Exodus 36:38

KJV

And the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold: but their five sockets [were of] brass.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the five {H2568} pillars {H5982} of it with their hooks {H2053}: and he overlaid {H6823} their chapiters {H7218} and their fillets {H2838} with gold {H2091}: but their five {H2568} sockets {H134} were of brass {H5178}.

Complete Jewish Bible

with its five posts and their hooks. He overlaid their capitals and their attached rings for hanging with gold, while their five sockets were of bronze.

Berean Standard Bible

together with five posts and their hooks. He overlaid the tops of the posts and their bands with gold, and their five bases were bronze.

American Standard Version

and the five pillars of it with their hooks: and he overlaid their capitals and their fillets with gold; and their five sockets were of brass.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 36:38 concludes the detailed construction of the Tabernacle's entrance screen, focusing on the five pillars that demarcated the sacred threshold to the Holy Place. This verse meticulously describes the materials and craftsmanship, noting the gold overlay on their decorative capitals and connecting bands, and the durable bronze (brass) used for their foundational sockets. It underscores the divine glory and purity associated with God's dwelling, juxtaposed with the strength and stability required for His earthly sanctuary, faithfully executed according to God's precise architectural blueprint.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 36:38 serves as the concluding verse in a chapter dedicated to the actual construction of the Tabernacle's structural components. This chapter follows the detailed divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions"), and the call for materials and skilled workers in [Exodus 35](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35 - Call for Tabernacle Materials and Workers"). Specifically, [Exodus 36](/exodus/36 "Exodus 36 - Construction of the Tabernacle") systematically describes the making of the dwelling's curtains (vv. 8-18), its coverings (v. 19), the wooden frames and connecting bars (vv. 20-30), the inner veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (vv. 31-35), and finally, the screen for the entrance to the Holy Place (vv. 36-38). Thus, this verse completes the description of the Tabernacle's core architectural elements, setting the stage for the construction of its sacred furnishings in subsequent chapters.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle took place during the Israelites' forty-year sojourn in the wilderness, a pivotal period for their identity as God's chosen nation. Unlike the permanent, often imposing temples of surrounding Canaanite and Egyptian cultures, the Tabernacle was designed as a portable sanctuary, reflecting Israel's nomadic journey and God's dynamic, immanent presence among His people (cf. [Exodus 25:8-9](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8-9 - God's Command to Build a Sanctuary")). The materials specified – gold, silver, bronze, fine linen, and various dyed skins – were incredibly valuable and required a significant collective effort and sacrificial giving from the community, demonstrating their devotion and obedience to Yahweh. The extraordinary precision and meticulous detail in the design, from the grand overall structure down to the smallest components like these pillars and their fittings, were not merely for aesthetic appeal but profoundly theological, ensuring that the Tabernacle precisely mirrored the divine pattern revealed to Moses, thereby establishing it as a sacred space where a holy God could dwell and commune with His people.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 36:38 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, emphasizing God's desire to reside among His people, albeit in a manner that highlights His holiness and their need for a mediated approach. The meticulous adherence to the divine blueprint reinforces the theme of **Obedience and Faithfulness** to God's revealed will, showcasing Bezaleel and Aholiab's exemplary craftsmanship as an act of worship. The contrasting materials of gold and bronze within the verse itself subtly introduce the theme of **Holiness and Atonement**, where the precious gold signifies divine glory and purity, while the robust bronze, often associated with judgment and sacrifice in the Tabernacle's outer court (as seen with the [bronze altar](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Bronze Altar")), points to the necessary foundation for a sinful people to approach a holy God. Finally, the "five pillars" forming an entrance highlight the theme of **Access to God**, a privilege carefully regulated and divinely appointed, foreshadowing the ultimate access provided through Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Chapiters (Hebrew, _rôʼsh'_):** From H7218, meaning "the head." In this architectural context, it refers to the decorative capitals or tops of the pillars. These were the uppermost parts of the columns, often ornamented, serving both a structural and aesthetic purpose. Being overlaid with gold, they visually proclaimed the sanctity and glory of the entrance to the Holy Place, drawing the eye upwards towards the divine presence within.
* **Fillets (Hebrew, _châshuq'_):** From H2838, meaning "attached" or "a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars." This term refers to the connecting rods or bands that linked the five pillars together, providing crucial structural integrity for the screen and ensuring the stability of the curtain it supported. Their overlay of gold further emphasized the preciousness and divine nature of even the functional, stabilizing elements of God's dwelling.
* **Brass (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** From H5178, meaning "copper, hence, something made of that metal," often translated as "bronze" (an alloy of copper and tin). Bronze was a common, durable, and weighty metal in the ancient Near East. In biblical symbolism, it frequently signifies strength, endurance, and, notably, judgment, as seen with the [bronze altar](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Bronze Altar") for sacrifices. Here, as the foundational sockets, bronze represents the solid, enduring base upon which the glorious structure rests, capable of bearing the weight of the pillars and enduring the harsh wilderness conditions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the five pillars of it with their hooks:"** This initial clause introduces the primary structural elements of the screen that formed the entrance to the Tabernacle's Holy Place. The specification of "five pillars" indicates the precise number of supports for the entrance curtain, establishing a distinct and regulated gateway. The "hooks" (H2053, _vâv_) were essential, small, but vital components, designed for hanging the curtain itself, allowing it to be opened or closed, thereby providing or restricting access to the sacred interior.
* **"and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold:"** This part details the precious material used for the upper, visible, and decorative elements of these five pillars. The "chapiters" (capitals) and "fillets" (connecting rods/bands) were meticulously covered in pure gold (H2091, _zâhâb_). This signifies the divine glory, purity, and preciousness intrinsically linked to God's presence. Gold, being incorruptible and lustrous, consistently points to the holiness, majesty, and unblemished nature of God throughout the Tabernacle's design, emphasizing the sacredness of the entrance.
* **"but their five sockets [were of] brass."** This final clause describes the foundational elements of these pillars. The "sockets" (H134, _ʼeden_) were heavy, solid bases into which the pillars were securely set, providing essential stability and support for the entire structure. The use of "brass" (bronze, H5178, _nᵉchôsheth_) for these foundational elements is highly significant. While the upper parts were adorned with glorious gold, the sturdy, weighty bronze formed the enduring base, symbolizing strength, steadfastness, and the capacity to bear the immense weight of the structure. This deliberate contrast between the radiant gold above and the robust bronze below reflects different, yet complementary, aspects of encountering the divine.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 36:38, and indeed throughout the detailed descriptions of the Tabernacle's construction, is **Symbolism**. The choice of materials is not arbitrary but laden with profound theological meaning. The **gold** adorning the chapiters and fillets symbolizes God's transcendent glory, unblemished purity, and heavenly majesty, pointing to the sacredness of the space and the divine nature of the One who dwells within. In contrast, the **bronze** (brass) sockets symbolize strength, endurance, and, significantly, the concept of judgment and atonement, serving as the solid, earthly foundation that bears the weight of the structure and the reality of humanity's sin. This striking juxtaposition of gold and bronze creates a visual and theological tension, highlighting both God's absolute holiness and His immanent presence among a people who still required a means of atonement. Furthermore, the meticulous **precision** and detailed **enumeration** of components (e.g., "five pillars," "five sockets") serve to emphasize the divine authority behind the design and the paramount importance of exact obedience to God's revealed will, underscoring the sacredness of every detail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 36:38, as an integral part of the Tabernacle's construction, powerfully conveys God's profound desire for intimate dwelling with His people while simultaneously emphasizing His absolute holiness and the necessity of a divinely ordained way to approach Him. The five pillars forming a distinct entrance underscore the concept of regulated access – a specific, holy way into God's presence, not an arbitrary one. The contrasting materials of gold and bronze speak to the dual nature of encountering God: His glorious, pure divinity (gold) and the reality of His righteous judgment (bronze), which must be addressed for fellowship to occur. This tension between divine glory and human sinfulness sets the stage for the entire sacrificial system and ultimately points to a greater fulfillment in the New Covenant.

* [Hebrews 9:1-10](/hebrews/9-1-10 "Hebrews 9:1-10 - The Earthly Sanctuary")
* [Leviticus 16:1-2](/leviticus/16-1-2 "Leviticus 16:1-2 - Aaron's Entry into the Holy Place")
* [Psalm 15:1-2](/psalm/15-1-2 "Psalm 15:1-2 - Who May Dwell on God's Holy Hill?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous detail in Exodus 36:38 serves as a profound reminder that God is a God of order, precision, and intentionality. Every single component of the Tabernacle, down to the specific materials and the exact number of pillars, was divinely specified, teaching us that faithfulness in God's service extends to seemingly minor details. This divine attention to detail reflects God's perfect character and underscores the critical importance of reverent obedience in our walk with Him. Furthermore, the very presence of an "entrance" with its specific design signifies that access to God is not arbitrary or earned by human effort but is divinely appointed and provided. For the Israelites, this meant following the prescribed rituals and approaching through the Tabernacle. For believers today, it prompts profound reflection on the "way" we approach God, recognizing that true and intimate access is only possible through the path He has graciously provided. The rich symbolism of gold and bronze also invites us to consider the unapproachable glory of God and the unshakeable foundation upon which our relationship with Him rests, acknowledging both His transcendent holiness and His merciful provision for our sin.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction, as seen in Exodus 36:38, challenge my own approach to obedience and faithfulness in the "small" matters of my faith and daily life?**
* **In what ways do the contrasting materials of gold (glory) and bronze (judgment/strength) in this verse speak to the multifaceted nature of God and the means by which we can truly approach Him?**
* **Considering the Tabernacle's entrance as a divinely appointed "way," what does it mean for me personally that there is a specific path to God, and how do I actively walk in that way today?**

### FAQ
**Why were there five pillars at the entrance to the Holy Place, and what is their significance?**

Answer: The text of [Exodus 36:38](/exodus/36-38 "Exodus 36:38 - Construction of the Tabernacle Entrance"), echoing the divine instructions in [Exodus 26:37](/exodus/26-37 "Exodus 26:37 - Instructions for the Tabernacle Screen"), explicitly specifies "five pillars" for the entrance to the Holy Place. While the number five is sometimes associated with grace or divine completeness in biblical numerology, the primary significance of these five pillars lies in their functional and symbolic role: they formed the distinct, defined gateway to the Holy Place, supporting the beautiful curtain that served as the Tabernacle's main entrance. This specific number created a clear, regulated point of entry, emphasizing that access to God's presence was not open to all without distinction but was divinely appointed and required a specific, holy approach. They visually separated the sacred space from the outer court, marking the threshold for the priests to perform their sacred duties.

**What is the symbolic meaning of gold and brass (bronze) in the Tabernacle's construction?**

Answer: The pervasive use of gold and bronze throughout the Tabernacle, as highlighted in [Exodus 36:38](/exodus/36-38 "Exodus 36:38 - Construction of the Tabernacle Entrance"), is deeply symbolic. **Gold** consistently represents divinity, purity, glory, and the preciousness of God's presence. Its incorruptible nature and brilliant luster point to the holiness, majesty, and unblemished character of God Himself. The gold on the chapiters and fillets of the pillars signifies that even the entrance to God's dwelling is imbued with His divine glory and sacredness. **Brass** (more accurately, bronze) typically symbolizes strength, endurance, and, significantly, judgment. The [bronze altar](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Bronze Altar") in the outer court, where sacrifices were made for sin, is a prime example of its association with divine judgment and atonement. In this verse, the bronze sockets symbolize the solid, enduring foundation that bears the weight of the structure, capable of withstanding the wilderness conditions, and subtly points to the necessary foundation of judgment and atonement that undergirds and enables access to a holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 36:38, with its meticulous description of the glorious entrance to the Holy Place, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Tabernacle, including its carefully designed entrance, served as a shadow pointing to the reality of God dwelling among His people, a reality perfectly embodied in Christ, who is described as the Word made flesh, who "dwelt among us" (literally, "tabernacled" among us, as in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). The five pillars, with their golden chapiters and fillets, speak of the divine glory, purity, and preciousness of the way into God's presence. Jesus, as the very "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")) and the radiance of God's glory ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Son's Supremacy")), is the true and living way into the Father's presence, declaring, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")). The bronze sockets, symbolizing strength, endurance, and judgment, powerfully foreshadow Christ's sacrificial work on the cross, where He, as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), bore the full judgment for our sins, thereby becoming the solid, enduring foundation of our salvation ([1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). Through His broken body, which serves as the new and living veil torn in two ([Hebrews 10:20](/hebrews/10-20 "Hebrews 10:20 - The New and Living Way")), we now have bold and unrestricted access to the very presence of God, no longer restricted by physical barriers or the limitations of the Old Covenant Tabernacle.

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

Exodus 27:10

And the twenty pillars thereof and their twenty sockets [shall be of] brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [shall be of] silver.