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Exodus 38:20 - The Significance of Bronze in the Tabernacle | JesusChat

Exodus 38:20 - Verse Explanation

Verse Spotlight

Imagine a scene where every peg holding up this sacred tent is made of bronze. It’s not just any material; bronze symbolizes strength and durability. These pegs are the backbone of the tabernacle, holding everything together. When you picture it, you can almost feel the weight of their purpose. They keep the structure standing firm, a reminder that what supports us needs to be strong and reliable. It's a moment of grounding, where these simple items represent stability in a chaotic world.

Who Wrote It

This book was written by Moses, who had a unique perspective on the Israelite journey. He was their leader, guiding them from slavery to freedom and into a relationship with God. Including the detail about the bronze pegs shows how important every part of the tabernacle is. Moses wanted to highlight that even the smallest elements matter in serving a bigger purpose. His attention to detail reflects his desire for the Israelites to understand the significance of their worship and the structure that would house it.

What It Means

Where and When

This was written during a time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness after escaping Egypt. They were establishing their identity as a community and figuring out how to live in a way that honored their new relationship with God. The timing was crucial because they were transitioning from a life of slavery to one of freedom and responsibility. They needed to build something permanent that represented their faith and commitment to God amidst the uncertainty of their journey.

Why It Matters

This specific verse reminds you that every little detail in your life matters, too. Just like the bronze pegs, your choices and actions can provide strength and stability in your own journey. It’s easy to overlook the small things, but they can hold up the bigger picture of your life. This verse encourages you to pay attention to what might seem minor, as it could have a major impact on your overall structure and well-being.

How to Apply

This week, take a moment to evaluate the 'pegs' in your life—what holds you up and keeps you grounded? It might be your relationships, routines, or values. Make a conscious effort to strengthen these areas. Perhaps you can reach out to a friend, establish a new healthy habit, or reflect on what truly matters in your life. By doing this, you're not just living day-to-day; you're building a solid foundation for your future.

About Exodus

Purpose

To record God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

Author

Moses, who experienced these events firsthand as God's chosen leader to deliver Israel from Egypt. He was educated in Pharaoh's court but called by God at age 80 to lead the greatest rescue mission in history.

Historical Context

Written: 1440-1400 BC. Israel's slavery in Egypt and their miraculous deliverance, leading to the establishment of the nation.

Significance

Shows God as Deliverer and Lawgiver, establishing the pattern of redemption seen throughout Scripture.

Key Themes

Deliverance, Covenant, Law, Worship, God's Presence

Interesting Facts

The 10 plagues of Egypt were actually attacks on specific Egyptian gods, showing God's supremacy
The Passover lamb had to be without blemish - a perfect picture of Jesus 1,400 years before His birth
Mount Sinai was so holy that even touching it meant death - showing God's holiness

Prophecies

A prophet like Moses would come (Deuteronomy 18:15, referenced in Exodus) Fulfilled: Jesus Christ, the ultimate prophet and deliverer (1400 years later)

Exodus Chapter 38 Overview

Exodus Chapter 38 details the construction of the altar of burnt offering, the bronze basin, and the courtyard surrounding the tent of meeting. The chapter begins with the specifications for the altar, emphasizing its design and materials—constructed from acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, the altar was square with horns at each corner. This design not only reflected functionality for sacrificial rites but also symbolized the need for holiness and purity in approaching God. The furnishings of the altar, including pots and shovels, were also made of bronze, indicating the durability needed for the sacrificial system. The chapter continues with the description of the bronze basin used for ceremonial washing, made from the mirrors of women who served at the entrance of the tent of meeting. This detail highlights the community's involvement in the worship practices and underscores the significance of ritual purity. Furthermore, the construction of the courtyard, marked by fine twined linen and bronze pillars, creates a sacred space for worship. The precise measurements and materials reflect God's intention for beauty and order in worship, reinforcing the idea that sacred spaces are to be respected and maintained. The overall structure of the courtyard, with its embroidered screen and organized layout, symbolizes the separation of the holy from the common, an essential theme in the laws given to Israel. The chapter concludes by noting the bronze pegs used for securing the tabernacle and the courtyard, representing the foundation of God's dwelling among His people. Through these detailed instructions, the chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and the establishment of a communal identity centered around worship and holiness.

THE HOLY BIBLE

Exodus·Chapter 38

verse1

Exodus Chapter 38

He made the of burnt offering of cubits was its and cubits its It was and cubits was its

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verse2

Exodus Chapter 38

He made horns for it on its Its horns were of one piece with it, and he it with bronze.

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verse3

Exodus Chapter 38

And he made the of the the pots, the the the forks, and the pans. He made its of bronze.

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verse4

Exodus Chapter 38

And he made for the a a of bronze, under its extending

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verse5

Exodus Chapter 38

He on the of the bronze as holders for the

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verse6

Exodus Chapter 38

He made the of and them with bronze.

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verse7

Exodus Chapter 38

And he the through the on the of the to it with them. He made it with

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verse8

Exodus Chapter 38

He made the of bronze and its of bronze, from the mirrors of the women who in the of the of

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verse9

Exodus Chapter 38

And he made the court. For the the hangings of the court were of twined linen, a cubits;

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verse10

Exodus Chapter 38

their and their were of bronze, but the of the and their were of

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verse11

Exodus Chapter 38

And for the there were hangings of a cubits, their their were of bronze, but the of the and their were of

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verse12

Exodus Chapter 38

And for the were hangings of cubits, their and their the of the and their were of

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verse13

Exodus Chapter 38

And for the to the east, cubits.

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verse14

Exodus Chapter 38

The hangings for one of the gate were cubits, with their and

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verse15

Exodus Chapter 38

And so for the On both sides of the of the court were hangings of cubits, with their and their

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verse16

Exodus Chapter 38

the hangings the court were of twined linen.

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verse17

Exodus Chapter 38

And the for the were of bronze, but the of the and their were of The of their capitals was also of and the of the court were filleted with

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verse18

Exodus Chapter 38

And the for the of the court was with in and and scarlet yarns and twined linen. It was cubits and cubits in its to the hangings of the court.

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verse19

Exodus Chapter 38

And their were in number. Their were of bronze, their of and the of their capitals and their of

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verse20

Exodus Chapter 38

And the for the and for the court were of bronze.

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verse21

Exodus Chapter 38

are the records of the the of the as they were recorded at the of the of the under the of the son of the

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verse22

Exodus Chapter 38

the son of son of of the of made that the

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verse23

Exodus Chapter 38

and with him was the son of of the of an and and in and and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.

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verse24

Exodus Chapter 38

the that was used for the in the of the the from the was twenty-nine talents 730 by the of the

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verse25

Exodus Chapter 38

from those of who were recorded was a and 1,775 shekels, by shekel of sanctuary :

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verse26

Exodus Chapter 38

a a (that is, a by the of the ), everyone who was listed in the records, years old upward, 603,550 men.

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verse27

Exodus Chapter 38

The of were for the of the and the of the a for the a a

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verse28

Exodus Chapter 38

of 1,775 shekels he hooks for pillars overlaid their capitals fillets for them.

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verse29

Exodus Chapter 38

The that was was and 2,400 shekels;

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verse30

Exodus Chapter 38

with it he made the for the of the of the bronze and the bronze for it and the of the

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verse31

Exodus Chapter 38

the the court, and the of the of the court, the of the and the the court.

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Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Opening Your Bible

Opening Your Bible

Exodus·Chapter 38

Chapter Context

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

Reflection Question

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Personal Prayer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Old Testament

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