Exodus 25:3

KJV

And this [is] the offering which ye shall take of them; gold, and silver, and brass,

KJV (with Strong's)

And this is the offering {H8641} which ye shall take {H3947} of them; gold {H2091}, and silver {H3701}, and brass {H5178},

Complete Jewish Bible

The contribution you are to take from them is to consist of gold, silver and bronze;

Berean Standard Bible

This is the offering you are to accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze;

American Standard Version

And this is the offering which ye shall take of them: gold, and silver, and brass,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 25:3 initiates God's detailed blueprint for the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary designed to embody His divine presence among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. This pivotal verse specifically enumerates the primary precious metals—gold, silver, and brass—that the community was to contribute as a sacred offering, laying the foundational material requirements for the construction of this holy dwelling place.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 25:3 is strategically placed within the book of Exodus, immediately following the momentous giving of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai, detailed in [Exodus 20-24](/exodus/20-24 "Exodus 20-24 - The Giving of the Law and Covenant"). After the people's solemn affirmation of their commitment to the covenant, God summons Moses to the mountain to receive the "tables of stone, and a law, and commandments" ([Exodus 24:12](/exodus/24-12 "Exodus 24:12 - Moses Called to Receive the Law")). Chapter 25 marks a profound thematic transition from legal statutes and covenant ratification to the intricate architectural and material specifications for the Tabernacle. The preceding verse, [Exodus 25:2](/exodus/25-2 "Exodus 25:2 - The Call for Willing Offerings"), issues the overarching command for the Israelites to bring a "heave offering" from those whose "heart stirreth him up," emphasizing the voluntary and heartfelt nature of the contribution. Verse 3 then commences the precise enumeration of the essential materials, a list that continues through [Exodus 25:7](/exodus/25-7 "Exodus 25:7 - Additional Materials for the Tabernacle"), thereby setting the stage for the detailed construction narratives that unfold in subsequent chapters.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in their history, the Israelites were a newly liberated people, having recently escaped centuries of bondage in Egypt. They were encamped at the base of Mount Sinai, a place where they had directly encountered God's awesome power and heard His voice, marking a formative period in their national and spiritual identity. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, the construction of temples and sanctuaries was a common practice, typically undertaken by powerful kings or rulers to honor their deities. However, the Tabernacle was distinctive in several crucial ways: its portability, reflecting Israel's nomadic existence in the wilderness, and its divinely revealed design, underscoring that God's dwelling among His people was not a human invention but a heavenly mandate. The specified materials—gold, silver, and brass—were highly valuable commodities. It is widely understood that these precious metals were part of the "spoils" or "plunder" the Israelites acquired from the Egyptians during their departure, as recorded in [Exodus 12:35-36](/exodus/12-35-36 "Exodus 12:35-36 - Spoiling the Egyptians"). This detail is profoundly significant, as it meant that the very wealth gained from their former oppressors was now to be consecrated and dedicated to the glory and service of the Lord, transforming instruments of oppression into tools for worship.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 25:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Presence and Immanence**, as the Tabernacle was designed to be the tangible manifestation of God dwelling among His people ([Exodus 29:45-46](/exodus/29-45-46 "Exodus 29:45-46 - God's Dwelling Among Israel")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Holiness and Separation**, as the meticulous instructions and the precious materials emphasize the sacredness of God and the need for a consecrated space to approach Him. The Tabernacle served as a constant reminder of God's absolute purity and the distinction between the holy and the common. Thirdly, the verse points to **Willing Obedience and Generosity**, building on the command in [Exodus 25:2](/exodus/25-2 "Exodus 25:2 - The Call for Willing Offerings"). The call for valuable contributions from a "willing heart" establishes a pattern of worship that involves active, joyful participation and the offering of one's best to God. Finally, the specific materials themselves introduce the theme of **Symbolism and Typology**, where each element of the Tabernacle, including its components, served to teach profound theological truths about God's character, His plan of redemption, and the means by which sinful humanity could draw near to a holy God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offering (Hebrew, _tᵉrûwmâh'_):** From the root `רוּם` (rum), meaning "to lift up" or "to heave," this noun signifies a "heave offering," "contribution," or "present." It denotes something that is lifted up or set apart from the general mass and consecrated for a sacred purpose, whether for God directly or for His service. In the context of the Tabernacle, it emphasizes that these materials were not merely secular donations but consecrated gifts, elevated from common use to a holy purpose, symbolizing a direct act of worship, dedication, and tribute to the Lord.
* **Take (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root verb carries a wide range of meanings, including "to take," "to accept," "to receive," "to fetch," or "to acquire." In this context, "ye shall take" implies that Moses, or those designated by him, were to receive these offerings from the Israelite community. It highlights the process of collection and acceptance of the people's contributions, underscoring that while the giving was voluntary, the act of receiving and consecrating these materials was part of the divinely ordained process for building God's dwelling.
* **Gold (Hebrew, _zâhâb'_):** Derived from an unused root meaning "to shimmer," this noun refers to the precious metal gold. Figuratively, it can also describe something gold-colored or yellow. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, gold was universally recognized as the most precious and incorruptible metal, associated with royalty, divinity, purity, and supreme value. Its inclusion as the first material listed immediately conveys the immense worth and glory intended for God's dwelling place, signifying the divine nature and unparalleled splendor of the One who would reside within the Tabernacle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [is] the offering which ye shall take of them;":** This opening clause serves as a direct divine mandate, establishing the specific nature of the contributions required for the Tabernacle. The phrase "this is the offering" (literally, "this is the heave offering") clearly identifies the subsequent list as the precise, consecrated contribution God expects. The instruction "which ye shall take of them" indicates that Moses, or the appointed leaders, were to be the recipients of these materials from the Israelite community. This structure emphasizes the communal aspect of the giving and the divinely ordained process for collecting these sacred items, reinforcing the voluntary yet commanded nature of the contribution outlined in the preceding verse.
* **"gold, and silver, and brass,":** This tripartite enumeration precisely specifies the initial and most valuable metallic substances required for the Tabernacle's construction. The listing of these materials—gold, silver, and brass (or bronze)—is significant. These were the most precious, durable, and readily available metals for the Israelites at that time, indicating the immense worth, beauty, and permanence associated with God's dwelling place. Their order often reflects their decreasing value and, consequently, their typical placement within the Tabernacle: gold for the most sacred inner elements (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant), silver for structural components and redemptive purposes, and brass for the outer court fixtures (e.g., the altar of burnt offering), signifying a progressive movement from the most holy to the less holy, yet still consecrated, areas.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs **Enumeration**, directly listing the specific materials: "gold, and silver, and brass." This precise and concise listing underscores the meticulous nature of God's instructions, highlighting that every detail of the Tabernacle's construction was divinely ordained and of significant importance. Beyond mere listing, profound **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in each material. **Gold** universally represents divinity, purity, glory, and supreme value, making it fitting for the most sacred elements like the Ark of the Covenant and the Mercy Seat, signifying God's inherent holiness and majesty. **Silver** is consistently associated with redemption, atonement, and purification, notably used for the sockets supporting the Tabernacle's framework and as atonement money, symbolizing the foundation of God's presence being anchored in the concept of redemption. **Brass** (or bronze) symbolizes strength, judgment, and endurance, appropriately used for the altar of burnt offering and the laver, where purification and sacrifice occurred, reflecting the need for cleansing from sin and the enduring nature of divine justice. The very selection and arrangement of these materials, therefore, communicate profound theological truths about God's character, the nature of sin, and the means by which humanity can approach a holy God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 25:3, while seemingly a simple inventory, is rich with theological significance, emphasizing God's meticulous sovereignty in dictating the terms of His worship and His profound desire for a holy dwelling among His people. It reveals that true devotion involves not only obedient adherence to divine commands but also a willing, heartfelt contribution of one's most valuable possessions for God's glory. The divinely specified materials foreshadow the holiness, glory, and redemptive purpose of the Tabernacle, where God's presence would be uniquely manifested and atonement made for sin. This divine specificity underscores that God alone prescribes the means of approaching Him, leaving no room for human innovation or preference in matters of sacred service, thereby establishing a pattern for all future worship.

* [Exodus 35:5](/exodus/35-5 "Exodus 35:5 - The Call for Willing Hearts")
* [Exodus 30:16](/exodus/30-16 "Exodus 30:16 - The Atonement Money")
* [1 Kings 6:21](/1_kings/6-21 "1 Kings 6:21 - Solomon's Temple Adorned with Gold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 25:3 challenges us to reflect on the nature of our own contributions to God's work and kingdom today. Just as the Israelites were invited to bring their most precious metals, we are called to offer our very best—our time, unique talents, financial resources, and even our lives—not out of obligation or compulsion, but from a heart genuinely stirred by God's grace and love. The divine specificity in the Tabernacle's design reminds us that God has a precise purpose and a perfect plan for everything, including our offerings and our service. Our contributions, whether tangible or intangible, are not merely functional; they are profound acts of worship that enable the "spiritual Tabernacle" of the church to function effectively and flourish, thereby reflecting God's glory in a broken world. As New Testament believers, we are also profoundly understood as a [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as God's Temple"), called to honor God with all that we are and all that we possess, becoming living sacrifices that manifest His presence and character to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gold, silver, and brass" (i.e., valuable resources, gifts, or aspects of my life) has God entrusted to me, and how willingly and wholeheartedly am I offering them for His purposes today?**
* **How does the divine specificity of the Tabernacle's materials inform my understanding of God's expectations for worship and service in my own life, moving beyond mere effort to intentional excellence?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more "willing heart" in my contributions to God's kingdom, moving beyond a sense of obligation to one of joyful and sacrificial generosity?**

### FAQ
**Why did God specify these particular materials—gold, silver, and brass—for the Tabernacle?**

Answer: God specified these materials not arbitrarily, but for profound theological and practical reasons. Practically, they were durable, valuable, and beautiful, ensuring the longevity, reverence, and aesthetic glory of His dwelling place. Theologically, each material carried significant symbolic weight, serving as a visual sermon to the Israelites. **Gold** ([Exodus 25:11-17](/exodus/25-11-17 "Exodus 25:11-17 - The Ark of the Covenant")), used for the most sacred elements like the Ark of the Covenant, represented God's divine glory, purity, and supreme value, signifying His inherent holiness. **Silver** ([Exodus 26:19-32](/exodus/26-19-32 "Exodus 26:19-32 - The Tabernacle Framework")), often associated with redemption, was used for the sockets supporting the Tabernacle's framework, symbolizing the foundation of God's presence being anchored in atonement. It also notably served as the atonement money, a half-shekel tax for every Israelite, as seen in [Exodus 30:13-16](/exodus/30-13-16 "Exodus 30:13-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Tax"), emphasizing that all stood equal before God in their need for redemption. **Brass** (or bronze) ([Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Altar of Burnt Offering")), used for the altar of burnt offering and the laver, symbolized strength, judgment against sin, and enduring purity, reflecting the necessity of sacrifice and purification to approach a holy God. Thus, the materials themselves were carefully chosen to teach the Israelites about God's character, His holiness, the gravity of sin, and the means by which sinful humanity could draw near to Him in a covenant relationship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 25:3, with its precise enumeration of precious materials for God's earthly dwelling, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, meticulously designed to house God's tangible presence among His people, was fundamentally a shadow, a type, pointing to a greater spiritual reality to come. Jesus is the true and perfect "Tabernacle" or Temple, the ultimate dwelling place where God fully and perfectly tabernacles among humanity. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") profoundly declares, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us," literally, "tabernacled" among us, embodying God's presence in human form. The **gold**, symbolizing divinity, purity, and glory, points directly to Christ's inherent deity, His divine nature as the eternal Son of God, truly God with us ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Matthew 1:23 - Immanuel")). The **silver**, consistently representing redemption and atonement, powerfully foreshadows Christ's sacrificial work on the cross, where He became the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offering His precious blood as the ultimate and unblemished price for our redemption ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18-19 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed by Precious Blood")). The **brass** (or bronze), signifying judgment, strength, and endurance, speaks to Christ's perfect endurance of God's righteous judgment for sin on our behalf and His enduring power to save, cleanse, and transform all who believe. Unlike the temporary and imperfect Tabernacle, Christ's indwelling is eternal, complete, and perfectly sufficient, making Him the perfect and final means by which we can approach a holy God, not through animal sacrifices and material offerings, but through His one, sufficient, and eternal sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). He is the ultimate, willingly given offering, fully embodying the divine glory, redemptive power, and enduring strength promised in the Tabernacle's very components.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 8:9

A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any [thing] in it; a land whose stones [are] iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.

Job 28:2

Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass [is] molten [out of] the stone.