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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 38:1–8. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Bezaleel having finished the gold-work, which, though the richest, yet was ordered to lie most out of sight, in the tabernacle itself, here goes on to prepare the court, which lay open to the view of all. Two things the court was furnished with, and both made of brass: -
I.An altar of burnt-offering, Exo 38:1-7.
On this all their sacrifices were offered, and it was this which, being sanctified itself for this purpose by the divine appointment, sanctified the gift that was in faith offered on it. Christ was himself the altar to his own sacrifice of atonement, and so he is to all our sacrifices of acknowledgment. We must have an eye to him in offering them, as God has in accepting them.
II.A laver, to hold water for the priests to wash in when they went in to minister, Exo 38:8.
This signified the provision that is made in the gospel of Christ for the cleansing of our souls from the moral pollution of sin by the merit and grace of Christ, that we may be fit to serve the holy God in holy duties. This is here said to be made of the looking-glasses (or mirrors) of the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle.
1.It should seem these women were eminent and exemplary for devotion, attending more frequently and seriously at the place of public worship than others did; and notice is here taken of it to their honour. Anna was such a one long afterwards, who departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day, Luk 2:37. It seems in every age of the church there have been some who have thus distinguished themselves by their serious zealous piety, and they have thereby distinguished themselves; for devout women are really honourable women (Act 13:50), and not the less so for their being called, by the scoffers of the latter days, silly women. Probably these women were such as showed their zeal upon this occasion, by assisting in the work that was now going on for the service of the tabernacle. They assembled by troops, so the word is; a blessed sight, to see so many, and those so zealous and so unanimous, in this good work.
2.These women parted with their mirrors (which were of the finest brass, burnished for that purpose) for the use of the tabernacle. Those women that admire their own beauty, are in love with their own shadow, and make the putting on of apparel their chief adorning by which they value and recommend themselves, can but ill spare their looking-glasses; yet these women offered them to God, either,
(1.)In token of their repentance for the former abuse of them, to the support of their pride and vanity; now that they were convinced of their folly, and had devoted themselves to the service of God at the door of the tabernacle, they thus threw away that which, though lawful and useful in itself, yet had been an occasion of sin to them. Thus Mary Magdalene, who had been a sinner, when she became a penitent wiped Christ's feet with her hair. Or,
(2.)In token of their great zeal for the work of the tabernacle; rather than the workmen should want brass, or not have of the best, they would part with their mirrors, though they could not do well without them. God's service and glory must always be preferred by us before any satisfactions or accommodations of our own. Let us never complain of the want of that which we may honour God by parting with.
3.These mirrors were used for the making of the laver. Either they were artfully joined together, or else molten down and cast anew; but it is probable that the laver was so brightly burnished that the sides of it still served for mirrors, that the priests, when they came to wash, might there see their faces, and so discover the spots, to wash them clean. Note, In the washing of repentance, there is need of the looking-glass of self-examination. The word of God is a glass, in which we may see our own faces (see Jam 1:23); and with it we must compare our own hearts and lives, that, finding out our blemishes, we may wash with particular sorrow, and application of the blood of Christ to our souls. Usually the more particular we are in the confession of sin the more comfort we have in the sense of the pardon.
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Summary
Exodus 38:1 meticulously details the construction of the altar of burnt offering, a central and foundational piece of the Tabernacle's furnishings. Crafted from durable shittim wood, its precise dimensions—five cubits in length and breadth, and three cubits in height, forming a foursquare structure—underscore its profound significance as the divinely ordained locus for atonement and worship, built in strict adherence to God's specific instructions given to Moses.
Context
Literary Context
Exodus 38:1 is situated within the latter portion of the book of Exodus, specifically chapters 35-40, which meticulously record the actual fabrication and erection of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. This section serves as the fulfillment of the detailed divine blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai in earlier chapters (Exodus 25-31). Following the general call for freewill offerings and the divine appointment of skilled artisans like Bezalel and Oholiab, this verse initiates the description of the altar of burnt offering's construction. It demonstrates the Israelites' diligent obedience in replicating God's heavenly pattern on earth, emphasizing the transition from divine command to tangible reality. The subsequent verses in chapter 38 continue to describe the altar's appurtenances and other elements of the Tabernacle's outer court, leading to the final assembly of the entire sanctuary.
Historical & Cultural Context
The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's forty-year wilderness wanderings, a pivotal period of national formation following their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage. As a newly constituted covenant people, the Tabernacle served as the tangible symbol of Yahweh's immediate presence dwelling among them, guiding and sanctifying them. While altars were common in the religious practices of ancient Near Eastern cultures, Israel's altar was unique in its divine design and singular purpose. Positioned prominently in the outer court, it was the first point of access for worshipers, signifying that approach to a holy God was only possible through prescribed sacrifice. The specific instructions for this altar were first given in Exodus 27:1-8, highlighting its critical role in the sacrificial system necessary for atonement and the maintenance of the covenant relationship between Yahweh and His people in the desert environment.
Key Themes
This verse, and indeed the entire construction narrative, profoundly contributes to several key themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of Divine Presence and Dwelling, as the Tabernacle was God's chosen means to reside among His people. The meticulous adherence to the divine blueprint emphasizes Obedience to God's Commands, highlighting that true worship and service must be on God's terms, not human invention. The altar itself embodies the theme of Atonement and Sacrifice, underscoring the necessity of blood for the forgiveness of sins and the reconciliation of a sinful people with a holy God. This foundational truth is echoed throughout the sacrificial laws detailed in Leviticus 1-7, where the burnt offering is a primary means of consecration and expiation. The materials and dimensions also subtly point to Divine Provision (shittim wood in the desert) and Order and Holiness (precise measurements for a sacred space). The overall narrative reinforces the idea that Israel's identity and relationship with Yahweh are inextricably linked to their worship practices, centered around the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as seen in the broader context of Exodus 35-40.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the root zābaḥ (to slaughter, sacrifice), this term precisely defines the structure's primary function. It was the designated place where animals were offered to God, signifying the shedding of blood for atonement and the consecration of offerings. Its very name underscores the centrality of sacrifice in Israelite worship and their relationship with a holy God, emphasizing that access to the divine required a prescribed means of expiation.
This specific type of offering literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends," referring to the smoke of the consumed sacrifice rising to God. It was unique in that the entire animal (except for the hide, which went to the priest) was consumed by fire, symbolizing total devotion, complete surrender, and full atonement for general sin and for consecration. It represented a worshiper's complete dedication to God.
This refers to acacia wood, a tree native to the arid regions of the Sinai peninsula. Known for its exceptional hardness, durability, and natural resistance to decay and insects, shittim wood was an ideal choice for a portable structure intended to endure the harsh desert environment. Its widespread use throughout the Tabernacle furnishings (e.g., the Ark, table, frames) symbolizes God's provision of suitable materials even in a desolate land, and the enduring nature of His covenant and presence.
Verse Breakdown
"And he made the altar of burnt offering"
The "he" here refers primarily to Bezalel, the chief craftsman, and his assistant Oholiab, along with the many skilled artisans working under their direction. These individuals were divinely gifted and empowered for this monumental task, as described in Exodus 31:1-6. This phrase emphasizes the faithful execution of God's precise commands, highlighting the theme of obedience and the transition from divine instruction to tangible reality in the construction of the sacred dwelling.
"[of] shittim wood"
This specifies the material, acacia wood, chosen for its practical properties of strength, density, and resistance to decay and insects, which were crucial for a structure that would be transported through the wilderness. Symbolically, its use throughout the Tabernacle speaks to divine provision in a desolate land and the enduring nature of God's covenant and the Tabernacle's components, built to last.
"five cubits [was] the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; [it was] foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof"
These precise dimensions (approximately 7.5 feet by 7.5 feet by 4.5 feet) describe a substantial, robust structure. The "foursquare" design often symbolizes stability, completeness, and perhaps universality, indicating that the altar's purpose of atonement was comprehensive and available to all of Israel, reaching in all directions. The meticulous measurements underscore the divine order and the paramount importance of exact adherence to God's blueprint for worship, emphasizing that every detail of sacred service is divinely ordained.
Literary Devices
Exodus 38:1, like much of the Tabernacle construction narrative, employs Precision and Detailing as prominent literary devices. Every measurement, material, and component is specified with meticulous accuracy, emphasizing the divine origin of the design and the human responsibility for exact execution. This meticulousness underscores the holiness of the structure and the seriousness of approaching God on His terms. Furthermore, Symbolism is pervasive; the "shittim wood" (acacia) symbolizes durability, resilience, and divine provision in a harsh environment, while the "foursquare" design of the altar suggests stability, completeness, and perhaps the all-encompassing nature of God's presence and the atonement offered there. The very act of "making" (Hebrew, ʻâsâh') highlights the transition from divine instruction to tangible reality, demonstrating God's desire to dwell among His people in a structured and holy manner that reflects His own character of order and perfection.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The altar of burnt offering stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of sin, the absolute necessity of atonement, and the unapproachable holiness of God. It unequivocally declared that sin incurs a death penalty and that fellowship with a holy God is impossible without the shedding of blood for propitiation. The altar was the divinely appointed means by which a sinful people could find reconciliation and maintain their covenant relationship with Yahweh, emphasizing His gracious provision for cleansing and forgiveness. Its construction according to exact divine specifications also highlights the theme of divine design and the paramount importance of obedience in worship, reminding Israel that true worship is always on God's terms, not human invention or convenience. It was the primary point of access for reconciliation, a constant reminder of the cost of sin and the grace of God.
Reflection and Application
Though the physical altar of burnt offering no longer stands as the center of our worship, its spiritual lessons resonate profoundly for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder of the immense cost of sin and the absolute necessity of atonement for reconciliation with a holy God. The altar points us to the eternal truth that access to God is not earned through human effort or merit, but graciously provided through a substitutionary sacrifice. For us, this sacrifice is not of animals, but the perfect, once-for-all offering of Jesus Christ. Our response to this ultimate act of divine love should be one of profound gratitude, leading us to offer our entire lives as "living sacrifices"—holy, pleasing, and devoted to God, as exhorted in Romans 12:1. The meticulous detail in the altar's construction also teaches us about God's intentionality and the importance of reverent, obedient worship, not just in grand gestures but in the everyday details of our lives. It calls us to consider the seriousness with which God views sin and the incredible grace He extended to make a way for us to draw near.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the primary purpose of the altar of burnt offering?
The primary purpose of the altar of burnt offering was to serve as the central place for animal sacrifices, which were indispensable for atonement and for the Israelites to approach a holy God. It was the divinely ordained means by which the sins of the people could be symbolically transferred to an innocent animal, whose life was then offered up, allowing for the remission of sins and the restoration of fellowship. This process was crucial for enabling God to dwell among His people despite their sinfulness, as detailed in passages like Leviticus 1 concerning the burnt offering.
Why was "shittim wood" (acacia wood) specified for its construction?
Shittim wood, or acacia wood, was specified due to its unique practical and symbolic qualities. Practically, it is an extremely hard, dense, and durable wood, naturally resistant to decay, insects, and the harsh conditions of the desert environment. This made it an ideal material for a portable sanctuary that would endure long journeys. Symbolically, its widespread use throughout the Tabernacle furnishings, including the Ark of the Covenant (as seen in Exodus 25:10), speaks to God's miraculous provision of suitable and enduring materials even in a desolate wilderness, and the lasting nature of His sacred presence and covenant with His people.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The altar of burnt offering in Exodus 38:1 serves as a powerful type and shadow, pointing directly to the person and work of Jesus Christ. The repeated animal sacrifices offered upon this altar, though essential for temporary atonement under the Old Covenant, could never truly take away sin; they merely foreshadowed the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice to come. Jesus Christ is the ultimate "Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" as proclaimed by John the Baptist in John 1:29. His body, offered on the cross, became the true altar, and His shed blood provided the eternal redemption that the blood of bulls and goats could not (as explained in Hebrews 9:12). The "burnt offering" aspect, signifying total devotion and complete consumption, finds its perfect fulfillment in Christ's absolute obedience to the Father, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Through His singular sacrifice, the need for a physical altar and repeated animal offerings was forever abolished, providing direct and unhindered access to God for all who believe, ushering in a new and living way (Hebrews 10:19-20). The altar of burnt offering, therefore, is not merely an ancient artifact but a profound prophetic symbol of God's ultimate provision for reconciliation and eternal life through His Son.