Exodus 38 highlights the construction of the Tabernacle’s courtyard, sacred offerings, and the importance of faithful stewardship.
The book of Exodus 38 continues the meticulous account of the construction of the Tabernacle, focusing on the making of the altar of burnt offering, the laver, and the court of the Tabernacle. This chapter highlights the skillful craftsmanship of Bezaleel and Aholiab, who were divinely appointed to oversee the work. The construction was carried out with great precision, using the offerings of gold, silver, and brass given freely by the people.
In this chapter, we also see how God’s instructions were followed without deviation, demonstrating the importance of obedience in worship. The materials and measurements used in building the Tabernacle symbolize the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. The altar of burnt offering represents atonement for sin, while the laver signifies the need for spiritual cleansing before service.
By studying Exodus 38, we gain insight into how the Israelites’ devotion to God was reflected in their giving and labor. It also emphasizes the sacredness of worship and the necessity of preparing a place where God’s presence can dwell among His people. This commentary will break down the key aspects of the chapter, explaining their significance in biblical history and their relevance to Christian faith today.
The Making of the Altar of Burnt Offering (Exodus 38:1-7)
The Purpose of the Altar
The altar of burnt offering, also called the brazen altar, was one of the most significant pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle. It was placed at the entrance of the courtyard, symbolizing the first step in approaching God—sacrifice and atonement for sin.
"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." — (Exodus 38:1, KJV)
The altar was made of shittim (acacia) wood and overlaid with brass (bronze). The wood symbolizes the humanity of Christ, while the brass represents judgment (Numbers 21:9). This foreshadows Jesus Christ, who bore the judgment of sin on the cross.
The Construction Details
The altar was foursquare, measuring five cubits (7.5 feet) in length and breadth and three cubits (4.5 feet) in height. It had horns on each corner, which were also overlaid with brass. The horns represented strength and salvation (Psalm 18:2), and in times of distress, people would cling to the altar’s horns for mercy (1 Kings 1:50).
Bezaleel also crafted brass vessels for the altar, including pans, shovels, basins, flesh hooks, and firepans (Exodus 38:3). These utensils were used for handling the sacrifices and ensuring the altar remained clean and functional.
"And he made for the altar a brazen grate of network under the compass thereof beneath unto the midst of it." — (Exodus 38:4, KJV)
A grate of brass was placed beneath the altar to allow the ashes to fall through, ensuring proper burning of the sacrifices. The altar was also portable, with staves (poles) inserted into rings for carrying (Exodus 38:5-7).
Spiritual Significance of the Altar
The altar of burnt offering is a powerful symbol of atonement. It signifies:
- The necessity of sacrifice – Sin requires a price to be paid (Hebrews 9:22).
- Christ’s ultimate sacrifice – Jesus became the final burnt offering (Hebrews 10:10-14).
- The call to surrender – Believers are to offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).
The Laver of Brass - Cleansing Before Worship (Exodus 38:8)
After the altar, the next item in the Tabernacle courtyard was the laver of brass.
"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." — (Exodus 38:8, KJV)
The Purpose of the Laver
The laver was a large basin filled with water where the priests washed their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle. This act symbolized spiritual cleansing, emphasizing the need for purity before approaching God.
The laver was made from the brass mirrors donated by the women. This suggests that true worship requires self-examination and purification (James 1:23-25).
The Spiritual Meaning of the Laver
- Repentance before service – Just as priests washed before ministering, believers must be cleansed from sin (1 John 1:9).
- The Word as cleansing – The laver represents the purifying power of God’s Word (Ephesians 5:26).
- Renewal through Christ – Jesus provides spiritual cleansing through His sacrifice (Titus 3:5).
The Courtyard of the Tabernacle (Exodus 38:9-20)
The courtyard enclosed the Tabernacle and was constructed with fine linen hangings supported by brass pillars.
"And he made the court: on the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, an hundred cubits." — (Exodus 38:9, KJV)
Symbolism of the Courtyard
The white linen symbolized righteousness and separation from the world (Revelation 19:8). The pillars provided strength and stability, reflecting God’s unwavering truth.
The Gate of the Courtyard
The entrance to the courtyard had a gate with blue, purple, and scarlet fabric (Exodus 38:18), symbolizing:
- Blue – The heavenly nature of Christ
- Purple – His royalty as King
- Scarlet – His blood shed for salvation
The Inventory of Materials Used (Exodus 38:21-31)
Moses recorded all the materials used for the Tabernacle, ensuring accountability and integrity.
"This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses." — (Exodus 38:21, KJV)
The gold, silver, and brass were given as freewill offerings by the people (Exodus 38:24-29). This demonstrates:
- God's provision – He supplied all that was needed (Philippians 4:19).
- Faithful stewardship – Moses ensured that all resources were wisely used.
Conclusion
Exodus 38 highlights the importance of obedience, sacrifice, and preparation in worship. The altar, laver, and courtyard reveal God’s plan for holiness and the need for atonement and cleansing before entering His presence. The detailed inventory reminds us that God’s work requires integrity and faithfulness.
For believers today, this chapter reinforces the call to offer ourselves to God, live in purity, and approach Him with reverence and devotion. Just as the Israelites built the Tabernacle with willing hearts, we too are called to serve faithfully and wholeheartedly.
5 Long FAQs on Exodus 38: The Construction of the Tabernacle’s Courtyard and Sacred Offerings
1. Why was the altar of burnt offering covered in brass instead of gold?
The altar of burnt offering was overlaid with brass (bronze) instead of gold because brass symbolizes judgment, endurance, and purification through fire. In the Bible, brass often represents strength under trial and God’s righteous judgment (Numbers 21:9, Revelation 1:15). Since the altar was used for daily sacrifices, it had to withstand intense heat. Gold, though valuable, is softer and not as heat-resistant as brass. Additionally, the altar represented Christ’s sacrifice, where He bore the judgment of sin on behalf of humanity. Just as the Israelites' offerings were burned on the altar, Jesus endured the fire of God’s wrath on the cross, making atonement for sin.
2. What is the significance of the laver being made from women’s mirrors?
The laver of brass, where the priests washed before ministering, was made from the polished brass mirrors donated by the Israelite women (Exodus 38:8). This is significant because mirrors are used for self-examination, and in a spiritual sense, the laver represents the need for self-reflection and purification before serving God. The priests could not approach God’s presence without cleansing themselves first, which symbolizes how believers must be spiritually washed by the Word (Ephesians 5:26) and through confession of sins (1 John 1:9). The fact that women gave up their mirrors also shows an act of self-sacrifice, indicating that worship requires laying down personal vanity and focusing on holiness.
3. How does the Tabernacle courtyard represent separation from the world?
The courtyard of the Tabernacle, made of fine white linen hangings, surrounded the entire sanctuary, separating the sacred space from the rest of the Israelite camp. This symbolizes how God’s people are called to be set apart from sin and the world (Leviticus 20:26, 2 Corinthians 6:17). The only way to enter the courtyard was through a single gate, which foreshadows how Jesus Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6). The courtyard's restricted access and separation also emphasize the holiness of God, reminding believers that approaching Him requires cleansing and devotion. In the New Testament, this separation finds its fulfillment in the spiritual distinction between believers and the world, calling Christians to live in righteousness and obedience.\
4. Why were the gate’s colors symbolic in Israelite worship?
The entrance to the Tabernacle courtyard was a colorful gate made of blue, purple, and scarlet fabrics, each with deep symbolic meaning:
- Blue represents heaven and divinity, signifying Jesus as the Son of God (John 3:13).
- Purple symbolizes royalty and kingship, pointing to Christ as the King of kings (Revelation 19:16).
- Scarlet represents sacrifice and atonement, foreshadowing Jesus’ shed blood for salvation (Hebrews 9:22).
This gate was the only entry point into the Tabernacle, reflecting how Christ is the only way to eternal life (John 10:9). Worship in the Old Testament required following God’s instructions, just as salvation today requires faith in Jesus alone. The colorful entrance also reminds us of the richness of God’s grace, offering salvation to all who believe.
5. How does the inventory of materials emphasize faithful stewardship in ministry?
At the end of Exodus 38, Moses records a detailed inventory of all materials used in building the Tabernacle (Exodus 38:21-31). This careful accounting shows that everything given for God’s work was properly managed, highlighting the importance of faithful stewardship and transparency in ministry. The gold, silver, and brass offerings came from the freewill gifts of the people, demonstrating how worship involves both giving and accountability.
In modern-day ministry, this teaches:
- God’s resources should be handled with integrity (2 Corinthians 8:20-21).
- Ministers must be accountable for the offerings they receive (Luke 16:10).
- Generous giving should come from willing hearts, not compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7).
The careful documentation in Exodus 38 serves as a model for responsible leadership, ensuring that everything dedicated to God is used for His glory.
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