transition is natural to the furniture of the court in which it stood. This is now is now described. It consisted of the brazen altar, or altar of burnt-offering, and the great brazen laver. The construction of the former is related in Exodus 38:1-7; that of the latter in Exodus 38:8. (1-9) This passage corresponds to Exo...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And he made the horns thereof on the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of the same: and he overlaid it with brass.

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KJV Study Commentary

Horns on the four corners (קַרְנֹתָיו עַל־אַרְבַּע פִּנֹּתָיו, karnotav al-arba pinnotav) represent power and refuge—sacrificial blood applied to horns (Leviticus 4:7) demonstrates power over sin. Those fleeing judgment could grasp altar horns for mercy (1 Kings 1:50-51), illustrating that refuge from judgment exists only at the place of sacrifice. The horns being 'of the same' (מִמֶּנּוּ, mimmenn...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And he made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, and the shovels, and the basons, and the fleshhooks, and the firepans: all the vessels thereof made he of brass.

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KJV Study Commentary

Vessels for the altar—pots (סִירֹת, sirot) for ashes, shovels (יָעִים, ya'im), basins (מִזְרָקֹת, mizrakot), fleshhooks (מִזְלָגֹת, mizlagot), and firepans (מַחְתֹּת, machtot)—all made of bronze, demonstrate that every tool serving judgment must itself bear judgment's metal. These implements handled the results of sin (ashes), moved the sacrifice (fleshhooks), and managed the fire (firepans). Maki...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **The pots.**—Exodus 27 has “his pans”; but the word used in the original is the same. It designates probably the scuttles in which the ashes were placed for removal from the sanctuary. (See Note 1 on Exodus 27:3.)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And he made for the altar a brasen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it.

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KJV Study Commentary

The grate of network bronze (מִכְבָּר מַעֲשֵׂה רֶשֶׁת נְחֹשֶׁת, mikhbar ma'aseh reshet nechoshet) provided structure beneath the altar's compass (כַּרְכֹּב, karkov—'ledge' or 'border'), likely allowing ash removal and airflow for continuous burning. This grating beneath teaches that judgment's fire requires careful engineering—God's wrath against sin isn't chaotic rage but ordered justice. The net...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the staves.

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KJV Study Commentary

Four rings of bronze at the four ends of the grate for carrying-staves teach that even the altar of judgment accompanies God's people through their journeys. The gospel includes both God's love and His wrath, both mercy and judgment. A portable judgment-altar demonstrates that awareness of sin's seriousness travels with believers—we never journey beyond need for cross-centered living. The four rin...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And he made the staves of shittim wood, and overlaid them with brass.

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KJV Study Commentary

Staves of shittim wood overlaid with bronze (not gold) distinguish this furniture from interior pieces. Bronze-overlay for judgment-tools versus gold-overlay for presence-tools teaches that different ministries require appropriate preparation. Those ministering at the bronze altar (bearing others' judgment) need bronze-character (endurance, strength), while those ministering within (priestly worsh...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And he put the staves into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it withal; he made the altar hollow with boards.

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KJV Study Commentary

The altar's hollow construction with boards (נְבוּב לֻחֹת, nevuv luchot) demonstrates that God's design combines strength with lightness—massive appearance, practical portability. This hollow center may picture that sacrificial system, though solid in appearance, contained emptiness requiring fulfillment. The altar's impressive exterior concealed internal void, just as animal sacrifices, though ge...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-21. all the congregation of Israel departed from the presence of Moses--**No exciting harangues were made, nor had the people Bibles at home in which they could compare the requirements of their leader and see if these things were so. But they had no doubt as to his bearing to them the will of God, and they were impressed with so strong a sense of its being their duty, that they made a sponta...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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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. lookingglasses: or, brasen glasses assembling: Heb. assembling by troops

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KJV Study Commentary

The bronze laver (כִּיּוֹר נְחֹשֶׁת, kiyor nechoshet) and its bronze base made 'of the lookingglasses of the women' (בְּמַרְאֹת הַצֹּבְאֹת, be-mar'ot ha-tzov'ot) demonstrates transformation—instruments of vanity become instruments of holiness. Women donated polished bronze mirrors for this laver where priests washed before serving, teaching that self-examination (mirrors) should lead to purificati...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **He made the laver of brass.**—Comp. Exodus 30:18-21, where the laver is commanded, and the uses whereto it was to be applied are laid down. By “brass” we must understand “bronze” in this place, as in others. **Of the lookingglasses.**—Rather, *mirrors. *The mirrors used in ancient times were not of glass, but of burnished metal. Bronze was the metal ordinarily employed for the purpose, and w...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**20-21. all the congregation of Israel departed from the presence of Moses--**No exciting harangues were made, nor had the people Bibles at home in which they could compare the requirements of their leader and see if these things were so. But they had no doubt as to his bearing to them the will of God, and they were impressed with so strong a sense of its being their duty, that they made a sponta...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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Making the Court

And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits:

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KJV Study Commentary

The court of the tabernacle (חֲצַר הַמִּשְׁכָּן, chatzer ha-mishkan) begins with the south side—fine twisted linen hangings (קְלָעִים שֵׁשׁ מָשְׁזָר, kela'im shesh mashzar) of hundred cubits (approximately 150 feet). White linen representing purity and righteousness creates visible boundary between holy space and common area, teaching that God's dwelling requires separation from the world. The ext...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9-20) The construction of the court follows upon that of the furniture which it contained. The passage runs parallel with Exodus 27:9-19.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**22. they came, both men and women, &c.--**literally, "the men over and above the women"; a phraseology which implies that the women acted a prominent part, presented their offerings first, and then were followed by as many of their male companions as were similarly disposed. **brought bracelets, &c.--**There was in that early age no money in the form of coins or bullion. What money pas...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

Their pillars were twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.

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KJV Study Commentary

Twenty pillars (עַמֻּדִים, amudim) with twenty bronze sockets (אֲדָנִים, adanim) supporting silver hooks (וָוֵיהֶם, vaveihem) and silver fillets (חֲשֻׁקֵיהֶם, chashukeihem) demonstrate layered symbolism. Bronze sockets (judgment) as foundation support pillars with silver connections (redemption) holding white linen (righteousness). This progression teaches that righteousness boundaries rest on red...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

And for the north side the hangings were an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

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KJV Study Commentary

The north side (צְלַע צָפוֹן, tzela tzafon) identical to the south (hundred cubits, twenty pillars, bronze sockets, silver hooks/fillets) demonstrates that God's standards maintain consistency regardless of direction or circumstance. Holiness boundaries don't shift with orientation; righteousness requirements don't vary by context. This bilateral symmetry teaches that God's character remains uncha...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver.

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KJV Study Commentary

The west side (פְּאַת־יָם, pe'at-yam, literally 'seaward side') at fifty cubits (approximately 75 feet) with ten pillars and ten sockets demonstrates proportional design—half the length of north/south sides creates rectangular courtyard. This western wall backed the tabernacle itself, forming solid boundary beyond which was wilderness, teaching that behind God's dwelling is nothing but His soverei...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

And for the east side eastward fifty cubits.

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KJV Study Commentary

The east side (פְּאַת קֵדְמָה מִזְרָחָה, pe'at kedmah mizrachah, 'east side toward the sunrise') at fifty cubits establishes the courtyard's entrance orientation. Facing east meant worshipers approached moving westward, away from the rising sun—a deliberate rejection of solar deity worship common in surrounding cultures. This orientation teaches that approaching God requires turning from created t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

The hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

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KJV Study Commentary

Hangings of fifteen cubits (approximately 22.5 feet) on one side of the gate, with three pillars and three sockets, begins defining the entrance parameters. The specific dimension (fifteen cubits) creates proper proportion for the gate relative to courtyard size. This careful measurement teaches that access to God, though genuinely available, follows divine design—not every point along the wall pr...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

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KJV Study Commentary

The matching 'other side' (כָתֵף הַשֵּׁנִית, kathef ha-shenit) with identical dimensions (fifteen cubits, three pillars, three sockets) establishes symmetrical entrance, preventing any impression of favoritism or arbitrary access. Both sides equal demonstrates that God shows no partiality (Acts 10:34)—entrance available equally to all who approach according to His design. The balance teaches that ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

All the hangings of the court round about were of fine twined linen.

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KJV Study Commentary

The gate of the court (שַׁעַר הֶחָצֵר, sha'ar he-chatzer) at twenty cubits (approximately 30 feet) of needlework (מַעֲשֵׂה רֹקֵם, ma'aseh rokem—'embroiderer's work') in blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen demonstrates that entrance to God's dwelling combines beauty and specificity. The colorful, artistic gate contrasts with plain white surrounding curtains, making entrance obvious and attractive...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

And the sockets for the pillars were of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver; and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

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KJV Study Commentary

Four pillars and four bronze sockets for the gate demonstrate stability and universality (four directions, four corners of earth) in the entrance to God's dwelling. Four pillars (versus three on each side section) provide extra support for the heavier embroidered curtain, teaching that the way into God's presence, though singular, receives special reinforcement. This substantial entrance structure...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **The overlaying of their chapiters of silver.**—Just as in Exodus 36:38, we are informed that Moses, travelling beyond the letter of his instructions, overlaid the capitals of the pillars at the door of the Tabernacle itself with gold, so now we find that, without any express orders, he overlaid those at the door of the court with silver. In each case he was probably following his remembranc...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**30. See, the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel, the son of Uri, &c.--**Moses had made this communication before [see Ex 31:2-5; also see on Ex 31:2]. But now that the collection had been made, the materials were contributed, and the operations of building about to be commenced, it was with the greatest propriety he reminded the people that the individuals entrusted with the application of th...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework , of blue, and purple, and scarlet , and fine twined linen: and twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, answerable to the hangings of the court.

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KJV Study Commentary

The courtyard's total dimensions—hundred cubits by fifty cubits (approximately 150' × 75'), enclosed by five-cubit-high hangings (7.5 feet) of fine linen with bronze sockets—creates substantial but not overwhelming boundaries. The relatively low height (five cubits) allows seeing over curtains, teaching that holiness boundaries separate without completely isolating God's dwelling from the world. T...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver.

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KJV Study Commentary

All the vessels of the tabernacle (כָּל־כְּלֵי הַמִּשְׁכָּן, kol-kelei ha-mishkan) in all its service, and all its pins, and all the courtyard pins made of bronze emphasizes comprehensive bronze usage for everything exterior/structural. Pins (יְתֵדֹת, yetedot—'tent pegs' or 'stakes') secured curtains and tabernacle structure, demonstrating that even hidden, underground elements deserve attention a...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

And all the pins of the tabernacle, and of the court round about, were of brass.

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KJV Study Commentary

The summary of tabernacle materials begins with 'This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony' (אֵלֶּה פְקוּדֵי הַמִּשְׁכָּן מִשְׁכַּן הָעֵדֻת, eleh fekudei ha-mishkan mishkan ha-edut), emphasizing accountability and testimony. The detailed accounting demonstrates stewardship—offerings given willingly (ch. 35-36) must be used faithfully with transparent reporting. 'Tabern...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 9-20** The walls of the court being of curtains only, intimated that the state of the Jewish church itself was movable and changeable; and in due time to be taken down and folded up, when the place of the tent should be enlarged, and its cords lengthened, to make room for the Gentile world.

Materials Used

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.

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KJV Study Commentary

Numbering 'as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses' (אֲשֶׁר פֻּקַּד עַל־פִּי מֹשֶׁה, asher pukkad al-pi Mosheh) by Levites under Ithamar the priest demonstrates ordained accountability structure. Moses commanded the accounting; Levites (service tribe) executed it; Ithamar (priestly authority) supervised—establishing multiple layers of oversight. This system prevents both misuse an...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

THE SUM OF THE GOLD, SILVER, AND BRONZE EMPLOYED IN THE TABERNACLE. (21) **This is the sum.**—Kalisch translates, “These are the accounts”; Canon Cook, “This is the reckoning.” The expression recurs in Numbers 26:63. **The tabernacle of testimony**—i.e., the dwelling which was to contain God’s “testimony” against sin—the Ten Commandments. **For the service of the Levites.**—Rather, *a service of t...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD commanded Moses.

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KJV Study Commentary

Bezaleel's comprehensive work—'all that the LORD commanded Moses' (אֵת כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּה יְהוָה אֶת־מֹשֶׁה, et kol-asher-tzivvah YHWH et-Mosheh)—emphasizes complete obedience to divine pattern. The description 'son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah' provides full identification, demonstrating personal accountability for named individuals. Bezaleel's work wasn't anonymous committee product...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**35. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart--**A statement which not only testifies that skill in art and science is a direct gift from God, but that weaving was especially the business of men in Egypt (see Ex 38:22; 39:22, 27). And in perfect harmony with the testimony of the monuments is the account given by Moses to the artists who were divinely taught the arts necessary for the embellishmen...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And with him was Aholiab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, and in purple, and in scarlet , and fine linen.

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KJV Study Commentary

Aholiab's partnership 'with him' demonstrates collaborative ministry—'an engraver, and a cunning workman, and an embroiderer' (חָרָשׁ וְחֹשֵׁב וְרֹקֵם, charash ve-choshev ve-rokem) in the colored threads. The three specific skills (engraving, designing, embroidering) represent diverse expertise united in common purpose, teaching that God's work requires varied gifts working in harmony. Aholiab (fr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **Aholiab . . . an engraver.**—This is a mistranslation. *Khârâsh *means a worker in any material whatsoever. It should be rendered *artificer, *as it is in 1Chronicles 29:5; 2Chronicles 34:11. **A cunning workman.**—Literally, *a deviser; *but the root is used especially of the devising of textile fabrics. (See Exodus 26:1; Exodus 26:31; Exodus 28:6; Exodus 28:15; Exodus 36:8; Exodus 36:35; ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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All the gold that was occupied for the work in all the work of the holy place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

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KJV Study Commentary

The gold total—'twenty and nine talents, and seven hundred and thirty shekels' (approximately 1,900-2,200 pounds) 'after the shekel of the sanctuary'—represents enormous wealth consecrated to God's dwelling. The specific standard ('shekel of the sanctuary') ensured accuracy and prevented fraud through variable weights. This massive gold quantity (worth millions in today's terms) demonstrates that ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **All the gold that was occupied for the Work.**—Rather, *that was made use of for the work.* **The gold of the offering, was twenty and nine talents.**—The gold talent is estimated by Poole as = 10,000 shekels, and the gold shekel as worth about £1 2s. of our money. In this case the gold employed in the Tabernacle would have been worth nearly £320,000. Some, however, reduce the estimate to £...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 36 Ex 36:1-38. Offerings Delivered to the Workmen. **1. Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise-hearted man, &c.--**Here is an illustrious example of zeal and activity in the work of the Lord. No unnecessary delay was allowed to take place; and from the moment the first pole was stuck in the ground till the final completion of the sacred edifice, he and his associates labore...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And the silver of them that were numbered of the congregation was an hundred talents, and a thousand seven hundred and threescore and fifteen shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

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KJV Study Commentary

Silver 'of them that were numbered of the congregation' (כֶּסֶף פְּקוּדֵי הָעֵדָה, keseph pekudei ha-edah)—one hundred talents and 1,775 shekels (approximately 7,500-8,500 pounds)—came specifically from the census atonement tax (half-shekel per person, Exodus 30:13). This redemption money formed the silver sockets supporting the tabernacle, teaching that God's dwelling stands entirely on purchased...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **The silver . . . was an hundred talents.**—The silver talent contained 3,000 shekels, as all allow, and as appears from the present passage. If the “shekel of the sanctuary” weighed, as is generally supposed, about 220 grains troy, the value of the silver contributed would have been £40,000, or a little under. It was contributed by “them that were numbered of the congregation,” each of whom...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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A bekah for every man, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for every one that went to be numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men. every man: Heb. a poll

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KJV Study Commentary

The precise calculation—'a bekah for every man' (בֶּקַע לַגֻּלְגֹּלֶת, beka la-gulgoleth, 'half-shekel per head')—demonstrates exact accountability. The phrase 'from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty men' provides census total: 603,550 men of military age. This specific number multiplied by half-shekel equals the silver total (v. 25...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **A bekah for every man.**—The word “bekah” means simply *a half, *but appears to have been restricted in its use to the half-shekel. (Comp. Genesis 24:22.) The exegetical clause, half a shekel,” is probably a later addition to the text, inserted to clear the sense. **For every one that went to be numbered.**—It is remarkable that the principle of compulsory payment towards the fabric of the ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

3. they (the workmen) **received of Moses all the offering, which the children of Israel had brought, &c.--**It appears that the building was begun after the first few contributions were made; it was progressively carried on, and no necessity occurred to suspend operations even for the shortest interval, from want of the requisite materials. **they brought yet unto him free offerings every...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

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KJV Study Commentary

The hundred talents of silver cast into sockets (אֲדָנִים, adanim—'foundations') for sanctuary and veil—'a talent for a socket' (כִּכָּר לָאָדֶן, kikkar la-aden)—demonstrates that redemption provides precise foundation: ninety-six sockets (forty-eight for boards, forty-eight for veil pillars) from ninety-six talents. Four talents remaining (v. 28) went to hooks and capitals. This mathematical prec...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **The sockets of the sanctuary.**—On these, see Exodus 26:19; Exodus 26:21; Exodus 26:25. They consisted of forty for each side, and sixteen for the western end—total, ninety-six. **The sockets of the vail.**—On these, see Exodus 26:32. They were four in number, and supported the four pillars on which the vail was hung. Thus the total number of the silver sockets was, as the text expresses, o...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And of the thousand seven hundred seventy and five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, and overlaid their chapiters, and filleted them.

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KJV Study Commentary

The remaining 1,775 shekels (approximately 44 pounds) used for hooks (וָוִים, vavim), capitals (רָאשֵׁיהֶם, rashehem, 'heads'), and fillets (connecting rods, חִשּׁוּקִים, chishukim) demonstrates stewardship of every portion—nothing wasted, everything applied to God's house. These connecting elements, though less prominent than sockets, were essential for structural integrity. The use of redemption...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Hooks for the pillars.**—The pillars of the court had hooks of silver, to which the hangings were attached (Exodus 27:10; Exodus 27:17; Exodus 38:10-12). **Their chapiters.**—Comp. Exodus 38:17; Exodus 38:19.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**5. they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough, &c.--**By the calculations which the practised eyes of the workmen enabled them to make, they were unanimously of the opinion that the supply already far exceeded the demand and that no more contributions were required. Such a report reflects the highest honor on their character as men of the strictest honor and integr...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And the brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels.

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KJV Study Commentary

The bronze total—'seventy talents, and two thousand and four hundred shekels' (approximately 4,800-5,400 pounds)—came from voluntary offerings (unlike mandatory silver). This bronze made the bronze altar, laver, court sockets, pins, and vessels—all items associated with judgment, service, and boundaries. The voluntary nature of bronze offerings (versus mandatory atonement silver) teaches that whil...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(29) **The brass of the offering**—i.e., the bronze which the people had offered in consequence of the invitation addressed to them by Moses (Exodus 30:5; Exodus 30:24). **Seventy talents.**—No great quantity was needed, since bronze was only required for the laver, for the altar of burnt offering and its vessels, for the sockets of the Tabernacle gate, for those of the court, and for the “pins,” ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And therewith he made the sockets to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and the brasen altar, and the brasen grate for it, and all the vessels of the altar,

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KJV Study Commentary

The bronze application—'the sockets for the door of the tabernacle,' altar and grate, altar vessels, court sockets, court gate sockets, tabernacle pins, and court pins—demonstrates comprehensive use. Bronze marked every threshold (tabernacle door, court gate), foundation (sockets), and anchor (pins), teaching that judgment and endurance characterize transitions, foundations, and security in God's ...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **The sockets to the door of the tabernacle.**—See Exodus 26:37. **The brasen altar . . . the brasen grate.**—Comp. Exodus 27:2-6. **The vessels of the altar.**—See Exodus 27:3; Exodus 38:3.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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And the sockets of the court round about, and the sockets of the court gate, and all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court round about.

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KJV Study Commentary

The detailed accounting's conclusion demonstrates faithful stewardship and transparent reporting. Every talent, every shekel, every piece of gold, silver, and bronze is accounted for—teaching that those entrusted with sacred resources owe complete transparency to both God and community. This standard challenges contemporary ministry to maintain careful records, clear reporting, and faithful stewar...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **The sockets of the court.**—See Exodus 27:10-12; Exodus 27:15-18. **The pins of the tabernacle**.—Comp. Exodus 27:19; Exodus 38:20; and see Note on the former passage. **The pins of the court.**—See chan. 27:19. **Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. **Bible Hub

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 38 Chapter Outline The brazen altar and laver.(1-8) The court.(9-20) The offerings of the people.(21-31) **Verses 1-8** In all ages of the church there have been some persons more devoted to God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, and more willing to part even with lawful things, for his sake, than others. Some women, devoted to God and zealous for...
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