Exodus 38:21

KJV

¶ This is the sum of the tabernacle, [even] of the tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses, [for] the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {H428} is the sum {H6485} of the tabernacle {H4908}, even of the tabernacle {H4908} of testimony {H5715}, as it was counted {H6485}, according to the commandment {H6310} of Moses {H4872}, for the service {H5656} of the Levites {H3881}, by the hand {H3027} of Ithamar {H385}, son {H1121} to Aaron {H175} the priest {H3548}.

Complete Jewish Bible

These are the accounts of the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the testimony, recorded, as Moshe ordered, by the L'vi'im under the direction of Itamar the son of Aharon, the cohen.

Berean Standard Bible

This is the inventory for the tabernacle, the tabernacle of the Testimony, as recorded at Moses’ command by the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.

American Standard Version

This is the sum of the things for the tabernacle, even the tabernacle of the testimony, as they were counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:21 serves as a meticulous administrative summary, concluding the detailed account of the Tabernacle's construction by itemizing the materials and resources dedicated to this sacred project. Designated as the "Tabernacle of Testimony," this verse emphasizes that the entire endeavor, from its precise counting to its ultimate purpose, was executed "according to the commandment of Moses," underscoring divine authority and human obedience. It highlights the Tabernacle's essential function in facilitating the sacred "service of the Levites," overseen by Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest, thereby reinforcing the themes of divine precision, faithful stewardship, and the ordered nature of God's dwelling among His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 38:21 functions as a crucial concluding statement within the broader narrative of the Tabernacle's construction. It follows a lengthy section, beginning in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), where God meticulously outlines the blueprints and specifications for the sanctuary and its furnishings to Moses on Mount Sinai. Subsequent chapters, particularly [Exodus 35-38](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35-38 - Construction of the Tabernacle"), detail the faithful execution of these divine instructions, describing the willing contributions of the Israelites and the skilled craftsmanship of Bezaleel and Aholiab. This verse, therefore, acts as an official administrative closing, providing a verifiable account of the vast quantities of precious metals and other materials utilized. It serves as a testament to the community's generosity and the unwavering adherence to God's detailed plans, bridging the completion of the physical structure with the subsequent dedication and the commencement of the priestly and Levitical service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The construction of the Tabernacle occurred during Israel's formative period in the wilderness, a time when their identity as God's covenant people was being forged. In the ancient Near East, temples and sanctuaries were common, often seen as the dwelling places of deities. However, Israel's Tabernacle was distinct; its portability reflected their nomadic journey, and its design was not a human innovation but a direct divine revelation, emphasizing God's transcendence and His specific, holy requirements for worship. The meticulous accounting of materials, supervised by a priestly figure like Ithamar, was vital for transparency and accountability in such a large-scale communal undertaking, especially considering the immense value of the gold, silver, and bronze detailed in [Exodus 38:24-31](/exodus/38-24-31 "Exodus 38:24-31 - Detailed Account of Materials"). This level of detail would have assured the community of proper stewardship and reinforced the sacredness of the enterprise, which was entirely "according to the commandment of Moses," signifying direct divine authority and preventing any suspicion of misappropriation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Authority and Obedience**, highlighting that every aspect of the Tabernacle's construction, from its design to its accounting, was a direct result of God's command given through Moses. This reinforces the principle that true worship and service must align with God's revealed will. Secondly, the phrase "Tabernacle of Testimony" emphasizes the **Centrality of God's Word and Covenant**, as the sanctuary was built to house the tablets of the Law, serving as a tangible witness to God's covenant relationship with Israel, as first instructed in [Exodus 25:16](/exodus/25-16 "Exodus 25:16 - The Testimony in the Ark"). Thirdly, the mention of the "service of the Levites" highlights the theme of **Ordered Ministry and Sacred Service**, demonstrating that the Tabernacle was not merely an architectural marvel but a functional space designed to facilitate the specific, divinely appointed duties of the Levitical priesthood, essential for maintaining the purity and order of Israel's worship life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sum (Hebrew, _pâqad'_ - H6485):** While often translated as "sum" or "account" in this context, the root meaning of _pâqad_ is "to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc." In Exodus 38:21, it signifies a precise, official inventory or numbering of the materials. This implies not just a simple total, but a meticulously ordered and verified record, emphasizing accountability, divine oversight, and the careful management of resources dedicated to a sacred purpose. It reflects the diligence and precision required in executing God's instructions.
* **Tabernacle (Hebrew, _mishkân'_ - H4908):** This word literally means "dwelling place" or "residence." In the context of the wilderness, it specifically refers to the portable sanctuary where God's presence was manifested among His people. The addition "of Testimony" (Hebrew, _'êdûwth'_ - H5715) refers to the two tablets of the Law, the "testimony" placed within the Ark of the Covenant ([Exodus 25:16](/exodus/25-16 "Exodus 25:16 - The Testimony in the Ark")), which resided in the Most Holy Place. Thus, the "Tabernacle of Testimony" highlights its dual function: a physical dwelling for God and a repository for His covenantal witness, underscoring its profound theological significance as the locus of God's presence and revelation.
* **Service (Hebrew, _ʻăbôdâh'_ - H5656):** This term denotes work, labor, or ministry, often carrying a strong connotation of worship or sacred duty. Here, it specifically refers to the sacred duties and responsibilities assigned to the Levites in the Tabernacle. These duties included the practical tasks of carrying, erecting, dismantling, and maintaining the sanctuary, as well as assisting the priests in their sacrificial and ritual functions ([Numbers 3:6-8](/numbers/3-6-8 "Numbers 3:6-8 - Duties of the Levites")). It underscores that the entire elaborate construction was not an end in itself, but a divinely ordained means to facilitate proper worship and ministry before God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is the sum of the tabernacle, [even] of the tabernacle of testimony,"**: This opening declaration serves as an official administrative statement, introducing a comprehensive audit and final accounting of the materials dedicated to the construction of the Tabernacle. The repetition and specific designation "tabernacle of testimony" underscore its dual and profound nature: it is both a physical dwelling place for God's presence and the sacred repository of His covenantal Law, emphasizing its central role in Israel's relationship with God.
* **"as it was counted, according to the commandment of Moses,"**: This phrase highlights the meticulous nature of the accounting process and, more importantly, the divine authority that permeated every aspect of the Tabernacle project. The counting was not a human invention but a precise execution "according to the commandment of Moses," which ultimately originated from God's own detailed instructions, reinforcing the theme of absolute obedience to divine will.
* **"[for] the service of the Levites,"**: This clause clarifies the ultimate purpose behind the Tabernacle's elaborate construction and meticulous accounting. All the intricate design, precious materials, and careful management were directed toward enabling the specific, sacred duties of the Levites. Their "service" encompassed the practical maintenance, transportation, and ritual assistance necessary for the Tabernacle to function effectively as the dynamic center of Israelite worship and communion with God.
* **"by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest."**: This concluding phrase identifies the specific individual entrusted with the oversight of this detailed accounting. Ithamar, one of Aaron's sons, was a priest who later received specific charges over the service of the Gershonites and Merarites ([Numbers 4:28](/numbers/4-28 "Numbers 4:28 - Ithamar's Charge") and [Numbers 4:33](/numbers/4-33 "Numbers 4:33 - Ithamar's Role")). His involvement signifies the official priestly oversight and sanction of the inventory, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and demonstrating the divinely established hierarchical order for the Tabernacle's administration.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 38:21 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its significant message. The primary device is **Recapitulation**, as the verse functions as a concise yet comprehensive summary statement, providing administrative closure to the extensive and detailed accounts of the Tabernacle's construction found in the preceding chapters. This summarizing technique imparts a sense of completion and finality to the monumental undertaking. **Emphasis** is achieved through the repetition of "tabernacle" and its specific designation as the "tabernacle of testimony," drawing heightened attention to its dual nature as both God's physical dwelling and the sacred repository of His covenant. The phrase "according to the commandment of Moses" serves as a powerful instance of **Divine Mandate**, underscoring the absolute authority and divine origin of the entire project, thereby reinforcing the overarching theme of obedience to God's revealed will. Finally, the mention of the "sum... as it was counted" and the precise oversight "by the hand of Ithamar" illustrates **Accountability and Order**, highlighting the meticulous precision and structured administration that characterized God's work among His people, ensuring integrity and proper stewardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:21 profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of order, precision, and purpose, and His expectation of human obedience and faithful stewardship in His service. The meticulous accounting and divine mandate underscore that all worship and ministry must be conducted according to His revealed will, not human invention or convenience. The designation "Tabernacle of Testimony" highlights the centrality of God's Word and covenant as the very foundation of His dwelling among His people and the basis for their relationship with Him. Furthermore, the dedication of the entire structure "for the service of the Levites" emphasizes that God's presence and provisions are always purposed for enabling His people to minister to Him and to one another in an ordered, accountable fashion. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that true worship involves both diligent execution and faithful stewardship of all resources—spiritual, material, and relational—entrusted to us for His glory.

* [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "God's Command to Build the Sanctuary")
* [Numbers 3:7-8](/numbers/3-7-8 "Levites' Duties in the Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 14:40](/1_corinthians/14-40 "Order in Worship")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 38:21 invites us to reflect deeply on the profound implications of God's meticulous nature and His unwavering call to faithful stewardship. Just as every detail of the Tabernacle's construction was precisely accounted for and executed according to divine command, so too are our lives and ministries called to a similar standard of diligence, intentionality, and integrity. We are reminded that our service to God is not a casual endeavor but a sacred trust, requiring careful management of our time, talents, and material resources. The "Tabernacle of Testimony" challenges us to consider if our lives are truly a living testimony to God's covenant and His truth, faithfully reflecting His presence and His Word to a watching world. This verse encourages us to pursue excellence, order, and accountability in all our spiritual undertakings, recognizing that our work, like that of the Levites, is ultimately "for the service" of the Lord, contributing to the establishment and maintenance of God's presence in our midst.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my personal life or ministry do I need to apply greater precision, order, and accountability, reflecting God's character?**
* **How does my daily conduct and commitment serve as a "tabernacle of testimony," pointing others to God's presence and truth?**
* **Am I faithfully stewarding the resources (time, talents, finances, relationships) God has entrusted to me for His service and glory?**
* **What does "service" truly mean in my specific context, and how can I ensure my service is genuinely "according to the commandment of God"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "Tabernacle of Testimony"?**

Answer: The "Tabernacle of Testimony" (מִשְׁכַּן הָעֵדֻת, _mishkan ha'edut_) is a crucial designation for the Tabernacle because it highlights its primary function as the dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant, which contained the "testimony"—the two tablets of the Law given to Moses on Mount Sinai ([Exodus 25:16](/exodus/25-16 "The Ark and the Testimony")). This name emphasizes that the Tabernacle was not merely a physical structure but a tangible witness to God's covenant relationship with Israel, a constant reminder of His presence, His revealed will, and His faithfulness to His promises. It was the central place where God's Word was enshrined and where His people could encounter Him according to His prescribed way.

**Why was the "sum" or accounting of materials so important?**

Answer: The detailed "sum" or accounting of materials, as recorded in [Exodus 38:24-31](/exodus/38-24-31 "Detailed Account of Materials"), was important for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated transparency and accountability in the use of the vast voluntary offerings from the people, assuring them that their contributions were used precisely as intended for God's sacred work. Secondly, it underscored the divine precision and order that God requires in all matters pertaining to His worship and service. It was not a haphazard project but one executed with meticulous care, reflecting God's own character. Thirdly, it served as a verifiable historical record, testifying to the immense generosity of the Israelites and the monumental scale of the divinely commanded undertaking, reinforcing the theme that the entire project was "according to the commandment of Moses."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 38:21, with its profound emphasis on the "Tabernacle of Testimony" and the meticulous "service of the Levites," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place among His people, was a powerful, albeit temporary, shadow of the true and perfect sanctuary. Jesus is the ultimate [Tabernacle, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us"](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"), embodying God's very presence in a way no physical structure ever could. He is the fulfillment of the "testimony," not merely housing the Law, but perfectly fulfilling its righteous demands and revealing the very heart of God's new covenant. As the [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Jesus, Our Great High Priest") after the order of Melchizedek, Jesus transcends the limited "service of the Levites," offering a [once-for-all sacrifice](/hebrews/10-10 "Christ's Sacrifice Once for All") that perfectly atones for sin and grants direct, unhindered access to God. Through His finished work, believers are now made [living temples of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your Body a Temple of the Holy Spirit"), called to offer spiritual sacrifices of worship and service, empowered by the indwelling Christ. Thus, the meticulous accounting and divine order of the Tabernacle's construction point forward to the perfect, divinely ordained work of Christ, which brings about God's dwelling among humanity in a new and eternal covenant, establishing a spiritual reality far surpassing the physical.

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

Acts 7:44

Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.

Numbers 1:50

But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that [belong] to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.

2 Chronicles 24:6

And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, [according to the commandment] of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?

Numbers 9:15

¶ And on the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, [namely], the tent of the testimony: and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning.

Numbers 1:53

But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.

Numbers 10:11

¶ And it came to pass on the twentieth [day] of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from off the tabernacle of the testimony.

Numbers 17:7

And Moses laid up the rods before the LORD in the tabernacle of witness.