Exodus Chapter 38 Bible Study: Constructing the Altar, Laver, and Court, and the Tabernacle's Account of Materials

Construction of the Altar of Burnt Offering

Exodus chapter 38 continues the detailed account of the tabernacle’s construction, beginning with the Altar of Burnt Offering, located in the outer court. “He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood; five cubits was its length and five cubits its width—it was square—and three cubits was its height. He made its horns on its four corners; the horns were of one piece with it. And he overlaid it with bronze. He made all the utensils of the altar of bronze: the pans, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the firepans. He made for the altar a bronze grating, a network, under its rim, midway from the bottom. He cast four rings for the four corners of the bronze grating, to be holders for the poles. And he made the poles of acacia wood and overlaid them with bronze, to bear the altar.”

This altar was the largest and most prominent piece of furniture in the tabernacle court, serving as the central place for sacrifices.

Materials: It was made of acacia wood, known for its durability, and then overlaid with bronze. Bronze, a metal associated with judgment and strength, was fitting for an altar where sin was atoned for through the shedding of blood and the burning of offerings.
Dimensions: Its dimensions (five cubits long and wide, three cubits high) made it a substantial, square structure, indicating its stability and foundational role in worship.
Horns: The “horns” on its four corners were integral to the altar. These horns were a place where the blood of sin offerings was applied (Leviticus 4:7), symbolizing atonement. They also served as a place of refuge for those seeking asylum (1 Kings 1:50).
Utensils: All the accompanying utensils – pans, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans – were also made of bronze. These tools were essential for handling the ashes, blood, and portions of the sacrifices, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the sacrificial rituals.
Bronze Grating: A “bronze grating, a network,” was placed midway from the bottom, allowing air circulation for the fire and for the ashes to fall through, demonstrating practical design for efficient burning. Rings and poles of bronze-overlaid acacia wood were attached for its portability.

The Altar of Burnt Offering symbolized the necessity of sacrifice for sin. It was the first point of contact for anyone approaching God, teaching that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). This altar powerfully foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 10:10-14). He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), making it possible for us to approach God without fear of consumption. Its construction highlights God’s justice, His provision for sin, and the foundational role of atonement in His relationship with humanity.

Construction of the Bronze Laver

Adjacent to the Altar of Burnt Offering in the tabernacle court was the Bronze Laver. “He made the laver of bronze and its base of bronze, from the bronze mirrors of the serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.”

The Laver was a basin for washing, essential for the priests before they performed their duties.

Materials: It was made entirely of bronze, including its base. Bronze, again, signifies judgment and purification.
Unique Origin: The most striking detail about the Laver’s construction is its source material: “from the bronze mirrors of the serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.” In ancient times, mirrors were highly polished pieces of metal, often bronze. The “serving women” were devout women who ministered at the entrance of the tabernacle, perhaps assisting with various duties or engaging in prayer and worship. Their willing donation of their personal mirrors, which were objects of vanity and self-reflection, for the purpose of priestly purification, is a beautiful act of self-denial and consecration. It symbolizes the transformation from self-focus to God-focus.
Purpose and Symbolism: The Laver was placed between the Altar of Burnt Offering and the entrance to the Holy Place (Exodus 40:7). Priests were commanded to wash their hands and feet here before ministering at the altar or entering the tabernacle, “lest they die” (Exodus 30:19-21). This emphasized the necessity of ceremonial cleansing and purity for those who served God. It taught that even after atonement (at the altar), there was a need for daily purification from defilement acquired in the world.

The Bronze Laver foreshadows spiritual cleansing and sanctification. While the Altar pointed to the initial removal of sin’s penalty, the Laver pointed to the ongoing need for purity in our walk with God. It represents the washing of regeneration and the daily cleansing by the Word of God (Ephesians 5:26) and the work of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that only those who are clean can serve a holy God. The generous contribution of the women’s mirrors adds a layer of practical lesson: true worship involves sacrificing our personal desires and vanity for God’s purposes, leading to a deeper cleansing and preparation for His service.

Construction of the Court of the Tabernacle

The outer boundary of the sacred space was defined by the Court of the Tabernacle, a large enclosure surrounding the tabernacle proper. “Then he made the court: for the south side, the hangings of the court were of fine woven linen, one hundred cubits long; their twenty pillars and their twenty bronze sockets. The hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. For the north side the hangings were one hundred cubits long, with their twenty pillars and their twenty bronze sockets; and the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. For the west side there were hangings of fifty cubits, with their ten pillars and their ten sockets; and the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver. And for the east side the hangings were fifty cubits. The hangings on one side of the gate were fifteen cubits long, with their three pillars and their three sockets; and on the other side of the gate were hangings likewise, fifteen cubits long, with their three pillars and their three sockets. All the hangings of the court all around were of fine woven linen. The sockets for the pillars were of bronze; the hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver; and the overlay of their capitals was silver; and all the pillars of the court were banded with silver.”

The Court served to set apart the sacred space from the common ground of the camp, defining the area where the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver stood.

Dimensions: It was a large rectangular enclosure: one hundred cubits long on the north and south sides, and fifty cubits wide on the west and east sides. This created a significant space (approximately 150 feet by 75 feet), allowing for the movement of priests and the presentation of sacrifices.
Hangings: The walls of the court were made of fine woven linen, signifying purity and holiness. These hangings were relatively tall, preventing casual viewing into the sacred area and emphasizing the separation between the holy and the common.
Pillars and Sockets: The hangings were supported by sixty pillars in total (twenty on the north, twenty on the south, ten on the west, and ten on the east, divided for the gate). These pillars rested on bronze sockets, again associating bronze with the outer court and the place of judgment.
Silver Accents: The “hooks of the pillars and their bands were of silver,” and the “overlay of their capitals was silver.” Silver, often associated with redemption, adorned these elements, subtly indicating that entrance into God’s presence, even into the outer court, was based on redemption.
The Court Gate: “The screen for the gate of the court was twenty cubits long, woven of blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine woven linen, made by a weaver. It had four pillars and four bronze sockets; its hooks were of silver, and the overlay of their capitals and their bands were of silver.” The gate was located on the east side, the only entrance into the court. It was made of the same symbolic colors as the tabernacle’s inner coverings (blue, purple, scarlet, and fine linen), signifying its sacredness. Its dimensions (twenty cubits long) and the use of four pillars and bronze sockets, with silver accents, marked it as a distinct and holy entrance.

The Court of the Tabernacle visually represented the boundary between God’s holiness and human sinfulness. It taught Israel that access to God was not open to all without distinction, but only through the designated gate and the prescribed sacrifices at the bronze altar. It foreshadows the truth that Jesus Christ is the only “gate” or “door” through whom we can enter into God’s presence (John 10:9). The fine linen and the colors of the gate also point to Christ’s purity, royalty, heavenly origin, and atoning blood, which provide the only way to approach a holy God. The entire court served as a constant reminder of the order, separation, and means of access required for communion with God.

Accounting of Materials Used in the Tabernacle

Exodus 38 concludes with a meticulous accounting of all the materials used in the construction of the tabernacle, emphasizing the transparency and precision of the project. “This is the inventory of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle of the Testimony, which was compiled according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son of Aaron the priest. Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord had commanded Moses. And with him was Oholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and a designer, and an embroiderer in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, and fine linen.” This introduction highlights the authority behind the inventory (Moses’ command), the administrators (Levites led by Ithamar), and the chief craftsmen (Bezalel and Oholiab).

The detailed inventory follows:

Gold: “All the gold that was used for the work in all the construction of the holy sanctuary, the gold from the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred and thirty shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary.” (Approximately 2,200 pounds or 1,000 kg). This immense quantity of gold underscores the immense value and glory of God’s dwelling place.
Silver: “And the silver from those who were numbered of the congregation was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred and seventy-five shekels, by the shekel of the sanctuary: a bekah for each man (that is, half a shekel according to the shekel of the sanctuary), for everyone among those from twenty years old and above who passed over to those who were numbered, for six hundred and three thousand, five hundred and fifty men.” (Approximately 7,500 pounds or 3,400 kg). This silver came from the half-shekel census tax (Exodus 30:11-16), a payment for atonement. It was used primarily for the silver sockets of the tabernacle boards and the pillars of the court, signifying that the entire structure rested on a foundation of redemption.
Bronze: “The bronze of the wave offering was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels.” (Approximately 5,300 pounds or 2,400 kg). This bronze was used for the Altar of Burnt Offering, the bronze laver, and the sockets for the court pillars. Its association with judgment and cleansing is consistent.

This meticulous accounting serves several purposes:

Transparency and Accountability: It demonstrates that all the freewill offerings were used precisely as commanded, providing a clear record for the people and for future generations.
Confirmation of Divine Provision: It shows that the people’s generosity, stirred by God, provided more than enough for the entire project, confirming God’s abundant provision (Exodus 36:5-7).
Emphasis on Value: The sheer weight of the precious metals highlights the immense value and sacredness of the tabernacle as God’s dwelling place.
Historical Record: It provides a detailed historical record of the construction, a testament to Israel’s obedience and God’s faithfulness.

The accounting underscores that the tabernacle was not a haphazard construction but a divinely commanded project, meticulously executed and accounted for, reflecting God’s order and His glory. It also reminds us that in God’s work, stewardship and accountability are crucial, and that when His people give willingly, His provision is always abundant.

The Significance of the Mirrors

A unique and particularly significant detail in Exodus 38 is the mention of the bronze mirrors used for the Laver. “He made the laver of bronze and its base of bronze, from the bronze mirrors of the serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.”

This detail carries profound symbolic and practical significance:

Source of Material: In ancient times, mirrors were highly polished pieces of metal (bronze, copper, or silver), used for personal reflection. The “serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting” were devout women who dedicated themselves to service and worship at the entrance of the sacred space (1 Samuel 2:22 mentions similar women).
Act of Consecration and Self-Denial: The donation of their personal mirrors was a powerful act of self-denial and consecration. Mirrors are inherently objects of vanity and self-focus, used for personal adornment and reflection of one’s outward appearance. By willingly giving up these items, these women were symbolically sacrificing their self-centeredness and outward pride for the purpose of God’s service. They literally turned objects of self-reflection into an instrument for priestly purification.
Symbolism of the Laver: The Laver itself was used for the priests to wash their hands and feet, symbolizing cleansing and purity before approaching a holy God. The fact that it was made from mirrors adds a layer of meaning: just as a mirror reflects one’s physical image, the Laver, made from mirrors, could symbolically reflect the spiritual impurities of the priests, highlighting their need for cleansing before God. It was a constant visual reminder of the need for introspection and purification before engaging in sacred service.
Transformation and Redemption: This act also speaks to the theme of transformation and redemption. Objects once used for worldly purposes (vanity) were now redeemed and consecrated for God’s holy purposes. It’s a beautiful picture of how God can take what we offer, even things associated with our flaws, and transform them into instruments for His glory and for the purification of His people.

The story of the mirrors is a powerful illustration of true worship and sacrifice. It’s not just about giving what is convenient or leftover, but about offering something personal and valuable, even something that represents a part of our former selves, for God’s kingdom. It emphasizes that God desires not just our material possessions, but our willing hearts and our consecrated lives. The women’s mirrors became a lasting testament to their devotion and a perpetual reminder of the need for purity in approaching God. This detail adds a rich layer of spiritual meaning to the otherwise technical description of the tabernacle’s construction.

Practical Lessons from Exodus 38

Exodus 38, detailing the construction of the tabernacle’s outer elements, offers several practical lessons for believers today:

1. The Foundation of Atonement and Cleansing: The prominence of the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Laver in the outer court is a powerful visual. It teaches us that access to God always begins with atonement for sin (the Altar) and subsequent cleansing (the Laver). We cannot approach a holy God on our own terms or in our own strength. This points us to Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice on the cross is our ultimate atonement, and whose blood cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). Our daily walk requires ongoing spiritual cleansing through repentance and the Word.

2. Willing Sacrifice and Consecration: The story of the women donating their bronze mirrors for the Laver is a profound example of willing sacrifice and consecration. It challenges us to consider what “mirrors” in our own lives—objects, habits, or attitudes related to vanity, self-focus, or worldly pride—we might need to consecrate to God for His purposes. True worship involves giving up what is precious to us for His glory.

3. The Importance of Boundaries and Holiness: The meticulous design of the tabernacle court, with its hangings and gate, emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for boundaries between the sacred and the common. While Christ has opened direct access to God, we are still called to live holy lives, set apart from the world, and to approach God with reverence and respect.

4. Accountability and Stewardship in God’s Work: The detailed accounting of all the materials used (gold, silver, bronze) highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in handling resources for God’s work. It reminds leaders and ministries to be diligent stewards of what is entrusted to them, demonstrating integrity and ensuring that all contributions are used according to God’s purposes.

5. God’s Abundant Provision: The fact that the people brought “much more than enough” materials for the tabernacle underscores God’s ability to supernaturally provide for His work through the willing hearts of His people. This encourages us to give generously and to trust that God will supply all that is needed for His kingdom endeavors, often beyond our expectations.

6. Every Contribution Matters: From the immense weight of gold to the personal mirrors of the women, every material and every act of giving was vital for the tabernacle’s completion. This teaches us that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or large, is valued by God when offered with a willing heart. All gifts, talents, and resources, when consecrated to Him, contribute to the building of His dwelling place among us.

7. Foreshadowing Christ and the New Covenant: Every element of the tabernacle, as seen in Exodus 38, points to Jesus Christ. The bronze altar points to His sacrifice, the Laver to His cleansing power, and the court’s gate to Him as the only way to the Father. Understanding these types deepens our appreciation for the fullness of salvation found in Christ and the superiority of the New Covenant.

These practical lessons from Exodus 38 guide us in our understanding of worship, giving, purity, and the transformative power of God’s presence in our lives.

Cross-References and Broader Biblical Themes

Exodus 38, detailing the construction of the tabernacle’s outer elements, connects to several major biblical themes and finds echoes in numerous other passages throughout Scripture.

1. The Altar of Burnt Offering and Sacrifice:

Exodus 27:1-8: God’s initial instructions for the Altar of Burnt Offering.
Leviticus 1-7: Detailed laws concerning various types of sacrifices offered on this altar, emphasizing atonement for sin.
Hebrews 9:22: “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”
Hebrews 10:10-14: Jesus’ single sacrifice on the cross fulfills all the Old Testament sacrifices, providing perfect and complete atonement.
John 1:29: John the Baptist proclaims, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

2. The Bronze Laver and Cleansing/Sanctification:

Exodus 30:17-21: God’s initial instructions for the Laver and the command for priestly washing.
Titus 3:5: “He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
Ephesians 5:26: Christ cleanses the church “with the washing of water by the word.”
John 13:10: Jesus tells Peter, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean.” This speaks to initial salvation and ongoing daily cleansing.
1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

3. The Court of the Tabernacle and Access to God:

Exodus 27:9-19: God’s initial instructions for the court.
Psalm 100:4: “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise.”
John 10:9: Jesus declares, “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.”
Hebrews 4:16: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Access is now direct through Christ.

4. Generosity and Stewardship:

Exodus 35:20-29: The people’s initial overwhelming response of freewill offerings.
1 Chronicles 29:6-9: David and the people giving generously for the temple.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “God loves a cheerful giver.”
Philippians 4:18-19: God supplies all needs when people give generously.

5. Divine Guidance and Accountability:

Numbers 1:49-53: The Levites are specifically appointed to care for the tabernacle.
Numbers 4: Detailed instructions for the Levites regarding the dismantling, carrying, and setting up of the tabernacle.
1 Corinthians 4:2: “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.”

6. The Tabernacle as a Type/Shadow of Christ:

John 1:14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt [tabernacled] among us, and we beheld His glory.”
Hebrews 8:5: The earthly tabernacle is a “copy and shadow of the heavenly things.”
Hebrews 9:11-12: Christ entered the true, heavenly tabernacle with His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption.
Revelation 21:3: God’s ultimate dwelling place with humanity in the New Jerusalem.

Exodus 38, therefore, is not just a list of materials and measurements; it is a profound theological statement about God’s holiness, His provision for sin, the necessity of cleansing, and the means by which humanity can approach Him, all of which find their ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Exodus Chapter 38 Bible Study: Constructing the Altar, Laver, and Court, and the Tabernacle’s Account of Materials