Exodus 38:19

And their pillars [were] four, and their sockets [of] brass four; their hooks [of] silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets [of] silver.

And their pillars {H5982} were four {H702}, and their sockets {H134} of brass {H5178} four {H702}; their hooks {H2053} of silver {H3701}, and the overlaying {H6826} of their chapiters {H7218} and their fillets {H2838} of silver {H3701}.

It had four posts in four bronze sockets, with silver hooks, capitals overlaid with silver and silver fasteners.

with four posts and four bronze bases. Their hooks were silver, as well as the bands and the plating of their tops.

And their pillars were four, and their sockets four, of brass; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals, and their fillets, of silver.

Commentary

Exodus 38:19 KJV continues the meticulous description of the Tabernacle's construction, specifically focusing on the gate of the outer court. This verse details the final elements for the four pillars supporting the gate's curtain, highlighting the materials used for their components.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Exodus (chapters 36-39) that describes the actual construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, meticulously following the instructions given by God to Moses earlier (e.g., Exodus 27:9-19). After detailing the court's hangings and the gate's curtain, verse 19 completes the description of the supporting structure for this entry point. The Tabernacle served as God's dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness journey, a mobile sanctuary symbolizing His presence and providing a means of worship and atonement.

Key Themes

  • Divine Precision and Obedience: The exhaustive detail in this and surrounding verses underscores God's precise specifications for His sanctuary and the Israelites' faithful adherence to them. Every component, no matter how small, was divinely ordained. This reflects the importance of following God's instructions in worship and life.
  • Symbolism of Materials:
    • Brass (Bronze): The "sockets of brass" (bronze) for the pillars often symbolize strength, endurance, and judgment. The altar of burnt offering, where sacrifices for sin were made, was also made of brass (Exodus 27:2). This material at the entrance might hint at the need for atonement to approach God.
    • Silver: The "hooks of silver" and "overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver" typically symbolize redemption and purity. Silver was often associated with the atonement money paid by the Israelites (Exodus 30:16). Its presence at the gate suggests that access to God's presence is through redemption.
  • Holiness and Access: The gate of the court was the only entrance into the sacred outer precinct. The quality and symbolism of its components emphasized that this was a holy space and that approach to God was structured and purposeful.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV terms "chapiters" refer to the capitals of the pillars, the decorative tops. "Fillets" likely refers to connecting rods or bands, possibly forming a decorative or structural element that linked the pillars or supported the hangings. The consistent use of specific materials like brass (or bronze, a copper alloy) and silver throughout the Tabernacle's construction is highly significant, each carrying distinct theological weight regarding God's character and humanity's approach to Him.

Practical Application

This verse, though highly technical, reminds us of several important truths. First, God cares about the details of our worship and service. Just as every part of the Tabernacle was specified, so too are the aspects of our lives that bring Him glory. Second, the symbolism of materials like brass and silver points to the essential truths of sin, judgment, and redemption, which are fully realized in Christ. Our access to God today is not through a physical gate but through the new and living way opened by Jesus' sacrifice, where He is both our atonement and our purity. It encourages us to approach God with reverence, understanding the cost of our redemption.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.

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