Exodus 38:27

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context of Exodus 38:27

Exodus 38:27 is part of a detailed accounting of the materials used in the construction of the Tabernacle, Israel's portable sanctuary in the wilderness. Following the divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai, the Israelites contributed generously to build this sacred dwelling place for God among them. This specific verse highlights the use of a significant portion of the silver collected for a very particular and foundational purpose.

The silver for these sockets came from the half-shekel atonement money collected from every Israelite male 20 years old and above, as commanded in Exodus 30:13-16. This tax, designed to be an offering for atonement, provided the very base and stability for the sanctuary.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Precision and Divine Order: The verse emphasizes the exactness of the construction: "an hundred sockets of the hundred talents, a talent for a socket." This meticulous detail underscores God's demand for precision and order in His worship and the building of His dwelling place. Every part had a specific design and purpose, reflecting a divine blueprint.
  • Foundation and Stability: The "sockets of the sanctuary" were the heavy bases upon which the wooden boards that formed the walls of the Tabernacle rested. Similarly, the "sockets of the vail" supported the pillars that held the sacred curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. These heavy silver bases provided crucial stability for the entire structure, signifying the importance of a solid foundation in spiritual matters.
  • Community Contribution and Atonement: The fact that the silver came from the atonement money highlights how the collective contribution of the people, given as an act of atonement, literally formed the foundation of their corporate worship and access to God's presence. It was the people's redeemed resources that supported the structure of their faith.

Linguistic Insights

The term "talent" (Hebrew: kikkar) refers to a significant unit of weight, approximately 75 pounds (or about 34 kilograms). The verse specifies that each of the hundred sockets weighed a full talent, meaning these were incredibly massive and heavy silver bases. This detail further emphasizes the solidity and preciousness of the Tabernacle's foundation, built from the most valuable materials available to the Israelites.

Practical Application

Exodus 38:27 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • The Importance of Foundations: Just as the Tabernacle relied on solid, heavy silver sockets, our spiritual lives and communities require strong, unshakeable foundations. This often refers to foundational truths of faith, the teachings of Christ, and the consistent practice of biblical principles.
  • Purposeful Giving: The silver for these sockets came from the people's atonement money, given for a specific, holy purpose. This reminds us that our contributions, whether financial, time, or talent, should be given with purpose and in support of God's work, providing strength and stability to His kingdom.
  • God's Meticulous Care: The precise accounting and specific use of materials demonstrate God's meticulous care for every detail of His plan. This assures us that God is equally detailed and purposeful in His work in our lives and in the world, ensuring everything is built according to His perfect will. The veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, also supported by these sockets, reminds us of the barrier between sinful humanity and a holy God, a barrier later removed through Christ's sacrifice.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 26:19 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Exodus 26:25 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.