Exodus 38:10

KJV

Their pillars [were] twenty, and their brasen sockets twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [were of] silver.

KJV (with Strong's)

Their pillars {H5982} were twenty {H6242}, and their brasen {H5178} sockets {H134} twenty {H6242}; the hooks {H2053} of the pillars {H5982} and their fillets {H2838} were of silver {H3701}.

Complete Jewish Bible

supported on twenty posts in twenty bronze sockets; the hooks on the posts and the attached rings for hanging were of silver.

Berean Standard Bible

with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases, and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.

American Standard Version

their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:10 provides a meticulous description of the structural components for the north and south sides of the Tabernacle's outer court, specifying twenty pillars, their twenty brazen sockets, and the silver hooks and fillets that secured the court hangings. This verse, part of a larger account detailing the Tabernacle's construction, underscores God's demand for precise adherence to His divine blueprint, revealing His nature as a God of order and the profound symbolic significance embedded within every material and measurement of the sacred dwelling.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Exodus 35-40, a section dedicated to the meticulous construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, following the divine instructions given on Mount Sinai in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Instructions"). Specifically, [Exodus 38](/exodus/38 "Exodus 38 - Construction of the Outer Court") details the construction of the outer court, including the altar of burnt offering, the laver, and the surrounding fence. Verse 10 focuses on the north and south sides of this court, which were identical in their structural components. The preceding verses ([Exodus 38:1-8](/exodus/38-1-8 "Exodus 38:1-8 - The Brazen Altar and Laver")) describe the brazen altar and the laver, while subsequent verses ([Exodus 38:11-19](/exodus/38-11-19 "Exodus 38:11-19 - Completion of the Court and Gate")) complete the description of the court's remaining sides, gate, and the total materials used. The recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout this section highlights the divine origin and authority behind every detail of the Tabernacle's design and execution, emphasizing faithful obedience.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's wilderness wanderings, a pivotal period following their liberation from Egyptian bondage. God commanded this portable sanctuary to dwell among His people, providing a tangible representation of His presence and a prescribed means of worship and atonement. The Israelites, having recently experienced God's power in the [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") and received His law at [Mount Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant at Sinai"), were being shaped into a holy nation. The Tabernacle served as the central point of their nomadic camp, symbolizing God's covenant relationship with them. The materials used—bronze, silver, gold, fine linen—were either spoils from Egypt or freewill offerings from the people, demonstrating their devotion and the immense wealth consecrated to God's service. The precise architectural and material specifications were crucial, as the Tabernacle was not merely a building but a divinely ordained model of heavenly realities, a place where a holy God could meet with an unholy people through established rituals and sacrificial systems.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Presence and Dwelling**, as the Tabernacle was God's chosen means to reside among His people. Secondly, it highlights **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing that God's presence demands a sacred space constructed according to His holy standards, distinct from the common. Thirdly, the meticulous details underscore **Divine Authority and Human Obedience**, demonstrating that every aspect of worship and approach to God is divinely ordained, not left to human discretion. Finally, the symbolic use of materials like bronze and silver introduces the themes of **Judgment and Redemption**, which are foundational to understanding the sacrificial system and the means by which sinful humanity can approach a holy God. These themes are central to the entire narrative of Israel's journey from slavery to covenant nationhood under God's sovereign hand.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden'_):** From H134, meaning "a basis (of a building, a column, etc.); foundation, socket." In this context, these were the heavy, foundational bases into which the pillars of the outer court were set. Made of bronze, their substantial weight and material signify stability, firmness, and the secure foundation upon which the entire structure rested. The use of bronze, often associated with judgment and the altar of sacrifice, suggests that the very ground upon which one approached God was undergirded by divine justice.
* **Fillets (Hebrew, _châshuq'_):** From H2838, meaning "attached, i.e. a fence-rail or rod connecting the posts or pillars; fillet." These were connecting rods or bands, often interpreted as silver bands or hoops that linked the tops of the pillars, providing structural integrity and a framework for the court hangings. This term implies unity and cohesion, binding the individual pillars into a continuous, stable perimeter. The use of silver for these connecting elements is significant, as silver in the Tabernacle often symbolized redemption or atonement.
* **Brasen (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** From H5178, meaning "copper, hence, something made of that metal... figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)." Referring to bronze, this material was extensively used in the outer court of the Tabernacle, particularly for the altar of burnt offering and its implements, and here for the sockets of the pillars. Bronze is strong and durable, capable of withstanding the heat of fire, making it a fitting symbol for divine judgment and the necessary atonement for sin. Its weight also conveys the gravity and unyielding nature of God's justice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Their pillars [were] twenty":** This specifies the exact number of upright supports for both the north and south sides of the Tabernacle's outer court. Each side was identical, requiring twenty pillars to form its perimeter. This precise number underscores the architectural exactitude of the divine blueprint and God's demand for order in His sacred space.
* **"and their brasen sockets twenty":** Corresponding to each pillar, there was a heavy base made of bronze. These sockets provided the necessary stability and weight to anchor the pillars firmly into the ground, ensuring the structural integrity of the entire court enclosure. The material, bronze, carries significant symbolic weight related to divine judgment and the necessity of atonement.
* **"the hooks of the pillars and their fillets [were of] silver":** The "hooks" were used to attach the linen hangings of the court to the pillars, while the "fillets" were connecting rods or bands that linked the pillars horizontally, providing additional stability and a framework for the hangings. Both these elements were made of silver, contrasting with the bronze sockets and introducing a theme of redemption and purity in the upper, connecting parts of the structure.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 38:10, like much of the Tabernacle description, employs **Precision** and **Repetition** to emphasize the divine origin and exactitude of the architectural plans. The specific numbers ("twenty," "twenty") are not arbitrary but reflect God's meticulous design and the order He demands in worship. This detailed enumeration also serves as a form of **Verification**, assuring the reader that every component was made "as the LORD commanded Moses." Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Symbolism** through its choice of materials. The stark contrast between the heavy, foundational **brazen** sockets and the lighter, connecting **silver** hooks and fillets is highly symbolic. Bronze, often associated with judgment and sacrifice, grounds the structure in the reality of sin and its consequences, while silver, linked to redemption and purity, speaks to the means by which access to God's presence is made possible. This interplay of materials creates a visual and theological **Antithesis**, highlighting the tension and resolution between divine justice and divine grace within the Tabernacle's design.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:10, though seemingly a technical detail, profoundly illustrates several key theological principles. The meticulous precision in the Tabernacle's construction, down to the number of pillars and the specific materials for their bases and connectors, underscores God's nature as a God of order, holiness, and intentionality. Every detail was divinely ordained, not arbitrary, reflecting the sacredness of His presence and the seriousness of approaching Him. The symbolism of the materials—bronze for judgment and silver for redemption—reveals the foundational truths of sin and atonement that undergird all access to God. The heavy bronze sockets represent the firm foundation of God's righteous judgment against sin, while the silver connections point to the preciousness of redemption, which provides unity and access to His presence. This foreshadows the ultimate redemptive work that would bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, emphasizing that our approach to God is always predicated on His justice and His grace.

* [Exodus 27:17](/exodus/27-17 "Exodus 27:17 - Silver Overlay for Pillars")
* [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Money")
* [Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Heavenly Tabernacle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of the Tabernacle's components in Exodus 38:10 serves as a powerful reminder that God is a God of intricate detail and divine purpose. Just as He meticulously designed every aspect of the Tabernacle to facilitate His presence among His people and teach them about holiness and redemption, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives and the grand narrative of salvation. This verse invites us to consider the foundations upon which we build our faith and lives—are they solid, grounded in the unyielding truth of God's Word and His righteous character? Furthermore, the contrast between the brazen sockets and silver connections beautifully illustrates that while our sin necessitates judgment, it is through God's precious redemption that we are connected to Him and to one another in unity. This calls us to live lives that reflect both the gravity of sin and the glorious freedom of grace, always remembering that our access to God is not earned but given through His redemptive work, prompting us to walk in reverence and gratitude.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's attention to detail in the Tabernacle's construction inform your understanding of His character and His involvement in your own life?**
* **What "foundations" are you building your life upon, and how do they compare to the solid, divinely ordained foundations of the Tabernacle?**
* **In what ways does the symbolism of bronze (judgment) and silver (redemption) resonate with your personal experience of God's justice and grace?**

### FAQ
**Why is there so much detail about the Tabernacle's construction in the Bible?**

Answer: The extensive detail about the Tabernacle's construction, as seen in [Exodus 38](/exodus/38 "Exodus 38 - Construction of the Outer Court"), serves multiple critical purposes. First, it underscores God's demand for absolute precision and obedience in worship, emphasizing that His dwelling place and the means of approaching Him were not left to human discretion but were divinely ordained. Second, it highlights the holiness of God and the sacredness of the space where He met with His people. Every measurement, material, and component carried symbolic meaning, teaching Israel profound theological truths about sin, atonement, and God's character. Third, the meticulous record verifies that Moses and the craftsmen faithfully executed God's commands, demonstrating the reliability of the divine instructions. Finally, the Tabernacle itself was a **type** or foreshadowing of greater spiritual realities, ultimately pointing to Jesus Christ and the new covenant, making the details crucial for understanding its prophetic significance.

**What is the symbolic significance of "brazen sockets" and "silver hooks and fillets"?**

Answer: The materials used in the Tabernacle are rich with symbolic meaning. "Brazen" (bronze) is often associated with judgment and the altar of burnt offering, where sacrifices for sin were made. The heavy, foundational brazen sockets for the pillars symbolize the unyielding nature of God's righteous judgment against sin, forming the firm base upon which any approach to God must rest. In contrast, "silver" is frequently linked to redemption and purity, as seen in the half-shekel "atonement money" mentioned in [Exodus 30:13](/exodus/30-13 "Exodus 30:13 - The Half-Shekel Offering"). The silver hooks and fillets, which connected the pillars and held the court hangings, symbolize the means by which access to God's presence is facilitated—not through human merit, but through divine redemption. This contrast beautifully illustrates that while God's justice is foundational, it is His redemptive grace that enables communion and unity.

**What were "fillets" in the context of the Tabernacle?**

Answer: In Exodus 38:10, "fillets" (Hebrew: *chashuqim*) refer to connecting rods, bands, or perhaps even decorative rings that linked the pillars of the Tabernacle's outer court. These were made of silver and served to provide structural integrity, ensuring that the individual pillars were bound together into a cohesive and stable perimeter for the court hangings. They functioned as a unifying element, ensuring the entire structure stood firm and in proper alignment. The use of silver for these connectors further emphasizes the theme of redemption as the means by which God's people are brought into unity and connection within His sacred space.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 38:10, with its precise details of brazen sockets and silver connections, beautifully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. The heavy, foundational brazen sockets, symbolizing divine judgment against sin, find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who bore the full weight of God's wrath against humanity's transgressions on the cross. He became the very foundation of our salvation, enduring the judgment we deserved, as foretold in passages like [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - The Suffering Servant"). In profound contrast, the silver hooks and fillets, representing redemption and connection, point directly to Jesus as our ultimate Redeemer. Just as silver was the price of atonement in the Old Testament, Christ's precious blood is the true "redemption money" that purchases our freedom from sin and unites us to God and to one another. He is the one who connects us to the Father, breaking down the dividing wall of hostility, as [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Reconciler") proclaims. Through His sacrifice, we gain access to God's presence, not by our own merit, but by His finished work. The Tabernacle, with its divinely ordained structure, was a shadow; Christ is the reality, the [true Tabernacle](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11 - Christ, the High Priest of the True Tabernacle") and the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the perfect foundation and the eternal redemption that the Old Testament symbols could only anticipate.

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.