Exodus 38:10

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Exodus 38:10 continues the detailed description of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically focusing on the components that formed the perimeter of its outer court. This verse outlines the number of pillars, their foundational sockets, and the connecting elements used for the hangings.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section (Exodus 35-40) that meticulously records the building of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary God commanded Moses to construct in the wilderness. Following the general instructions given on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:9), this chapter details the precise execution of those plans, verifying that every component was made exactly "as the LORD commanded Moses." Verse 10 specifically describes the twenty pillars, their twenty brazen sockets, and the silver hooks and connecting rods (fillets) that formed the north and south sides of the outer court of the Tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Order: The exact numbers (twenty pillars, twenty sockets) and specific materials highlight God's demand for meticulous adherence to His blueprint. Every detail was significant, reflecting the divine order and holiness of the sacred space.
  • Symbolism of Materials:
    • Brazen Sockets: The use of brass (or bronze), often associated with judgment and sacrifice in the Tabernacle (e.g., the brazen altar), formed the weighty, foundational support for the pillars. This might symbolize the firmness of divine judgment and the necessary atonement for sin before approaching God.
    • Silver Hooks and Fillets: Silver, frequently associated with redemption and purity (as in the half-shekel redemption money mentioned in Exodus 30:13), was used for the hooks that held the court hangings and the connecting rods (fillets). This contrast between the heavy, foundational brass and the lighter, connecting silver might subtly point to how access to God's presence is founded on judgment but facilitated by redemption.
  • Foundational Elements: The "sockets" were the heavy bases that provided stability for the pillars, underscoring the importance of firm foundations in spiritual matters.

Linguistic Insights

The term "sockets" translates the Hebrew word 'adanรฎm (ืึฒื“ึธื ึดื™ื), which refers to heavy bases or foundations, crucial for stability. The "fillets" (ื—ึฒืฉืึปืงึดื™ื - chashuqim) were connecting rods or bands, ensuring the unity and integrity of the structure by linking the pillars together. The choice of materials, nechoshet (ื ึฐื—ึนืฉืึถืช) for brass/bronze and keseph (ื›ึผึถืกึถืฃ) for silver, carries significant symbolic weight throughout the Tabernacle's design, often contrasting earthly judgment with divine redemption.

Practical Application

Exodus 38:10, though seemingly a technical detail of ancient construction, offers spiritual lessons for believers today:

  • God's Attention to Detail: It reminds us that God is a God of order and precision. His plans, whether for the Tabernacle or for our lives, are meticulously designed. This encourages us to seek His specific guidance in all things.
  • The Importance of Foundations: Just as the Tabernacle pillars required solid, heavy brazen sockets, our faith and lives need strong, unshakeable foundations. Jesus taught about building on a solid rock, emphasizing the need for obedience to His words as our true foundation.
  • Redemption and Unity: The use of silver for connections and hooks, contrasting with brass at the base, can be seen as a beautiful picture of redemption. Though we stand on a foundation that acknowledges sin and judgment, it is through the preciousness of God's redemptive work (ultimately through Christ) that we are united and drawn into His presence.

This verse, among many others detailing the Tabernacle, teaches us that God's presence is approached with reverence, according to His precise terms, and through a system that foreshadowed the ultimate redemption offered in Christ.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

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