Exodus 38:27

KJV

And of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the vail; an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

KJV (with Strong's)

And of the hundred {H3967} talents {H3603} of silver {H3701} were cast {H3332} the sockets {H134} of the sanctuary {H6944}, and the sockets {H134} of the vail {H6532}; an hundred {H3967} sockets {H134} of the hundred {H3967} talents {H3603}, a talent {H3603} for a socket {H134}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The hundred talents of silver were used to cast the sockets for the sanctuary and the sockets for the curtain -one hundred sockets made from the hundred talents, one talent [sixty-six pounds] per socket.

Berean Standard Bible

The hundred talents of silver were used to cast the bases of the sanctuary and the bases of the veil—100 bases from the 100 talents, one talent per base.

American Standard Version

And the hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the veil; a hundred sockets for the hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 38:27 meticulously details the precise allocation of one hundred talents of silver, collected from the atonement money, for casting the foundational sockets of the Tabernacle's structure and the pillars supporting the sacred veil. This exact accounting underscores the divine demand for order, stability, and holiness in God's dwelling place, demonstrating how the collective, atoning contributions of the Israelites formed the very bedrock of their corporate worship and access to the divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the concluding section of the book of Exodus, specifically [Exodus 35-40](/exodus/35 "Exodus 35-40 - The Construction of the Tabernacle"), which chronicles the meticulous construction and erection of the Tabernacle. This phase directly follows the detailed divine blueprint given to Moses on Mount Sinai in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Divine Instructions for the Tabernacle"). More immediately, [Exodus 38:21-31](/exodus/38-21-31 "Exodus 38:21-31 - Inventory of Tabernacle Materials") provides a comprehensive inventory and accounting of the precious materials—gold, silver, and bronze—contributed by the Israelites for the Tabernacle's construction. Verse 27 follows the summary of the total silver collected in [Exodus 38:25-26](/exodus/38-25-26 "Exodus 38:25-26 - The Silver Census and Atonement Money"), focusing on the largest and most foundational application of this specific metal. It precedes the final assembly of the Tabernacle, emphasizing that the critical foundational elements were precisely prepared according to God's command before the sacred structure could be raised.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as Israel's portable sanctuary during their wilderness wanderings, a tangible symbol of God's covenantal presence dwelling intimately among His people. The silver specified in this verse was not a general freewill offering but originated from the mandatory "atonement money" (Hebrew: _keseph hakkippurim_), a half-shekel tax required of every Israelite male aged twenty years and older, as commanded in [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Tax"). This mandatory contribution for atonement meant that the very physical foundation of the Tabernacle was literally built upon the collective, redeemed resources of the community, symbolizing their reconciliation with God. The "sockets" (Hebrew: _ʾădānîm_) were heavy, solid bases, typically made of metal, into which the upright wooden frames (Exodus 26:15-19) and the pillars supporting the veil (Exodus 26:31-32) were inserted. Their substantial weight and precise fit were essential for providing structural stability and anchoring the entire portable sanctuary in the often-unstable wilderness terrain. This detail underscores the critical importance of a firm, precious, and consecrated foundation for the sacred space where God's holiness met humanity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Precision**, demonstrating God's meticulous attention to detail in the construction of His dwelling place, where every measurement and material had a specific purpose and quantity. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, as the materials, particularly the silver from atonement money, were set apart for sacred use, emphasizing that God's presence demands purity and separation. Thirdly, the collective contribution of the atonement money for these foundational elements underscores the theme of **Corporate Responsibility and Community Participation** in worship and maintaining God's presence among them. Finally, the role of the sockets in providing stability points to the broader theme of **Divine Stability and Steadfastness**, indicating that God's dwelling and His covenant promises are built on an unshakeable foundation, ultimately foreshadowing the enduring nature of His redemptive plan.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sockets (Hebrew, _ʼeden_'):** Derived from a root implying strength, this term refers to a basis or foundation, specifically heavy pedestals or bases into which the wooden boards and pillars of the Tabernacle were inserted. Their primary function was to provide stability and support, anchoring the entire structure. The use of "sockets" here emphasizes the foundational and stabilizing elements of God's dwelling place.
* **Cast (Hebrew, _yâtsaq_'):** This primitive root means "to pour out," and by implication, "to melt or cast as metal." It signifies a process of shaping molten material into a solid form. The act of "casting" the sockets from silver highlights the deliberate, skilled craftsmanship involved in forming these heavy, foundational pieces according to divine specifications.
* **Talents (Hebrew, _kikkâr_'):** This term denotes a significant unit of weight, approximately 75 pounds (or about 34 kilograms). The mention of "hundred talents" for the sockets underscores the immense quantity and substantial value of silver dedicated to the Tabernacle's foundation. It emphasizes the physical solidity and preciousness of these bases, reflecting the magnitude of the Israelite's collective contribution and the divine requirement for a weighty foundation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And of the hundred talents of silver were cast the sockets of the sanctuary":** This clause precisely states the quantity of silver—one hundred talents—that was melted and formed into the heavy, foundational bases for the main structural boards of the Tabernacle, referred to as the "sanctuary." This detail highlights the significant material investment and meticulous craftsmanship involved in preparing the very groundwork for God's dwelling.
* **"and the sockets of the vail":** In addition to supporting the main walls, this same substantial quantity of silver was also used to create the sockets for the pillars that held the sacred veil. This emphasizes the critical foundational importance of the veil, which served as the physical and symbolic barrier separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where God's manifest presence resided.
* **"an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket":** This concluding phrase provides a remarkable accounting detail, underscoring the divine precision and perfect ratio in the Tabernacle's construction. It explicitly states that there were exactly one hundred sockets, and each individual socket weighed precisely one talent, summing up to the total of one hundred talents of silver. This meticulous accuracy reinforces the theme of divine order and the exact fulfillment of God's detailed specifications.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 38:27 prominently employs **Precision** and **Repetition** to underscore its core message. The numerical exactness—"hundred talents," "hundred sockets," "a talent for a socket"—is repeated, highlighting the meticulousness of the divine blueprint and its flawless execution by the craftsmen. This **Repetition** serves to emphasize the immense weight, value, and stability of the silver, reinforcing the idea of a precious and unshakeable foundation. Furthermore, there is profound **Symbolism** in the heavy silver sockets. Made from the atonement money, they symbolize that the very stability and sacredness of God's dwelling place, and thus the means of worship and access to Him, are rooted in the atoning work and the collective, redeemed contributions of His people. The sockets of the veil also powerfully symbolize the foundational nature of the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity, a barrier that would later be removed through a greater act of atonement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 38:27 reveals profound theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with His people. It underscores God's demand for precision, order, and holiness in worship, demonstrating that even the foundational elements of His dwelling place were to be crafted with exactness and from materials consecrated through atonement. The fact that the silver came from the communal atonement money highlights that the stability and sacredness of God's presence among Israel were collectively sustained by the redeemed resources of His people. This teaches us that true corporate worship and spiritual stability are built not on human ingenuity or fleeting trends, but on a foundation rooted in divine instruction and the recognition of humanity's profound need for atonement. The Tabernacle's foundation, built from the very substance of their redemption, served as a constant reminder that their relationship with God was predicated on His grace and their response of faith and obedience.

* [Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Half-Shekel Atonement Money for the Tabernacle")
* [1 Corinthians 3:10-11](/1_corinthians/3-10-11 "1 Corinthians 3:10-11 - Jesus Christ as the Only Foundation")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of God's Dwelling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed accounting of the silver sockets in Exodus 38:27 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today about the nature of our spiritual foundations, both individually and corporately. Just as the Tabernacle's stability depended on these heavy, precisely cast silver bases, our individual faith and the corporate life of the church require a solid, unshakeable foundation. This foundation is not built on fleeting trends, human philosophies, or personal preferences, but on the enduring truths of God's Word and the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The fact that the silver came from atonement money challenges us to consider how our contributions—whether financial, time, or talent—are rooted in our understanding and acceptance of Christ's sacrifice. Are we giving from a place of gratitude for redemption, thereby strengthening the spiritual "sockets" of God's work in the world? The meticulous detail in the Tabernacle's construction also calls us to diligence, integrity, and intentionality in our spiritual lives and service, recognizing that God cares about the "how" as much as the "what." Our worship, our service, and our very lives should be built on a foundation of truth and consecrated purpose, reflecting the divine order and holiness that God desires for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What foundational truths of faith are the "sockets" that provide stability in my personal walk with God, especially during times of uncertainty?**
* **How does my giving and service, in all its forms, reflect a deep understanding of Christ's atonement, and how does it contribute to the "sockets" of the Church's mission today?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry do I need to embrace God's call for greater precision, order, and intentionality, trusting His divine blueprint rather than my own designs?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the silver coming from "atonement money"?**

Answer: The silver used for the Tabernacle's sockets originated from the half-shekel census tax (Exodus 30:11-16), which was explicitly called "atonement money" (Hebrew: _keseph hakkippurim_). This designation is profoundly significant because it meant that the very foundation of God's dwelling place among His people was literally built upon the collective act of atonement by every adult male Israelite. This underscored that access to God's presence and the stability of His sanctuary were predicated on a recognition of sin and the need for redemption. It symbolized that the community's standing before God and the sacred space for His presence were secured through a divinely mandated act of propitiation, in which every individual participated, highlighting the communal nature of their redemption and responsibility.

**Why were the sockets so heavy and made of silver?**

Answer: The sockets were made of silver and were incredibly heavy (each weighing a talent, approximately 75 pounds or 34 kg) for both practical and symbolic reasons. Practically, their immense weight provided crucial stability for the Tabernacle's wooden boards and the pillars of the veil, anchoring the structure firmly against wind and movement in the wilderness. This was essential for a portable sanctuary. Symbolically, silver was a precious metal, signifying the value, purity, and holiness of the Tabernacle's foundation. The fact that this precious, heavy foundation came from atonement money further emphasized that the stability and sacredness of God's dwelling were rooted in the redeemed resources of His people, highlighting the preciousness of atonement itself and the enduring nature of God's covenant. The weight also conveyed permanence and an unshakeable quality for God's sacred space.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 38:27, with its emphasis on the heavy silver sockets forming the Tabernacle's foundation from atonement money, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate and eternal foundation of God's dwelling among humanity. The Tabernacle, a temporary dwelling for God among His people, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who is the true [temple of God](/john/2-19-21 "John 2:19-21 - Jesus, the True Temple") (John 2:19-21) and the embodiment of God's presence, for in Him "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" (Colossians 1:19). The silver, derived from the half-shekel atonement tax, points to the infinitely more precious blood of Christ, which provides the true and eternal atonement for humanity (1 Peter 1:18-19). He is the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Cornerstone of the Church") upon whom the entire spiritual temple, the Church, is built (Ephesians 2:19-22). Unlike the temporary Tabernacle, which required physical sockets for stability, Christ Himself is the [unshakeable foundation](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ, the Only Foundation") upon which all true faith and worship rest, and "no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." His perfect sacrifice removed the veil that separated humanity from God's presence (Hebrews 10:19-20), granting direct access to the Father, making Him the ultimate "socket" or stable foundation for our reconciliation and eternal communion with God.

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

Exodus 26:19

And thou shalt make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for his two tenons, and two sockets under another board for his two tenons.

Exodus 26:21

And their forty sockets [of] silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Exodus 26:25

And they shall be eight boards, and their sockets [of] silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

Exodus 26:32

And thou shalt hang it upon four pillars of shittim [wood] overlaid with gold: their hooks [shall be of] gold, upon the four sockets of silver.