Exodus 38:2

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible:

He made horns for it on its four corners, the horns were of one piece with it, and he overlaid it with bronze.

Berean Standard Bible:

He made a horn at each of its four corners, so that the horns and altar were of one piece, and he overlaid the altar with bronze.

American Standard Version:

And he made the horns thereof upon the four corners of it; the horns thereof were of one piece with it: and he overlaid it with brass.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And he made^{H6213} the horns^{H7161} thereof on the four^{H702} corners^{H6438} of it; the horns^{H7161} thereof were of the same: and he overlaid^{H6823} it with brass^{H5178}.

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Commentary for Exodus 38:2

Exodus 38:2 is a verse from the Old Testament that describes a specific detail in the construction of the altar for the Tabernacle, which was the portable dwelling place for God among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. The verse reads, "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."

In the historical context, this verse is part of the detailed instructions given by God to Moses for the building of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as recorded in the book of Exodus. The construction of the altar, including its horns and the brass overlay, was carried out by Bezalel, who was filled with the Spirit of God and given skill and expertise in craftsmanship for this sacred task (Exodus 31:1-5).

The horns on the altar were symbolic and served multiple purposes:
1. **Ritual Purpose**: They were likely used in the sacrificial rituals as rings to which the animals were tied before being sacrificed (Psalm 118:27).
2. **Symbolic Purpose**: Horns often symbolized strength and power in the ancient Near East. In a religious context, they may have represented the divine power and presence, as well as served as a place of refuge for those seeking asylum or mercy (1 Kings 1:50-51).
3. **Ceremonial Purpose**: The horns could have been used in the ceremonial pouring out or sprinkling of the blood of the sacrifices, which was a central part of the Israelite worship and atonement rituals.

The overlay of brass (or bronze) on the altar and its horns would have made the structure more durable and fire-resistant, which was necessary given the altar's use for burning sacrifices. Brass was also a symbol of judgment and cleansing, further emphasizing the altar's role in the process of atonement and the forgiveness of sins.

In summary, Exodus 38:2 speaks to the intricate details of the Tabernacle's construction as commanded by God, highlighting the significance of the altar's design and materials. The horns and brass overlay are not merely architectural elements but are rich in symbolic meaning, pointing to the themes of strength, sacrifice, atonement, and divine presence that are central to the worship practices of the ancient Israelites.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H6213
   There are 2286 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עָשָׂה
   Transliteration: ʻâsâh
   Pronunciation: aw-saw'
   Description: a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use.
   
2. Strong's Number: H7161
   There are 69 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: קֶרֶן
   Transliteration: qeren
   Pronunciation: keh'-ren
   Description: from קָרַן; a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e. ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a mountain), a ray (of light); figuratively, power; [idiom] hill, horn.
   
3. Strong's Number: H702
   There are 383 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אַרְבַּע
   Transliteration: ʼarbaʻ
   Pronunciation: ar-bah'
   Description: masculine אַרְבָּעָה; from רָבַע; four; four.
   
4. Strong's Number: H6438
   There are 28 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פִּנָּה
   Transliteration: pinnâh
   Pronunciation: pin-naw'
   Description: feminine of פֵּן; an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain; bulwark, chief, corner, stay, tower.
   
5. Strong's Number: H6823
   There are 39 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָפָה
   Transliteration: tsâphâh
   Pronunciation: tsaw-faw'
   Description: a primitive root (probably identical with צָפָה through the idea of expansion in outlook, transferring to action); to sheet over (especially with metal); cover, overlay.
   
6. Strong's Number: H5178
   There are 119 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נְחֹשֶׁת
   Transliteration: nᵉchôsheth
   Pronunciation: nekh-o'-sheth
   Description: for נְחוּשָׁה; copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e. coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver); brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel.