Exodus 27:3

KJV

And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes, and his shovels, and his basons, and his fleshhooks, and his firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make [of] brass.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt make {H6213} his pans {H5518} to receive his ashes {H1878}, and his shovels {H3257}, and his basons {H4219}, and his fleshhooks {H4207}, and his firepans {H4289}: all the vessels {H3627} thereof thou shalt make {H6213} of brass {H5178}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Make its pots for removing ashes, and its shovels, basins, meat-hooks and fire pans; all its utensils you are to make of bronze.

Berean Standard Bible

Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots for removing ashes, its shovels, its sprinkling bowls, its meat forks, and its firepans.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt make its pots to take away its ashes, and its shovels, and its basins, and its flesh-hooks, and its firepans: all the vessels thereof thou shalt make of brass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 27:3 meticulously details the essential bronze implements for the Tabernacle's altar of burnt offering: pans for ashes, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, and firepans. This verse underscores the divine demand for order, cleanliness, and thoroughness in Israelite worship, revealing that even the seemingly mundane aspects of sacred service were precisely prescribed by God to facilitate the sacrificial system and maintain the holiness of His dwelling place among His people, emphasizing the profound reverence due to a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a larger, highly detailed section of Exodus, spanning from [chapter 25 through chapter 31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Blueprints"), where God provides Moses with precise blueprints for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Specifically, [Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - Instructions for the Altar of Burnt Offering") focuses on the altar of burnt offering itself, which was positioned prominently in the outer court of the Tabernacle. This altar was not merely an architectural feature but the central component of Israel's sacrificial worship, where atonement for sin was made through animal offerings. Verse 3, therefore, specifies the necessary tools that enabled the priests to perform their daily duties efficiently and reverently, ensuring the proper management and maintenance of this sacred and vital structure, highlighting the integral relationship between the altar and its operational implements.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as God's portable dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, symbolizing His tangible presence and accessibility. The sacrificial system, of which the altar was the focal point, was the primary means by which a holy God could dwell among an unholy people, providing a divinely ordained path for reconciliation and purification. The vessels listed in [Exodus 27:3](/exodus/27-3 "Exodus 27:3 - Altar Implements") were not merely practical tools; they were integral to the daily operation of the altar, facilitating the continuous cycle of offerings. For instance, the meticulous removal of ashes was a specific priestly duty, as detailed in [Leviticus 6:10](/leviticus/6-10 "Leviticus 6:10 - Priestly Duties Regarding Ashes"), emphasizing the importance of ritual purity and order in the sacred space. The pervasive use of bronze for all these implements reflects the common metallurgical practices of the ancient Near East, where bronze was valued for its durability and resistance to heat, making it eminently suitable for the demanding environment of the altar.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Holiness and Purity**, demonstrating God's absolute demand for order and cleanliness in His presence. The meticulous instructions for managing the altar's waste and offerings reflect the inherent purity of God and the reverence required for approaching Him. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Atonement and Sacrifice**, as these tools were essential for the functioning of the sacrificial system, which was the divinely appointed means of dealing with sin and maintaining covenant relationship. The daily, continuous nature of these operations, facilitated by these tools, reinforced the constant need for expiation, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Finally, the detailed nature of the instructions reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Meticulous Design**, indicating that every aspect of worship, no matter how small, was precisely ordained by God, leaving no room for human improvisation in sacred service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ashes (Hebrew, _dâshên'_):** While the word itself refers to "fat" or "to be fat," in this context (H1878), it is used denominatively to mean "to remove (fat) ashes (of sacrifices)." This highlights that the pans were specifically for the fatty, rich ashes left over from the burnt offerings, which were particularly significant in the sacrificial system. The removal of these ashes was a crucial part of maintaining the altar's purity and operational readiness, emphasizing the thoroughness required in handling the remnants of sacred acts.
* **Shovels (Hebrew, _yâʻ'_):** (H3257) This term specifically denotes a "shovel," a tool for scooping. Its inclusion emphasizes the practical necessity for efficient and clean removal of the ashes from the altar. The shovel, therefore, was not merely a generic tool but a specialized implement for a specific priestly duty, contributing to the overall order and hygiene of the sacred space.
* **Vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** (H3627) This is a broad term encompassing "any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)." Its use as a collective noun here for "all the vessels" underscores that every single item listed—pans, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, and firepans—was considered a sacred implement. This highlights God's comprehensive attention to detail and the consecration of even seemingly mundane tools when used in His service, emphasizing their integral role in the sacred ritual.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt make his pans to receive his ashes":** This initial command specifies the creation of pans, whose primary function was to collect the ashes and remnants of the burnt offerings. This provision was crucial for maintaining the cleanliness and order of the altar area, reflecting God's absolute demand for purity and reverence in worship.
* **"and his shovels":** These implements were designed for scooping and removing the ashes and embers from the altar, working in conjunction with the pans. Their inclusion further emphasizes the practical steps taken to ensure the ongoing sanctity and operational efficiency of the sacrificial site, preventing accumulation of waste.
* **"and his basons":** Likely bowls or basins, these were used for collecting the blood of the sacrificed animals or other liquids associated with the offerings. The careful handling of blood was paramount, as blood was central to the concept of atonement and purification in the Mosaic Law, symbolizing life offered for sin.
* **"and his fleshhooks":** These were tools with prongs, used by the priests to handle, arrange, and turn the pieces of the animal sacrifices on the altar fire. They ensured proper burning and management of the offerings, demonstrating the precision and control required in the performance of sacrificial rites.
* **"and his firepans":** Often small, portable containers, these were used for carrying hot coals, perhaps for burning incense on the altar of incense or for transferring sacred fire from the burnt offering altar to other parts of the Tabernacle. They underscore the importance of sacred fire and its controlled, reverent use in worship.
* **"all the vessels thereof thou shalt make [of] brass":** This concluding phrase serves as a comprehensive directive, mandating that every single implement associated with the altar must be made of bronze (often translated "brass"). This ensures uniformity, durability, and a consistent material symbolism for all tools used in the sacred service of the altar, reinforcing their consecrated nature.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices. **Meticulous Detail** is paramount, as the text provides an exhaustive list of specific tools, underscoring God's precise and comprehensive instructions for worship. This granular attention to detail reflects the divine demand for order and holiness in all aspects of sacred service, leaving no room for human improvisation. **Symbolism** is also evident, particularly in the choice of bronze. As noted, bronze (H5178) often symbolizes strength, endurance, and divine judgment in biblical literature, fitting for the altar where sin was judged through sacrifice and where a durable material was required for the intense heat. Furthermore, the very presence of these mundane yet sacred implements functions as **Metonymy**, where the tools represent the entire sacrificial system and the daily priestly duties, highlighting the practical realities and the sacred labor involved in maintaining a holy space. The emphasis on cleanliness and order through these tools also serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the spiritual purity and order God desires from His people, anticipating the internal cleansing of the New Covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 27:3, with its detailed list of altar implements, transcends mere practical instruction to reveal profound theological truths about God's character and the nature of worship. Firstly, it underscores God's absolute demand for order, cleanliness, and thoroughness in all aspects of His service. Even the seemingly mundane tasks of managing ashes and offerings were to be executed with precision and appropriate tools, reflecting the inherent holiness of God and the reverence due to Him. This principle of doing things "decently and in order" resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing that our worship and service should be characterized by intentionality and excellence. Secondly, these vessels facilitated the sacrificial system, which continually pointed to humanity's pervasive need for atonement and foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice to come. The diligent management of the altar's remains underscored the gravity of sin and the costly nature of redemption, highlighting that sin's consequences require careful handling and divine provision.

* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")
* [Leviticus 6:10](/leviticus/6-10 "Leviticus 6:10 - Priestly Duties for Ashes")
* [Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Spiritual Sacrifices")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous instructions for the altar's implements in Exodus 27:3 serve as a powerful reminder that God cares deeply about the details of our worship and service. Just as the ancient priests needed specific tools to maintain the physical altar, we, as believers, are called to maintain our spiritual lives with intentionality, diligence, and purity. This means approaching our "spiritual sacrifices"—our praise, our prayers, our acts of service, our daily walk—with the same reverence and commitment. Are we "cleaning up" the metaphorical ashes of our past sins through repentance and confession, allowing God to purify us? Are we diligently "scooping" away distractions and impurities from our hearts, seeking to live a life pleasing to Him? Are we "arranging" our lives in a way that honors God, offering ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to Him? The call to order and holiness in the Tabernacle's operation challenges us to examine the thoroughness and integrity of our own spiritual practices, ensuring that our lives are a fitting offering to a holy God, reflecting His character in every detail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your spiritual life might you be neglecting "the details" that God values, and how can you address them?**
* **How does the emphasis on cleanliness and order around the altar challenge your own approach to personal holiness and corporate worship?**
* **What "spiritual tools" (e.g., prayer, Scripture study, fellowship, confession) do you actively utilize to maintain the purity and effectiveness of your walk with God?**
* **How can you apply the principle of "doing all things decently and in order" (as found in [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "1 Corinthians 14:40 - Order in Worship")) to your daily life and service for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why did God require such specific and seemingly mundane tools for the altar?**

Answer: God's detailed instructions for the altar's implements underscore several critical principles. Firstly, they demonstrate His absolute holiness and His demand for order and purity in all aspects of worship. Even the practical tasks of managing sacrifices and ashes were to be performed with the utmost care and appropriate tools, reflecting the sacredness of the space and the seriousness of approaching a holy God. Secondly, these tools facilitated the efficient and continuous operation of the sacrificial system, which was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. Every detail, from the altar's dimensions in [Exodus 27:1](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - Altar Dimensions") to the specific vessels in [Exodus 27:3](/exodus/27-3 "Exodus 27:3 - Altar Implements"), pointed to a divinely ordained system for atonement and communion, emphasizing that God's way is precise and purposeful and that His presence among His people required meticulous adherence to His commands.

**What is the symbolic significance of all the vessels being made of bronze?**

Answer: The instruction that "all the vessels thereof thou shalt make [of] brass" (more accurately, bronze, H5178) carries significant symbolic weight. Bronze was a durable and heat-resistant metal, making it practical for tools used around a constantly burning altar. Theologically, bronze in Scripture often symbolizes strength, endurance, and divine judgment. For instance, the serpent of bronze in [Numbers 21:9](/numbers/21-9 "Numbers 21:9 - The Bronze Serpent") was a symbol of judgment and healing, and the bronze heavens in [Deuteronomy 28:23](/deuteronomy/28-23 "Deuteronomy 28:23 - Bronze Heavens") speak of divine withholding. At the altar, where sin was judged through sacrifice and atonement was made, the bronze implements served as a constant reminder of the strength of God's justice, the enduring nature of His covenant, and the fiery intensity of His holiness, even as they facilitated the means of reconciliation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The seemingly mundane bronze implements of Exodus 27:3 find their ultimate fulfillment and deepest significance in Jesus Christ. The entire sacrificial system, meticulously facilitated by these tools, pointed forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). While the physical pans, shovels, basins, fleshhooks, and firepans were essential for managing the Old Covenant sacrifices, they are rendered obsolete by Christ's finished work on the cross. He is the true Altar upon which the ultimate sacrifice was offered, the perfect Sacrifice Himself, and the ultimate High Priest who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all (as extensively detailed in [Hebrews 9](/hebrews/9 "Hebrews 9 - Christ, the Greater Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10](/hebrews/10 "Hebrews 10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). The meticulous cleanliness and order demanded for the altar's operation foreshadowed the absolute purity and perfection of Christ, whose sacrifice fully cleanses us from all sin, making us a [holy priesthood](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones, Holy Priesthood") offering spiritual sacrifices. In Him, the need for physical tools to manage sin's consequences is replaced by the spiritual reality of reconciliation and new life, inviting us to present our [bodies as living sacrifices](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice"), holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual worship.

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

1 Kings 7:45

And the pots, and the shovels, and the basons: and all these vessels, which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the LORD, [were of] bright brass.

2 Chronicles 4:11

¶ And Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basons. And Huram finished the work that he was to make for king Solomon for the house of God;

1 Kings 7:40

And Hiram made the lavers, and the shovels, and the basons. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that he made king Solomon for the house of the LORD:

Exodus 24:6

And Moses took half of the blood, and put [it] in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

Jeremiah 52:18

The caldrons also, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the bowls, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.

Jeremiah 52:20

The two pillars, one sea, and twelve brasen bulls that [were] under the bases, which king Solomon had made in the house of the LORD: the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

Leviticus 16:12

And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring [it] within the vail: